Help with Katana choice

[bluedog]

Hi,
I've been checking the back posts for some time now and have a few questions.

I'm looking for a traditionally configured live Katana with emphasis on workmanship and cutting ability. Right now my projected price range is $1000. to $1500. Should I have to go higher?

Any thoughts on the Cicada Forge Katana? Where are they made (I would prefer a sword not made in China)? Any suggestions?

Has anyone dealt with Live Blade?

Thanks,
Monte

 

[Fletcher hawke]

Last I checked, you can get actual gendaito made by traditionally trained modern Japanese smiths starting in the upper $2000 range. Some believe these "new swords" to be as fine or finer than the ones made at the height of Japanese swordcraft.
I don't have any links handy, but I'm sure someone here could point you in the right direction. Or you could look up the Japanese Sword Society of the US. They should have any information you want and tend to be extremely helpful.

 

[beluga]

Most Gendaito are not considered katana because most of them were not made in the traditional matter. When time was an issue, the Japanese government tried to speed up the manufacturing process. As the result, many katanas, but not traditionally made. There were a couple makers though who were considered as traditionalist. Their swords usually run around $4,000 and up.

Don't ever underestimate a Chinese made katana. Hanwei makes excellent katana. I've abused mine for years and still hold great edge.

I believe Cicada Forge katanas are made by Fred Chen (I don't think he is a relative of Paul Chen).

For best bet, go for Hanwei katana. Go to www.bugei.com to see their line. I suggested Bugei because they have excellent quality control. BTW, even those who hold 'teacher' rank at Bugei (The Dojo of Four Winds) use Hanwei stuff. I know that James William often use his Samurai/Bamboo katana (again, made by Hanwei).

For truly traditional katana, japanese made, the cheapest one you could get is probably $6,000. And that is a low to lower medium range katana; something you use for practice, not heirloom quality.

There are also American maker such as Rick Barett or Howard Clark, whose craftmanship are considered top notch. Their katanas usually start from $5,000 with fitting and polished. I own an L6 bainite katana from Howard, and that beast is really scary sharp. Not traditionally made, but IMHO, it's even better than those made traditionaly.

I use my chinese-made and I'm perfectly satisfied with her. Don't ever underestimate them !