Difficult times, hard decisions. I can not afford to keep this one. It is a shinsakuto katana that has just been finish-polished by Brandon Thell (and is still with him). It was originally in a polished state, but I wasn't satisfied with the level of finish and asked Brandon to do a finishing polish to bring out the best in the blade. Brandon also help me commission the fittings, which are suited for iaido practitioners - classic black tsuka ito on black rayskin, black saya, with sunburst tsuba. Habaki is double sleeved, copper on the inside and silver coated/plated on the outside sleeve.
I bought the katana as a bare blade from a seller more than 1.5 years ago, who told me that the katana was forged by Norishika, a Japanese swordsmith who is still making swords. However, Norishika did not sign it as swordsmiths in Japan are only allowed to make 2 katana a month, technically. I have no way of verifying the origins of this sword but have been told by the seller that it is indeed likely made of tamahagane and folded. As can be seen from the pics, this katana has a fantastic hamon, which is some sort of choji midare. Brandon has advised me that the blade is very sharp and will cut wickedly.
Brandon has breathed life into this shinsakuto. I have not had the chance to handle it personally, but I believe the pictures tell all (pictures by Brandon).
Note: Brandon Thell is one of the top traditional polishers in US, who does it the traditional way...stones, stones and stones. His work is considered top notch and on par with top Japanese polishers.
Generally, shinsakuto would cost upwards of $6000 but I have priced this katana very attractively to move it quickly as I need the funds immediately. As comparison, a monosteel katana by a top US smith, say, Rick Barrett will cost you $4000 polished without any fittings. This is a shinsakuto forged in Japan, folded and likely of tamahagane (as is traditionally in Japan).
Asking for $xxxsoldxxx shipped to you, paypal fee included. (note: the katana is in CONUS with Brandon right now. International shipping will cost more).
I bought the katana as a bare blade from a seller more than 1.5 years ago, who told me that the katana was forged by Norishika, a Japanese swordsmith who is still making swords. However, Norishika did not sign it as swordsmiths in Japan are only allowed to make 2 katana a month, technically. I have no way of verifying the origins of this sword but have been told by the seller that it is indeed likely made of tamahagane and folded. As can be seen from the pics, this katana has a fantastic hamon, which is some sort of choji midare. Brandon has advised me that the blade is very sharp and will cut wickedly.
Brandon has breathed life into this shinsakuto. I have not had the chance to handle it personally, but I believe the pictures tell all (pictures by Brandon).
Note: Brandon Thell is one of the top traditional polishers in US, who does it the traditional way...stones, stones and stones. His work is considered top notch and on par with top Japanese polishers.
Generally, shinsakuto would cost upwards of $6000 but I have priced this katana very attractively to move it quickly as I need the funds immediately. As comparison, a monosteel katana by a top US smith, say, Rick Barrett will cost you $4000 polished without any fittings. This is a shinsakuto forged in Japan, folded and likely of tamahagane (as is traditionally in Japan).
Asking for $xxxsoldxxx shipped to you, paypal fee included. (note: the katana is in CONUS with Brandon right now. International shipping will cost more).
