Factory Leather Ito Katana?

[BePrepared]

I'm seriously considering buying a katana or KoKatana and would like one with leather Ito. Does anyone know any of the budget companies (under $500) that offers this option?

 

[Noctis3880]

Sword Buyer's Guide custom katanas offer that as a premium upgrade. Base cost is $400, upgrade adds $60. Though if you're going that route, I'd recommend saving a little more and going all the way on the other upgrades(Folded T-10 $60, Stingray wrapped Saya $75), depending on whether it's a user or not.

I personally went for a plainer ko-katana with a bo-hi for a lighter setup, though I suspect my Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi is still going to be lighter.

 

[Kohai999]

Leather is kind of slick, if you are thinking of using it.

I recommend getting the sword you want and having it re-wrapped by Randy Black in Tsunami synthetic leather ito....it is amazing material.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[BePrepared]

Thanks for the advice Kohai

 

[Noctis3880]

Leather is kind of slick, if you are thinking of using it.

I recommend getting the sword you want and having it re-wrapped by Randy Black in Tsunami synthetic leather ito....it is amazing material.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

Hmm, truly the best option, as you can shop around for your choice of steel be it 9260 or the legendary L6 Bainite:thumbup:.

Though I have to ask if there's also someone who does custom handles, tsuba, saya, and fuchigashira? I like the overall toughness of 9260, but I hear the fit and finish of Cheness katanas can be hit or miss. I figure it might be easier to buy a Cheness katana for the blade itself and simply replace everything else, though maybe it might be cheaper to have a truly custom made katana instead?

 

[Kohai999]

Hmm, truly the best option, as you can shop around for your choice of steel be it 9260 or the legendary L6 Bainite:thumbup:.

Though I have to ask if there's also someone who does custom handles, tsuba, saya, and fuchigashira? I like the overall toughness of 9260, but I hear the fit and finish of Cheness katanas can be hit or miss. I figure it might be easier to buy a Cheness katana for the blade itself and simply replace everything else, though maybe it might be cheaper to have a truly custom made katana instead?

Not even close....you can pick up fuchi/kashira and menuki for about $400.00 from Fred Lohman and have a new tsuka made with wrap for about the same....$800 to $1,000.....a custom blade ALONE usually runs about $1,000 to START.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson