Japan’s history is marked by several significant periods, and one of the most notable ones is the period of Japanese empires. Japan’s imperial history began in 1868, with the Meiji Restoration, which marked the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the beginning of Japan’s modernization efforts. This period saw Japan emerge as a major power on the global stage, with its empire stretching across Asia and the Pacific.

The First Japanese Empire (1868-1945)

The Meiji Restoration marked the beginning of Japan’s imperial ambitions, and the country soon embarked on a mission to expand its territory and influence in Asia. Japan’s first empire officially began in 1895 with the annexation of Taiwan and the victory over China in the First Sino-Japanese War. This was followed by Japan’s victory over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, which further expanded Japan’s empire.

In the decades that followed, Japan continued to expand its empire, including the annexation of Korea in 1910, and the establishment of puppet governments in Manchuria and China in the 1930s. Japan’s empire also included several Pacific island territories, including the Mariana, Caroline, and Marshall Islands.

During this period, Japan’s imperial ambitions were driven by a desire for resources and territory, as well as a belief in the superiority of the Japanese race. Japan’s expansionist policies eventually led to its involvement in World War II, and the country’s defeat in 1945 marked the end of the first Japanese empire.

The Second Japanese Empire (1945-1947)

Following Japan’s surrender in World War II, the country underwent a period of significant political and social change. The US-led occupation of Japan oversaw the dismantling of Japan’s military and the establishment of a new democratic government.

However, this period also saw the emergence of a new type of Japanese imperialism, centered on economic power rather than military might. Japan’s post-war economic boom, fueled by an export-oriented industrial policy, saw the country emerge as one of the world’s leading economic powers.

This period also saw the re-emergence of Japanese nationalism and calls for a return to Japan’s traditional values and imperial glory. However, these sentiments were tempered by the memory of Japan’s past militarism and the devastation caused by the war.

In 1947, Japan adopted a new constitution that renounced war and prohibited the country from maintaining military forces. This marked the end of Japan’s second empire, and the beginning of a new era of peaceful development and cooperation.

Conclusion

Japan’s history as an empire is a complex and controversial one, marked by both expansionist aggression and economic success. Today, Japan is a peaceful and prosperous nation that is committed to promoting global cooperation and stability.

While Japan’s imperial past continues to be a source of controversy and debate, it is also a reminder of the importance of learning from history and working towards a better future. By acknowledging and learning from the mistakes of the past, Japan and other nations can move towards a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.

The post History of The Japanese Empire appeared first on Katanas Sword Reviews.

In your search for the ideal katana or wakizashi I’m sure you’ve come across the brand Thaitsuki and thought to yourself “they’re great looking but are thaitsuki swords good?”. We’ll run through our thoughts on this forgery and what others are saying as well.

Thaitsuki Overview

Before jumping into the quality of the Thaitsuki swords, a little information on the company. Thaitsuki is a forgery based out of Thailand that was started by an avid sword collector who wanted to create durable swords at an affordable price.

Each sword is handmade and forged by craftsman who knows the art of making a fine blade. Thaitsuki’s CEO Satit Sivarat claims they have continued to make some of the highest quality Japanese swords available for 20+ years now. They offer both wholesale and direct to consumer (DTC) sales, many other sword dealers actually participate in their dropship program to sell their swords. However, since they do offer DTC, our suggestion is to buy directly from Thaitsuki so they can better help with any concerns you may have.

Now, if you’ve been in the sword community for a while you may have heard about Thaitsuki and may have even heard some negative comments, asking yourself “are Thaitsuki swords good?”. Digging into these and various forums it appears that some were frustrated with two things 1) when Thaitsuki would use the terminology “Nihonto” which means “made in Japan” when in fact they are made in Thailand and 2) the price tag of some of the swords. In my opinion price isn’t something to complain about IF the quality backs it up, which in this case Thaitsuki’s quality definitely makes it worth the price.

Thaitsuki katanas were even featured in the 2010 movie Yamada: Samurai of Ayothaya, which was based on the true events of Yamada Nagamasa, a Japanese adventurer who gained considerable influence in Thailand and become governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat province in southern Thailand during the Ayothaya Era.

Best Thaitsuki Katana Swords

Now that we ran through the background info on Thaitsuki let’s talk about what you’re here to find out – are Thaitsuki swords good? Well they offer three types of blades, all made with soft steel folded 1,024 layers but have some variances, let’s get into them.

