Did Samurai of old have to sell their mothers for a decent sword?

Umm.  Currency exchange rates are not moving favourably.  My new katana is waiting for an export permit to be issued by the Japanese Government department responsible for regulating the movement of swords out of the country.  When they’re ready, I have to transfer the equivalent of 705,000 Yen to the Japanese swordmaker.  Currently, that’s over $8,800 – up from the original value of $7,950 in August.

Add 10% Ozzie import GST onto the total and my exquisite sword starts knocking on the door of $10,000.

Yes, I want my katana (and in fact need one if I ever have to try for 4^th Dan at which time use of a live blade becomes obligatory during gradings) but it’s moving in the direction of the price of a new small car or a second-hand tractor.  This presents an interesting dilemma on the relative dangers here.  What would you rather face?  A Hyundai Getz hurtling toward you at ramming speed; a reversing 55HP tractor with whirling 6’6” slasher blades or me with my new sword?  It’s a no-contest question.  Face me, as I’ll be too shit scared of unsheathing my katana in case I damage it.