Finding a Quality Cutting Sword

[Samurai_Bri]

Can anyone tell me where to find a good samurai sword or sword set that has a blade that does more than hang on the wall. I recently bought a Hanwei Practical Ninja Sword and think it's great; however, I'm starting to hear some people say that it's not a very good blade and is quite weak even though it is sharp. Is this true?

I'd really like to find a true samurai katana. Not the antique ones mind you, just one that could really be used if it had to be for defense as well as real swordplay. From what most people tell me, some steel swords will shatter if put up against another blade.

If anybody has some info, let me know. I'm truly confused as to what a good strong, sharp, resilient blade consists of in metallurgical terms. If I should go custom blade, any info relating to that would be helpful also.

Thanks,
Bri

 

[Triton]

From everything I've heard the pratical katana at least in the latest iterations is a perfectly serviceable although perhaps something less then elegant. Even in the older models I don't think the blade was in question so much as the fittings. I think it unlikely that your blade will shatter.

If you are interested in other swords in the same pric range you should probably check out Kris Cutlery's stuff. www.kriscutlery.com I believe.

For a little more you can purchase one of Rob Criswell's products. They aren't traditional either but they are very nice indeed.

A fully custom sword will cost you many times what you paid for your PK like say 20 times more. Not a bad way to go if you have the pockets for it but...

 

[DHB the cutter]

Hello,

Kris Cutlery is one really good option, but only to remember, they are upgrading the katana showed in the site (that is not available anymore), the new model is reaching (probably) till the end of march, the price will be $ 225,00 by the 29" katana (I myself am in the waiting list to this new model). They made really good swords in a very good price.

You can also have the other Hanwei swords. I really don`t like the practical ones, but the other models are OK (like Kris Cutlery as a start option). They are very beautifull and resistant. There are lots of models like: shinto, golden oriole, Musashi daito, kami, orchid, tiger (the last tree are folded). I myself have a Musashi Daito and am very satisfied with it`s cut capacity. The original price is about $500,00 dollars, but you can find them much cheaper (except by the folded ones).

You can also look for a cold stel katana, it`s made of a good kind of spring steel. In their site the price is about $750 dollars (I don`t remember well), but if you look for it you can find them till $450 (or less).

You can look for the Rob Kriswell katana, as I always say: quite diferent but very good quality, at about $450,00 or less.

You can also have the excelent ones by non japanese swordsmiths like Don Fogg, Howard Clarck and others. In this case you should phone call them. The price would be +/- $2000 till $7000.

The real nihon to you can try in the site www.tachi.com (or of course in Japan), the prices will be up to $5000 dollars, but they`re superior quality. Most of their japanese swordsmiths are members of the Gendai Swordsmith List (very good ones).

I hope this can help you, I think the others can disagree in some options and prices, but it`s only my opinion. I recomend you to see if the reseller accept changes (there are some not serious resellers), and you should look for good prices, they vary a lot.

Cheers !!!

 

[Robert Marotz]

The practical katana/ninja should do you just fine, so long as the habaki isn't the old plastic (newer ones should all be brass). It's not a great sword to people like me, but for use it will hold its own.

I really can't suggest you get a full traditional unless you are specifically practicing Japanese sword arts, or are a collector. I've never considered home defense a good use of art.

 

[dahong_palay]

don't they have a standard performance criteria for the various sword sizes and types? by this, i'm thinking of the ABS criteria for determining journeyman/master smith quality. if i can recall, a knife whose blade is not more than 10 inches long from point to hilt should do the following:

1. chop through a 4"x2" wooden stud and still be able to shave hair
2. sever the end off a 1" free-hanging manila rope with a single swing
3. be bent more than 30 degrees when it's tip is clamped to a vise without breaking.

a similar format should be had for various sword types.

 

[Bladedude]

Hi,

From what I have read and learned Kris Cutlery blades are supposed be really good. I hope to aquire one of the Katanas and Wakazashi and Tanto soon. I'd like to get theit Yari and Naginata blades as well. Then again my Fiance' has been to the foundary where they are made. Maybe she can get those for me.

 

[DHB the cutter]

Hey Bladedude,

The new Kris Katana will be available in two weeks, but the yari has been discontinued and sold out, I know because I tried to buy it and they answer this...Sorry!!!