Japanese Knife and Sword Makers

[308Mike]

As I've learned more about Japanese blades, I've become very interested in them - particularly after listening to the book The 47th Samurai by Stephen Hunter, which goes into great detail about the swords, and is not the normal shoot-em-up Bob Lee Swagger tale. No guns in this book (or audio CDs).



When I was at Barnes and Noble a week ago, I glanced through a blade book and was intrigued by a maker who specializes in Japanese blades and, IIRC, is in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, I neglected to get his information and I haven't been able to find him on the web.

SeekHer, do you have specific listings for Japanese blade manufacturers?

[Mike OTDP]

Try www.swordforum.com - they have a good database on their boards. Nice for-sale section, too.

[Steamforger]

Angelswords in TX makes some nice blades in price ranges from doable to ludicrous. I received a Bright Knight 2 handed longsword as a graduation present from an uncle about 6 years ago. It's a well made blade that I'm confident could do anything I asked of it. I'm quite pleased with it.

[Factfind]

Try Scott Slobodian if you want the real deal.

http://www.slobodianswords.com/

[308Mike]

Try Scott Slobodian if you want the real deal.

http://www.slobodianswords.com/

A fair bit too expensive right now, but I also found HandmadeSword.com, and although they have categories going over $10,000 (here's one for $18,000), the vast majority of their Katanas are under $400.00.

Here's their Press Release from their Grand Opening of their California store this year in February.

[jeremysa1]

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com has pretty extensive reviews (including hands-on cutting tests on video) of functional, battle-ready swords in the sub-$300 range. Includes a section on japanese swords.

Does a good job explaining the difference between wallhangers (aka Sword Like Objects) and swords you can hit things without the sword breaking.

[SeekHer]

As I've learned more about Japanese blades, I've become very interested in them - particularly after listening to the book The 47th Samurai by Stephen Hunter, which goes into great detail about the swords, and is not the normal shoot-em-up Bob Lee Swagger tale. No guns in this book (or audio CDs).

I will have to get it so my collection will be complete...

SeekHer, do you have specific listings for Japanese blade manufacturers?

I created a list at Sword Makers - Custom

I will be adding a Battle blade thread as well as an armour and chain mail thread…

Adding to the Primitive Knives and creating a Folding knife, a fixed blade knife and an art knife thread…Custom knife dealers and a separate general/Internet dealers threads as well…

I should point out that I consider swords to be in four categories:

Antiques - Collector or historical value only - displayed not played with...Have lots of these!
Custom Blades - True cutting blades and damn expensive...I do have some of these!
Battle Blades - Replicas for SCA or stage fencing - less expensive but sharpened...I mostly buy these!
Eye Candy/Wall Hangers - Wouldn't cut their way out of a wet paper bag or would shatter at the first parry...I don’t have any and won't buy them!

I can't put a price on them as too many factors come into play--period represented--geographic location--quality of steel--makers name, etc. but normally anything below $150.00 is eye candy, under $600.00 is a battle blade and over $1,000.00 is a custom blade...