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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2012 0:57:29 GMT
About a week or so ago, I purchased a faux (display?) katana. It was called the, "Classic Crane Tsuba Handmade Samurai Katana," on amazon--certainly not hand forged, but OK!
Anyway, I've never worked with swords before. In the past, I've been an active Kendoka and a fencer, but real blades are something new entirely. To be honest, I purchased the katana because I wanted to know how holding a real blade felt, and also for a nifty display piece.
I experimented with some basic slashing, just to see what it could do. It cut through a milk carton, no problem at all! I was surprised. I'd like to maybe start cutting for recreation. There are no iaidō dojo where I live. So it'd really just be for personal fulfillment.
I'm afraid to try anything more serious than a plastic milk jug, because I have a feeling it would chip with something like dry sticks. Plastic milk jugs are also in short supply. Would anyone here have a suggestion for a good, soft, simple cutting target--just for someone wanting to get a feel of applying Kendo to a katana?
Thanks in advance. I hope to post a review on my blog soon. The sword, for a total of $50, isn't all that bad, and it doesn't look tacky at all.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Jul 28, 2012 1:50:40 GMT
If I recall correctly, that one is made of 1045 carbon steel. It should stand up to most types of bottles, but like you mentioned, I wouldn't pit it against anything more trying than that.
Water bottles are good. For about $4 you can get a pallet of 24 at most stores. These allow for a lot of cuts for the least amount of money. Beach mats are great, but will cost usually about $2-$3 a piece. Roll them as tight as you can, secure them closed with electrical tape or string, soak them for several hours or overnight, then allow to dry for a couple of hours. Pool noodles are a decent way to gauge and improve your form. They can usually be found at the Dollar Store, but will cost $2-$4 elsewhere.
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Post by ineffableone on Jul 28, 2012 2:01:08 GMT
Welcome aboard katiemcginnis, nice to have you here at SBG. Now to just get this out of the way, you could have bought better quality for $50, specifically Musashi katanas found at vendors like SwordNArmory, Kult of Athena, True Swords, Tried and True Armory or at their own website. They have a very well respected $50 line. While not exceptional they have decent quality for the money. That said your katana is stated to have 1045 carbon steel, that is a good sign. It also has mekugi pegs, which means you should be able to disassemble it. I would suggest doing so and checking the tang before you do anymore cutting. A good tang is essential for a functional blade. Japanese Sword Katana Disassembly TutorialAlso make sure your fittings are nice and tight, no play or rattle in them. You want everything nice and snug. I would suggest you check out this thread forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=6901 for more information about katana and what to look for. I am glad you are happy with your new sword, and hope you get a lot of joy with it. Remember to be safe, and to take care of your sword. Remember since you want to cut with it, all cutting will dull your edge, so you will want to learn to sharpen your blade. We have a bunch of threads discussing sword sharpening so check some of those out. Also cutting will always scratch your blade, you wont keep a pretty polish if you cut. Expect small scratches, they are normal and nothing to worry about. Just maintain your blade by keeping it clean (rubbing alcohol works great) and oiled (light mineral oil works great) and you shouldn't have any worries about rust. Again welcome to SBG
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Post by stickem on Jul 28, 2012 13:05:46 GMT
Is it this one you bought? www.amazon.com/Classic-Crane-Handmade-Samurai-Katana/dp/B002WGEE48I don't have any experience with the maker - looks like QSwords - but as others have said, 1045 is suitable for light target cutting if this is what you are planning. 1045 is a little softer on the carbon/density scale than some other sword steels, so you probably don't want to go hacking at trees with it like you might with something a little harder. Here's a little more on steel types for ya: www.sword-manufacturers-guide.com/sword-steels.htmlJust exercise caution when you start working with a live blade, as some of the things you can get away with when using a wooden sword may get you cut when you make the transition to sharpies. Enjoy your new friend... the thing about swords is they tend to bring their friends over to your house too, and pretty soon the house is full of 'em
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Post by frankthebunny on Jul 28, 2012 17:11:54 GMT
if you were looking to take a step up I could set you up with a personalized Musashi 1060 steel Bamboo Warrior Katana for $175 shipped. find out more here - cottontailcustoms.com/AboutI know this sounds like a pushy sales pitch but it's a good deal for a low budget or beginner sword or if you like your sword and just wanted a different color/style handle wrap I'm also offering a $50 budget package for that -Josh
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