Synthetic material katana fittings?

[B. Anderson]

I have this t10 steel katana blade. I was interesed in having some fittings made up for it using either g10 or carbon fiber, including tsuba. Is there any reason that this wouldn't work?

Secondly, does anyone know of a maker that would be up to this task? I like the 'cyber-katana' idea alot. Figure I can wear it around the mall or something...because you never know when you're going to be assailed by ninjas.

Serious question though.

 

[Kohai999]

I have this t10 steel katana blade. I was interesed in having some fittings made up for it using either g10 or carbon fiber, including tsuba. Is there any reason that this wouldn't work?

Secondly, does anyone know of a maker that would be up to this task? I like the 'cyber-katana' idea alot.

Weight would be a factor....the tsuka counterbalances the blade, and if the handle fittings are not weighted correctly, the sword will be grossly out of balance.

William Nease would probably help you out:

http://www.unsubtleblades.com/swords.html

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[gregorio]

I would agree the balance would probably to tip heavy. You can always post in the exchange under services wanted to find someone.

 

[wnease]

Both Dan Keffeler and I have posted modern katana here in this forum, just scroll back a few pages they should be there. Dan seems to do traditionally shaped fittings (and quite well) with difficult to work material, I do a modern interpretation according to what I feel like playing with (and btw currently don't take orders but can help with some tips on fabrication)

Both the above posts are significant regarding mass distribution. I found skipping a steel guard (or brass or copper which are even denser) really changes the character of a sword regardless of the balance point. Mass centralization is important for agile handling, though I think a sword meant for competition cutting (deep cutting not #cuts per minute) can use a higher polar moment of inertia

 

[falar]

Both Dan Keffeler and I have posted modern katana here in this forum, just scroll back a few pages they should be there. Dan seems to do traditionally shaped fittings (and quite well) with difficult to work material, I do a modern interpretation according to what I feel like playing with (and btw currently don't take orders but can help with some tips on fabrication)

Both the above posts are significant regarding mass distribution. I found skipping a steel guard (or brass or copper which are even denser) really changes the character of a sword regardless of the balance point. Mass centralization is important for agile handling, though I think a sword meant for competition cutting (deep cutting not #cuts per minute) can use a higher polar moment of inertia

Cool idea, I've wanted to see a "modern" Katana for a while.

I've even thought about what would go into making one.

made by stock removal
Some sort of modern uber-steel differentially heat treated
traditional Katana blade geometry and shape, plenty of niku. This is basically all that would make it a "katana"
1-piece construction. nagasa, tsuba, nakago
"grips" would be bolt on or a wrap of some sort

I think it would be a hell of a cutter and very strong. Would need a decent CNC machine and programmer.