Comments and Questions

[DrRMJ]

First, let me state that I think the information and opinions that this forum offers is fantastic and informative. I particularly enjoy the threads about traditional/modern/Japanese/American swords.

Of all the makers of so called "modern katana-type swords" I think Phill Hartsfield has the most experience as a maker of thif genre (30+ years). Unless he is falsifying information, he has never had one of his swords break. The RC of his A2 blades is up around 60-62, which is considred very hard, can be brittle, but none of his blades has failed. Those practitioners of iai that use Hartsfield's blades , I believe are very content with their blades. Though my own skill level in tameshigiri is very low and I have not attempted this myself, I have seen 3 and 4 inch diameter solid wood posts cut cleanly through with the Hartsfield blades without any damage to the ha. I have only cut tatami, but when I saw the solid woods cut, it was really amazing.

Regarding the blades by Mr. Criswell, I have never handled one myself, but I have seen pictures and they look even more non-traditional than Hartsfield's swords. Has anyone used one for tameshigiri?

Shinryu, you have mentioned many times that modern swords of the type mentioned are not of your liking. Exactly what type of swords do you like? I would assume it is swords of traditional make.

By the way, as a result of these threads, I have made a decision. I have not purchased a sword in 6 years and after some research, I have decided to purchase an L6 blade from Mr. Clark. (Thank you Mr. Clark for giving me the opportunity to receive one of your works.)

Best Wishes to ALL

 

[Robert Marotz]

Hey...
Just in response to what you were asking, I do prefer traditional in various amounts.

I love tamahagane and the traditional forge welded stuff...I don't claim it to be superior in performance, though I do not think it's inferior either. I merely like it more. But that is variable...I love the simpler homogenous steel stuff too if done well.

I like blades with accurate cross sections, this does not mean chisel-ground, hollow ground, or even flat ground. I expect reasonably proper mountings, given a few exceptions (Howard Clark's oosic-handled katana for example). As much as it isn't necessary, I do like real hamon, and I like all the little activities included, nothing faked. If it doesn't have a natural hamon, there shouldn't be one there. Proportions should be proper, I do not like swords with 28" blades and 14" handles.

There are aspects to the handle which I feel is extremely important to me, though pointless to most others...for example, the handle should be "naturally" based. Traditionally, we have wood core with rice glue, rayskin, and silk (or leather), with a bamboo mekugi. Perhaps that "natural" aspect is part of the reason I liked Howard's Oosic-handled kat.

These are some of the things that matter to me...Most people around don't give a **** about these details. What I enjoy most is not inferior in performance. People love tool steels and plastics, and it's popular stuff. I just don't.

I could give a damn less if it's A2 or 5160 or S5 or M2 or D2 or 3V or whatever...People have this weird tendency to think I'm against these materials so vehemently, yet I'm not. If Phil or someone would make an A2 katana with appropriate mountings and in traditional cross section with good shaping and stuff, I would applaud them. Do I think it'd warrant the price tags I've come to know? Unlikely, unless he did a spectacular job and executed everything flawlessly. That means no imperfections in the finish, top-notch wrapping with highest-quality materials. Then perhaps, just from the standpoint that a lot of work goes into making it as close to perfect as possible in fit and finish with a high quality blade.

I don't expect you to agree with me, I don't expect you to care really. But you asked, and I hope in this somewhat lengthy post I've been able to summarize my answer.

Thanks for your patience if you read this far.

Shinryû.

 

[Triton]

Wow! You decided to go for the ferari this time! If I had an unlimited supply of money, that is exactly what I would get. Unfortunately I'm afraid one of his blades is forever out of my price range. Never the less, I can live vicariously a bit. So, where are you getting your fittings?