leadcounsel
member
Been lusting for a Katana (and even a straight blade ninja sword too) for many years. I've got some nice "battle ready" (I know that term is over-used) knight-style long and short swords in my modest collection. I don't want junk or wall-hangers.
In short, I want a sword that can be called into duty, isn't junk, and one would be proud to own and pass down someday, but also not break the bank. For ME, it's difficult to part with over $300 for a sword (old technology) when for a little more you get a modern working firearm, or a pile of ammo and mags.
I've spent some time reading up about the materials and manufacturing of Katanas. I've read a lot of the intro stuff, now just looking for end user feedback. Seems for a functioning, full tang, sharp and high quality steel sword, with nice materials for the handle, guard, pommel, (pardon me for not looking up the Japanese names). So my budget is $200-300. $300 is probably my upper limit and even then it'll take a prybar to get it out of my hands because I'm lusting after some $400 Sig Sauers and $600 AKs...
So, onto my journey. Steel- seems the best in my range is 1095 or 9260 spring steel. Any more guidance? Other things I've noticed is the materials used in the handles, handguards, etc. Also, the Bohi desirability and whether to pay extra for a Hamon, and what to we weary of, and also whether to just bypass it if it's not REALLY authentic but a cheap polishing process...
I want to reiterate, I want a real weapon that is useful and will last, but I'm not interested in spending north of $300. Seems to me that $300 should be a reasonable amount to get a quality weapon with a few finer points. I do not want "cheap" feeling however and would just skip the whole process if that's what I'll end up with.
I'm looking at a few companies - if anyone has experience I'd love to hear from you or take recommendations:
http://www.swordsofnorthshire.com/
http://www.ryansword.com/
http://www.real-sword.com/
This is not a solicitation for self defense laws, guns versus swords, or history lesson...
Any relevant insight is awesome.
In short, I want a sword that can be called into duty, isn't junk, and one would be proud to own and pass down someday, but also not break the bank. For ME, it's difficult to part with over $300 for a sword (old technology) when for a little more you get a modern working firearm, or a pile of ammo and mags.
I've spent some time reading up about the materials and manufacturing of Katanas. I've read a lot of the intro stuff, now just looking for end user feedback. Seems for a functioning, full tang, sharp and high quality steel sword, with nice materials for the handle, guard, pommel, (pardon me for not looking up the Japanese names). So my budget is $200-300. $300 is probably my upper limit and even then it'll take a prybar to get it out of my hands because I'm lusting after some $400 Sig Sauers and $600 AKs...
So, onto my journey. Steel- seems the best in my range is 1095 or 9260 spring steel. Any more guidance? Other things I've noticed is the materials used in the handles, handguards, etc. Also, the Bohi desirability and whether to pay extra for a Hamon, and what to we weary of, and also whether to just bypass it if it's not REALLY authentic but a cheap polishing process...
I want to reiterate, I want a real weapon that is useful and will last, but I'm not interested in spending north of $300. Seems to me that $300 should be a reasonable amount to get a quality weapon with a few finer points. I do not want "cheap" feeling however and would just skip the whole process if that's what I'll end up with.
I'm looking at a few companies - if anyone has experience I'd love to hear from you or take recommendations:
http://www.swordsofnorthshire.com/
http://www.ryansword.com/
http://www.real-sword.com/
This is not a solicitation for self defense laws, guns versus swords, or history lesson...
Any relevant insight is awesome.