Cold Steel Imperial

catchindirtbags

catchindirtbags

Joined
Dec 8, 2004
Messages
92
I just got my cold steel 88K Imperial. Its ok nothing super special but wasn't expecting the world for the price. It does however make me want a Super Nice custom sword. Anyone have suggestions on where to get a nice custom or other high end Katana? I know Buegei (sp?) sells some but i'd rather support a smaller craftsman if it is practical to do so. One question I got this off eBay and in looking at it its not that sharp even though they state it is extremely sharp... I have cold steel products and this doesn't seem to be up to the same quality. Is there a tried and true way to see if this is in fact a Cold Steel Sword.

I hold this Cold steel sword and imagine how amazing a real handmade sword done with pride by a craftsman can be. I am starting slow and this sword was mostly to get a feel for it and to see first hand what the different parts are and use it as a tool to aide in research. I can fully appreciate just holding this sword why it came to be in this current form and how easily it becomes an extension of the person that wields it... I am planning on taking lessons but first want to learn about the sword and the history to fully appreciate it.
 
It should be noted that Bugei does retail Howard Clark swords as well and as I recall is the only place where you can purchase one of his L-6 blades. That's a pretty good list, I might add Scott Slobodian to it.
 
Gents, Thanks for the help. I would go as high as 10K for a really nice piece. I think my personal preference of understated in the "decorative" department should keep the price there or a little less. I really like some of the customs that I have seen that are very "basic" looking. Not sure of that makes sense but it does to me which often means it doesn't make sense lol.

Thanks again for your replies
 
Triton said:
It should be noted that Bugei does retail Howard Clark swords as well and as I recall is the only place where you can purchase one of his L-6 blades. That's a pretty good list, I might add Scott Slobodian to it.
Click to expand...

You can order an L6 directly from Howard.

Of course there are more good smiths than those in that list. Half the fun of buying a sword is searching around, and who are we to spoil anyone's fun? ;)
 
catchindirtbags said:
Gents, Thanks for the help. I would go as high as 10K for a really nice piece. I think my personal preference of understated in the "decorative" department should keep the price there or a little less. I really like some of the customs that I have seen that are very "basic" looking. Not sure of that makes sense but it does to me which often means it doesn't make sense lol.

Thanks again for your replies
Click to expand...

That makes sense to me. I also value simplicity and elegance in a sword. For $10,000 you can get a Howard Clark katana forged from L-6 tool steel and have it polished by one of the best polishers in North America, and buy a full set of custom made fittings.

It would be unusual for your first sword to be such as this (most people work their way up), but if you can afford it, why not?

:)
 
hi, you might want to contact Bailey Bradshaw and search for some of his work posted here in the forums. he's very reasonably priced. won't cost you an arm and a leg.
 
bithabus said:
You can order an L6 directly from Howard.

Of course there are more good smiths than those in that list. Half the fun of buying a sword is searching around, and who are we to spoil anyone's fun? ;)
Click to expand...


Are you sure about that? I could be wrong, just thought I read that somewhere...
 
I'm sure that's the way it is now, but it's possible that at some point you had to go through Bugei. In fact I think this might be the case, because I remember talking to someone who was in the process of ordering a HC about a year ago... If you go to Howard Clark's website now you can print out an order form and then mail it to him without any Bugei influence.
 
I have right or wrong committed to starting a collection of Samurai swords, it has been a desire for a long time. They are just so amazingly elegant and powerful. Like most things in life it is nearly impossible to fully explain why you are attracted to something.

I checked out those links and it seems there is a bunch of like minded folks since all of those guys are sold out. In a way I am far happier for them that they have a booming trade than disapointed that I was unable to get something from them. There is a Howard Clark now on eBay that I am wrestling over. In the description it states minor scratches on the blade. I understand that there is scratches on a well used blade but I also know people tend to under describe "flaws" in auctions. I am not bagging on the seller I just am going by past experience. Additionally I don't think it meets my goal of supporting a domestic craftsman for my first collectable sword.

I'll continue to look around and see what I can. I really appreciate all the thoughtful responses its good to know people are willing to assist others on things they too appreciate. Its a good way to spread around some of the joy you feel about these functional pieces of art.
 
I checked out those links and it seems there is a bunch of like minded folks since all of those guys are sold out.
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Yes, I'm sorry that I didn't mention that earlier but I assumed it was understood. Most custom smiths do not keep sword in stock. The wait for a blade from a top smith will be at least one year, and another one to two years for it to be polished. That Howard Clark honsanmai on ebay is a great sword, and Mr. Clark no longer does laminated swords. The seller is a regular poster on SFI and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him, if I were in the market.

Check out www.Angelsword.com

They don't sell purely traditional Japanese swords, but performance-wise their blades can't be beat. Daniel Watson is also the only smith in the world who can do a differentially hardened katana from wootz. They have some of their Bright Knight katana in stock for immediate delivery. These swords are stock removal from S-7 tool steel and are the toughest swords in the world.
 
Those are stunning swords. He should be as I am sure he is very proud of them. I will need to think about them though since they are a tad off the norm so to speak. I appreciate the link. The attention to detail is amazing.

I have checked MANY forums and some are amazingly pompous and or come across as mean spirited. I always love the response to simple inquiries "ask your Sensei" or "don't even think about a live blade until you have practiced for 2 milion years" I understand why they say it but sort of defeats the purpose of the forum if a cookie cutter answer to newbie questions is "go ask a live person" I even saw one forum moderator chastise a member for using U R instead of your. Thank God I don't post there they'd have me arrested :) So far you guys have been terribly nice and informative and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your patience and guidance.

As an aside.. One thing I often notice about sites that sell swords is that as with that site the photos are nice but could be much better. Especially considering the swords are so expensive. In other words just looking at those picts you really don't get much visual information. I guess I may be picky since I do pro level photography as a hobby and also work for a huge internet company. I understand the issues facing a website relating to storage space, load times etc. Having said all that many really nice sword makers could probably do a better job for maybe 2-3% more money then they are spending on marketing. I guess I'd have to understand the profit margins for a custom maker before I judged that though. Just simple things like better framing of the subject and lighting are free though. And in reality judging by availability (or lack of)these amazing craftsmen seem to be doing really well without my help :)

The reason I even bring it up is in looking at those pictures I have no idea if it has a hamon or not so that got me to thinking about the pictures I see marketing blades. I hope I am not coming across as hyper critical I am just making an observation based on web site/photography experience.

As always I appreciate the time you all are taking to help me by posting links and tips. It is great to have people with similiar interests helping me...
 
I know your looking for a complete sword but it might be worth a look-see at what kind of blades Randal Graham can offer. You might have to make arrangements to have it fully mounted and polished if you buy a Japanese style blade but Randal also makes some Euro styled stuff that is the best I have seen that he mounts up the right way.

Take a look at: http://www.rhgraham.com/

Good guy with excellent stuff. I have seen and handled all of the stuff he currently has on his available page and I will tell you that the pix do not do them justice. Top notch in every aspect.

Brian
 
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