|
|
Post by munk on Aug 10, 2015 5:04:34 GMT
Hello everyone, I'm looking to have a sword created, but want to make sure it's done right and for a fair price. That being said, I'd much rather spend a little more for better craftsmanship than save a few bucks but have issues (bad heat treatment, loose fittings, poor quality materials, etc.). The only two forges that I know of that will do a custom job are Jkoo (sinosword.com) and Huawei. It sounds like Jkoo might be a little hit and miss on their swords? How's Huawei's custom stuff? Does anyone have any experience making a custom with either of these companies, or perhaps there is another/better company you'd recommend? The ko-katana I'm looking for isn't too complicated, though there is one unique detail about it that I'm concerned about. Attached is a basic mockup -- note the decorative curve "cut-out" towards the tsuka. It's just an aesthetic thing, but it's one of those things I really want. The problem is that this one feature would mean the habaki, tsuba, fuchi, seppa, and the inside of the saya will need some customization too, as the blade will have an atypical profile that won't fit the factory stuff forges often use. Do you all think that would be an issue? I mean, beyond that, there are other specific things about the sword that I'd also want, but those are just the normal stuff you'd expect with any custom katana/ko-katana request; steel type, blade/tsuka length, fittings, etc. Any help would be appreciated! Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by zabazagobo on Aug 10, 2015 6:08:21 GMT
I've never ordered a fully custom piece from either vendor, but Jacky at Huawei is good about making a modified blade to spec from my experience. I read that Robert in California's got a custom "heavy mat cutter" with a healthy amount of niku inbound, so it might be worthwhile to wait for his impressions to see if the blade turned out nicely. Which has taken a long time by the way, you might want to look check out the thread to get an approximation of the wait to expect if you take that route.
About that blade design though, that cut out on the upper half of the nagasa...what's it used for? Is it to catch the opponent's blade? It's interesting, is the blade made to be extra thick around the cut-out as well?
|
|
|
|
Post by munk on Aug 11, 2015 0:33:31 GMT
Perhaps Huawei is the way to go then (or if there is an individual here on the boards that can do it?). I actually submitted this design to Jkoo to get an idea of what something like this would cost, and got a reply today that they are unable to make it for me. Sad times.
As far as what that cutout is, it's probably best described as an ornamental choil. Normal choils are typically found on much shorter blade like knives, and can sometimes be used as finger grooves for a better grip or more precise cutting. Though, just as many are non-functional and only exist for looks. The other purpose is to allow you to sharpen a blade all the way to the very edge without bumping into/scratching the handle (or in my case, the habaki). For my sword, as it currently stands, it would be purely decorative...though I suppose I could tweak the design a bit so to give me the the benefit of easier sharpening of the entire blade. There wouldn't be much use for a choil on an already long-handeled/short-bladed ko-katana as leverage nor size should be an issue...not to mention your tsuba would get in the way unless it was very small. Plus, it just seems dangerous to put your finger there when it comes to weapons that are swung around!
|
|
|
|
Post by Cottontail Customs on Aug 11, 2015 1:15:41 GMT
If ordering from a seller such as Huawei, or any similar company that agrees to attempt this design, you should be prepared for possible deviations or even disappointments. It might come out just as you'd hoped but then again, it might not. This type of tactical hybrid design is usually something best handled by individual smiths familiar with making knives and other tac type tools and weapons. Miller Bros. Blades comes to mind. Lonely Wolf Forge might also be someone to ask. Good luck with your project and please post some follow up info  -Josh |
|
Mikeeman
Member
Small Business Operator
Posts: 2,904 
|
Post by Mikeeman on Aug 11, 2015 1:16:43 GMT
I wouldn't mind picking it up, but I just don't have the time right now.
|
|
|
|
Post by munk on Aug 13, 2015 5:20:55 GMT
Is there a list of Japanese-style sword makers/forges somewhere on SBG,or perhaps a subforum where I might inquire about a commissioning a sword? Or all else fails, a list of SBG members I can contact via PM?
|
|
|
|
Post by Cottontail Customs on Aug 13, 2015 5:41:11 GMT
Maybe you can find somebody over at Bladeforums to make it or at least point you in the right direction. A lot of talented smiths can be found there. |
|
|
|
Post by Croccifixio on Aug 13, 2015 5:54:10 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Aug 13, 2015 7:10:54 GMT
Slap in the face.
|
|
|
|
Post by Croccifixio on Aug 13, 2015 7:58:04 GMT
Thought you didn't want to make a katana yet? Otherwise you'd be the first one linked.
|
|
|
|
Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Aug 13, 2015 8:50:10 GMT
You are right about me but there are others on here. Wasn't aimed at you too.
|
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Aug 13, 2015 12:01:37 GMT
If ordering from a seller such as Huawei, or any similar company that agrees to attempt this design, you should be prepared for possible deviations or even disappointments. It might come out just as you'd hoped but then again, it might not. This type of tactical hybrid design is usually something best handled by individual smiths familiar with making knives and other tac type tools and weapons. Miller Bros. Blades comes to mind. Lonely Wolf Forge might also be someone to ask. Good luck with your project and please post some follow up info -Josh You beat me to the suggestion the language barrier can be a problem with such designs, a better and more 3d image may help |
|
|
|
Post by DigsFossils-n-Knives on Aug 13, 2015 12:07:23 GMT
Munk, what is your budget? And what is the steel type, blade/tsuka length you're interested in?
|
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Aug 13, 2015 12:07:51 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Aug 13, 2015 14:32:27 GMT
Good to see you step up Digs, I think you would do a good job at it.
If it was a bowie, langsax, gladius, or some other styles am good at, I would give you some competition.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cottontail Customs on Aug 13, 2015 15:35:48 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Aug 13, 2015 15:59:59 GMT
Like I said there are several people on here that can make this blade, TomK, Digs, LWF, and a few others I can't think of right now. I would be supposing them.
|
|
|
|
Post by DigsFossils-n-Knives on Aug 13, 2015 16:06:59 GMT
Like I said there are several people on here that can make this blade, TomK, Digs, LWF, and a few others I can't think of right now. I would be supposing them. Thank you Fallen for suggesting folks on this forum first before pointing to folks outside of SBG. |
|
|
|
Post by DigsFossils-n-Knives on Aug 13, 2015 16:09:34 GMT
brotherbanzai would be an a very good suggestion as well
|
|
|
|
Post by L Driggers (fallen) on Aug 13, 2015 16:17:21 GMT
You're right don't know why I forgot about him.
|
|
