Angel Swords avatar katana? Also looking for a good maker for a NEW Katana

T

The_Guide

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Feb 1, 2009
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Any one familiar with these guys?

As an aside, I am looking for a traditionally made katana to add to my collection, and I was wondering if anyone could recommend some places or makers to look at... I dont care about all the authenticated bureaucratic stuff.. I just want a katana that is made in the old school way with traditional tamahagane.. Id like a NEW one if possible, as I dont want to spend a ridiculous amount on a "historical" piece. I have a 10k budget for this, and would love some input.

Cheers!
:thumbup:
 
Angel Sword would be the easiest way to "spend a ridiculous amount on a 'historical' piece." :p Very well made swords from what I hear, but ultra expensive for what they are, and certainly not traditional.

You could get this fellow for less than a third of your budget, and it's done in tamahagane just like you wanted. Another cool thing is all of the cord was contracted out to a small, generations-old family loomery near Hanwei's facilities.
 
Originally Posted by bluejaunte
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.
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
 
I have seen angel sword at the minnesota ren fest a couple of times. For what you pay you will get less fit and finish than from a albion sword, and also have the pleasure of paying four or five times as much. I thought their wheel pommel looked like they got a kid in shop class to make it on a mill and a lathe and left the mill marks on it. Just my 2 cents, I advise not to go with angel sword.
 
I really like the look of that paper crane series... I actually held the katana at a local shop and was rather impressed by it... I should add that I am looking for a fully functional piece for tameshigiri and Iaito practice... I have been practicing Iaito for 5 years now with a sharpened blade, and want to step it up to something really high end.

For my budget, I could actually get the Katana and the Wakazashi.... I may look into that... what are all your thoughts on this series as a functional blade?

Thanks for your help!
 
From what I've seen and heard it's a fantastic blade. Consult with your sensei before purchasing it, though, to make sure the design meets his approval. Not all katana are suitable for iaido.
 
He gave me some criteria that are required, and said he trust from my experience to pick a good design...
 
In that case, if everything looks good to you, then go for it! It's a gorgeous piece and very well made. Given how much work goes into each one I think they're a bargain.
 
The fact that they're factory polished keeps the price down... a sword like that is muay expensivo to stone polish the traditional way.
 
The_Guide said:
I really like the look of that paper crane series... I actually held the katana at a local shop and was rather impressed by it... I should add that I am looking for a fully functional piece for tameshigiri and Iaito practice... I have been practicing Iaito for 5 years now with a sharpened blade, and want to step it up to something really high end.

For my budget, I could actually get the Katana and the Wakazashi.... I may look into that... what are all your thoughts on this series as a functional blade?

Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

after 5 years, you should know the difference between iaito, and iaido
and that a live blade is a shinken
 
10k?!! Wow... I wish I could say the same :p but if I could recomend a piece like what I think you are trying for, look into this guy... http://ryansword.com/ It is supposed that he uses the "ancient" technique. Very nice pieces, check out his videos on his website, maybe you will be convinced. I just ordered a couple of his swords recently, but hav'nt gotten it in yet. As soon as I do, I will post a review... but till then check it out. Good Luck
 
Pueo154 said:
10K! Sheesh - for that kind of money, why not get an antique?! This one offered by Aoi (http://www.aoi-art.com/sword/katana/10494.html)is an Edo period katana, 27" nagasa, with full koshirae for a little over 5K. Heck of a nice sword for the money - the koshirae alone is really gorgeous.
Click to expand...

Looks fairly tired look at the munemachi and hamachi.

I'd recommend getting a custom made by a smith here are some that come to mind.
Walter Sorrells
ADC (Anthony DiCristofano iirc, however this guy will easily take your $10,000 budget and bring you a traditionally made blade.
Rick Barrett
James Raw
Pavel Bolf

With that kind of budget you could get a shinsakuto for under $10,000. (shinsakuto=Japanese made katana that is made between end of WWII to present time. Also known as Art pieces. (which are still as real as a weapon as antiques)
 
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SShepherd said:
after 5 years, you should know the difference between iaito, and iaido
and that a live blade is a shinken
Click to expand...

I don't know, during high school I studied tai chi. Undergrad 1 year of gung fu, 1 year of Tai Kwon do, didn't like either. Then found Aikido and 3.5 years undergrad/grad school and 2 more after. Now granted it's been 10 years since I have practiced, but even then if you asked me to count to 3 in Japanese I would be hard pressed. I was much more interested in doing than terms. I also enjoyed showing the new students. Wow can't even remember the terms for doer and doee. Just saying I know I never placed much importance on terminology.

Check out Bugei and get a decent sword then with the remaining $8k look for at the above suggested makers for your next sword.
 
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