Alex A

Im not talking about refining the materials, im referring to the steel ready to make the blade. Had folk saying the outer skin of the blade is just one type of steel whilst someone else said its 2 What is it ?

Always hate to quote wiki for some reason, but this is how i have always thought Japanese swords were constructed. Somewhere in this thread some differing opinions have me a little lost. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_swordsmithing And again " the different layers of steel are made visible during the polishing because of one or both of two reasons: 1) the layers have a variation in carbon content".......... And a new one for me "2) they have variation in the content of slag inclusions". Forging[edit] Forge scenes, print from a book from the Edo period (1603–1867), Museum of Ethnography of Neuchâtel. Blacksmith scene, print from an Edo period book, Museum of Ethnography of Neuchâtel. The steel bloom, or kera, that is produced in the tatara contains steel that varies greatly in carbon content, ranging from wrought iron to pig iron. Three types of steel are chosen for the blade; a very low carbon steel called hocho-tetsu is used for the core of the blade (shingane). The high carbon steel (tamahagane), and the remelted pig iron (cast iron or nabe-gane),[11] are combined to form the outer skin of the blade (kawagane).[12][13][14] Only about 1/3 of the kera produces steel that is suitable for sword production.[15]

Aye Mark, i get what your saying. He does mention a “variety of techniques to create subtle changes” but eludes to give us the details. Unknown territory for me, but interesting trying to understand.

Andrew, you done the right thing asking in the first place, wish i had. You dont need to go crazy with books if your just looking to buy a sword to satisfy your curiosity, Seths first book will do and also plenty on the internet. To be honest, dont feel right just throwing links at you, i wont do it again with newbies. Thought just helping out someone that wants a "samurai sword" but your not that person. Also, yes, much better to look at blades in hand and if its Grey, he is a top notch guy to deal with. He will admit that the blade photography on his site is not the best for us guys that buy online, but they dont need to be, as he does the shows. Best.

You see lots of swords made with a more refined steel/equal steel. Folk often describe them as looking bland or boring. The guy in the vid i linked described features in older blades that you lose once you fold and work the steel many times. Part of the reason you wont see such features in a tight Shinshinto Ko-itame, some folk think thats boring too.

Interesting video's Part1 plus Part2 At 1.55 "Billets that have slightly different carbon content will form layers that will contrast when polished. Plus a variety of forging techniques that can be employed to create subtle changes"

It is also wide at 3.25, with little curve. Looks ok, has hozen This is why i say spend some time reading a book, its difficult shopping when your still trying to get your head around stuff. No rush, always going to to be swords for sale. Better picking your own and knowing what you buy .

Hi Andrew, just ideas. At your budget, may have to make a few compromises. Maybe an idea to read an introductory book, gain a bit of knowledge and get your head around the terminology. Then narrow the field as to what you want exactly. Books is the usual advice before buying Cheers.

Not bad at all that one Victor, at least the fittings dont look repro like the one i found (apart from tsuba) Pity its not in fresh polish, would look nice, perhaps ask them. Saying that though, sometimes swords in old polish look ok in hand. We doing our best here lol Already had one down vote, seems trying help someone out these days upsets some folks, i dont know

UFO blade

Sure is Kanbun, Folk talk about Kanbun sugata a lot but to be honest it feels like i hardly see them. Let us know what you come up with and why, Cheers

Ps, places like this you need to keep an eye on. Im assuming you just want a "REAL" Samurai sword, For your budget and KATANA, how about something like this. Fittings, well, you cant have it all at that price, tsuka wrap could be changed. Not papered by looks of it, but if its such a big deal you could ask them https://www.toukenkomachi.com/index_fr_tachi&katana_A020220.html

If you stick with the hobby Paz you might find that your views change as time goes by. Old swords, those tired with narrow lifeless hamon soon become boring. Has to be some balance, Wont buy an unsigned blade these days, dont like ?,s, well, maybe at rock bottom price. Horses for courses.

Hi Andrew, you confirm my thoughts Be patient, something will turn up eventually.

I do like the weapon aspect too, Jussi, doing my best not to start talking about reliable Sengoku clunkers like Dotanuki. Dam, i said it. Now backing out haha

There would be only one way to truly get to the point, all else is purely speculation and off on a tangent talk. That is , speak directly to someone that made a blade to match and ask him. It has been done, again, back to the likes of Rays post. Anyone know a modern smith with a take on it ? If not, then little to add, for me anyways.

When folk new to the hobby desire a blade in koshirae, usually there is no getting away from it.

Its heading into that Art V Weapon territory again. I was under the impression we were talking art.

If you come across something you like the look of, add a link here.

Often, you come across wakizashi that are almost katana length and in koshirae, for that price. Keep an eye on the Japanese sites.

If thats the case Christian, they failed an awful lot for a long time, those guys just didn't know when to quit

For me, to get my head a bit more around this subject i have had to go back to what Ray said about Shibita Ka. To be honest i had never heard of him but just looked into him a little. Compare smiths over the centuries that had to make a living, sell swords with the materials they had and compare their way of producing swords to that of SHOWA period Shabata Ka. Rather than repeat, here, info on the smith. https://yakiba.com/shibata-ka/ As mentioned, subjective. Smiths that mastered from Konuka to Muji or whatever tradition may well of thought their blades were the best in history and felt little need to replicate anything.

Personally, prefer swords that dont have a really sharp point at the kissaki. They bend and break too easily, should you catch it on something by accident. It happens, especially with newbies.

Hello, Not wanting to sound snobby or anything, but this site is for traditional forged blades. Might of been better starting a new topic rather than adding to this one. Less body parts in your shots might be a good idea too Welcome though!

I think sometimes in these exercises it is important for those that are not correct to maybe show an example of what they thought was correct. You will see lots of similarities but sometimes obvious differences. Sometimes, very close. Cheers.