Yup, I'm aware this is an old thread. Yup, I'm aware that I'm re-upping something from the depths of time that many may wish to cut me off at the knees for.
However, I have.... interesting.. news.
MadMike.. is indeed doing a Kataghan.. in fact, he's doing *MY* Kataghan.
This badboy was on my fireplace mantle for a few months, then in a chitchat with Mr. Williamson, turns out he was interested in doing it.. a few other things fell into place, so at the moment, it's in his workshop, and if things go REALLY well, I may have it back in the next few months.
This piece was purchased from a Canadian bladesmith; the blade is, I THINK, a Yataghan, that the original bladesmith retrofitted with a wakizashi hilt.
MadMike has already cleaned up the rather nasty notch towards the tip. The tang has also been extended; the next step will be adding rosewood hilt pieces, and then re-wrapping it in the Katana style.
I may... MAY... have the very first, MadMike-touched (and blessed!) Kataghan! A little birdy tells me he may even be making one from a Chassepot, for purposes of having one of his own, after messing with this one.
You may now proceed with turning green with envy.