Howard Clark Naginata Naoshi Zukuri L6 Wakizashi
Sept 28, 2013 23:45:10 GMT
Post by Matthew.Jensen on Sept 28, 2013 23:45:10 GMT
Introduction
I am sure many folks on the forum started with a production blade and gradually refined their tastes until they owned something nicer than they ever thought they would own. That is the basic story behind this blade. The first “Custom” blade I ever owned was a Howard Clark 1086 and I was lucky enough to own it early in my collecting hobby. Howard’s worked help me understand the difference between custom and production blades… It also set a high bar early on.
This blade came up for sale as a completed sword in 2013 in the second hand market. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to buy it. I have to admit, I bought it because the price was right. I bought it on the name Howard Clark alone and not because the size, fittings, ect were appealing to me. In fact, the photos of the blade that I could see before buying did not capture a lot of detail. I could see it was in decent shape but none of the details that make this amazing blade special.
Historical Overview
I am far from an expert but I will do my best to provide a little context to the geometry. This blade is a naginata naoshi-zukuri style blade. From my understanding, naginata naoshi would suggest that the blade was cut down from a naginata and remounted in one form or another. This blade was not cut down from a larger naginata and is simply emulating that style.
Full Disclosure
This review reflects my personal opinions and bias. I am not a knowledgeable historian or advanced practitioner. Please keep that in mind while reading.
I am not employed or affiliated with any sword manufacturer.
I am writing this review in an effort to contribute to the community and not for any type of compensation.
I am a novice collector and trader of both antique and modern edged weapons.
I have owned over 150 modern katana in the last two years ranging from basic Musashi to Howard Clark L6 and many blades in-between. I have owned modern custom blades from Rick Barrett, Howard Clark, Walter Sorrells, Daniel Watson, Pavel Bolf, and Przemek P. This blade is admittedly on the high-end side of what I have owned and seen.
I acknowledge that owning something (even a lot) does not make a person an expert. I will be the first to admit my level of knowledge is that of a novice. Perhaps one day I will qualify to have an opinion but for now read my review and understand it is the perspective of a newbie enthusiast. That said, I have learned quite a bit about swords in the last few years and I can attribute a lot of that to this forum. I hope this helps give back.
Verification:
As I stated, I bought the blade used. I contacted Howard Clark and sent photos to verify this blade was made by him. I also contacted Ted Tenold and verified the polish and mount were done by him. I have not contacted Patrick Hastings but the signature look correct and others with more knowledge believe they are his work.
Initial Impressions
As I mentioned this was purchased second hand and completed so I can’t share how the full custom process works. The blade was shipped to me in a small USPS postal box with very little protection. The mounted blade was in a silk bag and the shipping container had a little protective paper at one end. When I unwrapped it I was surprised it made it to my house without damage.
Statistics
I am sure many folks on the forum started with a production blade and gradually refined their tastes until they owned something nicer than they ever thought they would own. That is the basic story behind this blade. The first “Custom” blade I ever owned was a Howard Clark 1086 and I was lucky enough to own it early in my collecting hobby. Howard’s worked help me understand the difference between custom and production blades… It also set a high bar early on.
This blade came up for sale as a completed sword in 2013 in the second hand market. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to buy it. I have to admit, I bought it because the price was right. I bought it on the name Howard Clark alone and not because the size, fittings, ect were appealing to me. In fact, the photos of the blade that I could see before buying did not capture a lot of detail. I could see it was in decent shape but none of the details that make this amazing blade special.
Historical Overview
I am far from an expert but I will do my best to provide a little context to the geometry. This blade is a naginata naoshi-zukuri style blade. From my understanding, naginata naoshi would suggest that the blade was cut down from a naginata and remounted in one form or another. This blade was not cut down from a larger naginata and is simply emulating that style.
Full Disclosure
This review reflects my personal opinions and bias. I am not a knowledgeable historian or advanced practitioner. Please keep that in mind while reading.
I am not employed or affiliated with any sword manufacturer.
I am writing this review in an effort to contribute to the community and not for any type of compensation.
I am a novice collector and trader of both antique and modern edged weapons.
I have owned over 150 modern katana in the last two years ranging from basic Musashi to Howard Clark L6 and many blades in-between. I have owned modern custom blades from Rick Barrett, Howard Clark, Walter Sorrells, Daniel Watson, Pavel Bolf, and Przemek P. This blade is admittedly on the high-end side of what I have owned and seen.
I acknowledge that owning something (even a lot) does not make a person an expert. I will be the first to admit my level of knowledge is that of a novice. Perhaps one day I will qualify to have an opinion but for now read my review and understand it is the perspective of a newbie enthusiast. That said, I have learned quite a bit about swords in the last few years and I can attribute a lot of that to this forum. I hope this helps give back.
