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Post by Sullivan on Jun 21, 2013 4:13:58 GMT
After a lengthy correspondence with my friend Evan from Enlightenment swords, we finally tweaked my design to the point where it will be forged as soon as I send in my payment. It is an extremely short sword, shorter than most kokatana, even. The blade profile is Shobu-Zukuri-esque, with some Chinese design influences, mainly the pommel and guard. It will be 1095 steel, differentially heat-treated, and hand-polished to a nice sharp edge. Let me know what you guys think. I've been away for months working at getting this sword complete. I can't wait to get you guys a review, as I know a few people on this board hoped to get the low-down on Enlightenment's work. Hopefully this will bring Evan and his business some new customers. Attachments:
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Post by hussar on Jun 22, 2013 14:09:08 GMT
Nice I'd like to see it in action when it's done
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Post by Lonely Wolf Forge on Jun 23, 2013 4:18:12 GMT
i kinda feel like the handling could be off with such a long handle and short blade, im deff interested in seeing it completed and hearing your report :]
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Post by Sullivan on Jun 25, 2013 6:03:24 GMT
I get what you mean, Saito.
I actually did add an inch and a half to the blade just before sending in the payment, and Evan and I had touched upon the subject. I had expressed the desire to make the blade nice and hefty too, even though it does have a fuller, it will be thicker than I think the design conveys.
Also, I have a Hanwei Banshee that is only about 3 or 4 inches longer, with a handle that is about an inch longer, and I love the handling on that. Though the pommel is big, admittedly. But, I also think that might be part of the reason that the handguard is oversized, as my original design had it being considerably smaller. Evan tweaked that, perhaps it will help to balance out the weight.
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Post by Valandur on Jun 25, 2013 7:55:58 GMT
I've never heard of these guys before now. I'm curious, why did you decide to go with them? How does their work compare to say NSTS who recently made two swords, totally custom for a guy, they paid $300 per blade IIRC?
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Post by Sullivan on Jun 26, 2013 1:53:25 GMT
Do you mean ?
I had chosen Enlightenment Swords because they have a lot of experience in making swords similar to the design I had in mind. My design was basically one of their models, but shortened considerably, with a mix and match of furniture from different models they make.
Everyone I had asked or seen had experience with them said they were great, and they had a range of options for steel, forging techniques, and mountings. Evan answered my first e-mail promptly, and never let me down in his efforts to accommodate my tweaks and answer questions. Also, the fact that not as many people are acquainted with them means I may get my sword faster.
A lot of consideration definitely went in to choosing who I would go to, and was definitely a name in my head. Ricky does great work.
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Post by Valandur on Jun 26, 2013 2:01:06 GMT
Yea, I meant .
That's cool, it sounds like you've thought this out. I'm interested in seeing how it goes and what you think about the finished blade. Never heard of these guys, but that's to be expected as I'm still real new to katanas.
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Post by justin520 on Jul 11, 2013 18:47:00 GMT
How much did you get charged for that, I like these guys work.
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Post by Sullivan on Aug 6, 2013 20:09:04 GMT
Ahhh, you like Mugen. No wonder you like this design, and their other work.
With all the shipping and everything, a little bit under 600 US. With this being a weird custom job, and them having to ship from New Zealand to the states, it ends up being a pretty good deal when all is considered.
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Post by justin520 on Aug 16, 2013 8:48:58 GMT
Yeah dude the hand guard really got me, touched my soul as a swordsmen. I'm really excited to see pics of this when it's done. If I ever get a chance I might tweak your design to incorporate a more yi mon dao type blade. You know the one on their site, sort of moroha zukuri esque in nature.
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Post by justin520 on Aug 16, 2013 9:11:57 GMT
One specific question, what sword of theirs is that hand guard design from?
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Post by Sullivan on Aug 31, 2013 6:24:18 GMT
Sorry for the late reply, man. The handguard is a variation on this piece www.enlightenmentswords.com/prod ... egion.html Unfortunately, my project has been put on hiatus due to urgent financial matters. When your mother's house is being foreclosed on, it's kind of tough to justify purchasing a $600.00 sword I suppose. To be honest, even once I realized the dire-economic-straits we were in, I STILL almost went through with the purchase. I can't speak highly enough of Evan over at Enlightenment, though it may be some time before I can actually review his work myself. This sword here was going to be made with 1095 steel, differentially hardened, and given their top of the line polish and hardwood options for the handle and sheathe (though the exact name escapes me now). Again, Evan is a great guy and willing to help every step of the way. To be honest, I would be more than happy to see you use whatever design elements from this sword that you'd like. If it's not gonna happen for me just yet, I'd love to see your design come to fruition, man. So are you kinda going for a high-quality, Mugen-esque style Double-Edged Curved Dao?
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