Japanese Sword Thread - NO POLITICS!

[rnatalli]

Since it seems there are quite a few folks into guns, I thought I'd see if anyone out there shares my interest in Japanese swords.

Here are some shots of my favorite:

 

[aberkowitz]

Do you have an original Hattori Hanzo sword?

 

[rnatalli]

Do you have an original Hattori Hanzo sword?

Any sword that rings and has a fake temper like isn't one I want

 

[itschris]

I just watched a really cool show on the traditional method of making those swords on Weapons Masters. If you get a chance to watch it, it's a cool show where they compare modern technology applied to old world weapons manufacturing. The episode on thw swords was amazing.

 

[lsiberian]

Give me a Rapier any day over a Katana.
I prefer western style swords. Though Hollywood glorifies the Katana well. I remember someone telling me they could cut through 8 people lol.

Still I did watch a guy cut through 7 of those round things with one. Needless to say he was a master.

Are you into Ken Do?

 

[darien87]

Nice looking blade. You've got some decent hada in the blade. You don't see that kind of battle-field ito wrap very often. I've never been into black Same though.

I've got a couple of blades. I don't really have pics of them, but you can see them in this one. The one on top is my Iaito, Battoho blade. It's a Cheness blade that I had customized, (silk ito, new Same, Hanwei Menuki). The bottom one is a Hanwei Tsunami. I use the Tsunami mainly for Tamashegiri. I just cut with both of them yesterday in fact. The Tsunami is a much better cutter. But it's so heavy that I kind of feel like I'm cheating when I cut with it.

I've been taking Kenjutsu for about 5 years now. Are you just a sword collector or do you take martial arts?

 

[haraldo]

Is it true that some of these swords are made out of 2000 layers of steel and are so strong they can cut a concrete block in two

That's what I heard.....

 

[rnatalli]

Nice looking blade. You've got some decent hada in the blade. You don't see that kind of battle-field ito wrap very often. I've never been into black Same though.

I've got a couple of blades. I don't really have pics of them, but you can see them in this one. The one on top is my Iaito, Battoho blade. It's a Cheness blade that I had customized, (silk ito, new Same, Hanwei Menuki). The bottom one is a Hanwei Tsunami. I use the Tsunami mainly for Tamashegiri. I just cut with both of them yesterday in fact. The Tsunami is a much better cutter. But it's so heavy that I kind of feel like I'm cheating when I cut with it.

I've been taking Kenjutsu for about 5 years now. Are you just a sword collector or do you take martial arts?

Nice blades. The through-hardened Cheness blades can take a real beaten. Great for starting out as they don't take sets as easily.

My blade was made by an apprentice of Chris Zhou. It's 1060 wrapped with 1095 folded; Kobuse lamination.

I was doing Aikido and Iaito until I developed a meniscus tear. I'm back in shape and will be heading to the dojo soon.

 

[rnatalli]

Is it true that some of these swords are made out of 2000 layers of steel and are so strong they can cut a concrete block in two

That's what I heard.....

Layers refers to the folds. If you look at my blade, you see a lot of squiggly lines. An unfolded blade will look like plain steel. In the old days, they would fold the steel to evenly spread out impurities in the steel. Modern steel is 99.9% pure anyways so folding steel is mainly for aesthetic value.

A katana (or pretty much any sword) will take a set if you attempt to chop concrete blocks; or worst break and hurt someone. However, a katana will easily take a limb off.

Here are some destructive tests of a Cheness blade which is made from 9260 steel, through-hardened:

http://www.chenessinc.com/video.htm

 

[lsiberian]

Is it true that some of these swords are made out of 2000 layers of steel and are so strong they can cut a concrete block in two

That's what I heard.....

A sword designed to cut concrete would be a useless weapon. That's because it would likely be very heavy. If a sword weighs more than 3lbs its pretty much useless as a fencing weapon. Plus no sword can break through good plate mail.

This is why most fights ended with a dagger to the face.

They have some beautiful katanas though. 2000 folds means you got really bad iron.

 

[darien87]

Just curious, what politics could there be about owning swords?

"Swords don't kill people, people kill people."

One of the guys at my Dojo is selling his Hanwei Orchid for $500. I might pick that one up to use as my Batoho blade. The Cheness blade is an okay blade, but it's pretty cheap. The sword makes a lot of noise coming out of the Saya. I actually chipped the tip of the Kissaki when I was cutting once. My dumb-*** was cutting right in front of my front door. When I raised the katana to Jodan position, I slammed the tip into the rain gutter on the edge of my house. I was soooo pissed.

I guess you can't expect too much for $250, but you can get pretty decent China-made blades at good prices.

 

[rnatalli]

Yeah, Cheness needs work on their fittings and handles. They had some real issues with the Tsuka breaking on past runs. Their blades are great for the money though. Especially to practice with in case you mess up and hit a rain gutter

The Orchid is a nice sword. I was thinking of having David Goldberg do up a custom. He makes some really nice stuff for a reasonable cost.

Cutting right in front of your house eh? That's one way to make sure the neighbors don't mess with ya