Hello, My name is Cliff. i am in my late 20's and I reside in Canada. And have been a collector of swords and knives for several years now. But the Katana is one area that captures me more then any other. I have been searching for several years now, trying to locate an informative site. that could help me in locating rather beautiful pieces for my collection, and that can help me in locating living shinsakuto swordsmith as well as authentic swordsmiths who can produce the real deal. now I just recently commissioned a piece being done hand forged and clay tempered, by Akio Hattori himself, who is working with *deleted* out of Quebec,CA. As a memorial piece for my mothers recent passing, which will be etched on the blade in Japanese characters, "The strength of my mother, is that of a thousand men standing behind me." and will also feature a "Standing Crane" etched in to the blade, the Ito, Saya, and Ray skin, will all be white. I am hoping it comes out to be an outstanding piece.(i will post pictures once i get the piece in my hand), I am sure it will be both eligant and very much usable since i already own a knights sword made by DSA, But I am looking for katana's that will be real outstanding quality pieces, not just for cutting and practice but also to be show worthy, historical treasures. And to learn as much as I can about these sacred blades as I can. that all being said the older the better.
*Just a side note* I have 2 other Akio Hattori Katana's on order, but they were not made by Akio personally but rather by his students. I will post photos of these also to show there quality. you can find a video on youtube showing demonstration of there ability link is here( *deleted* )
Well thats just a short little bit about myself and what i am hopping to learn and find in this community.
*And yes I to am sick of the huge flood of cheap chinese made replica's that is flooding the sword collecting market these days*
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Cliff