Verification:
As I stated, I bought the blade used. I contacted Howard Clark and sent photos to verify this blade was made by him. I also contacted Ted Tenold and verified the polish and mount were done by him. I have not contacted Patrick Hastings but the signature look correct and others with more knowledge believe they are his work.
Initial Impressions
As I mentioned this was purchased second hand and completed so I can’t share how the full custom process works. The blade was shipped to me in a small USPS postal box with very little protection. The mounted blade was in a silk bag and the shipping container had a little protective paper at one end. When I unwrapped it I was surprised it made it to my house without damage.
Statistics
- Blade/Nagasa Length: 20 1/2” (w/o habaki)
Motokasane: 10/32"
Sakikasane: 8/32"
Moto-haba: 1 3/8"
Saki-haba: 1 3/16"
Sori: 3/8"
Handle/Tsuka Length: 9 ½”
Overall Length: 31 ½”
Guard/Tsuba Width: 2 3/4”
POB: (Point of Balance): 2 7/8” (from tsuba)
Weight: 2 lb 4 oz
L6 Wakizashi Blade MSRP: $2850
Ted Tedold Polish / Machiiokuri MSRP: $85per inch, approximately $1800
Ted Tenold Mount with Silver Habaki and Seppa: approximately $2350
Iron Patrick Hastings Koshirae: approximately $2000-$2500 (not sure on that one)
Total Full Retail: Approximate $9500[/list:u]
The Blade/Nagasa:
The blade really has two parts, the sword smith work and the polish work.
Howard’s work is fantastic. I don’t know how traditional the geometry is but I like the outcome. The blade feels stout and agile at the same time. The hamon is subtle and attractive. The proportions are well done and everything lines up where it should and tappers where it should.
The polish on the blade is one of the best I have seen and by far the best that I own. I have trouble putting it down when I hold it. The lines are crisp and clean. The character of the blade is brought out without being overstated. The work is meticulously done and simply impeccable.
The Handle/Tsuka:
The tsuka is well done. The diamonds are evenly made and the ito is very tight. The doeskin feels very gentile on the hand. The lacquer work on the samegawa is deep without losing the detail of the nodules. The tsuka holds the blade perfectly. The nakago pops with a firm smack on the wrist and settles with a firm palm on the kashira.
The mekugi release without needing to be pounded and there is no rattle or movement of the nakago when moving the blade at speed. Everything is as it should be. The ito looks like it has been handled a bit but that is all. It is going to get more of that look considering I have trouble keeping my dirty mitts off of it.
The Furnature/ Koshirae:
Again, the work is simply fantastic. These fittings are my first exposure to Patrick Hastings work. I can see why he has such a following. The detail and artistry are wonderful.
I find the fittings are more appealing that I expected. When I bought the blade I could not see them well from the photos but now that I have them in hand, I find that the theme fits me well. It is simple and elegant at the same time. Each piece has depth and character. Also they are mounted to the tsuka and fit the blade perfectly. No rattle or movement in the tsuba at all.
The Scabbard/Saya:
The saya is simple in its design but is very well executed. The saya holds the blade perfectly.
The lacquer work is even and smooth. The kojiri and koiguchi are slightly enlarged and provide a little extra depth to the saya.
Handling Characteristics
The blade has heft! It is a little tip heavy in the hands. Personally I prefer it feeling that way. The blade has a very comfortable feeling. It has a weight to it but moves with ease. It is exactly what I hope for in a blade.
Test Cutting :
I am not going to test cut with the blade. I know spending a large amount of money on a custom blade and not using it seems crazy to some folks. To me this is a work of high art and I would rather keep it in its current condition.
Conclusions:
This blade shows what you get in a custom made blade by some of the best artists and craftsmen alive today. The price is high but the quality is also high. Everything is where it should be and works like it is supposed to. There is thought, mastery, skill, and art in every inch of the blade. You can see some of it in the photos and you can feel the rest when it is in your hands.
Pros
High quality everything.
Cons
High cost everything.
The Bottom Line:
Is it worth it? That is the question on most folks mind. It is a question you have to answer for yourself. I think it is and I understand why it costs what it does. Very talented people capable of executing at a very high level made this blade. I would defiantly recommend the artists and craftsmen that worked on this blade. They are already respected for their talents and works. This is just another simple example of their capability. Either way, I am very pleased with the blade and feel fortunate to look at it. The fact that I own something so amazing has not completely settled in yet.
I hope this was helpful.