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Post by Brendan Olszowy on Jan 9, 2009 9:38:58 GMT
There is a katana maker here in Perth, but I can't find their site. They have a shop and all.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2009 10:51:16 GMT
Nice, if you remember anything more, I'd love to know.
I know there's a guy named Terry here in Brisbane, Dragonfly Forge, I think? But I don't know much about his work or if he even does katana-length blades...
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2009 13:40:08 GMT
I would like to know too
For a katana if I could (I mean after huge savings for months ) I would ask for a Rick Barrett or Anthony Dicristofano (both with a professionnal polisher after forge). A walter Sorrell elsewise and last (but not least at all) a james raw perhaps. But the price I got for some of them (including polishing and mounting) are as expensive as some good antiques nihonto.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2009 14:43:20 GMT
I would go with a nihonto, or a shinsakuta (is that the right term?) before laying down thousands upon thousands on a Barret, Clark or Sorrell blade. Don't get me wrong, they're fantastic pieces of work, but I don't think I'd go there.
James Raw is a different thing however, he doesn't charge an arm and a leg, produces great quality work, and can have a blade in your hands in 2 weeks if he has one spare or 6 weeks for a brand new custom.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2009 16:25:02 GMT
I might be able to get some contact information on the smith I am talking about, also try the ausblades forum those guys are a good bunch of guys and will probably have other contacts. The guy I was talking about near me his name is Michael Fechner and he is pretty well respected in many of the dojos around adelaide and my old sensei has one of his blades which is a very nice blade although it is a bit of a unique blade because my sensei wanted it based on the long sword used by the famous swordsman who used two blades, I know who I am talking about but the name escapes me at the moment to my extreme embarassment. Fechner makes his blades out of L6, stock removal and a completed katana will run you about $1500 australian. Fechner does all the wrapping and fittings and whatnot and he makes incredible swords.
I'm not really interested in the big name makers, I mean sure they might make a nice blade and they have the credentials but sometimes it is good to support the lesser known guys and there are some very good smiths out there that don't have a big name.
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 9, 2009 16:35:40 GMT
He's Musashi Miyamoto, just to refresh your memory, BW
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Post by shadowhowler on Jan 9, 2009 17:16:16 GMT
I've never heard of these 'drop bears' before... and looking at this picture, I will never think good cuddly thoughts about Koala Bears again. Scary as hell... no wonder so many of you aussie's love swords... if I knew those things where hanging in trees above me waiting to drop down and eat my FACE, I'd go everywhere armed as well. Gezz.
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Jan 9, 2009 17:25:38 GMT
I think I ran into one of those drop bears while hunting for snipe in Georgia one night. I guess they really get around!
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Post by shadowhowler on Jan 9, 2009 17:47:06 GMT
I think I ran into one of those drop bears while hunting for snipe in Georgia one night. I guess they really get around! CRAP!!! I live in georgia... thats it... I'm never leaving home without a sword from now on... there are LOTS of trees around my home... plenty of hidding spots for these nasty buggers to drop out of and EAT MY FACE!
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Jan 9, 2009 18:20:18 GMT
When I lived in Okinawa there was stories that kept you cautious whenever you entered the undeveloped areas. Men living in caves that were Japanese soldiers that didn't know the war was over.........and there was lots of caves, and pit vipers that waited in trees overhead and dropped on unsuspecting victims underneath............and there was a lot of trees and pit vipers. After a typhoon there would be snakes all around our quarters and on the porches and steps at the doors......very poisonous. We actually had wild iguana's that lived in the house with us and went in and out a pet door whenever they wanted. Never had to worry about rodents with all the predators we had in the neighborhood!
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 9, 2009 18:54:59 GMT
So is that ACTUALLY a picture of a drop bear, or a photo-opped koala? *gulp*
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Marc Ridgeway
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Post by Marc Ridgeway on Jan 9, 2009 18:58:32 GMT
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 9, 2009 19:01:56 GMT
Even the cute, innocent-looking platypus is poisonous, seriously, and don't even get me started on the Drop Bear infestation we've got in QLD this summer... YOU ABSOLUTE MORON! (I don't mean it, truly I don't) ;D ;D ;D Drop bears are, and I quote wikipedia, "There are several possible origins of the drop bear myth. Some suggest that it is designed to discourage children from straying needlessly below eucalyptus trees, protecting them from the very real danger of getting hit by a falling branch. Arbitrary detachment of old branches is common with certain species of the eucalyptus, which are known as 'widow-makers' for this very reason. Similar theories are attached to the cone from the bunya tree. Another possibility is that the myth is based on a real animal. It appears to have first appeared during the latter half of the 20th century, and may have its origins with Phascolarctos stirtoni or perhaps Thylacoleo carnifex, which belong to a group of extinct animals known as Australian megafauna. The prehistoric creatures were approximately twice the size of modern koalas. T. carnifex is thought to have been an arboreal (tree-dwelling) predator that may well have ambushed prey by dropping on it from overhead branches, similar to how cougars often hunt. However, despite the merit or otherwise of these seemingly possible explanations it is far more likely that drop bears started out as a joke.[citation needed] This often is expressed by scaring newcomers or foreigners with alarming stories of the alleged dangers of the bush that are almost too incredible to believe. Nevertheless the delivery is so deadpan that it convinces the listener of its veracity, unless he or she is uncommonly perceptive or is familiar with this type of joke known as a furphy. This approach can be a test of the new person and he or she will be well regarded if they see through the joke, even if tentatively at first. Obtaining affirmation of the joke from other locals is often difficult, as almost all Australians are aware of the drop bear story and will readily attest to their existence." HA! You tried to trick us, you little rascal! lol I would smite you, but since i can't, and it was funny in hindsight, +1! Well deserved! (even if you ARE a little rat ;D ) -Slayer EDIT: I posted this BEFORE I saw marc's post. SO THERE! P.S. Did I ever mention how gullible I am? I'll believe almost anything from someone I even remotely trust, lol. Not a very good combat skill, I'm afraid ;D.
