What to look for in a good Katana
Original Poster: BLACK PANTA
Forum: Martial Arts Weapons
Posted On: 26-10-2004, 19:55
Orginal Post: BLACK PANTA: What should you look for. For me I ask you guys keep it simple like what type of steel should it be made of, how should it be made, i know it should be folded. How can you tell that a sword is very well made. And without seeing the price tag.
Post: Gong||Jau:
I wouldn't try to answer this question because I know next to nothing about katanas or sword making, but since it sounds like you're shopping for one I would suggest giving a price range, since the steel and forging techniques will vary depending on how much you're willing to spend.>
Post: setsu nin to:
Actualy Katanas are made of iron, not steel, but nevermind.
First you have to ask for paper which proof that Japanese gowernmant allowed to smichtar to make sword. If you cant get in comtact with smichtar it would be best take kanjis on the sword and translate them. There you will finde all infos about the sword.
If you whant you may take photos of the sword and kanjis and send them with infos of the sword to me and I will see what I can do about it.>
Post: bushidoka:
Check the handle of the sword. The number of dowels attaching the hilt to the blade is a good sign of quality. 1 dowel, very poor, 2 dowels, average, 3 dowels, very good quality, 4 dowels, exceptional quality.
Take the end cap off and make sure the steel of the blade continues all the way through the handle of the sword. If the sword was stamped on a press, the steel in the handle will be round, a sure tell of a cheap sword.
The material the handle is wrapped in is another tell. Katanas are generally wrapped in 'ray skin, though I have seen tons of them re-done with leather around here. A cloth or material wrap is another tell of cheap blade.
Check the blade for nicks and chips. Look closely for pitting and signs of old rust.
If the blade is original,
it will have engraved in its tang(the blade material under the handle) the makers name, date of origin, province of manufacture and number of bodies the blade is rated at. Of course, you will not be able to see this without removing the handle.
Its sheathing is also something to look at, but that's another story. :lol:>
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