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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2011 19:13:47 GMT
Hello everyone,
As this is my first post here thought I'd say hi first. So hi!
Now onto business;)
I've been looking into purchasing my first katana. I don't want to end up buying a lemon so thought I'd ask the forum what they would recommend.
My only request is that it has a real hamon. Folded would be prefered but I'm up to hearing other options.
Obviously my goal later on in life would be to have a real nihanto, but I feel that the closest I'll get is a blade from Anthony DiCristofano. Which I feel is almost the exact same thing. Just that he's not in Japan.
So for now I'm asking advice on a good sword that can handle some serious cutting and also be somewhat close to traditional.
Thanks for the help in advance and can't wait to hear what you guys recommend.
Basil
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Post by Adrian Jordan on May 8, 2011 19:20:38 GMT
Howdy, welcome aboard.
As this is a primarily sub-$300 forum and I'm not sure of your budget, I'll limit the price range to $500
The Cheness Kaze
The Kris Cutlery 29
Any of several Hanwei models
Any of several Hauwei(an ebay seller) models
If you want a solid cutter, stay away from production folded swords, they will likely not be able to handle it.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on May 8, 2011 19:23:49 GMT
All of those above will have a real hamon and will be capable of cutting. If you want an even heavier-duty cutter. look at the Hanwei Raptor series or the Cheness Tenchi. These are both Through Hardened and so will not have a hamon, but are very tough and durable.
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2011 19:45:03 GMT
What about the sbg custom blade. Or any of the munitashi from swordnarmour?
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Post by Lonely Wolf Forge on May 8, 2011 19:48:25 GMT
if you want a wicked scary sharp cutter, hanwei Practical XL/XL light. and if you dont care about a hamon, the dynasty forge MUSHA class
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Post by Adrian Jordan on May 8, 2011 20:21:52 GMT
The SBG Custom seems nice. It is, by all accounts, a heavy piece, which seems exactly what you are looking for. I believe that the next batch will have orders taken for them in June. The Munetoshi line from Swordnarmory are nice, and a great value. I have an inexpensive Take model, and it is nice and sharp. The Hanwei Lion Dog is on sale here at the SBG Sword Store for unbelievably cheap right now. It is supposedly a very tough blade, has good quality components, and has a beautiful hamon. If you have the cash, I'd get that and strike while the irons hot.
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Post by Student of Sword on May 8, 2011 20:33:52 GMT
I think it is easier for others to help you if you state your budget.
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Post by johnwalter on May 8, 2011 20:43:16 GMT
Just had a Hanwei Lion Dog for a few days, nice kat.You want a heavy duty cutter with real hamon,Hanwei Wind and Thunder.Had one for a few days not long ago,great kat.Well put together,feels nowhere near its weight,good heavy cutter.Of course it depends on your budget.Wiwingti sword supply has it at a good price.The Raptors are tough as nails but you wanted a real hamon.Any experience cutting?
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Post by Curgan on May 8, 2011 21:15:29 GMT
Hi Basilie and welcome to the forum.
For starters go the sure way and buy from a reputable maker like Hanwei or Dynasty Forge. When you get the hang of it, you 'll evolve a personal taste and know how to choose better. So, my proposal is to get a sword that combines cutting ability with balance.
My experience: For my first sword I chose a folded Hanwei Bushido as I wanted a "traditional" scent to go with it. Great cutter and also well balanced for iaido. After a while I was so satisfied that I got another with upgraded koshirae, that gave it a better grip and balance than the standard one. Cut with it once and then used it solely for kata.
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Post by Curgan on May 8, 2011 21:21:06 GMT
Forgot to add: If you don't live in the United States, make sure you have checked the import laws of your country beforehand as some european countries (where your name is usually met) have restrictions concerning import of edged weapons.
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2011 23:19:36 GMT
Thanks for the good tips everyone.
My budget is actually 500-1000 but I'm not against something of good quality that's more or less than that budget.
What would be some of the makers in the higher budget.
Also I am in Canada I don't think there would be much issues with importing?
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Post by Maynar on May 9, 2011 3:15:51 GMT
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Post by chrisperoni on May 9, 2011 3:19:26 GMT
I would buy 10 $100 dollar katanas and tape them together for a SUPER KATANA!!
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Post by Adrian Jordan on May 9, 2011 3:27:54 GMT
I'd look at sites like Swordnarmory, Kult of Athena, and SBG. Another option would be a slight variation on chrisperoni's suggestion. Get 2 or 3 swords. The Lion Dog for display and a Hanwei Raptor or Dynasty Forge Musha or Ronin Katana Dojo Pro for Cutting. The Ronin Katana site also has its Elite line, which run about $800 and look nice with fairly authentic fittings and construction.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on May 9, 2011 3:29:24 GMT
Maybe nix the Ronin Katana Elite, all sold out.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2011 3:31:58 GMT
From what I've heard about Canada, the only real problem with importing is having to go through Canadian Customs.....Between seemingly random charges and seemingly random amounts of time to actually get through customs, it sounds like a pain in the....Nakagojiri....But that's all I have to offer to you.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2011 3:35:05 GMT
I like the look of the red dragonfly swords.
I didn't see who made them. Are they all made by the same person?
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Post by Curgan on May 9, 2011 5:27:31 GMT
Production companies have a forge in China they collaborate with. Red Dragonfly/Kaneie are good swords, but have overextended lately and thus they have a backlog. They are a good choice, provided you get one blade that is in stock. Kult of Athena has great prices. A Bushido or a Bamboo MAt from Hanwei or a DF Bushi would be my suggestion.
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George
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Post by George on May 9, 2011 7:26:31 GMT
If your budget is a bit over $1000 i got talked into these: bugei.com/katana-6-ctg.htmI ordered the Old Pine today  Cant say much about them but they are recommended by people in the know Just have a read on their site and you will see what i mean... |
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Post by Crimsoned on May 9, 2011 17:26:36 GMT
Uhm
Here are the durable series:
Kris Cutlery 5160 series steel katana, 29A/29III/26A/26III etc. These are the only sub $300 with any real amount of niku, plus they are differentially hardened to boot with very traditional fittings (Iron koiguchi, Iron kojiri, iron fuchi kashira, iron tsuba, iron habaki, thick brass seppa and brass menuki. Very well put together. The only real non traditional things I can come up with is it is not laminated nor folded, and there is no samekawa.
Dynasty Forge Musha.. ehh wait for the 2011 series, I forget when they are coming out though. I won't post any specs yet, as I am unsure if they have changed anything since they mentioned their changes back a while ago on SFI.
Ronin Katana: They should be restocking early June according to Roninkatana's webpage.
These are tough through hardened katana's, with premium quality fittings. Silk ito, nicely made saya's with dense wood, bull horn fittings on saya, etc.
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