just a coment on all the fake and repro. swords on ebay..there are a lot of fake japanese & old swords on ebay being sold out of china and canada and australia. so watch what you are bidding on..ask plenty of ?? and if they dont answer in a timely maner and have good aswers to your ?? dont bid.. ther is nothing wrong with buying a nice reproduction sword if that is what you want, but do not be misled,and make sure they have a return policy. the photos more often than not look better than the real thing when you get it in your hands..thanks for your attention julie & craig