How hard is it to find a decent differentially-heat treated blade nowadays?

J

Jgcxelite

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Mar 30, 2012
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Hi guys, hope I've come to the right place to ask. I like blades a lot and I occasionally lurk, but I may have got the wrong subforum for this, if so, apologies.

I'm hoping to find (maybe buy) a katana or other such similar blade, preferably not too expensive, and of course of decent quality (at least for that price). I'm aware there are massive variations in quality of katana produced nowadays, but if I were looking for one that was differentially heat-treated, what sort of cost would I expect? And where would I find one?

If it costs too much, where would I find a more affordable one of good quality?
 
Cheness Kaze and the SBG "custom" are both differentially heat treated and around the $300 mark. Those are the two budget models I'm aware of. From there you can step up to the Bugei SG0050 that is both differentially treated and folded. It's about $250 more though. I'm looking long and hard at that one. There is probably something else in the Bugei's price range but I'm not aware of it as of yet.
 
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I'm waiting on a DHT T-10 Katana from ZhiSword. With all the options I chose, it came to nearly 500.00.

I can't give actual feedback, since it isn't in hand yet, but ever review I've seen was glowing. They offer DHT katana starting around 300.00, I beleive.
 
You are welcome to check out the Himalayan Imports forum in the manufacturers section and website to see if what is offered there suits you.
Everest katana, Wakizashi (wajaski is how it ended up being spelled), tarwar and tibetan long and short swords..... and other fine knives.
Made from differentially heat treated 5160 steel at very reasonable prices by the finest craftsmen in Nepal.
 
Thanks guys.
Anything in the UK? I hear Paul Chen is quite good, but does anyone know any more about them?
 
Paul Chen (CAS Hanwei) makes some nice starter stuff, and some good midrange offerings as well. Practical Plus and Pro lines are good starter swords. I've got a Zhi Sword that I like.
 
I'm drawn to the fact that they're hand-made and differentially heat-treated yet are still witin my price range.

I'm a little wary about the fact you considered them "starter" swords. Obviously I'm not going for an uber-high performance, but I hope that doesn't mean they aren't very good quality!
 
$300 is definately the budget or starter range. You're talking about a sub-$1000 sword in a type that can soar into 10's of 1000's of dollars for a high level custom by a Japanese master. Swords in the range you're looking at should be good dojo and cutting swords, but don't expect a work of art. If you want to really do some learning check out a book called "the Art of the Japanese Sword" by Leon Kapp and Hiroko Yoshihara. I just got my copy and wow, SO much info.
 
Quality is fine. They aren't going to self destruct, if that's what you are worried about. But the fit and finish, geometry, and so forth wont be anything like what a serious katana would have. Some can be good performers, but swords in general will run you at least a grand for real quality. For most purposes, however, the starter offerings are plenty good, imo.
 
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