O.T. slightly bent sword (katana)

ferguson

ferguson

Joined
Feb 21, 2001
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Danny in Japan or others with sword knowledge.

I just received a used Hanwei Wind & Thunder katana. It has a slight bow in it, maybe 3/16" to 1/4 of an inch. Would this be safe to cut with? Would the presence of a slight bend make it more likely to bend? I'm new to Japanese swords so I don't know if this is acceptable or not.

Thanks,

Steve Ferguson
 
I would say, if you plan on doing tameshigiri, that a 1/4 inch bow is nothing you should worry about.
Safety for you will come from safe cutting procedures being followed that would apply to any sword.
The bow is not going to make it any more or less dangerous if you follow the safety procedures.
Personally, Id forget about the bow altogether. Repair would probably cost more than the blade did originally and stress the metal in ways that could become dangerous, but if it really bothers you, vise the blade between two pieces of wood, use a lever and get some safe distance. Bend it the opposite direction a little at a time and check it often. Go slow. Be safe.
 
Hmmmmmm...

Before talking about it being alright to cut with and safety, which of course is of paramount importance, what are you doing recieveing a bent sword in the 1st place?

If it arrived new as such, you should have at least inquired as to why you recieved a bent blade instead of a straight, unbent one?

Unless of course you got it second hand, which in that case, feel free to ignore me! :footinmou :rolleyes: :footinmou
 
Thanks for all of the replies and suggestions. The sword was slightly used and is perfect otherwise. I really think it came from Hanwei in this condition. I trust the girl that I bought it from, that she didn't know about the bend. In casual handling it is not noticable. This is a very stout katana. I paid less than half of the lowest price I've seen them sell for. It's worth that just as a wall-hanger, but I can't abide a blade that can't be used. That's why I asked the question. The general consensus here seems to be that it's usable.

When I worked in a machine shop I used to straighten shafts that were used on textile machines. We could usually get them +-.001". I might make a jig and use a dial indicator to see what I can do with this sword. Or I might follow Bruise's suggestion. :D

Steve
 
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