Advice on Top American Sword Makers

Triton said:
It's odd to me that it's harder to find guys to polish, fit and create a saya for a sword then it is to have the blade made, but such seems to be the case, at least if you want top flight work. I was half hoping you would throw another name out there that I hadn't heard before. Unfortunately it seems that things typically go the other way with more people getting out of that business by hook or in some cases by crook then getting in it.
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Polishing is HARD....it kills your hands.

There are "decent" amount of guys that can do credible fitting and saya....my favorite became a speed freak last I saw him, but they are out there.

Decent polishers?

They are rare, busy and expen$ive.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Daniel Watson at Angel Sword has some good using stuff, resonably priced, as well as prettier display pieces.
 
Consider picking up a sword on the second hand market. Even if you don't find the exact thing you want, you can have it rebuilt. This way you can get a sword at a good price right now.
 
Triton said:
Now here's the bonus round who would you pick as the mounter/polisher/saya maker?

Keith Larman? Ted Tenold?
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Having used both I would pick Keith.

I've had one experience with Ted and it didn't turn out at all like what I was expecting. Part of the challenge is that the blade Howard Clark delivered to me was flawed in ways that couldn't be solved by the polisher, but it's impossible to judge that if you are not a polisher yourself. Then Ted didn't communicate to me in the process and I ended up spending thousands on a piece where I should have cut my losses. I wouldn't entrust him another piece at this point.

Note that in both cases I've had pieces that in my opinion are not as well polished as warranted by the cost. That's why I've decided not to commission Jpz style swords for the foreseeable future. With this said, one of the best way to buy a Jpz style blade is to buy it already polished from Keith Larman, IMHO.
 
gator68 said:
Consider picking up a sword on the second hand market. Even if you don't find the exact thing you want, you can have it rebuilt. This way you can get a sword at a good price right now.
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This is good advice. Sword forum is a good venue for this.

You can also find some real Jpz antiques for less than you would spend on a commission.
 
Triton said:
:D Going to explain it?
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Watson's swords are katana-like objects that bear only a passing resemblance to Japanese blades (never mind his choice in sword "furniture"). Couple that with Watson's willingness to SUE internet forums that allow people to post viewpoints that run counter to his and you have a combination of maker and product that are not worth serious consideration.
 
bluejaunte said:
Watson's swords are katana-like objects that bear only a passing resemblance to Japanese blades (never mind his choice in sword "furniture"). Couple that with Watson's willingness to SUE internet forums that allow people to post viewpoints that run counter to his and you have a combination of maker and product that are not worth serious consideration.
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Way to step it up, Aaron!

Add in:

1. A relatively high price for base swords, by the time(according to the offerings on his website)you get to a fully Traditional-style mounting, you are at $9,000.

2. I have NEVER seen a competitor use an AngelSword piece at a taikai....not one....and these are guys who pay for THE BEST.

3. Daniel says he taught Tai Chi Chuan on his website, but does not state which school, or which Master he recieved his teaching credentials from.

4. Daniel calls himself a Master Sword Smith, but does not indicate which organization conferred the title....why use it if it was not conferred?

But don't take my word for it:

http://adrr.com/sword/watson02.htm

http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=45214

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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Kohai999 said:
4. Daniel calls himself a Master Sword Smith, but does not indicate which organization conferred the title....why use it if it was not conferred?
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STeven, the first link you provided says he recieved his "Master Smith" title from the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

I was chosen for the title of "Master Artist in Metal" by one of the finest art shows in the U.S., the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, in 1985(?). This is a difficult show to get into, and to be given the Master Artist award was a real honor; in 25 years the 400+ craftpeople had chosen only 30 of themselves as master level. In 1988 they gave me an award as Master Bladesmith. In 1989 I was knighted as Master Smith.
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The website indicates that was from an actual interview with Mr. Watson, whether or not thats true, I can not say.

Just thought I'd throw that out there in case anyone wanted to know :)
 
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