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Marc Ridgeway
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Post by Marc Ridgeway on Jan 9, 2009 19:04:59 GMT
Even the cute, innocent-looking platypus is poisonous, seriously, and don't even get me started on the Drop Bear infestation we've got in QLD this summer... YOU ABSOLUTE MORON! (I don't mean it, truly I don't) ;D ;D ;D Drop bears are, and I quote wikipedia, "There are several possible origins of the drop bear myth. Some suggest that it is designed to discourage children from straying needlessly below eucalyptus trees, protecting them from the very real danger of getting hit by a falling branch. Arbitrary detachment of old branches is common with certain species of the eucalyptus, which are known as 'widow-makers' for this very reason. Similar theories are attached to the cone from the bunya tree. Another possibility is that the myth is based on a real animal. It appears to have first appeared during the latter half of the 20th century, and may have its origins with Phascolarctos stirtoni or perhaps Thylacoleo carnifex, which belong to a group of extinct animals known as Australian megafauna. The prehistoric creatures were approximately twice the size of modern koalas. T. carnifex is thought to have been an arboreal (tree-dwelling) predator that may well have ambushed prey by dropping on it from overhead branches, similar to how cougars often hunt. However, despite the merit or otherwise of these seemingly possible explanations it is far more likely that drop bears started out as a joke.[citation needed] This often is expressed by scaring newcomers or foreigners with alarming stories of the alleged dangers of the bush that are almost too incredible to believe. Nevertheless the delivery is so deadpan that it convinces the listener of its veracity, unless he or she is uncommonly perceptive or is familiar with this type of joke known as a furphy. This approach can be a test of the new person and he or she will be well regarded if they see through the joke, even if tentatively at first. Obtaining affirmation of the joke from other locals is often difficult, as almost all Australians are aware of the drop bear story and will readily attest to their existence." HA! You tried to trick us, you little rascal! lol I would smite you, but since i can't, and it was funny in hindsight, +1! Well deserved! (even if you ARE a little rat ;D ) -Slayer Only you man... should have got a hint from all the snipe hunting talk.... never been snipe hunting ? OH boy ...new SBG feildtrip.... Who wants to take Slayer snipe hunting with me?
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Post by shadowhowler on Jan 9, 2009 19:05:27 GMT
When I lived in Okinawa there was stories that kept you cautious whenever you entered the undeveloped areas. Men living in caves that were Japanese soldiers that didn't know the war was over.........and there was lots of caves, and pit vipers that waited in trees overhead and dropped on unsuspecting victims underneath............and there was a lot of trees and pit vipers. After a typhoon there would be snakes all around our quarters and on the porches and steps at the doors......very poisonous. We actually had wild iguana's that lived in the house with us and went in and out a pet door whenever they wanted. Never had to worry about rodents with all the predators we had in the neighborhood! My wife and I visited a zoo once where they had a Komodo Dragon. As I was watching the thing, it was coldly staring me down... as if thinking 'Mmm, lunch. If only it would come a bit closer.' I walkd around the area it was kept... there were lots of people around... and I went threw an area of growth where you lose sight of the dragon for a bit... and when I came out the other side... it was STILL watching me. I tacked my movement everywhere I went... as if it had 'locked on' to me. I never felt quite so unerved in the pressence of a creature as I did that day. Something about reptiles... I'm good with most warm blooded animals... even dangerous ones like Mountian Lion and Bear... but that dragon man... I have never felt such a cold, basic desire to tear my flesh apart and feast of my bones as I did from that thing. (shiver) Anyway... back to swords... and the deadly DROP bear!
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Post by shadowhowler on Jan 9, 2009 19:10:35 GMT
Only you man... should have got a hint from all the snipe hunting talk.... never been snipe hunting ? OH boy ...new SBG feildtrip.... Who wants to take Slayer snipe hunting with me? I've never been snipe hunting before... or hunted any kind of bird for that mater, only land based critters. I'd be happy to come with... but I wanna bring my friend semprini along, if thats ok. He says he's about to retire here in less then 2 weeks and he LOVES hunting. He'll bring the beer.
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Jan 9, 2009 19:12:03 GMT
Hey, I'm up for a snipe hunt with SLAYER. The drop bear and snipe might have even been brought up with slayer in mind......lol! Good memories those snipe hunts!!!
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Marc Ridgeway
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Post by Marc Ridgeway on Jan 9, 2009 19:19:29 GMT
HA ...
Thats whats great about snipe.... they're land based ...AND birds....
then its settled... We'll take Slayer snipe hunting... and he'll be in the ditch waiting for the snipe with Mr. Cheney.... er semprini.... ;D
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2009 19:20:05 GMT
Watch out for hoop snakes in hilly territory. They hold their tail in their teeth and roll down hill gaining momentum and then sink their fangs real deep. My brother in Conyers Ga. says he has been bit twice!
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 9, 2009 19:23:27 GMT
I've actually never been hunting before but, hey, sounds fun enough. ;D Maybe we'll find that rogue drop bear that Shadow saw!
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