|
Post by Arlequin on Jul 3, 2021 5:55:02 GMT
Been allot of these huh? So as some of you may know I've been itching to have a custom made for months, but I've had a hard time truly visualizing what I really want. More importantly, how to convey what I want when theres a language barrier. For those of you who have commisioned and possibly still waiting, what was that initial contact like? Were their issues explaining the technical details? Please post your stories below. As for what I want, I know I want blade with similar geometry to hanwei ppkxl, with a prominent O-Kissaki and 30-32 inch blade. At one point I know I wanted the kissaki to swell similar to an unokobi zukuri, but not taper in the middle. But at that point I'd know the balance would be off and I'm not sure how to properly balance it or keep the weight down. Any and all suggestions welcome.
|
|
|
Post by phoule on Jul 3, 2021 15:21:15 GMT
This is what I sent to Jacky, along with drawings of the blade: Hi Jacky, Hope you're doing well! I would like to get a quote for a custom katana build. I joined photos for reference of what the hamon should look like and the shape of the blade. Here are the specs: Nagasa /blade length - 71cm Motohaba - 3.1cm Motokasane - 0.7cm Sakihaba - 2.7cm Sakikasane - 0.5cm Nakago Length - 24.8cm Sori/curvature - tori sori 1.5cm O-kissaki - 7.4cm Tsuka Length - 26.4cm Mekugi-ana- 1 -COPPER habaki and seppa -Black samegawa -Black LEATHER ito -Wave themed tsuba, fuchi and kashira -Black ishime ![DOTANUKI-katana specs.jpg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/RYWJQaF0LOthuCYQFPQB.png) ![Huawei-katana specs.jpg](//storage.forums.net/1694914/thumbnailer/mPmiybsqbBQTbEUDpQJL.png)
|
|
|
Post by swordenthusiast on Jul 4, 2021 0:55:40 GMT
Been allot of these huh? So as some of you may know I've been itching to have a custom made for months, but I've had a hard time truly visualizing what I really want. More importantly, how to convey what I want when theres a language barrier. For those of you who have commisioned and possibly still waiting, what was that initial contact like? Were their issues explaining the technical details? Please post your stories below. As for what I want, I know I want blade with similar geometry to hanwei ppkxl, with a prominent O-Kissaki and 30-32 inch blade. At one point I know I wanted the kissaki to swell similar to an unokobi zukuri, but not taper in the middle. But at that point I'd know the balance would be off and I'm not sure how to properly balance it or keep the weight down. Any and all suggestions welcome.
My contact with Huawei was really good at first. No real issues with the language barrier. Jacky was even quick to clarify when not understanding my query as to rather or not Huawei incorporated hishigami in their wraps. Things broke down a bit when I questioned the price point I was being quoted relative to the price point of another vendor who had been given the same specs. That was when I was queried about my sword experience, which is mostly with western swords, before being told, "The western sword and Japanese sword are completely different types. As this is your first time to buy a Japanese sword, I suggest you buy a cheaper and practical one." While I was a little taken aback by the statement, it wasn't wholly bad advice. I have seen a lot of people on this forum suggest to buy a lower priced practical katana as their first purchase. However, the sword is intended as a gift to commemorate a military retirement, so a cheaper and practical one will not suffice. So, I went another route with my purchase and am currently waiting to see the results. Overall, I would say my experience with Huawei was really good, and I would still consider buying a sword from them in the future. This one in particular has had my eye for a few weeks now: High Quality Shinogi Zukuri Choji Hamon Nami koshirae Japanese Sword Katana I likely would have pulled the trigger by now if it didn't have bo-hi. Beautiful sword regardless.
|
|
|
Post by vidar on Jul 4, 2021 9:03:53 GMT
This is what I sent to Jacky, along with drawings of the blade: Hi Jacky, Hope you're doing well! I would like to get a quote for a custom katana build. I joined photos for reference of what the hamon should look like and the shape of the blade. Here are the specs: Nagasa /blade length - 71cm Motohaba - 3.1cm Motokasane - 0.7cm Sakihaba - 2.7cm Sakikasane - 0.5cm Nakago Length - 24.8cm Sori/curvature - tori sori 1.5cm O-kissaki - 7.4cm Tsuka Length - 26.4cm Mekugi-ana- 1 -COPPER habaki and seppa -Black samegawa -Black LEATHER ito -Wave themed tsuba, fuchi and kashira -Black ishime Nice specs! Did you get a response?
