Real swords

BlackKnight86 said:
Are you a traditionalist? Or would you be more interested in a modern interpretation? And if so, what kind of lines?

I have the Apokatana from Zombie Tools; and I love it. It is, however, very much a modern interpretation.

So what appeals to you? Is it the basic blade style; or do you like the historical aspect as well?
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Hmm, I like both aspects. Totally in love with the straight yet beautiful blade style but I am also found of the historical aspects. I have always found the Samurai and ancient Japan in general extremely fascinating. Just googled some pictures of Apokatana from Zombie Tools and like it quite a bit. Still I would prefer a more traditional approach... No clue what I would have to pay, however...
 
Eric R. said:
Hmm, I like both aspects. Totally in love with the straight yet beautiful blade style but I am also found of the historical aspects. I have always found the Samurai and ancient Japan in general extremely fascinating. Just googled some pictures of Apokatana from Zombie Tools and like it quite a bit. Still I would prefer a more traditional approach... No clue what I would have to pay, however...
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Take a look at these guys:

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/

Especially here:

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/authentic-japanese-swords.html

Some of the most reliable entry level authentic Japanese swords are the 'Practical' and 'Performance' range by Paul Chen's Hanwei Forge and the 'Kaze' Katana by Cheness Cutlery - plus my own range of authentic Japanese swords, the SBG exclusive custom Katana series, designed to address my own needs and requirements for entry to mid level Martial arts grade blades...
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Katanas would be a good place to exercise "buyer beware", particularly because popularity breeds mass production; and you don't know how a hidden tang is attached. But in my experience, and from others', one of the two companies he mentioned above - Hanwei - usually results in a decent entry level sword, if you pick the right model. You're looking at $500 plus or minus $150...rough guess.
 
Storm Crow makes great stuff. I definitely wouldn't mind something from him. I do like Hanwei, and I have one of their Practical Dao's. It's a very nice blade for the 90 dollars it cost me. I could see it costing a lot more, honestly.

I'd expect something really decent to cost you at least 300-500, and for a full length sword, probably closer to a grand.

There are some good starter blades for much cheaper, however. Kris Cutlery and Hanwei are two that I personally would recommend for several of their cheaper blades. I still want a Kris celtic sword.
 
I wonder how hard it would be to Re Handle the Hanwei Banshee. I like the blade a lot, but not so much on the handle, and the built in button lock on the sheath and handle.
 
Silverthorn said:
I wonder how hard it would be to Re Handle the Hanwei Banshee. I like the blade a lot, but not so much on the handle, and the built in button lock on the sheath and handle.
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It would probably be cheaper to buy a Zombie Tools blade than a banshee plus a re-handle job.

Of course, i'd prefer to have CF make me a blade from 5160 to my specs, but that's just me. I also have strong preference for blades with a katana-like profile.
 
BePrepared said:
It would probably be cheaper to buy a Zombie Tools blade than a banshee plus a re-handle job.

Of course, i'd prefer to have CF make me a blade from 5160 to my specs, but that's just me. I also have strong preference for blades with a katana-like profile.
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I agree. If you're going to go that far, spend the money on a good smith. CF can do that for you easily....probably for less overall.
 
BePrepared said:
It would probably be cheaper to buy a Zombie Tools blade than a banshee plus a re-handle job.
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And then be prepared to wait

OUR ORDER BACKLOG IS NOW 15 WEEKS!
All Zombie Tools blades are made-as-ordered, and, due to your overwhelming awesomeness and support, our blade turnaround time is now 15 weeks from time of order. Yeah, we know, it's getting a little ridiculous, but we're working like mad and hope to turn the corner and start reducing the wait time over the next two months. Thanks for your patience and understanding!
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As far as the Banshee goes, it is a slim light blade not meant for much cutting beyond well done cuts on bottles and mats. The button latch is known to wear out quickly.

Cheers

GC
 
I dunno; I'd have to look at a Banshee and see what all it would take to do a rehandle. That's probably not a bad option, especially if you decide to learn how to do it for yourself.

For my cheaper options (involving 5160, for instance), I'm now limited to 22" OAL. As a consequence, I've shifted materials to CPM 3V, but that's a much more expensive steel, so my work won't be as affordable as it was in the past. I like to think I'll still be pretty affordable, all things considered, but a rehandle might be a good option, depending on who you go to.
 
horseclover said:
And then be prepared to wait
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Four months is not unheard of, depending upon the smith. Nor, for that matter, is it overly long for what you're getting. And they inform you upfront....so if you have to march off tomorrow to join the king in retaking the holy land from the bloodthirsty Saracens and need your sword right away, you know that you'll have to order from somewhere else.

Try BudK....they have items in stock.
 
Nice, looks like a fun little project. Rehandling that shouldn't be too bad, depending on what you're looking to do.
 
Cheers, guys, for hooking me up with the links to the various sites and information on prices. On the upcoming weekend, I will do my research and maybe order a blade :)
 
BlackKnight86 said:
Four months is not unheard of, depending upon the smith. Nor, for that matter, is it overly long for what you're getting. And they inform you upfront....so if you have to march off tomorrow to join the king in retaking the holy land from the bloodthirsty Saracens and need your sword right away, you know that you'll have to order from somewhere else.

Try BudK....they have items in stock.
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Bud K has had a few laser pointing thingies that might interest me but that is about it. Believe it or not, I am quite familiar with waiting. Four years and more is not unheard of. I'd as soon though prey on the second hand market for what I am truly interested in.

What I will never wait for is the items from Zombie Tools but hey, some like them and I am in no way telling anyone not to wait for one. Or for anything else for that matter. It was a pretty simple statement.

Cheers

GC
 
GC, Its been a long time since I posted on this, but I greatly appreciate the input and links.
Everyone else too. Its nice to see I am not alone in my tastes. I have a Banshee inbound. Its been well reviewed, and I know a few people who had nice things to say about it. Judging by the pics GC posted, its not going to be hard to have re handled at all.
Realistically, it will still come in cheaper than a custom made, and Hanwei makes good steel. Maybe a few more bonus checks and I will get one custom made. The nice thing is that I will have something very close to what I want done, for the maker to model it from.

Thanks again guys, you really were a big help.
 
You guys got me browsing all these websites looking at cool swords. I was considering spending a bit on zero tolerance folders but why bother when I can get something 10x bigger even if it is a little less usable :)

I've always wanted something like a samurai blade with lots of art to it. Not a useless wall hanger but something both strongbuilt and functional. What do you guys think would fit that bill?
http://sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/9260.html
http://sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/ronin.html these are all sold out, must be good ones.

This line looks pretty cool but I'm just a beginner here and have no clue where to start :) I'll keep browsing links for now. :)
 
ralphjuden said:
You guys got me browsing all these websites looking at cool swords. I was considering spending a bit on zero tolerance folders but why bother when I can get something 10x bigger even if it is a little less usable :)

I've always wanted something like a samurai blade with lots of art to it. Not a useless wall hanger but something both strongbuilt and functional. What do you guys think would fit that bill?
http://sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/9260.html
http://sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/ronin.html these are all sold out, must be good ones.

This line looks pretty cool but I'm just a beginner here and have no clue where to start :) I'll keep browsing links for now. :)
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How about this?

http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SS816&name=Musashi+Damascus+Feudal+Daimyo+Katana

http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=RY3200&name=Ryumon+Hand+Painted+Dragon+Katana
 
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