Eric, I spent a couple of years learning nothing about Japanese swords. A starting point though (in the process of learning nothing) would have to be the NBTHK museum in Tokyo.
Best source of internet info is
www.nihontomessageboard.com BUT not for the posts, for the drop downs at the top of the page like Japanese Sword Index, really informative.
I sadly only have one sword and one tsuba now, kept as they came from my mates town in Kyushu.
A great interest though for sure. I wish you well in it.
