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Post by Cswann821 on Apr 6, 2013 22:29:59 GMT
What about Tamahagene steel? would this be a step up from 1095?
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Post by Cswann821 on Apr 6, 2013 22:34:51 GMT
What about Tamahagene steel? would this be a step up from 1095? Also, I see the difference between the Maru and Kabuse steel "layering" or construction...but Jukoo also offers a type called Sanmai, which I haven't seen or heard off. Would anyone know what this type is..also the pros and cons between the three types?
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Apr 6, 2013 22:50:29 GMT
Tamahagane is good steel, but not necessarily better than, say, 1095. It costs a bunch more, though. I'd stick to a Maru lamination. Laminations such as Kobuse and Sanmai are cool, but don't make a noticeable difference in the average low-cost sword, and, like folding, add more potential variables that can lead to blade flaws and failure. Here is a guide to Japanese swords. You don't need to read the whole thing, but there are some charts and brief explanations on some of the things you are asking about. forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=6901
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Post by plumplori on Apr 6, 2013 23:31:33 GMT
For the first katana I'd recommend getting at least one with bo-hi (fuller) as they are simply more fun acoustically. One without will only produce a slight hissing sound, one with will reward right edge alignment with a nice "wooosh" when cutting the air at the correct angle. (also great for practicing)
And sanmai is simply three layers of steel: soft, hard, soft. Usually something like 1045/1095(center)/1045.
When it comes to folded tamahagane vs. folded other stuff, it's pretty much the opposite concept. With a tamahagane-style raw material you have steel with lots of inhomogeneities and you need to fold it to even out the structure and press out unwanted impurities. Some inhomogeneities will remain, showing as wood-like pattern on the surface. Whereas folding pure homogeneous steel will artificially introduce inhomogeneities. The result looks very alike, but with an impure raw-material the process is necessary in order to produce a quality sword, with other steel-types it's primarily a risk taken for cosmetic reasons. Folding tahamagane: mixing the ingredients for the dough to bake a cake. Folding other steel: kneading factory mixed dough on a dirty surface. It can make sense if you mix different types or create layers to make marble-cake (as analogy for pattern welding different steel types)... but if it's a bad chef there are chances of unwanted impurities being introduced, or even the cake falling apart.
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Post by Cswann821 on Apr 7, 2013 0:41:17 GMT
Alright! I am learning so much thank you all. I agree that buying a katana that is already pre mounted for ease of purchase is probably the way I will go for our first swords . I am going to take a good look and compare all the links of suggested swords given for my fiancé and I . 2 that pop out to my eyes, were given in reviews by SBG . Both are from global gear The first is a titanium coated katana. I know it's not traditional, but I just cannot stop looking at the color of this blade and photos of this sword. I keep coming back to it. Its so different I love it. www.sword-buyers-guide.com/titanium-swords.htmlThis one was given great review from sbg and again the color of the wrapping and overall "look" just really keeps me starring www.sword-buyers-guide.com/japanese-swords.htmlHas anyone heard or know more on these two swords? I don't even know if global still sells them. Other than these I like the Dynasty Forge Bushi O-Katana Dragon Theme, based on the size and description given. www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... agon+Theme The only draw back with this is that it's all black. lol And I wish the hamon wasn't so boring I really like the choji hamons and a satin or non glossed saya at the least .
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Apr 7, 2013 3:17:34 GMT
Dynasty Forge has a great reputation. Very solidly built and good cutters. However, I can agree that if you aren't a fan of black on white color schemes they may get a little boring. Global Gear have a good reputation as well, but not so much as DF. They are fairly popular with the Australian crowd, as it is local to them and they don't have to eat the murderous taxes and fees that importing from other countries bring. There are a few reviews for each brand in the review section. Personally, I'd opt for the Dynasty Forge if these were the last options. I don't know when their next batch comes in, but has some really sweet swords in your range. Often they have more color than other swords, and choji hamon are not uncommon. One of the owners is Ricky, who is a member here. It may behoove you to contact him. forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=2659
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Post by Cswann821 on Apr 11, 2013 2:24:21 GMT
OK,
So I spoke with both JKOO and . They all seem very willing and able to supply me with what I wish and all the info I wanted. Can anyone give me their opinion on what they know about each company? Trying to decide between the 2 . I like BUDO series...everything I read and hear is that their swords are sharp! But I also like the customization of JKOO.
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Post by Cswann821 on Apr 11, 2013 2:42:10 GMT
Hmm never mind about the top post.
I am just going to go with , I've been speaking to them. There is just too much positive feedback about them.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Apr 11, 2013 3:15:31 GMT
Good call. Ricky is a great guy, and provides great products and service.
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Post by uchiha998 on Apr 11, 2013 15:34:28 GMT
I agree with your decision to go with . Especially if your going with the budo. The Budo is a beautiful sword and it maybe the best cutter under $1000 although I'm sure others would disagree, no one will tell you the Budo is not a great sword. It does have a plain hamon IMO. I also like choji style hamons or the type hamon the is on the 1095 beaters. The Budo is slightly more than the $500 you wanted to spend but it would be worth it.
Did you decide what to get your fiance? it may not be necessary to get her a $400 katana. I would suggest a Ko-Katana for her. they are easier to swing and very lively blades. Dynasty Forge makes a nice Ko-Katana so does Ronin. They are approx. 24" nagasa(blades) as opposed to the 21" nagasa that some companies go with making it basically a wakizashi with a katana sized tsuka(handle).
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