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SBG Sword Forum :: Discussions of Swords, Traditional Weapons & Medieval Equipment :: Japanese Swords :: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? Page 1 of 9 » Jump to page   Go     Author Topic: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? (Read 9,329 times) Paul Southren Administrator member is offline Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 1,376 Location: Australia Karma: 168 The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Thread Started on Oct 22, 2008, 10:28pm » When is a sub US$300 sword NOT a sub US$300 sword? The answer, when it is a $699 sword... Okay, I realize that at first glance this enigmatic statement doesn’t seem to make much sense. But this riddle disguises a genuine opportunity to own a Katana that’s value far exceeds its price tag... Let me explain... As you may know, Sonny Suttles from Valiant Armoury has been striving to redefine what is possible for the medieval production sword market, while at the same time making forays into Japanese blades. However, to be a jack of all trades is to be a master of none, and he has recently come to the conclusion that he will be focusing Valiant Armoury almost exclusively on the medieval sword market and his collaborations with Gus Trim and Christian Fletcher... The thing is though, before he made this decision, he invested heavily to create a line of medium to high end Katana designed with practicality and tradition in mind. High quality, 1060 carbon steel differentially hardened blades with solid iron fittings with a retail price tag of $699... And this change of direction and focus presents all Katana enthusiasts with what really is an extremely rare and exciting opportunity... Sonny approached me a while ago about these blades – and offered me an opportunity to make them available to the SBG community at a bargain basement price so he could recover some of the money he put into making them and re-invest it in the medieval Practical and Signature lines... Naturally, I had to see and try out one of these swords for myself first – and I must say, this really is a huge opportunity to snatch up a Katana of astounding beauty and functionality for less than what it would normally WHOLESALE for... This isn’t really a ‘review’ per se, but rather a presentation so you can have a look at these blades and make up your own mind if they are something that you want to own or not... But you’ll want to make up your mind quickly, because this isn’t some marketing gimmick by Valiant – this is a genuine liquidation, and once they are gone – that’s it... THE SWORD As I mentioned, this isn’t really a review per se but more of a walkthrough of what these swords are and what to expect if you buy one. I’ll largely be letting the pictures do the talking, and attempt to keep my waffling to a minimum for once... ;-) Here is the sword in the saya – pretty basic overall appearance, with a close up of the Kurikata and Shitidome below. The Sageo is thick and practical, none of that shoelace stuff (though some like the thinner sageo, so really it is a matter of personal choice). Below is an image of the sword itself, just to give an idea of the overall shape and dimensions. STATS: Tsuka: 11" Blade: 29" Sori: 0.75" Spine: 1/4" Point of Balance: 5.5" Weight: 2lbs 8oz FITTINGS The fittings are all black power coated iron with a floral themed Tsuba and Fuchi/Kashira. A little plain, but eminently functional of course. As you can see, the tsuka and the nagako follows the sori of the blade and has some waisting so that it feels quite comfortable and natural in the hand. While the ito is plain old cotton (which is a bit of a disappointment), it is extremely tightly wrapped over the same panels, which are cleanly executed. To be honest, the fittings are not quite what you would expect from a $699 sword. Don't get me wrong, on their own merit they are perfectly acceptable - but apart from the iron fittings and overall quality (everything is very carefully assembled) some of the choices of materials are rather pedestrian. However, one look at the blade instantly justifies the price... THE BLADE Here is where the pedal hits the metal. The blade is absolutely gorgeous... The level of polish is extreme, with a flawless finish and a super clear Gunome hamon that is clearly visible no matter which angle you look at it from. As the blade is differentially hardened the hamon is of course real. And the quality of the steel is immediately apparent. The Kissaki is the only 'imperfection' of the blade. It is not traditionally shaped or polished, though as you can see from the pictures it is none-the-less very well executed and has boshi (hamon on the kissaski). HANDLING AND CUTTING In a word, Perfect. This sword FLOATS, yet when in action cuts with authority and is extremely enjoyable to use. The Tachi-Kaze (sword wind sound) has to be heard to be believed and is the clearest of any sword that I have handled to date. In the video below, I have demonstrated its cutting ability on some tatami mats – and given a demo of just how prominent the Tachi-Kaze is... PRICE AND AVAILABILITY So to repeat, when is a sub US$300 sword not a $300 sword? Well, I