Hi,
I have to echo some of the other sentiments on here. Start small, take your time.
Also, don't be in a rush to start Japanese swords. If you want to do it right, they are a very different kettle of fish than single metal forging. While the European style swords have fine traditions of craftsmanship, the Japanese sword, in my humble opinion, is in a class all it's own. So before you even go there, I would strongly suggest reading these books:
The Samurai Sword: A Handbook by John M. Yumoto
The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide by Kanzan Sato (translated by Joe Earle)
The Art of