Hey Rob Marotz, how about them Criswell katana?

[Kmark]

I've *heard* from someone who has handled one that "although they are not traditional looking, they do handle very well and are very durable weapons."

It is made of A2 steel, with 64RC edge and 60RC back. I don't think Mr. Criswell was trying to aim for a truely traditional look, what with that kind of temper and hollow grind and all, but from what I've heard they are extremely tough.

The guy who has that Criswell katana said he used it to chop tree branches into bits, and even used it to hack his old christmas tree in two. He did this with the knowledge that it was sword abuse, not true test cutting. No edge damage at all.

What's your take on this? What do you think of the Criswells?

 

[Robert Marotz]

I don't care for Criswell's work. I'm ecstatic that he ditched the horrid loop at the end, but that's only one of a few things I don't care for.

You can make almost any heavy/thick sword handle fairly well by slapping a 15 inch handle on it.

I have NEVER insinuated his swords were weak and unable to sustain abuse. But that doesn't impress me. They're fine for what they are, and should be understood for what they're not. I've handled an older model with the big-ass loop, but not any of the newer ones without. Maybe he's changed the cross section and stuff too to something more acceptable. I dunno yet.

I hope he continues to make changes for the better.

Shinryû.