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Post by Adrian Jordan on Mar 9, 2011 9:01:02 GMT
Hello. I've been doing some searching and have discovered that Kris Cutlery does layaway. Have any of you dealt with them? What is your opinion of them if you have. If layaway is an option, then I will be getting one. The 28 is what I have my eye on. I would love to have a folded blade with nice grain, but have not gotten one as I have read about the dangers of them when done by lower tier forges. It is also said to be relatively sturdy and able to do light tameshigiri. Kult of Athena has the Yagyu model (not sure of its numerical tag) listed as back ordered, but I really like the 28. If all goes well, in a few months I'll have it paid off and in my hands. Any info on the swords and/or company will be greatly appreciated. This will be predominantly a display piece, but it will defiantly see some action i.e. milk jugs and pool noodles. I have been checking this forum several times daily to see new posts and responses, and you guys and gals really are a help to people like me. Thanks.
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Post by wnydel on Mar 9, 2011 14:23:57 GMT
Thanks for the heads up on the layaway. I recently bought several swords, but my sword buying funds will soon be exhausted for awhile. The layaway would work great for me.
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Post by 14thforsaken on Mar 9, 2011 14:30:42 GMT
I believe that the KC Yagyu is now discontinued. I have one and it is a very nice blade. It is hard to find a blade that is folded and differentially hardened at that price point. I'd send them an email and see if they have any left.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Mar 9, 2011 15:02:27 GMT
I'd figured as much for the Yagyu. I'm not sure what its title is, but there is another that is very nice. It has a folded blade and grain that really looks great. It's expensive, but that is why I am so jazzed about the layaway. I get paid next on the first of April and can put a down payment on one and be on my way to owning a sweet sword out of my price range in a few short months. Too bad Kult of Athena, SBG and Swordnarmory don't do it, I'd be set for life!
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Post by frankthebunny on Mar 9, 2011 15:47:19 GMT
I have purchased many swords and other products from Kris Cutlery over the years and this is one company I can say without a doubt in my mind, is at the very top of the list when it comes to great products and stellar customer service.
I have a bunch of swords made from the 5160 steel that are produced in their Philippines forge and I have not yet found blades that I like better than these. even though I have not personally handled any of their folded steel swords which are apparently made in a Chinese forge I would say that I wouldn't be worried because if there ever was an issue with them, I'm sure Cecil and Co. would do their very best to make it right.
for those looking for an outstanding and very unique katana blade I would highly recommend any of their 5160 series swords. those who also want a more traditional looking sword would probably be happier with the newer series of which the 28" is a part of. while the 5160's are very plain looking they are top quality and are fairly easy to customize yourself if you're handy.
because I have been so impressed with the service I've received from KC I would not hesitate to take a chance on a newer product of theirs. knowing how passionate they are about quality swords, I seriously doubt they would sell anything below their high standards.
you should give them a call if you can as they are always happy to answer any questions you might have and really know their products well. plus, it's always an interesting and enlightening experience chatting with Cecil
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Mar 10, 2011 5:00:09 GMT
I read a review posted that the sub-wrap on the tsuka for the 29III is not samegawa but a "gauze-like" material. Does anybody know why? It is such an attractive sword and would be the one I got if the 28 is not available when I order. I may even get it later if all goes well with the first order.
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Post by frankthebunny on Mar 10, 2011 20:28:18 GMT
it probably has a lot to do with keeping the cost down but the lack of samegawa does not affect the performance at all on these swords. it is the same fabric found on the 26a,II,III and 29a,II,III and wakizashi.
in my opinion, the addition of samegawa panels on the 28" does not make that sword any better.
