Treebranch Posted April 16, 2004 Posted April 16, 2004 Does anyone know if there are quality swords made in Japan? I tried searching the web but can't come up with anything. Seems that Paul Chen at the Hanwei company has cornered the market. Bugei and Paul Chen work together to make some excellent swords. Would be interested in finding Japanese Sword making company. Thanks. "It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.""Lock em out or Knock em out"
Ktonix Posted April 18, 2004 Posted April 18, 2004 yes paul chen definatly has the market cornered on this subject, and yes his swords are very nice. Most swords made in japan are local smiths and are not entrepeneurs. If your looking for japanese steel , go there and spend ridiculous amounts of money for a very very nice sword. Its all really dependant on the amount of money your willing to spend on a sword. Howard clark swords start off at $5000 usd. paul chen go upwards of 3000$ usd. I saw some japanese iado swords somewhere , but really if your going to spend 1000$ + then why would you want a zinc/aluminium alloy.
Ktonix Posted April 18, 2004 Posted April 18, 2004 Also note* if your interested in any paul chen swords, I know a guy that imports them, and he can sell them to you for cheaper then you would find in any store. just give me a shout on email and I will give you his contact info
Treebranch Posted April 19, 2004 Author Posted April 19, 2004 Yes I'd be interested in getting that info from you, Thanks. "It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.""Lock em out or Knock em out"
Ktonix Posted April 20, 2004 Posted April 20, 2004 HanweiDirect@aol.com Mark G. Sloughter Wholesale Imports Direct Ocala, FL 34478 USA Here is Mark's email. He is a resident in Florida. Hes a great guy has had thousands of buyers. which most all were extremely happy. He can get you mostly anything Paul Chen , you can visit this site http://www.casiberia.com for an idea ( note those prices are full retail and he will be able to get you them at wholesale prices ). For example I ordered a Paul Chen Practical Katana Plus , which retails for $355 usd , I got it from him for 215 usd. Anywo all around nice guy. GL on your purchase
Red Triangle student Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 oooohhhh i love katanas! I like the way they look and the way they swipe through their target other than hacking at it. I f you push and not push you will hack. Has anyone heard of the way they make these swords? They get block of metal heat it and bang it flat, they then repeat the process until perfect. Some blades have been banged over 1000 times! "To be elated at success, and dissappointed at defeat, is to be the child of Circumstances." I wish I followed that rule! ^^ I hate Losing!
searcher Posted April 27, 2004 Posted April 27, 2004 The reason that there are no Japanese made swords realy available is that the Japanese government limits the number of swords produced by a smith and his apprentices. They are allowed to only make around 12 swords per month and these are highly sought after. I researched it and many of these katana start at $30,000 and go up, but you get what you pay for. Were talking hand selected ore and hand-forged, super-high quality blades. Some sword-smiths have a several year waiting period and it is still difficult to get on the "list" to get one. I would suggest if you want a high-quality katana then go to Bugei and purchase one. Before you go and pay several thousand dollars for a sword get a book on katanas and do some major research. I suggest you get the book "The Craft of The Japanese Sword" by Leon Kapp, Yoshindo Yoshihara, and Hiroko Tateno Kapp. This book is very good and it will help you make a wise decision. "let those who shed blood with me be forever known as my brother."
Treebranch Posted April 30, 2004 Author Posted April 30, 2004 Thanks for all the info. I think I will study up on swords and sword making so that I know what I'm looking at. I'll definitely pick up "The Craft of The Japanese Sword" by Leon Kapp. Thanks again. "It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.""Lock em out or Knock em out"
Rat-30 Posted May 11, 2004 Posted May 11, 2004 For example I ordered a Paul Chen Practical Katana Plus Ktonix - How do you like the Practical Plus? Have you used it for tameshigiri ? Curious how this blade compares to a Cold Steel Katana, anyone? All the best,John
Ravencroft Posted May 13, 2004 Posted May 13, 2004 God can they really be that much? I mean i figured they got up into 4 figures but damn. katanas are badass though and i maintain that they are the single deadliest bladed weapon in existence. just my opinion though.
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