The San Francisco Token Kai is in a few days. I will be there along with a whole bunch of other folks with table and after table of wonderful Japanese swords. I'll have a couple things including a traditionally made Japanese sword made for iai/batto training. Great piece, the real deal, all scuffed up from being used, and available at a good price. I'm also taking up a blade made with nails scavenged from the old Noma Dojo before it was torn down. It is unpolished in shirasaya. That's a unique piece.
Regardless, many like to argue that Aikido is based on the sword. And yet I would guess that most in Aikido have never seen let alone held a real Japanese sword.
Airport Marriott, San Francisco Token Kai, 2011. Friday Aug 5 (noon) through about 5 pm on Sunday the 7th. Keep in mind many exhibitors pack up and leave early on Sunday, so Sunday afternoon is *not* a good time to wait for to visit...