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Post by Novice on May 25, 2022 19:23:21 GMT
www.truekatana.com/products/21152/authentic-katana-handmade-japanese-sword-t10-carbon-steel-with-sunflower-tsubaMy son has wanted a sword ever since I can remember and now he's turning 21 I want to buy him one . I like the look of this one and,from my limited knowledge, the specs of this one but I'm not sure if it is what it says it is. Has anyone had experience with this particular katana or even the seller ( truekatana) The seller does not mention the manufacturer of this katana and mentions somewhere on the site that all swords sold by them are for display only despite many of them saying that they are battle ready. I'm not sure if my son will be using it as a cutting/fighting sword but want to give him the option. Or at least make sure I know what the sword was manufactured for so that he doesn't use an ornamental sword for cutting etc. At the very least I just want to make sure I'm getting what I pay for and know what I can safely use it for. Thanks in advance
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pgandy
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Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on May 26, 2022 12:39:56 GMT
The gift idea is a good one for someone that has wanted a sword for so long. T10 is a good steel, however the tempering is more important than the type of steel. Their statement of ‘display’ could very well be for legal purposes only relieving them of responsibilities. I am not going to recommend any particular sword as there are so many variables involved. I will say that for a first-time sword to someone that I assume knows nothing of swords, I assume, maybe a bit pricy. I would suggest a more entry level based sword with a lower price. But that is just may 2¢. Below are two reliable vendors. Musashi, brand name and not a model name, will give you a good bang for the buck. I suggest that you make sure the model you want is in stock, including the one you referenced, before ordering. Kult of Athena will ship internationally while True Swords will ship only within the USA. www.kultofathena.com/www.trueswords.com/
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Post by Murffy on May 26, 2022 14:35:29 GMT
I didn't see where it said "display" but if so I'd be wary. 5227 reviews, all five-stars, seems a little suspicious, too.
I'd be inclined to stick with Kult of Athena's offerings that say "battle ready" if you want a sword that's safely usable for more than display purposes.
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Post by nirm61 on May 27, 2022 15:13:37 GMT
Thank you for your feedback. I'm guessing in my heart of hearts that perhaps truekatana and its associated warehouse in the usa,swordsman.inc. may not be as reliable as the other sellers you suggested. I just really liked the design of this specific katana and I am having difficulty finding it anywhere else. Perhaps that's another red flag idk. I don't mind buying this katana even if it is for display only but I'm thinking that as such it is way over priced, also I would really like to know if it is safe to cut/train with etc. I did send an email to truekatana customer services (they don't have a phone number) asking who the manufacturer was and if it was for decorative purposes only or could be safely used for training/ cutting/ combat etc. The response I received simply stated "made in LongQuan and its a real sword"...not inspiring confidence. Any suggestions on how to find this katana elsewhere and get a more reliable response re it's function would be appreciated. Thanks.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on May 27, 2022 19:01:44 GMT
I see no reason why that sword would not be OK for cutting. I do not know in what respect you use the word to train. If your son would like to learn iaido I’d strongly suggest finding an instructor. With no instructor I’d suggest an iaito, with an instructor follow his teachings. I use my iaito more than a katana. As for the common backyard cutting that Truekatana will work. Keep in mind a 60 HRC is hard and less susceptible to bending and the edge should last a long time between sharpening. The trade off is that it’s more prone to chipping. One bad cut such as clipping the cutting stand could cause a chip as well as will extremely hard targets. There’s no hard and fast rule but I prefer a HRC of about 50. I have a 1045 steel katana going strong after about 15 years. But I am selective in my targets and don’t try to see just how much abuse it will actually take.
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Post by nirm61 on May 27, 2022 20:30:04 GMT
Thank you once again for your help. I guess an iaito would certainly be safer at this stage. Seems like I have a lot to think about.
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tera
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Post by tera on May 27, 2022 20:32:35 GMT
I agree with pgandy's thoughts and inquiries. I own one quality iaito and two live edge katana. I have put HUNDREDS of more hours in training with the iaito than the two live blades combined.
It kind of depends on what experience you'd like him to have. If you'll like him to have an attractive display sword, that is a lovely model and it is likely also functional. If you would like something he can feel is very authentic, there are some unorthodox things about that model (like the writing on the saya/sheath) that make it stand out as a modern creation so a more traditional design may be better fitting. If he is to use it, starting by finding and funding training at a local Iaido, Kenjutsu, or Kendo school may be best. In none of those will you begin with a live edged blade. Likely a wooden sword first, then an iaito (for quite a while).
There's nothing wrong with gifting something very nice to be worked towards, of course. But a carbon steel katana will require a little love and care (regular oiling, careful storage to protect the wood from humidity fluctuations, etc.). That care is easier done when you've been trained to do it by a Sensei, but it isn't rocket science.
Honestly, I believe whatever you give him will be very greatfully received specifically because you gave it to him. My first iaito is, quite honestly, trash. However, I still keep it around as it was presented to me by my first Sensei. Sentimental value has no dollar value.
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