The finest sword money can buy

[sonny]

As far as Samuri swords are concerned.
Who makes them and where....are there any makers or manufacturers that stand out from the rest?
I was just watching the Last Samuri and was wondering how good the swords really were way back when....do modern sword makers make a superior product when all is said and done? I obviously no nothing about this subject.

 

[mete]

To match or exceed anything made in the past try Howard Clark -$6000, worth every penny.

 

[Soap]

As far as the American 'smiths go, Howard Clark is generally considered the pinnacle. I would say that one of his blades would be of higher quality than an original. There is a much better selection of better raw materials these days as well as the ability to scientifically analyze the structure of each type of forging process and steel.

 

[MrMurphy]

www.angelsword.com balanced perfectly, sharp as hell, and made for real swordsmen. Once you stop drooling, also check out:

www.bugei.com which I believe, are made in the original method (folded and beaten a couple hundred times).

 

[Kjay]

You might also check out http://www.allsaintsblades.com/.

 

[hso]

I'll have to agree Clark's pieces are probably better (?) than true niento. Go here (http://www.swordforum.com/links/customsword/) for a listing of what Swordforums considers the best makers.

BTW - bugeis are made the same place and way the CAS Iberas are - Paul Chen. The primary difference is in the furniture and the polish/sharpening (which are very time consuming and expensive)

 

[Titus]

History International channel had an episode of Almanac about Masamune, the swordsmith, that despite the guy the had pretending to be Masamune, showed a good deal on traditional swordsmithing. Worth a watch if they replay it. If you don't know anything about how they are made The Craft of the Japanese Sword is a good start on traditional japanese sword making. It also includes chapters on polishing, making habaki and making saya (scabbard).

 

[moorerwc]

If you have unlimited funds, do your research and start looking at Japanese bladesmiths. Blades by smiths considered national treasures apparently run between $50,000-100,000. Course this is a handforged blade made with steel from Japanese iron bearing sand and made with all the appropriate rituals to the Shinto spirits. Course, I don't know if those prices include the hilt fitted to you and the handmade sword furniture.
If you don't know how to use it/just want a wall hanger--you can get a relatively traditional sword from Bugei or Hanwei/Paul Chen---most of the production Bugei swords are Chinese/Hanwei.

Being a student of history, esp. Warrior cultures, and a former student of Judo/Aikido/Jujitsu, I've often thought about learning Kenjutsu. But, recently, I've become more comfortable spending my time and money on the more practical American Samurai sword, the 1911 .45ACP.

Enjoy. Just researching/learning about traditional Japanese swords can be very fun. Try to get good pictures online of the grain in the steel and different tempering line patterns, then search out a collector who will allow you to inspect their swords--But only after learning the appropriate etiquette.

Good luck,
Chad

 

[Titus]

If you don't know what you're doing with them, and especially if you're going to be tempted to try cutting with them, look into some training first. There are plenty of ways to injure, maim or kill yourself that may not be obvious and you won't necessarily read about in books.

 

[carebear]

Now there is a book worth writing on almost any subject.

"The Big Book of Don't-Do's in _________"

For those of us who don't want competence, just safety.

 

[Trisha]

and for those of us without infinite resources. . .

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/sword.html

Make your own furniture and take the time to match a scabbard to your draw and it'll be very serviceable. A minimum of a year of kendo is always a good investment. . .

Trisha

 

[USP45usp]

!!!!!!!

Even if the peasants did have a few shillings and no sword control they still couldn't afford a good blade.

Wayne

 

[carebear]

Remember, these are "the finest" not the "functional". A quality blade could be had for less. Course, peasants used spears, polearms and axes, bows and slings more often than not. They did okay through the years.

 

[twoblink]

 

[carebear]

That's sweet twoblink! I think it's the Jedi's "chi" that makes the glow.

 

[Colt46]

Try DragonFly forge

I think the guy's name is Bell. He studied in Japan under some very prestigious bladesmiths. I think his shop is located on the Oregon Coast.

 

[E36M3]

Check out Rob Douglas and Wally Hayes on www.bladeart.com .