in general, all of the fittings on the folded blade katana are cheap Chinese throw away parts and would most likely be switched out later anyway. honestly, the only swords that are really special are the 5160's
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Mar 10, 2011 21:38:54 GMT
Thanks. I've been really looking at the swords and as much as I like the idea of having a folded blade, the overall look and finish of the 29III is starting to grow on me. I like the 29A a little better, but the blue ito is not available anymore, or at least for the time being and I'd like something a little different than the usual black-over-white theme. If the wrap doesn't compromise its ability to perform, then no samegawa isn't that big of a deal. I've also begun to notice the better quality of the parts used for the 5160's. The partial groove is the only thing that turns me off at all. It doesn't seem to have any real purpose. I also like the deeper sori that the 29's and 26 have over the 28. frankthebunny, I've heard that you do some customization work, if it's something you do then how much would it cost to have you do a black samegawa wrap and put the original ito back on?
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Post by frankthebunny on Mar 10, 2011 22:13:37 GMT
the 4" groove has some traditional/historical meaning, I just can't remember it right now. the difference in sori is because these are completely different swords made by different forges, again another feature that represents the attraction to the 5160 series. a lot of other manufacturers offer different lines of swords made by the same forge but I consider the 5160's designed and made by KC and the other swords are kind of like he just sells someone else's stuff through his site. they stand by everything they sell if there are issues but the only katana I consider a real KC are the a's, II's and III's
I'd be happy to discuss a project for you via PM but just so you know, ito can rarely be re-used without shortening the tsuka.
it's not that the condition is a problem it's that when doing a wrap you need to have extra length to finish the end knots properly. I do have some extra ito in various colors/materials so we can talk about that.
decent samegawa usually goes for about $50 to over a hundred a piece at most reputable dealers.
you can see some of my work by clicking the link button under my avatar
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Mar 11, 2011 2:14:49 GMT
It'll probably be a while, as I don't see even actually owning the sword for 3 or 4 months, but I'll get a hold of you when I'm ready to start. Thanks for all the info. I hadn't even considered the Kris line as an option before I saw you extolling its virtues and really looked at them.
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Post by frankthebunny on Mar 11, 2011 3:22:53 GMT
hehe, I do love them and just so everyone knows, I don't receive anything from them for talking up their products. just happy when others discover for themselves how great they are
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Mar 11, 2011 7:37:41 GMT
It states that the 5160 blades have a straight, faint hamon, but I cannot see it in the pictures. How do they look in actuality? I love the look of hamon, and I would love it if they did have one, but it is not necessary. Also, how are the saya finished? I like the look of the natural wood, but I can also see myself trying to put a new finish on it. Also, I took a look at your page and have to say that your projects look outstanding. That brown on black Dragonfly tsuka is super cool, and I love that rainfall pattern on the brass habaki. Is the upper portion on the light colored Bamboo Mat a wood or leather wrap? After I get the sword, probably sometime in June, I would love to get a hold of you for some improvements. Top flight work, my man.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Apr 25, 2011 23:42:21 GMT
Damn. I sent an email and it was said that the 26 models will be out of stock until approximately October( I'm 5'4'' and would love a shorter blade!). I'll be getting one, but damn, October. Also, I was wondering about the partial bo-hi, and I had read quite a few others asking the same question. I asked and was told that it is for weight reduction and aesthetics. It was a great reply and I can't wait to do business with them.
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ghost
Member
Posts: 1,331
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Post by ghost on Apr 26, 2011 0:07:20 GMT
lol, I couldn't even see the hamon on my KC until I etched it. (I have the KC29III) Saya is some sort of soft wood. Easy to customize - it seems to have a very thin layer of lacquer on it. The partial bo-hi does not bother me at all meaning I don't even notice it's there. I actually really like it. I have a KC Yagyu that I picked up from Kristie. Waaaaaaaaay light - lightest of all my katanas; Rayskin is meh ---- loose-loose silk ito wrap. The folding is very beautiful though and same w/ the iron fittings. KC sent me my kat in 2 days...they're located near SF. Lucky for us californians  |
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Apr 26, 2011 0:17:56 GMT
Nice. Long live California!
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Herron's Flight by Brendan of Fable Blades
