Saving money on a new sword

Bandit

Bandit

Joined
Jan 10, 2000
Messages
283
I am interested in purchasing a durable wakizashi. The problem is, I don't have a great deal of money to throw around. I am hoping to find a good sword blank. I have access to a grinder and I can make a handle. I can even make a sheath, though it will require a bit more learning to do properly. I am looking for any advice on where to purchase the blade and other materials to make my sword. I am looking for functon over form and therefore the sword does not need to be in the strictist japanese style. Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated.
 
I'm certainly all for trying to make your own sword, but if you just want a wak and this is a one off deal you could do worse then this one.
Wakizashi.jpg
It is Kris Cutlery's wak and it sells for 95 dollars. I think that by the time you buy the blank and the handle material, and the griding supplies and you make the fittings and saya out of something you will be out more then 95 dollars.
 
What kind of tang does the Kris Cutlery waks have? I really need something that can take some abuse. I will be using this for doing some outside cutting. And, how tough is the handle? Thanks
 
The KC swords have a reputation for toughness. I've never heard of one coming apart. Exactly how tough do you need a short sword to be? Planning on hacking engine blocks or felling trees? You won't find a cheaper useable sword than the KC's. If you're looking to spend more the choices open up.
 
Can you define outside cutting for me? If you are talking about wara mats or such then the KC should do fine. If we are talking about brush clearing maybe a machete would be a good idea? As Loki mentioned KC has a reputation for toughness although I have heard of a few lemons of late.
 
I'm a little concerned about the concept of "outdoor cutting" myself.

Swords are not intended to be used as machetes and even the finest blade can quickly be ruined by the sort of use that a machete is made for.

Just as you should never use a fine pocket knife's main blade for a prybar or screwdriver, don't use a sword for something it's not intended for either.

Remember, proper tool for the proper job!
:)
 
If you are looking for a low budget banger, go with the Blackwind swords by Ontario.
For a wak, get the (misnamed) katana. It has a 20" blade and a cord wrapped handle. Since you are planning on doing some work yourself, you could take off the cord wrap and drill and add some scales. I did this with mine and it turned out great. You could also add a tsuba. They can be found for around $80. If you are wanting something to do some bushwhacking with get the Ontario Blackwind Bengal. Same as above but with a 20" bolo shaped blade. Again, you could fix up the handle.
The KC stuff is really good for the money. Criswell makes a good hard core wak for a couple hundred.
Mineral Mountain has some great bushwhackers for "outdoor cutting" as well as some short swords. Good prices, too.

Peace-
Cam
 
Orion, I've been thinking of getting one
also to use as a Wakizashi or maybe
just a short brush cutter.
Have you ever cut anything with it?
Did weight and balance seem ok after you
attached handles?
Has anyone ever used the shorter
Ontario Blackwind Wakizashi?
 
Triton-
Actually, I'm not in Alabama anymore. I moved to Griffin, GA about 3 months ago. I lived in Alabama all my life, though, and all my family is still there. I am from a small town called Valley/Lanett about 30 miles north of Auburn. It's right on the GA line next to a small town called West Point. Guess I need to change my profile.... :)

Scotjute-
I love both my Blackwind swords. I have the Katana and the Bengal. I have modified the handles of both. The balance is really nice and the steel is standard Ontario 1095 (I am pretty sure). Nice sheaths, also. For the money, it's a no-brainer. I have never handled a BW wakizashi, though the BW katana fits more into the wak range (20" blade). For a brush cutter I would recommend the Bengal or even the Becker Patrol Machete. The hardest thing about putting scales on the Blackwinds is drilling the holes. That 1095 is some TUFF stuff!!!!!! For some hard core bush whacking go to

http://www.plan-a.org/mmhw/swords.htm

and check out the Cane Cutter and the Ozark Brush Hog. The shasqua is a very nice short sword, also.

Peace-
Cam
 
Perhaps I should define my statement about "outdoor cutting" a little bit. What I meant is the chopping of wara mats and thin bamboo stalks. I called this outside cutting due to the fact that it is forbidden to cut anything in the dojo I practice at with a live blade. For this sort of thing we go outside. I'm so used to thinking of it that way it came out a bit unclear. Sorry about the confusion. The reason I am looking for a good tough wakizashi cheap is so that I can get/make a couple. One for outside practice and one for forms, and have them still handle the same. I figure this beats buying one nice sword and one POS.
 
I don't think Kris cutlery is making/selling the $95 wakizashi anymore. Last I heard they were upgrading to a more traditional looking katana and wakizashi. I would give them a call and see when the new stuff will be in.
 
I couldn't say for sure, the pic I posted is still up with the advertisement on their website though. The traditional stuff was supposed to come out last summer and the last I heard supposedly was going to come out sometime next year.
 
This is all heresay, but a friend of mine at work said he called them last month and they're not selling any wak's right now. Apparently they're revamping their price structure due to price changes in the Philippines. Maybe this has to do with the introduction of the traditional furniture, too.

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