I decided to post this here rather then the sword forum since it has a lot to do with steel and company info rather then just sword design.
I am looking to buy a Katana or a Samurai sword. The wooden replicas just don't cut it anymore. Now here are my questions, as I am quite new to blade discussion, although its been a part of my interest for a long time.
I am a tall guy and would like a longer then usual sword. The longest I found so far is a Red Dragon or Silver Dragon at 28 and a quarter inch blade. That could be enuff, but is there any longer blades out there? Also, more importantly, how am I going to go about finding a usable sword that is very strong and can be used in malee practice? I am not interested in the sword looking pretty, although that is a bonus, but I need it to be extremely sharp and strong.. I hear a lot about 420 J2 and 440 stainless, but now that I've read a few messages here, I hear there is all kinds of things I should look into, any info would be appreciated.
Furthermore, I prefer straight swords rather then curved, but still oriental design. I saw one called the Black Dragon (this is probably the United blade name, so it might not mean anything to you) which is a straight blade but it is 4 inches shorter then the red dragon that I talked about earlier.
I would appreciate any help you can offer regarding companies that make swords, or smithys online (or locally if you know of any in Southern Ontario (GTA)) and on my above questions. Thank You.
Chris
trypt2000@yahoo.com
I am looking to buy a Katana or a Samurai sword. The wooden replicas just don't cut it anymore. Now here are my questions, as I am quite new to blade discussion, although its been a part of my interest for a long time.
I am a tall guy and would like a longer then usual sword. The longest I found so far is a Red Dragon or Silver Dragon at 28 and a quarter inch blade. That could be enuff, but is there any longer blades out there? Also, more importantly, how am I going to go about finding a usable sword that is very strong and can be used in malee practice? I am not interested in the sword looking pretty, although that is a bonus, but I need it to be extremely sharp and strong.. I hear a lot about 420 J2 and 440 stainless, but now that I've read a few messages here, I hear there is all kinds of things I should look into, any info would be appreciated.
Furthermore, I prefer straight swords rather then curved, but still oriental design. I saw one called the Black Dragon (this is probably the United blade name, so it might not mean anything to you) which is a straight blade but it is 4 inches shorter then the red dragon that I talked about earlier.
I would appreciate any help you can offer regarding companies that make swords, or smithys online (or locally if you know of any in Southern Ontario (GTA)) and on my above questions. Thank You.
Chris
trypt2000@yahoo.com