Sell Nihonto

Sell your antique japanese sword to a specialist

Do you own an authentic Japanese sword, nihontō, katana, tachi, wakizashi or tantō that you are considering selling?
Supein Nihonto buys authentic antique Japanese swords directly from private collectors, families, estates and dealers worldwide.
We are interested in individual swords, certified pieces, complete koshirae, inherited swords and important collections.
If you are unsure exactly what type of sword you have, you do not need to identify it before contacting us. Clear photographs are usually the best starting point.
Nihonto Wakizashi Horimono in Shirasaya

What types of Nihonto do we buy?

We consider a wide range of authentic Japanese swords, including:
nihonto
  • Katana
  • Tachi
  • Wakizashi
  • Tantō
  • Antique Japanese blades
  • Swords in koshirae
  • Swords in shirasaya
  • Signed blades
  • Unsigned blades
  • NBTHK-certified swords
  • NTHK-certified swords
  • Older Japanese swords
  • Edo-period swords
  • Samurai swords with provenance
  • Blades with important fittings
  • Individual swords and complete collections

We are primarily interested in genuine Japanese-made swords with historical, artistic or collector value.

Certified and uncertified japanese swords

A certificate can be very useful when assessing a nihontō, but it is not always necessary.
We consider swords with documentation from organisations such as:
  • NBTHK
  • NTHK
  • Other recognised Japanese sword organisations
  • Previous auction records
  • Old collection documentation
  • Provenance records
We also consider uncertified swords.
If the sword does not have papers, please send clear photographs of the blade, tang and fittings. Certification is only one part of the assessment.
nihonto

Signed and unsigned Nihonto

Japanese swords may be signed or unsigned.
The signature on the tang, known as the mei, can sometimes provide information about the smith, school or period. However, a signature alone does not establish authenticity or value.
When assessing a sword, we consider the complete object, including:
  • Blade shape
  • Forging
  • Hamon
  • Hada
  • Nakago
  • Mei
  • Age
  • School
  • Condition
  • Koshirae
  • Certification
  • Provenance

Unsigned swords can also be important and collectible.

Nihonto in Koshirae or Shirasaya

We buy Japanese swords presented in:
  • Original koshirae
  • Later koshirae
  • Shirasaya
  • Koshirae with separate shirasaya
  • Sword mounts with associated fittings
If your sword has both koshirae and shirasaya, please photograph both.
Associated fittings such as tsuba, fuchi-kashira, menuki and kozuka may add historical and collector interest, particularly when they belong to the original mounting.
nihonto
Japanese-Katana-Masatoshi-–-Sakakura-Seki

What determines the value of a Nihonto?

The value of an antique Japanese sword depends on a combination of factors.
These may include:
  • Swordsmith or attributed school
  • Historical period
  • Blade quality
  • Forging
  • Hamon
  • Hada
  • Shape and proportions
  • Signature
  • Condition of the nakago
  • Polish
  • Blade condition
  • Length and type
  • Certification
  • Koshirae
  • Tosogu
  • Provenance
  • Rarity
  • Historical importance
  • Collector demand
A signed sword is not automatically more valuable than an unsigned one, and a certificate should always be considered alongside the quality and characteristics of the blade itself.

Inherited japanese swords

Many Japanese swords reach the current owner through inheritance
You may know very little about the blade, its history or its value.
That is not a problem.
You do not need to know:
  • The swordsmith
  • The exact period
  • The school
  • Whether the signature is genuine
  • Whether the blade has been polished correctly
  • Its current market value
Simply send clear photographs and any documentation that came with the sword.
nihonto

What photographs should i send?

Good photographs are essential when evaluating a Japanese sword.
Whenever possible, please send:
Full-length photograph of the blade, both sides of the blade, Kissaki / point, hamon, hada, if visible, habaki, nakago / tang, mei or inscriptions, koshirae, tsuka, tsuba, Fuchi and kashira, menuki, saya, shirasaya, NBTHK or NTHK certificate, storage box, any additional documentation.
Please do not clean, polish or alter the blade before sending photographs.
nihonto

The Nakago is particularly important

If it can be done safely, photographs of the nakago, or tang, are especially useful.
The nakago may contain:
  • Swordsmith signatures
  • Dates
  • Inscriptions
  • File marks
  • Patina
  • Information relevant to attribution
Do not remove rust or clean the tang. Its surface and patina can contain important historical information.

Blade condition and restoration

A sword does not need to be in perfect condition for us to consider it.
We can assess swords with:
  • Old polish
  • Surface scratches
  • Light oxidation
  • Minor flaws
  • Worn koshirae
  • Missing fittings
  • Historical restoration
  • Later mounts
However, serious damage can affect both value and suitability for restoration.
If there are visible problems, include detailed photographs.

