A real katana is an artwork forged through traditional Japanese methods. It carries a unique fingerprint made of steel, tempering, craftsmanship, and centuries of cultural history. Because real nihonto commands high value, collectors rely on authentication bodies like NBTHK and NTHK to verify that a blade is genuine. This guide explains how to identify a real katana and where you can submit a sword to receive official certification.
How to Know if a Katana Is Real
A genuine Japanese sword will always show traits that replicas cannot reproduce.
1. Real Hamon Activity
A true hamon shows depth, movement, and internal activity created through differential heat treatment. Fake hamons look flat or etched.
2. A Visible Hada
The folding process creates a grain pattern in the steel. Each region and school has distinct hada styles, such as mokume, itame, masame, and ayasugi.
3. A Naturally Aged Tang
The tang, or nakago, develops dark patina over decades. File marks should be visible and consistent with traditional work.
4. Proper Signature or No Signature
A mei carved by hand has depth and natural chisel cuts. Some blades are unsigned but still authentic, especially mumei koto blades.
5. Correct Shape and Balance
Traditional geometry creates a specific curvature, taper, and edge shape that no cheap replica can match.
How NBTHK Certification Works
NBTHK stands for Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai. This organization is the highest authority for Japanese sword authentication. Their certification confirms:
• Age
• School or tradition
• Smith attribution
• Historical correctness
• Quality
• Structural integrity
The paper levels are:
Hozon
Worthy of preservation. Confirms the sword is authentic and traditionally made.
Tokubetsu Hozon
Especially worthy of preservation. Higher level of artistic and historical value.
Juyo Token
Important sword. Only exceptional blades achieve this.
Tokubetsu Juyo Token
Extremely rare. These are the finest examples in sword history.
Where and How to Get NBTHK Certification
You must submit the sword to NBTHK in Japan for shinsa.
There are three main ways to do this:
1. Submit Through a Licensed Japanese Sword Dealer
This is the most common method. Reputable dealers handle the entire submission process including polishing, restoration, mounting, and paperwork.
Popular and trusted options include:
• Aoi Art
• Seiyudo
• NihontoDotCom
• Choshuya
• Japanesesword.com
• Usagiya
• Touken Matsumoto
These dealers physically deliver your sword to NBTHK shinsa meetings.
2. Use a Professional Export Agent or Broker
Some businesses specialize in sending swords to Japan for shinsa and then returning them once papers are issued.
They handle:
• Export licensing
• NBTHK submission
• Import and customs
• Shipping insurance
3. Work Through a US Based Japanese Sword Specialist
Several United States dealers have direct relationships with NBTHK and can submit swords for clients.
Examples include:
• Nihonto Antiques
• Japanese Sword Lab
• Ricecracker
• Unique Japan
• Yakiba
These dealers ship the sword to Japan during shinsa periods and return it with papers.
NTHK and NTHK NPO Certification
NTHK and NTHK NPO are also respected organizations that issue authentication papers. They are known for their technical approach and detailed smith attributions.
How to Get NTHK Certifications
Unlike NBTHK, NTHK holds shinsa events outside of Japan, including in the United States and Europe.
Where NTHK Holds Shinsa
Common locations include:
• San Francisco Token Kai
• Chicago Sword Show
• Tampa Sword Show
• Token Kai Europe
• Los Angeles and New York special events
These events allow you to bring your sword directly to NTHK judges for immediate shinsa, which makes it much easier for collectors outside Japan.
Who to Contact for NTHK Shinsa
You can contact:
• NTHK NPO international coordinators
• US based sword societies
• Token Kai organizers
• US Japanese sword dealers
• Local sword clubs associated with the NBTHK American Branch
They announce shinsa schedules each year.
How to Buy a Real Katana Locally in Your Country or State
Many collectors prefer buying locally to avoid international shipping, export laws, and long wait times.
You can find real katanas through:
1. US Dealers and Collectors
Many established dealers in the United States carry NBTHK and NTHK papered swords. These sellers test, inspect, and authenticate swords before offering them.
2. Antique Weapon Stores
Some traditional antique shops specialize in military and samurai artifacts.
3. Sword Shows
Shows like the San Francisco and Chicago Token Kai have hundreds of real swords available to see in person.
4. Private Collectors and Estate Sales
Older collections often contain genuine, papered swords from long time enthusiasts.
5. Our Store
Pacific Armory offers authentic Japanese katanas with NBTHK papers from time to time. Every sword is carefully evaluated, and we only sell genuine nihonto from trusted sources.
We are a reliable seller for collectors who want certified blades without dealing with international submissions.
Red Flags When Buying Locally
Avoid sellers with:
• Acid etched hamons
• Stainless steel blades
• Tang rust that looks artificial
• Stamped signatures
• Very low prices for claimed antiques
• No provenance or certification
Most Desirable Antique Katanas for Collectors
Collectors often seek blades with high cultural, artistic, or historical value.
Koto Period Blades
These are pre 1600 swords with high artistic beauty and often unmatched craftsmanship.
Signed Work from Famous Smiths
Such as Masamune, Shinkai, Sadamune, Nagamitsu, Kanemitsu, and Norishige.
Blades from Renowned Schools
Bizen, Soshu, Yamashiro, Mino, and Satsuma traditions are always in demand.
Juyo and Tokubetsu Juyo Swords
The NBTHK ranks these swords among the most important in history.
Samurai Family Swords
Blades with lineage, paperwork, or battlefield history are extremely collectible.
Final Thoughts
Authentic Japanese swords are valuable cultural artifacts that deserve proper care and accurate authentication. Whether you own a sword already or are searching for the right one, understanding how NBTHK and NTHK certification works protects you from counterfeits and helps you invest in true nihonto. With the right knowledge and the right sellers, you can confidently collect real Japanese katanas with historical value and authenticity.