Katana Recommendations?

[Big John]

Hi All. Been interested in nihonto for as long as I can remember and have a reasonable collection of books on the subject. Even did a course in Kendo to better understand the subject. Anyway, although I do have a collection of custom knives (for different reasons, although there is probably a link), I now want to buy a reasonable katana to admire although I suppose I will probably feel the need to try some practice cuts. I am not interested in cheap rubbish and want a forged blade, with genuine hamon and reasonable quality fittings (same). I keep promising myself that one day I will buy a true collector's piece for posterity, and maybe an antique at that. Back to now though - what would you recommend? I have followed Paul Chen's work and it seems to fit the bill. Any thoughts on this practical katana? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/THE-PRACTICAL-KATANA-NEW-SWORD-IN-BOX-swords-knife_W0QQitemZ6637927299QQcategoryZ20272QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Or, am I better looking at Chen models around £300? Also, anywhere better to buy that Ebay? Thank you.

[scruff]

Hi Big John,

I can't comment on Paul Chen's work - I'm sure someone will be alon shortly to solve that though.

Have you considered anything like this http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22376 ?

Raggedstaff (a member here) often posts katana in the Dealers section, perhaps you could PM him?

Personally I'd settle for an Iaito - especially given the current climate :rolleye13

[Big John]

Thanks Scruff - I would much rather buy from a BB member than you know where. I think the current 'climate' is forcing me to act - my wife will tell you that I have talked about buying a quality sword for over 15 years, shame that the implications of ownership should be so negative. I am looking for value for money with this sword - I will save my proper purchase (quality piece) later. I am also considering collecting tsubas as a more 'socially acceptable' tribute to the nihonto.

[ggfh666]

Questions to ask :

- what will it be used for
- how good must it be looking
- how real must it be
- what price range

I would advice to take a look at Swordforum.com, registration is mandatory but free.

[thomas]

paul chen swords are like most things, there are cheaper ones and dearer ones. the practical katana is excellent for the price. i also have the fantasy practical katana which is a foot and a half longer than usual. it was modeled on a famous japanese swordsman who was VERY tall.
there is an excellent range of paul chen on here:
http://www.blades-uk.com/view_items.php?cat_id=73
you cant go wrong with a paul chen in my opinion mate.

[Big John]

Thanks guys - it will be used for some light cutting, it must look at least reasonably authentic, forged is not essential at this stage, price I guess is up to £200. I am a member of Sword forums but have not posted there for nearly 2 years - will do now. Chen could be the answer.

[thomas]

this one then:
http://www.blades-uk.com/large_pic.php?product_id=107
the practical plus.
if you find a websight that does it cheaper this one will match it.ect..
there are some threads in this forum that have been talking about swords, and i think there is one being passed around just now.

[Big John]

Thanks Thomas.

[parbajtor]

It may be too late, but gengswords.co.nz and kriscutlery.com also do swords suitable for tameshigiri, that are in your price range (when you include shipping). Zwaardstunter.nl have some good links to other alternative swordmakers making katanas that can cope with light cutting. I've read a few comparison tests online that would put me off the cheaper end of Paul Chen blades if I was going to cut anything heavier than plastic water bottles or those swimming pool "foam worm" things. The Cheness/RSKnives swords look like fantastic value for money, and should do the biz

[Colin KC]

There is a member that sells Cheness katanas & for the price point (he does very good prices) you'd be hard pushed to beat them.

'course, in ten or fifteen years, I might be able to make you one:rolleye13;)

[dtalbot]

When you do make one I might be wanting to buy it!

[Colin KC]

When you do make one I might be wanting to buy it!


Mind you, in fifteen years, I'll want loads of money for 'em:P;)

[Danzo]

Mind you, in fifteen years, I'll want loads of money for 'em:P;)

Yeah, but in fifteen years time loads of money will only buy you a Kit-Kat.

;)

Danzo

[Colin KC]

Yeah, but in fifteen years time loads of money will only buy you a Kit-Kat.

;)

Danzo

Good point, shall I ask for cash up front, fifteen years in advance?

D'ya think it'd work?

[dtalbot]

15 years might just give me time to save enough!!

[Danzo]

Good point, shall I ask for cash up front, fifteen years in advance?

D'ya think it'd work?

Well, it's a bit like Visa in reverse......

:D

Danzo

[graham_s]

i've got a practical plus and matching wakazashi.
nice swords for the price. they cut well too.

[dtalbot]

Just watching Kill Bill again, I assume yours will be a match for a Hatori Hanzo Col!

[Colin KC]

Just watching Kill Bill again, I assume yours will be a match for a Hatori Hanzo Col!

You willing to pay a million dollars & a mamba for one then?;)

[dtalbot]

Well maybe the black mamba, seems to eliminate the need for cash!!!!!!!