Howard Clark L6 katana - Kusanagi
Apr 13, 2011 5:57:43 GMT
Post by marki on Apr 13, 2011 5:57:43 GMT
Introduction
Growing up in a world of Hollywood and anime sword fights one can't help but dream of having an indestructible sword of awesomeness for the impending zombie apocalypse!
After reading a destruction test to a blade made from the legendary L6 steel by Howard Clark I knew I have found 'the one'
Blade - Howard Clark L6 Bainite
Fitting - Fred Lohman hondachi fittings
The project started around early 2010 when I made an order with some 'peculiar' specifications. Generally speaking, bainite swords tend to be made lighter due it's superior strength to weight ratio. But the more steel that's on a blade, the stronger it gets right? So why not make the thickest, widest sword out of the most durable steel available, makes sense to me!
Here's the stats I requested:
31 inch nagasa
11 inch nakago
1 inch sori
1.5 inch mihaba
.33 inch kasane
weight - 1367grams
o-kissaki - 7.2cm
P.O.B - 17cm
Christine, Howard and Fred has all been extremely patient and accommodating with my constant pokes during the whole process, their support made the long wait almost bearable, almost
Historical overview
The sword made was a marvel of modern technology and metallurgy, a testament to the ever improving sword-making skills of man.
As such, historical aspects sword was not the focus of this sword, it's probably still there.
Initial Impressions
The sword arrived in a massive, heavily armored paper box, it sure took some work to open!
The katana came in a maroon sword bag, encased in thick, soft styrofoam - pretty nice if I say so myself
The Blade/Nagasa
Elegant, is the first word that popped into my head as I unsheathed the blade. Streamlined and deadly, the blade meant *srs* business.
And serious it was, confirmed later via paper cutting test, and I thought my Korean Jingum was sharp!
The Handle/Tsuka
The detail on the hondachi fittings are phenomenal! Shiny silver is shiny...mmm shinnies
The Guard/Tsuba
The black metal tsuba provides a sharp contrast to the otherwise silvery blade, again the details are outstanding. The lines are cut deeply into the tsuba and feels very solid to the hand.
However, there looks like a tiny crack in the front of the blade holding mechanism (habaki)
This is definitely a massive, heavy, powerful sword, here it is next to a heavy L6 jingum, semi custom from MAS
Here is both next to a 47 inch, 35lb monster - Frostmourne, Blade of the Lich King
Here's Kusanagi, playing with some of it's new friends!
From left to right -
Kusanagi - Howard Clark L6 bainite custom
Ashbringer, Blade of the Scarlet Highlord - MAS custom jingum
Frostmourne - Replica blade of the Lich King
Apolyon, the Soul Render - Del Tin German Zweihander (Heavily used to chopped wood, 2x4s, gates, crates, wooden walls)
Zanmato - Hanwei Odachi
Handling Characteristics
Despite the weight and POB of the sword, it handles like exactly like a high end sports car. Surprisingly light in the hand, the blade is lively and responds well. However, the power and force of the blade is undeniable as I chopped through 4 concrete blocks stacked on top of each other!
Before the death threats come, I'd like to point out that it was a joke!!! Do you really think I'd go nuts on a blade I've waited over 1 year to see?!
Conclusions
Kusanagi was all that I dreamed the katana to be and more. With the minor exception of the crack on the habaki which isn't a huge deal.
Despite the substantial cost of this project (~7K AUD), I am really happy with the product as a whole and would recommend this to anyone who wants a heirloom artifact and something that will last for ages to come.
No swords were harmed during the making of this review.
Pros
- perfect, beautiful fittings
- heavy, just as I prefer, yet handles like a much lighter blade
- absolutely stunning blade, nothing to nitpick
- extremely sharp, good enough to shave with!
Cons
- tiny crack on habaki
- long wait time, patience is a virtue
- price is certainly fair for the quality of work. But damn does it hurt the wallet!
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this to a friend, the value for money on this sword is high. It WILL go with you to hell and back. (Dante would kill to have this as his starting weapon)
I would recommend this to anyone who would like a different katana that stands out from the crowd.
As Howard will try to facilitate any request within reasonable means (no 2 inch thick, 10 inch wide buster blade), you can customize the entire project, which is really rare to see!
If you have the patience, funding a Howard Clark custom is for you!
