I need help finding a really good sword...

D

DerGlockenpooper

Joined
Nov 21, 1999
Messages
8

Hello,

This is my first post here.

I am looking for a really good sword. I am trained in the use of the sword in a few different styles and this sword WILL be used for combat training and hopefully never in real combat, but possibly. I am going to hang this sword on my wall when I am not using it, so it must look good, but I am going to take it down and train with it in Kata as well as cutting practice occasionally, but I never plan on hitting any person with it except in defense.
But, if it comes to it, this sword will be a home defense tool, so my life WILL depend on this sword to be a real combat sword.
Secondarily, I would like something pretty, so a Samurai style sword would be nice, just because then my wife would not think it was ugly hanging on our wall.
But, I am open to all suggestions. #1, it must be the "real deal" - a real combat sword with balance and strength. #2 It would be nice if it is pretty also, but looks are not as important.

I have looked a Bugei's stuff, but am unsure if they are the real deal. I don't want to get ripped off, and I don't want the sword to fall apart or break when I use it. It is difficult to cut through all the hype.
My high limit is $2000, but would like to keep around $1000. I have fought many styles, but would prefer a sword that leans toward the two-handed style, like a Katana or a Bastard sword, or a pair of swords, long and short (Florentine or Daisho, depending on the region and style).

It would be nice to buy an authentic old Japanese sword, made the old fashion way (like Bugei claims to do) but I don't know what the introductory price is for such an item.

Thanks for the advice!
 
DerGlockenpooper, whew. . . and I thought my name was long.

Are you saying you have undergone Japanese swordsmanship training? If you are still in training, you need to ask your sensei what your style requires. If you are to have one made, you need to know what curvature, length, back ridge, grooved/non-grooved, and color is required.

From the needs you have described, finding a sword at less than a grand will be difficult. There is a company in China called Hanwei owned by Mr. Paul Chen. They make swords that varys greatly in quality.

The standard line retails for $700. This looks good. And is strong enough for katas and will cut straw matts well. But if you want to cut seasoned bamboo, I wouldn't trust this sword. It's a nice sword for the price, but definately not one to trust your life to.

A limited edition sword by Hanwei called the Kotetsu is a good buy and can be had for about $900. This one is designed to take a beating but may be a little too heavy for certain styles. The Kotetsu is sold out, but there are some owners who are selling theirs. I would get the grooved versions to keep the weight down as much as possible. Go to swordforums.com to hunt for bargains.

Bugei's standard line is also made by Hanwei. Think Kotetsu with prettier mounts that cost a few hundred more. But you get a few choice of lengths. Again, these will be much safer to use than the cheap Hanwei swords.

In the same price range, you can get "steel iaito that cuts" from Nosyuiaido.com, less pretty blade, but superb weight, balance, and quality of fittings. My personal preference at this price range.

At $2000 you can buy fully custom swords. Bugei's custom line is one way to go. But you can find smiths on your own. IMHO, if you are a serious martial art's student, sooner or later you will have to get a custom sword. A custom sword will get you exactly what you want, which is very important.

Some sword makers make the whole sword, mountings, polish and all. Many only the blade and you then find someone else to do the rest. This requires a good deal of research. For that I highly recommend you read the magazines on Swordforum.com and ask questions in the forum.

Good luck.


[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 21 November 1999).]
 
Hello, I have been looking for a sword of similar qualities to what you describe but don't plan on hanging it on the wall. Some other people that you might consider are the following. Andre deViliers -see his web site. Very nice hand made for the 1000 dollar mark and tested for real world use. Rob Simonich- Talonite sword. Very interesting. Same price range. Newt Livesay- pure simple combat for a very reasonable price. It will not let you down. Warren Thomas-totally cool carbon fiber and titanium laminate. I haven't been able to choose which one as I will only be able to get one. Good luck in making your choices.
 
coyote
a talonite sword from rob? are there some pictures or is this a project only?
i have my thoughts that talonite would be a good material for a sword... one point is the weight, the second is shock absorbation/thoughness... but maybe i'm completely wrong...
tom what do you mean?

ps: i believe that talonite is the best material for knives anyway... my 2 cents

Ray
 
Don Fogg is the way to go. In my opinion, his Japanese style work is the best in its price range, and as good performance wise as any price range. I have one of his simple tantos, only about 6-7" but very nice, simple clean, performs well, nice temper line, very live but sturdy feeling etc...

