A friend needs a Katana made - maker suggestions?

[horseclover]

As we are cross posting and editing at the same time, I'll respond to these additions to your last post seperately.

It also depends on if you define Tamahagane as anally close to the japanese ritualistic production, or to smelting steel from iron bearing sand, producing sponge iron or letting the steel actually go molten.

Exactly. It really isn't an issue of being anal about it either. It would not be unlike applying Japanese terminology to all swords everywhere. Kind of silly don't you think?

But Glen, I have to ask why the hostility? And please point out some of the misinfo so I can correct it, as I have often done in the past, as I am by no means an expert on anything, nor do I ever claim to be?

Having done so in my initial post to this thread, I am the recipient of laughter regarding another forum instead of a list which you have now shared to support your initial remark.

As to one line replies, I have not followed your history at Blade Forums. It could be said I don't post here a lot. I do tend to reply or post more than one liners that either amount to nothing, or really do need clarification.

I could have as easily replied to the first person mentioning Paul Champagne makes tamahagane.

Cheers

GC

 

[Sam Salvati]

Well it's more of a regular kitchen chair, not so much of a comfy armchair(in front of my computer)lol. What thread was that you found? A few were off the top, but it's a small minority, and as I don't think tamahagane making smiths in the US will be a jeopardy category anytime soon, it took a bit of lookin' for some.

I didn't mean HAHAHA in a condescending or insulting or hostile way, I guess LOL would have sounded better, as intent and attitude behind words in type form are not always easy to see. To clarify, Anvilfire is probably the very WORST forum/list anywhere for anyone interested in swords, kind of like IForgeIron (were it not for Jim Hrisoulas occasionally making an appearance) IE blacksmiths only, who have a very acidic veiw to the classic questions regarding swords. So come on Glen bury that hatchet, I meant no offense and am sorry it came off as such.

I also tend to reply with more than hotspur style one liners, but also tend to sometimes make posts that require ALOT of clarification LOL.

As to applying the term tamahagane to any iron sand made-into steel, It is akin to applying the term damascus to pattern welded steel, often times very confused together, so I guess a post asking for clarification would have been better, I didn't recognise I was talking to someone who knew the difference, so my statement was a blanket one as on the unfrequented bladeforums sword section, and no offense to anyone on here, the majority would say making your own steel from sand is making your own steel from sand.

But I think we strayed from the OP a bit hehe, and couldn't eally answer the question without knowing budget, sword design, that kind of specific stuff. But as tamahagane making in the US is not very common, those who do it are highly skilled and usually make high end swords, and have long waiting list they go hand in hand.

 

[Dr. Fell]

To answer the OP, Bugei has a variety of styles and steels and customization as far as steel type, blade length, and furniture styles/colors. The waiting list is not so much of an issue.

 

[stephanfowler]

Well yes I agree that there are not as many "great" swordmakers as there are great sword wanters...but a great cutting sword is not time consuming or difficult to build.

not to be a jerk or anything

but i would LOVE to see someone try and justify this statement


i'm not sayin anythin, im just sayin