HandMadeSword.Com ??

[RandallDidIt]

Does anyone have any experience with these folks? I am just getting into researching Katanas after reading some about them here and elsewhere online. I am even thinking of taking up the practice of it with a bokken. Anyway, I was wondering how the quality of their products are. There are several in the $100 - $150 range that appear to be at least worth as much as their price for something to display or practice with for hands-on. I'd be really interested in some feedback from you folks who know more about this than me.

 

[jay2pointoh]

For the price its ok. I got a damascus tanto from them and it works well. In that range though, I would go with Musashi. They've got better blades for a little less and a wide range of choices.

 

[ctec9]

I have been in the sword arts for over 20 years, your best bet is to go to CAS Iberia, and take a look at the Practical Katana. You will be happy with it, and so will the instructors like me. You will get what you pay for. Or you can get them from me, I am a dealer.
This sword is built for cutting, I use it 3 times a week. The handle will not come off, it is at the best price around. Its the only live Shinken I will let my students use.

I hope this helps, however if you are just doing Iado, almost anything will work, however if your not going to be doing any cutting, Asian World has some great aluminum blades to start off with, this may be your best bet.......

 

[SShepherd]

I have been in the sword arts for over 20 years, your best bet is to go to CAS Iberia, and take a look at the Practical Katana. You will be happy with it, and so will the instructors like me. You will get what you pay for. Or you can get them from me, I am a dealer.
This sword is built for cutting, I use it 3 times a week. The handle will not come off, it is at the best price around. Its the only live Shinken I will let my students use.

I hope this helps, however if you are just doing Iado, almost anything will work, however if your not going to be doing any cutting, Asian World has some great aluminum blades to start off with, this may be your best bet.......

what do you teach? what style?

 

[RandallDidIt]

Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely heed the advice here. I also read some more back-posts on swords here on Blade Forums that were quite informative, too. As time and finances allow, I will be checking into getting my first sword and hopefully starting some formal training with it.