Don is also a very good person, this is a very important but overlooked feature of the knifemaker.
 
I too like Don but as far as I know he is not taking orders. Andre is and they are both very nice and make great using blades. Rob and I have discussed the talonite sword as for now it is only a concept but I would like to take it further if I can afford it. Rob thinks it will make a great sword.
 
coyote please keep me updated about the talonite sword...
Ray
 
For the money, Paul Chen's swords are fantastic pieces of work. I have been using a Shinto Katana for cutting and it works extremely well. For an inexpensive traditional sword, it would be a good choice.

Don Fogg's blades are excellent, as are the swords of the Bugei line, but they are going to be more costly. For sword training, the Paul Chen swords would be an excellent choice.
 
I'm curious why people think talonite would be good sword material. I like talonite as a knife but the little that I know, it doesn't float my boat.

Strength is the most critical quality of a good sword. I know talonite makes a tough knife. But surely it can't beat differentially hardened carbon steel.

Second, it's heavier than steel. Swords need to be kept to 2 to 2.25 lbs.

AFAIK, talonite's real advantage is it's edgeholding and stain resistance. The latter is not a major concern and edgeholding is also not a critical issue with swords. If you're killing so many enemies your sword is getting dull faster than you can resharpen, it's time to revaluate your lifestyle.

P.S. Don Fogg is one of my favorite smiths too. But I think he's only doing smaller blades now. But there are many great swordmakers out there. Howard Clark, Randal Graham, Francis Boyd, Michael Bell, Scott Slobodian, Bill Lathman, and many more.


[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 22 November 1999).]
 
"If you're killing so many enemies your sword is getting dull faster than you can resharpen, it's time to revaluate your lifestyle."

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!
smile.gif


I was going to jump in and say that Bugei is indeed the real deal. I've been lusting one of those beauties for quite some time. That will make a nice Christmas present to myself one day. I'm not going to buy it until I'm ready to start training with it, just because I see it as the last thing I need, and may never have to buy a blade again
smile.gif


..tm
 
Bugei. These Katanas are made EXACTLY as were the swords that the samurai used, and if that ain't tuff enuff, then you need to get chris reeve to make you a custom Titanium, one piece katana! Check you their website @ www.bugei.com

Joe
 
Bugei is basically a high-end mounting on a top quality Chen. Good, but not the very best.

Go look up Howard Clark. He does a lot of "Gaijin-to" pieces (US made Japanese-type) that are very good, and you get your choice of great-looking Hamon in a so-so steel (10xx series) or you can say "screw the fancy-looking Hamon, gimme L6 tool steel!".

An L6 Clark would be one of my top choices in the $1,000 range. In the $500 range there isn't anything worth talking about...YET.

That will change.

wink.gif


Jim
 
When discussing Bugei you should know that they offer two services. One is their standard line. Which is the top end Chen swords.

Their custom swords are made with Howard Clark blades. I'm about to order one from Howard myself. Howard's blades are about $7-800, but that's just a third of the final price if you want it fully mounted and polished. If anyone is thinking about getting a Howard Clark sword. Do it before December. He is about to raise his prices (Gasp!). If you want a custom sword, you have to do the research. Not every maker will give you a sword that match the needs of your school.

None of the swords we are talking about are made exactly like the traditional swords. Those start at $6,000 and go up very quickly.

------------------
cxxxxxxxx|======================-



[This message has been edited by tallwingedgoat (edited 22 November 1999).]
 
What about Dawson's swords?? Isn't he still making swords?? If I can find his contact info I'll post it.


Blades
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top