Swords

gwchem · Sep 17, 2017

I've got a wierd question for you all. My wife wants a sword. Specifically, a katana style. I know absolutely nothing about these, so don't even know where to research.

Is there a good sword forum? Alternatively, is there a store nearby that stocks these? Or an online store that's reputable? I would rather get something well made if possible. Thanks.

wrc · Sep 17, 2017

http://kultofathena.com/ - They're a good store.

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/ - I don't own a fedora, so I can't really say how good this site is.

dreadpirate · Sep 17, 2017

gwchem said:
I've got a wierd question for you all. My wife wants a sword. Specifically, a katana style. I know absolutely nothing about these, so don't even know where to research.

Is there a good sword forum? Alternatively, is there a store nearby that stocks these? Or an online store that's reputable? I would rather get something well made if possible. Thanks.

Did she just see the movie Kill Bill?

WeaponsCollector · Sep 17, 2017

Avoid the cheap ones made of stainless steel, they are not usable. Make sure the blade goes all the way through the handle where you can see wooden pins holding it in place. Also make sure the blade is thicker towards the handle. These are the easiest ways to tell if you have a fuctional sword or not. I'd recommend a Cold Steel katana but there are plenty of good ones to choose from.
Ebay is a good place to see countless examples at any price point.

Matlack · Sep 17, 2017

Why does she want a sword?

gwchem · Sep 17, 2017

Matlack said:
Why does she want a sword?

I have no idea. But the site linked above seems to have exactly what she's looking for. Thanks guys!

iH8DemLibz · Sep 17, 2017

Make sure you tell her you cancelled the life insurance policy on yourself right after you purchase the sword.

And run like hell if you overhear her tell a friend: Hold My Beer.

ohen cepel · Sep 17, 2017

I would look at a Cold Steel katana machete. Yes, I know it's not the same thing but for $30 you may be able to scratch the itch or at least make a better informed decision before you drop $300+ on one.

Mr. Ed · Sep 17, 2017

A friend of mine who knows about swords says to be sure to get one that is "Battle Ready". I think that means it will stand up to at least moderate impact, and is a cut above (pardon the pun) costume swords. And most importantly, it will have a full tang that extends to the end of the grip.

If you get to the Rennaisance Festival in Crownsville, there are two vendors who sell swords on Tiltyard Path:

Badger Blades makes their own swords, and usually has some nice examples. Be sure to pick up some choji oil for your new blade. A vendor just to their left sells assorted swords and knives, including Cold Steel products. I have a Cold Steel Katana and a Wakasashi (and some other toys as well). All are well made, came razor sharp, seem to hold an edge well (although I don't duel with them). Cold Steel's website has lots of good info on different steel types and properties. Might be helpful for folks who aren't metallurgically proficient (like me).

Amazon sells some Cold Steel items for a discount, so it might be worth it to check them out after you make a selection. Good luck!

gwchem · Sep 17, 2017

Hah, thanks. We were just talking about the Renaissance festival being one place we could definitely find a sword.

Great ideas!

Fox123 · Sep 17, 2017

http://imakeswords.com

Local guys and cool YouTube channel

DanGuy48 · Sep 18, 2017

Get her something memorable that is really suited for the apocalypse.

https://www.zombietools.net/products/blades/

jimbobborg · Sep 18, 2017

What's your budget? A good, forged sword will run you at least $400. And how tall is she? There's a formula for blade length versus height.

Just an FYI, the "katana" available at the RenFest are usually brittle stainless steel, which is fine for decorations but will snap if you use it.

5cary · Sep 18, 2017

DanGuy48 said:
Get her something memorable that is really suited for the apocalypse.

https://www.zombietools.net/products/blades/

This. They have a new version of the Apokatana:
https://www.zombietools.net/shop/the-apokatana-2/

llkoolkeg · Sep 18, 2017

wrc said:
http://kultofathena.com/ - They're a good store.

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/ - I don't own a fedora, so I can't really say how good this site is.

I have personally ordered from both of these and they are reputable options.

Fox123 · Sep 18, 2017

Cool alternative to katana

http://imakeswords.com/mideastern.htm

dvcrsn · Mar 7, 2018

fox--interesting yatagan

Doctor_M · Mar 7, 2018

Just out of curiosity... did you piss her off recently? :-)

alucard0822 · Mar 7, 2018

Paul chen Hanwei, Ronin Dojo pro and Cold steel are probably the least expensive with a useable 1060 blade. I own a Hanwei, and it holds up well enough, used it for forms and Tameshigiri in a class years ago. The sky is the limit on price, especially once you get into damascus, but anything stainless will be dangerously brittle, cheaper steel or poor heat treatments will get damaged easier.

photoracer · Mar 12, 2018

I acquired this one while I lived in MD but don't remember who made it. Replica of a Viking or Frankish sword from the Viking age. No real point but the double edge is very sharp. I sometimes take it out and chop down bushes. Never seems to lose its edge.

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