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Post by Natzely on May 6, 2013 18:38:15 GMT
So, my brother bought me a katana for Christmas. The problem is that he bought a cheap one from Amazon (~$30). It was fun to mess with for a bit, but it started to get really loose. It got so bad that the blade was able to spin 360 degress on the hilt. I enjoyed using it for the bit of time it was functional, but it left me wanting.
Now, I've been using the SBG for katanas and the buyers they suggest on their website. My price range is around $200-$300. My biggest is problem the small variation between swords. Sure, they sell a lot of katanas at various price points, but they mostly look the same. Most can only be differentiated by their guard. It's been very hard to find a black rayskin with white wrapping (silk or cotton) and a guard I'd be happy with.
I thought the "Build your own katana" that SBG hosts was my answer, but it's way beyond my current price range and three months is a tad of a long wait.
I have looked through all the stores that SBG suggest and can't quite find a sword I like, so I come to you guys in hopes finding some help. I am by no means a sword expert, I would maybe occasionally use it on plastic bottles and small branches.. but it would mostly be just for display and some "reenacting"...cough. I know a katana is weapon and would never treat it without the respect that any weapon deserves.
TL;DR Been looking for a black rayskin, white wrapping katana for around $200-$300 around the SBG suggested shops but can't find what I want.
Any help would be useful. Thanks.
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Post by kloborgg on May 6, 2013 18:55:13 GMT
For that customization I'd check out Huawei Swords on eBay and get whichever model is in your price range.
Huawei is the most well-respected eBay forge on this site, and I don't know of other quality katanas that will offer a choice of white ito or a custom tsuba.
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Post by Natzely on May 6, 2013 19:23:17 GMT
Thanks I'll check it out.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on May 6, 2013 20:55:38 GMT
I'd second Huawei. Also, st-nihonto(eBay) is getting some really good reviews. You may want to give them a look.
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Taran
Member
Posts: 2,621
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Post by Taran on May 6, 2013 21:25:54 GMT
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Post by frankthebunny on May 6, 2013 23:46:36 GMT
I would also agree that the suggestions given are probably your best bet at finding what you want but it isn't the real reason I'm replying. For your safety now or in the future and for anyone else you know who might have a similar sword, I just wanted to point out that the $30 sword that swiveled in it's handle was at no point functional on any level whatsoever. I'm not sure if you had cut anything with it but even swinging it around makes me shudder with the thought of what could have happened. I'm assuming that the reason it was able to swivel like that is because the blade was welded to a rat tail tang (skinny bar) and possibly glued in place. Even if it might not have popped right out of the handle because of a possible peen (doubtful), the blade could have so easily snapped at the weld. I'm also assuming the blade was not carbon steel but rather stainless steel which is not suitable for a long sword like a katana and could snap quite easily even on light targets. I'm not saying this to point fingers or make you feel foolish but rather to share some info you might not have known and to hopefully prevent you from endangering yourself or others in the future. Having said that, welcome to SBG, I hope you find the right sword and enjoy it immensely and safely ~Josh
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Taran
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Posts: 2,621
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Post by Taran on May 7, 2013 0:32:12 GMT
Natzely, please take what FranktheBunny said to heart. It's a common error for sword neophytes and one of the major reasons we are here. The "Swords are Not Toys" thread has many examples of what could have happened. You can also look up the QVC bit with the katana breaking on Youtube. The blade really did snap in half and stab the wielder in the face on live TV.
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Post by Natzely on May 7, 2013 2:47:36 GMT
Yeah, after the sword started to move in an extra dimension, I put away quick. Thankfully nothing bad happened. This is reason I have become wary of cheap swords and tried to have an appropriate price range as well as looking for respected sellers.
Since both st-nihonto and huaweiswords are in China, has anyone had to deal customs directly or had to pay extra fees for clearance? If so, how much was it?
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Taran
Member
Posts: 2,621
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Post by Taran on May 7, 2013 4:23:56 GMT
Shipping from Chnia to the US costs about $100 per sword, but customs hasn't been a problem for me. Not with any of the many items I have had shipped. Takes a long time due to the speed of the boat, but that's all.
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Post by chrisperoni on May 7, 2013 5:43:09 GMT
$100 for shipping? I usually see more like $30-$40 from China to North America. Or even free with some sellers.
With several of the ebay stores you can ask for white ito and black same even if they don't show that for sale they will still do it by request.
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Post by Natzely on May 7, 2013 13:52:48 GMT
Thanks.
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Post by Arwyn on May 7, 2013 16:05:31 GMT
I would also second Huawei. I just purchased a sword from them, great customer service, shipping to Texas was $43 USD, and Jacky responds very quickly to questions.
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Post by Natzely on May 8, 2013 0:55:46 GMT
Did you contact him about changing a part? I wanted to change the guard from from a particular sword I found and was wondering when and how I should ask to switch the guard for another?
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Post by Timberwolf on May 8, 2013 5:51:06 GMT
Natzely, You should really go over here and do some research: stores.ebay.com/huaweiswordsYour questions are answered right there, man. A lot of their stuff includes free shipping.
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Post by Arwyn on May 8, 2013 6:07:19 GMT
Actually I was impressed enough with the sword I bought that I reached out to them to inquire about a full on custom job, as most of their blades are shorter than I prefer.
Jacky (the owner) responded very quickly, and he was very upfront with what they can do. Changing a tsuba or something similar is very easy for them, and if its of of existing models, they can switch pretty quickly.
Different blades will take some time, as they have to be forged, so that does take longer.
I did get a note from ebay stating that shipping from that part of China may be delayed due to the recent earthquake, so I would recommend asking them up front before placing an order. I was pleased with my responses from them, they were very fast to communicate, but you should reach out to them just to make sure.
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