Fascinating. It looks like it may have been resharped more than once, which means it's probably been used to cut a lot of things....

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
Fascinating. It looks like it may have been resharped more than once, which means it's probably been used to cut a lot of things....

I've never cut anything with it, but I'm guessing yes. Probably not good to dwell on the "things" it may have cut though. The ha is still even with one very tiny chip, and I could shave with it. It's amazing how this high carbon steel can maintain its finish with nothing but choji oil - I've seen newer weapons in the Tower of London that look like they were stored at the bottom of the ocean. This blade looks pretty much like it looked when it came from the forge I imagine, 200 - 300-ish years later. Remarkable craftsmanship and attention.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Doc H., April 27, 2019 09:51 AM

Tried to get a closeup with the small defect, but it's hard to capture the almost iridescent pattern of the hamon. Other than this chip (about 0.5mm for scale), I'm sure the blade is as beautiful and functional as when it was made, and it has probably seen some use.

A simple 5 foot pole with any of the quality spear tips you can buy on amazon for < $40. 5 foot so it's short enough to be used indoors, but long enough to keep anyone out of easy reach. There's a reason why spears have been used throughout time as the the basic weapon. It's a whole lot easier to learn how to be effective with a long thrusting spear over a sword and in the relatively narrow confines of hallways and such, the thrusting spear is even more effective than swords and other swinging weapons since your only needed attack is a straight thrust. The main nemesis against spears, shields, are not encountered very much, so a thrusting spear is still pretty damn effective! In untrained (or at least not very practiced) hands, the spear beats the hell out of any long knife/sword of equivalent skill simply because you have much more range.

Hang a flag on it and is simply a sharp flagpole you had to grab because you were attacked! Obviously, if your home is attacked by a horde of master swordsmen, you're going to die, but for use defensively against most any other hand weapon from real world criminal scum, it's likely to win. Some guy attacks you with any sword, baseball bat, machette, etc, your short 5 foot spear has got 3 foot of reach to impale them before they can even get their weapon close.

After some reflection, I’ve made up my mind, and I think a katana will be the better choice, considering my training, bodly constitution, house layout etc.

What is the best sub-$750 Katana I can get?

I'm very impressed with the swords coming out of Chinese forges these days. Lots to choose from on eBay. The one I have was only $200US. Look for blades that have been layer-forged and clay-tempered. Those will be actual battle-ready swords, and not wall-hangers.


Clay Tempered T10 Folded Steel Japanese Samurai Sword Katana Sharp High Quality

I bought the one kkina has posted above after seeing one of his posts. Always wanted to buy oen from bugei trading but didn't want to spend a thousand bucks!!!! this one is very nice!!

Shop Tactical Elements. I think they are Canadian.

Look at RMJ, including the Kukri posted before as well as the Wyvern

Wyvern

I don’t need a sword. If I had one I wouldn’t know how to use it.

But damn I now want one.

If I was looking for an excuse to buy a sword, I would get a saber.

busse is making a sword right now

http://www.bussecombat.com/busse-ak-47-battle-grade/

I'm not an expert so I'd be interested what those with experience think of the Zulu Assegai stabbing spear for HD?