|
|
|
Post by Robert in California on Jul 4, 2021 16:22:38 GMT
Nice. Don't you want full rayskin wrap? Huawei swords are cosmetic slabs only unless you ask for a full wrap. Friend ordered a top line Huawei....top line, but still just cosmetic rayskin panels. But Huawei can do a full wrap...was $80 extra for my friend. Been a few months now....status unknown, but he is playing it smart and not asking for status so Huawei doesn't cancel his order, like they did mine. My guess it will be a year, hopefully less, but time will tell. RinC
|
|
|
Post by Stef on Jul 4, 2021 16:54:00 GMT
full wrap from anyone except a tsukamakishi is a waste of money and time. huawei does not do full wrap as it should be nor does any other Chinese seller. get standard samegawa panels as you will get a better shape and any future custom will be much easier, follow Phule advice and be very patient. A year is a realisti waiting time.
|
|
|
Post by Arlequin on Jul 4, 2021 17:25:23 GMT
full wrap from anyone except a tsukamakishi is a waste of money and time. huawei does not do full wrap as it should be nor does any other Chinese seller. get standard samegawa panels as you will get a better shape and any future custom will be much easier, follow Phule advice and be very patient. A year is a realisti waiting time. My thought exactly. I was actually considering asking Huawei for a bare blade. Maybe just the habaki if anything and sending it to be completely dressed up to another craftsman.(they're out of commission right now but by the time the blade would be ready they'll likely be up and running again) Though I'm not sure how they'll react to that, they may decide its not worth their time.
|
|
|
Post by jyamada on Jul 4, 2021 17:30:20 GMT
full wrap from anyone except a tsukamakishi is a waste of money and time. huawei does not do full wrap as it should be nor does any other Chinese seller. get standard samegawa panels as you will get a better shape and any future custom will be much easier, follow Phule advice and be very patient. A year is a realisti waiting time. Good info and advice. Using Huawei's description format as a base like phoule did is the way to go.
|
|
|
Post by Stef on Jul 4, 2021 23:13:13 GMT
full wrap from anyone except a tsukamakishi is a waste of money and time. huawei does not do full wrap as it should be nor does any other Chinese seller. get standard samegawa panels as you will get a better shape and any future custom will be much easier, follow Phule advice and be very patient. A year is a realisti waiting time. My thought exactly. I was actually considering asking Huawei for a bare blade. Maybe just the habaki if anything and sending it to be completely dressed up to another craftsman.(they're out of commission right now but by the time the blade would be ready they'll likely be up and running again) Though I'm not sure how they'll react to that, they may decide its not worth their time. who are you planning to send it to? make sure to get habaki and maybe shirasaya. both are usually good from them
|
|
|
Post by swordenthusiast on Jul 5, 2021 0:40:36 GMT
full wrap from anyone except a tsukamakishi is a waste of money and time. huawei does not do full wrap as it should be nor does any other Chinese seller. get standard samegawa panels as you will get a better shape and any future custom will be much easier, follow Phule advice and be very patient. A year is a realisti waiting time. My thought exactly. I was actually considering asking Huawei for a bare blade. Maybe just the habaki if anything and sending it to be completely dressed up to another craftsman.(they're out of commission right now but by the time the blade would be ready they'll likely be up and running again) Though I'm not sure how they'll react to that, they may decide its not worth their time. Based on a recent conversation I had with Cottontail, I would recommend getting the fully mounted blade from Huawei: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/64714/important-hishigami?page=1&scrollTo=863924.
|
|
|
Post by Arlequin on Jul 5, 2021 6:41:33 GMT
My thought exactly. I was actually considering asking Huawei for a bare blade. Maybe just the habaki if anything and sending it to be completely dressed up to another craftsman.(they're out of commission right now but by the time the blade would be ready they'll likely be up and running again) Though I'm not sure how they'll react to that, they may decide its not worth their time. who are you planning to send it to? make sure to get habaki and maybe shirasaya. both are usually good from them Problem is, I want the blade to be about 35-36 mm at the motohaba, and since huawei(im told) pulls from the same standard set of parts as the other "custom" vendors, they wont be able to fit 1. Bet at the same time, ive shopped around and it looks getting a simple custom fit habaki will cost a pretty chunk of change, like almost the cost of getting a full on Tsuka. So im not sure what to do there lol
|
|
|
Post by Stef on Jul 5, 2021 18:47:36 GMT
who are you planning to send it to? make sure to get habaki and maybe shirasaya. both are usually good from them Problem is, I want the blade to be about 35-36 mm at the motohaba, and since huawei(im told) pulls from the same standard set of parts as the other "custom" vendors, they wont be able to fit 1. Bet at the same time, ive shopped around and it looks getting a simple custom fit habaki will cost a pretty chunk of change, like almost the cost of getting a full on Tsuka. So im not sure what to do there lol one of my custom huawei is made to specs I gave including motohaba sakihaba and many other bits, the habaki was made to fit the wider blade by huawei. should you want a habaki the man in black can make a simple habaki for around $100. here is the katana ( sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/59957/nice-daisho%C2%A0) thicker and shorter than their standard shobu and the wakizashi is also very different. "huawei(im told) pulls from the same standard set of parts as the other "custom" vendors" no that is not true their habaki are far better nad not always cast, their fittings are better and the fit and finish is better all across.
