FS: Bailey Bradshaw Koi Katana

E

Eric Santucci

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This is a one of a kind custom blade forged by Master Bladesmith Bailey Bradshaw. I purchased this blade in early March from a fellow Blade Forum (and Sword Forum International) formite. Therefore, I am the second owner of this blade, but it has never been used to cut. The previous owner did say he used it for very light iai once or twice, but this did not result in any issues with the blade or mounting in any way. The sword is in excellent condition with one very minor exception mentioned below for the saya that occurred when it was shipped to me. Due to recent house repairs, I have decided to place it up for sale.


Steel composition: W2 tool steel

Style: Hirazukuri with bohi on each side

Nagasa: 30 inches

Sori: ¾ inch

Motokasane: 8mm

Motohaba: 35mm

Sakikasane: 4mm

Sakihaba: 20mm

Point of Balance: approx 5 – 5.5 inches from the tsuba

Hamon: gunome choji

Tsuka: 11.5 inches, katatemaki (battle) wrap in dark brown silk ito with black lacquered ray skin.

Tsuba, Fuchi-Kashira: Custom-made blued and antiqued steel fittings by Bailey with 24 karat gold koi (fish) design accents on the tsuba and fuchi-kashira.

Menuki: Steel production-made Koi

Mekugi-ana: 2 – it appears that the tsuka contains two steel mekugi pegs. The tsuka appears to be epoxied to the nakago and the mekugi are in there mighty tight.

Saya: Light brown natural Tiger Maple elegantly matching the hirazukuri curvature/shape. During shipment of the blade to me, the saya cracked slightly along its seam about 1 cm long and about .5mm deep. It is not problematic nor does it take away from the aesthetics of the sword (see attached photo).


I'm offering this blade at $2,900 USD, which is far less than what I paid for it. I’ll pay for shipping/insurance within CONUS via USPS Priority Mail. I’ll also pay the % surcharge fee from Paypal if you pay via credit card. And, I will provide a hand-made, custom cherry blossom sword bag (done in red, gold, and black threads) for free.

Paypal is preferred, but a personal check is also ok. Sword will ship when payment clears.

Bailey's swords start at minimum $3000 and do not come up for sale very often. Serious inquiries only - no partial payment plans offered and no trades - sword is already priced well under true value. Please feel free to request more pictures, as I have many.

Also, feel free to request references - I am relatively "new" on this site, but I am well known on many other forums.

Thank you. :)
 

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Hello everyone, just a quick update on this piece. Bailey was very kind to contact me and provide some additional details about the blade. Thanks again Bailey!

1. The menuki are silver castings purchased from Shadow of Leaves. (A great place for sword supplies by the way!)

2. The mekugi are stainless steel tapered pins. The tsuka isn't glued on at all. It is a total traditionaly constructed katana.

3. Bailey indicated that he cut with it before he finished the blade and said - "it cuts VERY well. I have hundereds of sweet gum tree sapplings ( medium hard wood) growing around my shop, and they test a blade very well. I cut several 1 1/2" sappling with ease."

So, there you go - from the man himself. A beautiful, well constructed, and sharp blade for a discounted price. :)
 
this is a steal at this price, guys...Bailey makes beautiful, functional swords. i've owned four of them.

this sword has a lot of utsuri...very elegant sword.

btw, i was the original owner of this sword so i'll gladly answer any questions, too.

good luck on the sale.
 
Some additional pics of the tsuba and tsuka.

The tsuba has an antiquing and blueing technique applied to it. It is rather cool and creates the murky pond like effect so it looks like the fish is swimming thru water.

Take note of the details on the fish - you can even see the scales. Remember, these are all real gold accents too.
 

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Dear Eric,
Before I am in the http:// the www.bladegallery.com bought to compare this to return the long knife, using the UPS already safe arrive Hong Kong.
If you pack good, is all right.
If you insist that don't mail Hong Kong, can also mail the friend of my the United States, you see can?
I can pay with the PAYPAL.
Thank you very much!
wang
 
Hi wang, sent another email to you this morning about US shipping. Let me know how you want to proceed. Thanks.
 
Wangyimeng,

Payment received and sword will ship on Friday, July 6 to the CA address you provided per our emails. :cool:

Thanks again!
 
Wangyimeng,

I shipped your sword today to your friend Bing at the CA address you provided and sent you an email with the confirmation details.

I hope you receive the sword soon and enjoy it - thanks again!

Eric
 
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