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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2007 13:02:41 GMT
Is there a Masahiro Wakizashi? I couldn't find one, searching with Google.
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Post by sol on Apr 16, 2007 6:17:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2007 15:21:09 GMT
I just saw a thread on SFI, where someone said they will be introducing one soon.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2007 16:13:27 GMT
I did talk to razorsharpkatana / the other eBay seller, and they said they'd be introducing a Masahiro Bamboo Wakizashi, as well as restocking the Katana this summer...
Here's the message, though he said next month, I doubt it.
"I'm afraid Bamboo katana cannot be available until the middle of next month. haha! So your friend recommended us to you ;-) Thanks. We will also list Bamboo wakizashi next month. Welcome to bid on our items then!"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2007 19:19:04 GMT
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Post by sol on Apr 17, 2007 5:56:40 GMT
Thats interesting. The Master Cutlery catalog doesn't list any of the LU series swords. This wakizashi being an LU series. I thought Master Cutlery was supposed to be the distributor (it was my understanding that they had Masahiro and Ryumon made for them and everyone else who sold Masahiro and Ryumon swords got them through Master Cutlery) that sold all Masahiro and Ryumon swords to every retailer. Unless the Lu series swords have been discontinued and are no longer listed in the Master Cutlery catalog I can't see them being the only distributor for Masahiro swords. Sol
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Post by sol on Apr 17, 2007 6:12:09 GMT
Of course the "Masahiro Bamboo" isn't a Masahiro sword at all. It is made by the Zhejiang Jinlong Cutlery & Sword Company Ltd.. It is just being sold (by eBay retailers razorsharpkatana (model #228)and handmadesword (model #K73)) in a Masahiro storage tube. It's actual part number is JL-815.
This a problem with these low end swords. Other than Musashi Swords (their swords always seem to have the same part numbers on the box at least) the forges seem to sell their swords to anyone, who in turn give them any make, model and part number they want.
This makes it hard at times to know exactly what you are getting. It allows the sellers of these swords to easily misrepresent what they are selling as swords of much higher quality and value and in turn charge more for them than their worth (if you look on the internet every now and then someone is selling these swords for way to much money).
It would be like Chevrolet making cars and then allowing dealers to sell them under any make and model they want.
Instead of a Chevy Camaro, if I were selling them, I could call it a Solar Rocket. I could then mislead buyers into thinking they were getting a car that was similar in performance and value as a Ferrari (and charge a similar price) when all they really had was a Chevy Camaro.
To me this isn't a good business practice. It's like the forges or retailers are trying to hide something for the consumer. Like their trying to fool you into believing your getting a better product than you really are.
When you buy a Paul Chen sword, no matter who is selling them, the name and part number is always the same. Which makes a lot of sense since his products have a well deserved reputation and that is a good selling point.
While I like some of these swords a lot, the "masahiro Bamboo" for example, I don't like all the mystery and deception surrounding them.
I think one of the first things the manufacturers of these low end swords needs to do is to start giving their products definite names and part numbers. It would give them more creditability and give consumers more faith in their products.
Sol
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2007 11:26:00 GMT
Well said Sol, I Exalt thee...
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Post by sol on Apr 18, 2007 1:43:20 GMT
Thank you BlackCat.
Sol
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2007 0:22:11 GMT
true enough. Both handmadesword and razorsharpkatana sell the same models with different number references. their stock is almost identical save a few differences
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2007 0:26:38 GMT
I've ordered from both sellers, and the reciepts both came from SunPoint USA, or SunPoint Marketing, or something like that, so I'm assuming they both use the same distributor (SunPoint). Yes, the swords are the same. Thanks again to Sol for his investigative work in this case.
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Post by sol on Apr 19, 2007 1:07:45 GMT
And thanks to Kriegschwert and all the other forum members who are also trying to figure this out.
I'm looking forward to seeing the "Masahiro Bamboo" wakizashi and hope it's as nice a sword as the "Masahiro Bamboo" katana.
All we need now is the "Masahiro Bamboo" tanto ;D.
Sol
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Post by sol on Apr 21, 2007 8:56:50 GMT
It looks like the "Masahiro Bamboo" may be back. I say maybe because it appears that it is being sold under the Furubushidoo brand now. eBay seller handmadesword has it and the anticipated wakizashi for sale. Here are the links: katana cgi.ebay.com/Hand-Forged-Bamboo-Japanese-Daito-Katana-Sword-207-L_W0QQitemZ280106283560QQihZ018QQcategoryZ433wakizashi cgi.ebay.com/Hand-Forged-Bamboo-Japanese-Daito-Wakizashi-Sword-207-M_W0QQitemZ280106150521QQihZ018QQcategoryZkatana & wakizashi set cgi.ebay.com/Bamboo-Japanese-Daito-Katana-Wakizashi-set-Sword-207C_W0QQitemZ280106090220QQihZ018QQcategoryZ43Since I haven't bought the new release of the sword I can't be sure this is the same sword. Looking at the pictures it appears to be the same, however I would confirm this with the seller to be sure. If someone (who already owns the previously released "Masahiro Bamboo") on the SBG forum buys one of these please let us know if it is the same sword. If this is the "Masahiro Bamboo" it has been upgraded with a nicer storage box, maintenance kit, stand and now comes with a certificate. The price has also gone up to $79.99 (starting bid, usually can be won for this price). Given the quality of the "Masahiro Bamboo" I would say this is still a very good price. The wakizashi comes with a nice storage box and certificate only and sells for $59.00 (starting bid). The price on the katana & wakizashi set is only $99.00 (starting bid, usually can be won for this price) which considering all you get (everything both swords come with individually) would be a better deal than the old price. At this time it eBay seller razorsharpkatana doesn't seem to be selling it. Sol
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2007 10:44:14 GMT
I wonder if I can settle a deal with a US Citizen, because shipping costs to Europe are 80 dollars, which is juts ridiculous.
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Post by sol on Apr 23, 2007 17:42:36 GMT
I contacted eBay seller handmadesword and asked if this is the "Masahiro Bamboo".
Here is his reply:
"Hi, Thanks for contacing us again! Thanks for all your business before! About your question, pls be informed it is the same sword with #k73 but made by different manufacturer,but all our handmade swords are made by experienced swordsmiths. Pls just trust on the quality of our swords. Pls don't lose the rare chance to collect it. Just feel free to let us know if any question. Thanks!"
Note #K73 is the old part number for the "Masahiro Bamboo".
Sol
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Post by sol on Apr 24, 2007 3:36:39 GMT
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