|
|
|
Post by Cottontail Customs on Jul 6, 2021 2:18:11 GMT
who are you planning to send it to? make sure to get habaki and maybe shirasaya. both are usually good from them Problem is, I want the blade to be about 35-36 mm at the motohaba, and since huawei(im told) pulls from the same standard set of parts as the other "custom" vendors, they wont be able to fit 1. Bet at the same time, ive shopped around and it looks getting a simple custom fit habaki will cost a pretty chunk of change, like almost the cost of getting a full on Tsuka. So im not sure what to do there lol I think Huawei used to offer the typical "choose your own fittings" selections in their ebay shop a while back but now they pretty much have three options: the "Nami" f&k, kojiri and tsuba, the "high quality" Higo fittings and their base line cast brass fern motiff f&k, which come with maybe one or two cheap tsuba designs(the tsuba are steel). the Nami f&k run a tiny bit small and can make it a bit more difficult to swap later on. their brass stuff is functional but very cheaply painted and are pretty boring and while the Higo stuff is steel and very strong, they're also pretty boring and the casting is rather basic. the Higo set does cost a bit more to add but worth it if you don't mind the plainness of them since they'll last forever and can also be further polished and re-patinated fairly easily if you're a diy kind of person. I always switch the fittings out anyway so I just get everything with the brass set. their habaki are cast and handmade, depending on the blade. even the cast are superior to most though because of the finishing work they do and the excellent fit. I don't think I ever got a habaki from them that didn't have a great fit. and a huge bonus is they don't come with gobs of cement/epoxy or wood shims in them, such as those from many other sellers, including jkoo.
|
|
|
Post by swordenthusiast on Jul 6, 2021 4:14:55 GMT
Problem is, I want the blade to be about 35-36 mm at the motohaba, and since huawei(im told) pulls from the same standard set of parts as the other "custom" vendors, they wont be able to fit 1. Bet at the same time, ive shopped around and it looks getting a simple custom fit habaki will cost a pretty chunk of change, like almost the cost of getting a full on Tsuka. So im not sure what to do there lol I think Huawei used to offer the typical "choose your own fittings" selections in their ebay shop a while back but now they pretty much have three options: the "Nami" f&k, kojiri and tsuba, the "high quality" Higo fittings and their base line cast brass fern motiff f&k, which come with maybe one or two cheap tsuba designs(the tsuba are steel). the Nami f&k run a tiny bit small and can make it a bit more difficult to swap later on. their brass stuff is functional but very cheaply painted and are pretty boring and while the Higo stuff is steel and very strong, they're also pretty boring and the casting is rather basic. the Higo set does cost a bit more to add but worth it if you don't mind the plainness of them since they'll last forever and can also be further polished and re-patinated fairly easily if you're a diy kind of person. I always switch the fittings out anyway so I just get everything with the brass set. their habaki are cast and handmade, depending on the blade. even the cast are superior to most though because of the finishing work they do and the excellent fit. I don't think I ever got a habaki from them that didn't have a great fit. and a huge bonus is they don't come with gobs of cement/epoxy or wood shims in them, such as those from many other sellers, including jkoo. Interesting regarding the furniture. That would explain why they did not have a turtle menuki, which I thought was surprising.