think you know the answer to this question now... This sword never hit the market so doesn’t really even have a name, other than model 1601. But it DID have a price tag, which was to be US$699... The lowest retail price this sword would ever sell for, if Sonny had proceed with his original plan to cover the entire sword market, would be US$559.20 - and at this price, I would say that, when you consider the blade and handling characteristics, it is definitely a good value for money purchase. However, this is where I am really excited. Because until they are sold out, you can pick them up for US$299.99 SHIPPED FREE in the USA (with $26 shipping to Canada, $35 to Europe and $59 everywhere else). It's crazy I know, but Sonny’s urgent need to recapture the capital he invested and refocus on his medieval line is one heck of an opportunity to snatch one of these up. If only every sub US$300 sword could be like this... But alas, considering that the wholesale cost would be more than this bargain selling price if he was going ahead with his regular plan, it is simply never going to happen... And it’s no gimmick to say that once these are sold out, that’s it – they are gone for good... The swords will be listed at the SBG Sword Store until sold out, but in the meantime – if there are any questions about this offer or these swords, simply post away below and either myself or Sonny will get back to you with an answer asap. CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM AT THE STORE I must admit I am really excited to be able to offer this sword to you guys – this kind of thing doesn’t happen every day, and I really don’t think we will see anything like it again... Cheers, Paul « Last Edit: Oct 24, 2008, 7:59pm by Paul Southren » Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged www.sword-buyers-guide.com Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Forget this and attaining Enlightenment will be the least of your problems. There's an old saying about those who forget history. I don't remember it, but it's good. Ken Knight member is offline Joined: Apr 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 177 Karma: 7 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #1 on Oct 24, 2008, 8:13pm » Looks fantastic! Too bad I'm poor Don't really like cotton ito though. Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged Paul Southren Administrator member is offline Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 1,376 Location: Australia Karma: 168 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #2 on Oct 24, 2008, 8:34pm » Yeah, it pretty much is the only thing that lets this sword down. The rest of it is off the charts for sub US$300 though... I'm pretty excited, that's for sure! Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged www.sword-buyers-guide.com Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Forget this and attaining Enlightenment will be the least of your problems. There's an old saying about those who forget history. I don't remember it, but it's good. Vtolds Swordmaster Review Points: 15 member is offline Joined: May 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 695 Location: Burlington, VT Karma: 24 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #3 on Oct 24, 2008, 8:42pm » Just like Bishop I am poor right now, and I have a sword waiting to be finished when I have money. Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged Musashi Bamboo Warrior. Civil War Cavalry Saber Kris Cutlery Custom 29A www.sette-experience.com Marc Ridgeway Senior Moderator Review Team Shortlist Candidate member is offline "The best cost less when you buy it the first time." - Papabear Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 3,094 Location: Atlanta,Georgia Karma: 312 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #4 on Oct 24, 2008, 9:12pm » Now that's what I call a bargain... cost vs. value ratio is way up there. This truly seems to be a chance to get some great value for your dollar. I have to disagree about the fittings though... I think they're fine for a $600 sword. I've just ordered two production katana... but as soon as I sell a sword, I'll buy one of these if they're still around.. Nice one Paul... Thanks Sonny « Last Edit: Oct 24, 2008, 9:16pm by Marc Ridgeway » Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged My reviewer profile: http://sbgswordforum.proboards.com/index....ay&thread=10906 Torionsword.com There was a little bird who would not sing. Nobunaga said, "Little bird, if you will not sing,I'll kill you" Hideyoshi said, "Little bird, if you will not sing I'll make you sing" Tokugawa said "Little bird if you will not sing I'll wait" This is Zen Ken Knight member is offline Joined: Apr 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 177 Karma: 7 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #5 on Oct 24, 2008, 9:46pm » everything but the cotton is nice marc. Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged Igor ( wasenshi ) Knight member is offline May the Force be with you[k4r] Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 240 Location: Spaceship " EARTH " Karma: 4 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #6 on Oct 25, 2008, 12:23am » Such a beautiful blade Sonny, thanks for a great offer. I'll not miss this one. SBG is a ruler « Last Edit: Oct 26, 2008, 10:36pm by Igor ( wasenshi ) » Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged "Within all of us there is an illusive melody, which when heard and followed will lead you to the fulfillment of your fondest dreams." bytheway Swordmaster member is offline あら？ Joined: Nov 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 796 Location: Poland Karma: 20 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #7 on Oct 25, 2008, 7:32am » I don't have much time for swords or pretty much anything till summer 2009, but i try to drop by and see what's going on every now and then Even though dollar went way up lately i have some money to spare right now and this certainly is something to consider ( i've been eyeing Bugei shobu on ebay, but guess someone went for "buy it now" :/ ). All in all, i'm not as excited as others here. Sure, for 299$ it's a really good deal, but i doubt i'd ever buy it for the original price ( unless it handles really really well ). I mean, looking at Reliks website you can get a new Dynasty Forge folded bushi model for the same money. Judging by the pics alone, the bushi beats this one by far. Honestly, this sword is nice, but i wouldn't pay more than 400-450$ for it. For the price here, it's a great offer ( gotta think about it, i've been looking for something more fitting my tastes lately, but who knows ). Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged "Almost sure, in my experience, is the shortest road to oh f*ck." The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a new result. blacksword7 Knight member is offline Joined: Aug 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 100 Karma: 3 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #8 on Oct 25, 2008, 2:27pm » well was gonna get a custom sbg but for the silk sageo and the iron fittings might have to reconsider. any idea how this steel would compare to t-10? really it's the steel thats most important. im interested in seeing a destructive test on these babies. « Last Edit: Oct 25, 2008, 2:30pm by blacksword7 » Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged shadowhowler VIP Reviewer Review Team Shortlist Candidate member is offline Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 5,958 Location: Grovetown, GA Karma: 233 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #9 on Oct 25, 2008, 3:07pm » Oct 25, 2008, 2:27pm, blacksword7 wrote: im interested in seeing a destructive test on these babies. If it's as limited a production run as Paul suggests, I doubt you'll find anyone willing to subkect one of these to a destructive test. I wish I had 300 bucks handy. Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged "Aaaarrrroooooooowwww!" bytheway Swordmaster member is offline あら？ Joined: Nov 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 796 Location: Poland Karma: 20 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #10 on Oct 25, 2008, 3:29pm » I don't see how the steel used can be that important? I'd say that steel is the least important as long as it is high carbon steel. You know, steel they used / use in Japan is actually worse than any modern steel and somehow the swords are quite good Myself i've decided to look a little more. I have around 500$ right now and i'm trying to hunt down some bargain on the more expensive swords ( doubt i'll have the chance again anytime soon ). Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged "Almost sure, in my experience, is the shortest road to oh f*ck." The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a new result. Marc Ridgeway Senior Moderator Review Team Shortlist Candidate member is offline "The best cost less when you buy it the first time." - Papabear Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 3,094 Location: Atlanta,Georgia Karma: 312 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #11 on Oct 25, 2008, 3:35pm » Oct 25, 2008, 7:32am, bytheway wrote: I don't have much time for swords or pretty much anything till summer 2009, but i try to drop by and see what's going on every now and then Even though dollar went way up lately i have some money to spare right now and this certainly is something to consider ( i've been eyeing Bugei shobu on ebay, but guess someone went for "buy it now" :/ ). All in all, i'm not as excited as others here. Sure, for 299$ it's a really good deal, but i doubt i'd ever buy it for the original price ( unless it handles really really well ). I mean, looking at Reliks website you can get a new Dynasty Forge folded bushi model for the same money. Judging by the pics alone, the bushi beats this one by far. Honestly, this sword is nice, but i wouldn't pay more than 400-450$ for it. For the price here, it's a great offer ( gotta think about it, i've been looking for something more fitting my tastes lately, but who knows ). Funny thing is , I'll bet you dollars to donuts that There's almost no difference between this and a Dynasty Forge... In fact I'd say that both are made at Huanou Forge by Fred Chen's school. This sword would equate with DF's Musha class but Differentially hardened... Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged My reviewer profile: http://sbgswordforum.proboards.com/index....ay&thread=10906 Torionsword.com There was a little bird who would not sing. Nobunaga said, "Little bird, if you will not sing,I'll kill you" Hideyoshi said, "Little bird, if you will not sing I'll make you sing" Tokugawa said "Little bird if you will not sing I'll wait" This is Zen Sonny Suttles Manufacturers and Vendors member is offline Joined: Dec 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 254 Location: Grapevine Texas Karma: 52 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #12 on Oct 25, 2008, 3:44pm » I have a very few folded steel swords that I plan to closeout as well. They are 1060/1095 folded steel. I'll have to take some pics of the tsuba as well because it is different than the one shown on this post. I'lll have to get with Paul on the Pricing on those if anyone is interested. I even have a few Wakizashi's to match the non folded version. Sonny Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged www.valiant-armoury.com www.custom-sword-shoppe.com bytheway Swordmaster member is offline あら？ Joined: Nov 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 796 Location: Poland Karma: 20 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #13 on Oct 25, 2008, 4:59pm » Marc, i'm pretty sure they are, too Still, the retail price was too high in my opinion, it was comparable with the DF Bushi folded. From what i understand ( however am not 100% sure looking at the picture ) this one has cosmetic yokote. No idea about Musha, but Bushi has a real one ( and i'd say that swords that retail for 500$+ should have ). Sonny, get us some photos of the folded ones and we'll see^^ Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged "Almost sure, in my experience, is the shortest road to oh f*ck." The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a new result. Marc Ridgeway Senior Moderator Review Team Shortlist Candidate member is offline "The best cost less when you buy it the first time." - Papabear Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 3,094 Location: Atlanta,Georgia Karma: 312 Re: The best sub US$300 Katana of 2008? « Reply #14 on Oct 25, 2008, 5:27pm » Oct 25, 2008, 4:59pm, bytheway wrote: Marc, i'm pretty sure they are, too Still, the retail price was too high in my opinion, it was comparable with the DF Bushi folded. From what i understand ( however am not 100% sure looking at the picture ) this one has cosmetic yokote. No idea about Musha, but Bushi has a real one ( and i'd say that swords that retail for 500$+ should have ). Sonny, get us some photos of the folded ones and we'll see^^ Aaron Justice does customizing work for Dynasty Forge, and he reports the occasional geometric yokote on the bushi class, with many being cosmetic as well, so it's a crapshoot... the bushi class FF I had was cosmetic. But you're right, I wouldn't pay that retail price either.. but think it is a very good deal at $300 « Last Edit: Oct 25, 2008, 6:00pm by Marc Ridgeway » Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged My reviewer profile: http://sbgswordforum.proboards.com/index....ay&thread=10906 Torionsword.com There was a little bird who would not sing. Nobunaga said, "Little bird, if you will not sing,I'll kill you" Hideyoshi said, "Little bird, if you will not sing I'll make you sing" Tokugawa said "Little bird if you will not sing I'll wait" This is Zen Page 1 of 9 » Jump to page   Go     Forum Jump--------------------» Home--------------------» General--------------------- General Discussion Board --- SBG Site News and Updates- SBG Competitions and Members Collections Gallery --- Members Collections --- Archived Competitions- SBG Special Projects --- SBG Beauty and the Blade Calender --- Kokoro Ichi Project- Classifieds --- Items For Sale / Or Trade --- Wanted items / Requests --- Classifieds Feedback--------------------» Discussions of Swords, Traditional Weapons & Medieval Equipment--------------------- Ancient Swords- European Medieval and Renaissance Swords- Fantasy Swords- Japanese Swords- Chinese Swords- Post Renaissance and Military Swords- Other Traditional Weapons- Armour and Shields--------------------» Reviews--------------------- Sword Reviews --- Review Index --- VIP Reviewer Lounge --- VIP Reviewer Profile- Other Weapons and Armor --- Review Index--------------------» Sword Smithing, Customization and Design--------------------- Sword Repair and Maintenance- Sword Customization Projects- Weapon Making Discussion --- Sword Making Stickies --- Fable Blade Creations- Training Weapon Making Discussion- Tools and Toolmaking- Member Designs--------------------» Training--------------------- General Sword Training- Live Steel and Stage Combat- Asian Martial Arts (JSA, Gumdo, etc)- Western Martial Arts (WMA)- Cutting Vids and Tips--------------------» History--------------------- Sword History- Other Traditional Weapons- Misc History--------------------» Off Topic --------------------- SBG Forum Cafe --- Administration --- politcs-graveyard --- Technical Stuff and FAQ- New Members Welcome Wagon!- Firearms Discussion & History- Role Playing Threads

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