I've spent a little time reading some of the outstanding guidance given by my fellow collectors. If I could add a small tidbit to a would be collector, it would be the following.

First, get educated on the subject. One of the most important investments you can make as a collector are your referrences. The internet is good, but it should be used as a supplement to whatever books you may have on hand. Collecting Japanese swords is to appreciate fine art. Volumes have been written on this involved subject, and you need to purchase a few. It will be money well spent.

 Second, don't buy on impusle. When my wife or I look at a sword or sword funiture on ebay, we consider it to be a fake first and go from there. One of the reviews written stated that if a seller has an item such as a sword which sounds to good to be true, price wise that is, than it probably is. Ask the seller questions. If you don't get that warm and fuzzy feeling you shouldn't make the buy. My wife and I have a few swords and other items; i.e. tsuba and various other kodogu. Not alot. But what we do have is authentic and real, but only because we did our homework and took our time.

Are any sword clubs in your area? Look at the NBTHK or NBTK. The newsletters which these and other smaller Japanese sword societies make available can be invalauable to the new and old collector alike. They welcome visitors, and can provide direction for a new collector.