|
|
|
Post by Arlequin on Jul 6, 2021 23:32:41 GMT
I think Huawei used to offer the typical "choose your own fittings" selections in their ebay shop a while back but now they pretty much have three options: the "Nami" f&k, kojiri and tsuba, the "high quality" Higo fittings and their base line cast brass fern motiff f&k, which come with maybe one or two cheap tsuba designs(the tsuba are steel). the Nami f&k run a tiny bit small and can make it a bit more difficult to swap later on. their brass stuff is functional but very cheaply painted and are pretty boring and while the Higo stuff is steel and very strong, they're also pretty boring and the casting is rather basic. the Higo set does cost a bit more to add but worth it if you don't mind the plainness of them since they'll last forever and can also be further polished and re-patinated fairly easily if you're a diy kind of person. I always switch the fittings out anyway so I just get everything with the brass set. their habaki are cast and handmade, depending on the blade. even the cast are superior to most though because of the finishing work they do and the excellent fit. I don't think I ever got a habaki from them that didn't have a great fit. and a huge bonus is they don't come with gobs of cement/epoxy or wood shims in them, such as those from many other sellers, including jkoo. Excellent, I'm glad I made this thread, you've renewed my confidence somewhat. I'm definitly considering getting a shirasaya from them now. I might ask for their nami tsuba, I like the simpleness in the design. I've looked at 3 different sources for tsuba, all though there some really nice ones(expsensive too lol) none of them have really "called out" to me.
|
|
|
Post by Graviga on Jul 8, 2021 22:30:57 GMT
full wrap from anyone except a tsukamakishi is a waste of money and time. huawei does not do full wrap as it should be nor does any other Chinese seller. get standard samegawa panels as you will get a better shape and any future custom will be much easier, follow Phule advice and be very patient. A year is a realisti waiting time. My thought exactly. I was actually considering asking Huawei for a bare blade. Maybe just the habaki if anything and sending it to be completely dressed up to another craftsman.(they're out of commission right now but by the time the blade would be ready they'll likely be up and running again) Though I'm not sure how they'll react to that, they may decide its not worth their time. I purchased an ebay tanto a few years back with a full wrap second hand for a good price. I left it in the car on a hot day and the glue melted causing the wrap to warp and fall most of the way off.
|
|
|
Post by shepherd214 on Jul 14, 2021 23:03:39 GMT
Nice. Don't you want full rayskin wrap? Huawei swords are cosmetic slabs only unless you ask for a full wrap. Friend ordered a top line Huawei....top line, but still just cosmetic rayskin panels. But Huawei can do a full wrap...was $80 extra for my friend. Been a few months now....status unknown, but he is playing it smart and not asking for status so Huawei doesn't cancel his order, like they did mine. My guess it will be a year, hopefully less, but time will tell. RinC This reads to me like your "friend" is just a summary of some of the comments you've seen here, spliced into a comment regarding your "friend's order."
|
|
|
Post by Arlequin on Jul 30, 2021 21:41:30 GMT
Hi all,Just dropping in for a quick update. For the last several weeks been enumerating on who to go with for my order. by the time I made this post I had narrowed it down between huawei and Motohara. Motohara was an attractive choice for me since they were more likly to get my blade to me this year, and the premium fittings would save me the trouble of going to various craftman for customization. However, after some back and forth between me and jacky and Jason it looks like I'm probably going with huawei. 2 main reason came up on Jasons end. 1. As it turns out, the steel I wanted for my blade won't be available till early next year, which means even if I process the order now I likely won't get it in my hands till summer or early fall. basically a year, which hurts one of the main reasons I contacted them in the first place. 2. Mostly my fault for assuming, but for my tsuka, I wanted a akechi katatemaki, which for some reason I thought I saw on their website when I first looked through their gallery. This basically meant, even after going close to $800 over my original budget, I'm going to have to spend $200-$300 tracking down someone who can redo the wrap and probably samegawa. Now to Jason's credit, he did take his time asking around to make sure whether they could'nt do it, and I can respect his honesty in telling me they can't do it rather than charging me the premium and sending me a poorly done product. 3. ...I'll be honest, I've looked at multiple examples from both forges and I honestly just like how huewei does there Choji hamons better lol.
If i have to wait a year regardless I feel huawei is the better option for me, and will likely save me upwards of $1500 (even after customizations) that can be put to another custom idea I have in the works if anyones been following my post history.
|
|
tera
Moderator
Posts: 1,715
|
Post by tera on Jul 30, 2021 22:09:19 GMT
We now live in a bizarre world where it is easier and faster (though more expensive) for a law abiding US citizen to lawfully buy a suppressed machine gun than a custom katana from a reputable smith.
These are strange times indeed.
|
|
|
Post by alientude on Jul 30, 2021 22:10:34 GMT
But that katana could cut clean through the machine gun!
|
|