While trying to self educate myself on evaluating Samurai swords I came across this book. Quite simply it tells you everything you need to look for. Although the information is a bit dated (some of the swords it says are not worth collection, due to scarcity have become desirable)the science/art behind it remains considerably significant. If I had to start with one book, this would be it. If I had read this book BEFORE I first bid I would have saved myself from a $150 Chinese replica mistake