Thanks for reading
P.S. If the pictures don't show up, they can be viewed here:
img220.imageshack.us/g/img0796t.jpg/
Not sure why, could be the size of the pics, sorry for the incovenience
Marki
Growing up in a world of Hollywood and anime sword fights one can't help but dream of having an indestructible sword of awesomeness for the impending zombie apocalypse!
After reading a destruction test to a blade made from the legendary L6 steel by Howard Clark I knew I have found 'the one'
Blade - Howard Clark L6 Bainite
Fitting - Fred Lohman hondachi fittings
The project started around early 2010 when I made an order with some 'peculiar' specifications. Generally speaking, bainite swords tend to be made lighter due it's superior strength to weight ratio. But the more steel that's on a blade, the stronger it gets right? So why not make the thickest, widest sword out of the most durable steel available, makes sense to me!
Here's the stats I requested:
31 inch nagasa
11 inch nakago
1 inch sori
1.5 inch mihaba
.33 inch kasane
weight - 1367grams
o-kissaki - 7.2cm
P.O.B - 17cm
Christine, Howard and Fred has all been extremely patient and accommodating with my constant pokes during the whole process, their support made the long wait almost bearable, almost
Historical overview
The sword made was a marvel of modern technology and metallurgy, a testament to the ever improving sword-making skills of man.
As such, historical aspects sword was not the focus of this sword, it's probably still there.
Initial Impressions
The sword arrived in a massive, heavily armored paper box, it sure took some work to open!
The katana came in a maroon sword bag, encased in thick, soft styrofoam - pretty nice if I say so myself
The Blade/Nagasa
Elegant, is the first word that popped into my head as I unsheathed the blade. Streamlined and deadly, the blade meant *srs* business.
And serious it was, confirmed later via paper cutting test, and I thought my Korean Jingum was sharp!
The Handle/Tsuka
The detail on the hondachi fittings are phenomenal! Shiny silver is shiny...mmm shinnies
The Guard/Tsuba
The black metal tsuba provides a sharp contrast to the otherwise silvery blade, again the details are outstanding. The lines are cut deeply into the tsuba and feels very solid to the hand.
However, there looks like a tiny crack in the front of the blade holding mechanism (habaki)
This is definitely a massive, heavy, powerful sword, here it is next to a heavy L6 jingum, semi custom from MAS
Here is both next to a 47 inch, 35lb monster - Frostmourne, Blade of the Lich King
Here's Kusanagi, playing with some of it's new friends!
From left to right -
Kusanagi - Howard Clark L6 bainite custom
Ashbringer, Blade of the Scarlet Highlord - MAS custom jingum
Frostmourne - Replica blade of the Lich King
Apolyon, the Soul Render - Del Tin German Zweihander (Heavily used to chopped wood, 2x4s, gates, crates, wooden walls)
Zanmato - Hanwei Odachi
Handling Characteristics
Despite the weight and POB of the sword, it handles like exactly like a high end sports car. Surprisingly light in the hand, the blade is lively and responds well. However, the power and force of the blade is undeniable as I chopped through 4 concrete blocks stacked on top of each other!
Before the death threats come, I'd like to point out that it was a joke!!! Do you really think I'd go nuts on a blade I've waited over 1 year to see?!
Conclusions
Kusanagi was all that I dreamed the katana to be and more. With the minor exception of the crack on the habaki which isn't a huge deal.
Despite the substantial cost of this project (~7K AUD), I am really happy with the product as a whole and would recommend this to anyone who wants a heirloom artifact and something that will last for ages to come.
No swords were harmed during the making of this review.
Pros
- perfect, beautiful fittings
- heavy, just as I prefer, yet handles like a much lighter blade
- absolutely stunning blade, nothing to nitpick
- extremely sharp, good enough to shave with!
Cons
- tiny crack on habaki
- long wait time, patience is a virtue
- price is certainly fair for the quality of work. But damn does it hurt the wallet!
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this to a friend, the value for money on this sword is high. It WILL go with you to hell and back. (Dante would kill to have this as his starting weapon)
I would recommend this to anyone who would like a different katana that stands out from the crowd.
As Howard will try to facilitate any request within reasonable means (no 2 inch thick, 10 inch wide buster blade), you can customize the entire project, which is really rare to see!
If you have the patience, funding a Howard Clark custom is for you!
Thanks for reading
P.S. If the pictures don't show up, they can be viewed here:
img220.imageshack.us/g/img0796t.jpg/
Not sure why, could be the size of the pics, sorry for the incovenience
Marki