Japanese swords with NBTHK or NTHK papers

We are particularly interested in Japanese swords accompanied by recognised certificates.
These may include various levels of NBTHK or NTHK documentation.
If your sword has papers, please photograph:
  • The complete certificate
  • Any accompanying envelope
  • Registration or old documentation
  • Previous collection records
  • Related sword photographs if included
Do not worry if you cannot read Japanese. Clear photographs are sufficient for the initial review.

How the selling process works

Complete the form below and upload clear images of the sword, fittings and any documentation.
We review the blade, its construction, condition, documentation and collector interest.
We may ask for further photographs, measurements or details about provenance.
If the sword is of interest and an agreement is reached, we will explain the next steps for payment, documentation and secure delivery. International transactions can be discussed individually.

Sell a Nihonto collection

We also purchase collections of Japanese swords and related objects.
Collections may include:
  • Multiple katana
  • Tachi
  • Wakizashi
  • Tantō
  • Certified blades
  • Koshirae
  • Shirasaya
  • Tsuba
  • Tosogu
  • Sword fittings
  • Armor
  • Related Japanese art
For large collections, you do not need to prepare a full catalogue before contacting us.
Overview photographs, a simple list and photographs of the most important pieces are often enough to begin.
nihonto

Not sure whether your sword is authentic?

You do not need to authenticate the sword before contacting us.
The Japanese sword market includes:
  • Genuine antique nihontō
  • Modern Japanese swords
  • Military swords
  • Later mounts
  • Reproductions
  • Non-Japanese copies
Send us photographs and whatever information you have. We can determine whether the sword is relevant to our area of specialisation and whether we would like to evaluate it further.

Sell your Nihonto

If you own an authentic Japanese sword or nihontō that you are considering selling, send us photographs for an initial specialist assessment.
Individual swords, certified pieces, inherited swords and complete collections are welcome.

    One itemSeveral itemsA complete collectionAn inherited collectionI am not sure

    YesNoI am not sure

    What our customers say

    SupeinNihonto was born from years of dedication to traditional Japanese martial arts such as Aikido, Kendo, and Iaido, and a deep passion for collecting authentic samurai weapons and armor.
    Emanuele S. profile picture
    Emanuele S.
    6 months ago
    I had an excellent experience with Supein Nihoto. I purchased a katana and a wakizashi, and both pieces are truly beautiful — carefully selected and of remarkable quality. You can immediately see the attention to detail and the seller’s passion for what he offers. The packaging was also exceptional: all the documentation was perfectly arranged in a refined envelope, which added a very elegant touch to the whole experience. As a thoughtful gesture, he even included a small katana kake stand as a gift, which I greatly appreciated. Beyond the objects themselves, the seller was very helpful, responsive, and clearly knowledgeable. His selection is outstanding, and you can tell he deals in genuinely fine items. Highly recommended — I would definitely purchase from Supein Nihoto again
    Dimitrios K. S. profile picture
    Dimitrios K. S.
    8 months ago
    Legit dealer of Japanese treasures ! This man loves his work is not just reselling items, at first he is a collector and does this out of true passion.
    Burke J. profile picture
    Burke J.
    9 months ago
    I received a beautiful tokubetsu hozon nihonto for Christmas from Supein. Actually my wife purchased the sword after receiving some helpful hints and recommendations lol. She knows absolutely nothing about nihonto but Supein walked her through everything honestly and I ended up with something beyond my dreams and expectations, honestly. The packing was exceptional, shipping fast and the sword itself a literal work of art. Supein has a lifetime customer now as my collection grows. Thank you!
    Anton S. profile picture
    Anton S.
    10 months ago
    Great packaging and quick delivery — thank you! The item’s quality was exactly as described. I’m very pleased with the purchase.
    Nathan C. profile picture
    Nathan C.
    1 year ago
    Excellent service, great communication, object exactly as described. Recommended seller! +++
    Javier L. profile picture
    Javier L.
    2 years ago
    I had been looking for a tachi with a lot of curvature for a long time and I called Supein Nihonto. They didn't have any tachi with the sori I was looking for, but I was treated with a lot of love and professionalism and we were talking for a long time. The next day I received a call from the shop, telling me that they had received new swords and that there was a tachi with a lot of sori. That same afternoon he already had a lot of photos of the sword and its measurements. I found the price good, especially if I compared it to other Spanish sellers of Nihonto. The shipment took a day and the package arrived in perfect condition, as the person in charge of the packaging puts a lot of effort into the work and the result is a strong packaging. Without a doubt, Supein Nihonto is my 100% recommendation!

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    Authentic Japanese swords, samurai armor, and historical artifacts directly sourced from Japan for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

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