|
Post by Daniel on Jan 28, 2012 12:17:29 GMT
Hi Forum. So I'm buying a katana, I still don't know from where or what it'll look like but I know that I'm willing to pay 2500$ for it. So the question is T10 or L6. I'm planning on using it for light tameshigiri once in awhile, but more important is that I'm planning on having it for a long time (30% cutting - 70% for display), but I still want it to be a good quality. It doesn't have to be ultra light, nor ultra heavy. I also understand that it all depends on who forges the katana and how. But for the sake of simplicity, let's say if every circumstance was to be equal, which material would be better. So, Forum, can you please help me with this decision?
|
|
|
Post by ineffableone on Jan 28, 2012 12:48:28 GMT
I don't own an L6 blade, but I am very happy with my T10.
I am sure you will get a lot more in depth relies about the quality of each steel. For $2500 I think either steel will be just fine though. At that price range your going to be getting a decent sword, as long as you're aware of those who try selling over priced stuff for those who buy for $ signs instead of quality.
The great debate of steel qualities is vast and far ranging. But honestly most of the steels have good and bad qualities. There is no wonder steel, no steel better than another really. Just better for some tasks.
BTW, welcome to the SBG forum.
Hope once you get your sword you give us a review. We don't get as many high $ sword reviews.
|
|
|
Post by Insane on Jan 28, 2012 12:52:10 GMT
For what you want to do with it there are many more kinds of steel you could use. If i would spend 2500 on a blade i would let an artist make one for me. For me a custom Fable blade is on my wishlist.
But between T-10 and L6 i would pick L6.
|
|
|
Post by Daniel on Jan 28, 2012 13:03:22 GMT
Thank you very much for reply, and I really do feel welcomed. This is an awesome forum. First I have to purchase the katana Insane , That's actually what i thought in the first place, that L6 is maybe a bit better, but the thing is only a handful of vendors offer L6 blades, and they don't seem as promising in their business as some other guys that make T10 blades.
|
|
|
Post by ineffableone on Jan 28, 2012 13:20:10 GMT
SBG's own sword steel break down can be found here www.sword-manufacturers-guide.com/sword-steels.html To quote the two steels you mention From what I get from this is L6 is good but only when made properly. Also it is in need of more maintenance than average. If more maintenance is something you don't desire T10 might be the better bet.
|
|
SeanF
Member
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by SeanF on Jan 28, 2012 14:36:08 GMT
I'll join in with others and say that an L6 katana is fairly useless unless it is an L6/bannite katana. It is also quite a bit more expensive. When you aren't really going to need the extra durability for a ton of cutting I don't see it being worth the price.
|
|
|
Post by Daniel on Jan 28, 2012 15:31:06 GMT
SeanF, Yeah that seems fairly reasonable. If you're going to use it for extreme cutting than L6 + more expensive, if for display than T10. At least that's in my opinion...
|
|
SeanF
Member
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by SeanF on Jan 28, 2012 15:37:33 GMT
Well, for display I don't really think it maters all that much which steel you use. It is massively inconsequential compared to how well the rest of the sword is put together. Even the steel in the blade is a much smaller variable than how well the forger/polisher does their job.
|
|
|
Post by Daniel on Jan 28, 2012 15:55:39 GMT
Yeah, of course, sorry I should write that thought a bit differently, I'm planing on using it 30-40% on tameshigiri and the rest of the time for display, but still I want it to be a real deal...
|
|
Marc Kaden Ridgeway
Member
Retired Global Moderator
Awful lot of leaving and joining going on here for me .... And gosh I can't recall doing a bit of i
Posts: 8,778
|
Post by Marc Kaden Ridgeway on Jan 28, 2012 15:59:07 GMT
Neither.
Any old steel you use from 1045 to 1095 , 5160 to T-10 is going to be able to handle occasional tameshigiri.
If you are going to be spending $2500 on a katana for 70% display , then why not have something traditional , but out of the ordinary?
Ronin Katana sells their elite line for around $800 and these use complex lamination techniques. The geometry is exquisite , and the kissaki the best defined I've ever seen on a sword in that price range. Personally, I'd get one and have it customized to my liking... or wait until the new Ronin / SBG high end kats come out... I can't wait to see one.
|
|
|
Post by Insane on Jan 28, 2012 16:47:54 GMT
This is an awesome forum Daniel. And there is so much to learn here. Under the review topics there is a sticky to the old forum with lots of sword reviews. Everytime i'm interessted in a blade i check the reviews. Just enjoy the forum and i know you will have a good time here.
|
|
|
Post by Google on Jan 28, 2012 19:15:48 GMT
If it's mainly for display and light cutting, it doesn't matter what steel is forged, as long as it is forged well.
|
|
Mikeeman
Member
Small Business Operator
Posts: 2,904
|
Post by Mikeeman on Jan 28, 2012 21:10:58 GMT
You don't have to spend $2,500 to get a good sword. Lately, it's been popular to buy a bamboo mat and have it customized. Bamboo mats have been reviewed several times and they seem to be great buys. Really, you could get what you want for under $1000.
|
|
|
Post by Google on Jan 28, 2012 22:22:14 GMT
For 2000-2500 USD I can have a blade that puts the bamboo mat's to endless shame (not including the kudogu), and fits my personal preferences MUCH BETTER. And of course, the level of kudogu will be high as well. Personally, I don't understand the hype about the bamboo mat.
|
|
Mikeeman
Member
Small Business Operator
Posts: 2,904
|
Post by Mikeeman on Jan 28, 2012 22:27:05 GMT
I completely agree. a $2500 could definately put the Bamboo Mat to shame. But if you aren't going to use it all that often, why spend that much? It was just a suggestion. Nothing more.
|
|
|
Post by Google on Jan 28, 2012 22:38:55 GMT
IMO, if someone has a sum of money to spend, I say go for the best quality possible with that budget. 2500$ sword is better than a modified bamboo may, and if he can afford it I think it is the better option. If said person doesn't want to spend that much on something, they should look again carefully into their budget.
|
|
|
Post by ineffableone on Jan 29, 2012 5:40:20 GMT
Great recommendation Marc This is actually a very good idea. Ronin katana's owner can be found here on SBG forum and here is a link to the website www.roninkatana.com/Getting a customized laminated blade is something that that price range would allow. Some pictures of different laminations in case your not familar with the different types. To be honest this sounds like a great idea, and I would personally go for a Soshi Kitae if I had the money to spend on a sword.
|
|
|
Post by ineffableone on Jan 29, 2012 5:52:12 GMT
Here is a video from Roninkatana of their Ronin Katana Elite Soshu Kitae Laminated Sword You can visit the Ronin Katana youtube channel with this link www.youtube.com/RoninkatanasHope this helps
|
|
George
Member
Banned
Posts: 1,899
|
Post by George on Jan 29, 2012 7:57:01 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Daniel on Jan 29, 2012 8:15:28 GMT
Oh guys, you're simply the best. So many suggestions and ideas, it's great. Now I see that the market is vast and there are a lot of variables to consider
|
|