Note: Prior to going through these, I have to state that I do not own every sword they have therefore some of my assessments of their quality are based on research conducted and pulled from various forums as well as my personal experience with blades of similar composition.

Thaitsuki Maru Katanas

Maru blades (sometimes called muku) are the most basic and common types of katanas and wakizashis, with the entire sword being composed of a single steel. However, with the use of modern steels combined with traditional forging methods, this does not cause the swords to be fragile, as in former days.

These would be your ‘base model’ katana if you were looking at getting into martial arts and buying a thaitsuki sword as they usually range from $860-$1,400.

Thaitsuki Sanmai Katanas

Thaitsuki Sanmai katanas, such as the stunning Tonbo Katana, are the higher-grade swords. The video below shows the stunning beauty of the Tonbo Sanmai katana (FYI – Here’s the link to see how much it costs). These swords are differentially hardened and have a natural hamon. While they’re not exactly Nihonto, they are the closest thing at a much more reasonable price ($2k-$3k).

The clay tempered and water quenched blades are made from T10 tool steel and 1095 carbon steel but they do have a Honsanmai model with a soft steel spine for those interested in that style. Something unique to Thaitsuki are their heavy usage of silver in their fittings, making their blades really stand out from others on the market.

Almost every video you’ll find on these are people satisfied with their blades. I personally absolutely love this model of sword, while I haven’t gotten to use the Tonbo I have used the Roiyaru Sanmai Katana and it is perfectly weighted.

 How Are Thaitsuki Swords Made?

Exclusive Katana Sword Reviews Insight on Premium Thaitsuki Blade

Due to the good work Katana Sword Reviews does with providing quality information on swords, we have some inside knowledge that Thaitsuki is actually in the process of forging their highest quality katana yet. It will be a premium katana celebrating 22 years since Thaitsuki has been creating swords. It is rumored to have Himalayan jade worked into the tsuba as well.

Once we have the full details on this, we’ll release them to all our loyal readers. Sometimes sword makers will work with quality sites such as ours to allow our readers early access to opportunities to buy these exclusive releases so follow us on social media to keep any eye out if we are given that opportunity!

Conclusion

My personal opinion on the ultimate question “are Thaitsuki swords good?” is “yes!”. Thaitsuki swords are great swords and I highly recommend them HOWEVER, one final thing I want to make readers aware of is that as a result of the meticulous detail put into these blades, they are all made to order therefore expect longer wait times. Some people may not be willing to wait 60-90 days for their sword to arrive but for those who want a truly high-quality sword, the wait is well worth it!

The post Are Thaitsuki Swords Good? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Katanas Sword Reviews.

Disclaimer – this article “best katana for an apocalypse” contains affiliate links

We hope the day never comes but at some point we know it is inevitable that either an economic collapse, a pandemic (as we’re seeing with the Coronavirus), or zombie apocalypse (ok this one isn’t likely) will send the world into social disarray potentially resulting in barbaric actions.

If that does happen it may stay civil at first but eventually there will be a breaking point where most likely everyone will do everything necessary to provide for their family, including looting and taking from others. When that does happen aside from food rations, shelter, and medical supplies, you need a means to protect yourself.

My first recommendation would be a gun, despite anyone’s views on guns it is undeniable that this is the most effective means of protection since it allows you to have distance between you and your attacker as well as levels the playing field if there are numerous attackers. However eventually guns run out of ammo and unless you know how to reload rounds, become useless. That’s where a katana becomes a great survival weapon for protection and this article will help you find the best katana for an apocalypse.

What to Look for in a Survival Katana

You could pick up a cheap katana almost anywhere however if it did ever become a life and death situation I certainly would not want to put my trust in some $100 katana sword that may break easily.

You want to look for something that can hold a sharp edge as well as isn’t brittle. Our suggestion would be a clay tempered tamahagane blade. Why? These blades tend to have a good mixture of durability and are able to hold an edge.

Tamahagane Katana (RECOMMENDED)

Our opinion is that the best katana in an apocalypse would be a tamahagane blade. The term “Tamahagane” means precious steel, is created from an iron sand composition, has a high carbon content, and is the traditional method used in forging katanas in Japanese culture many years ago.

The process of making tamahagane blades is very controlled; starting with utmost quality iron sand & carbon, all the way through strict forging techniques and standards. This results in a blade of unmatched durability.

As mentioned above, the process for creating these types of katana swords is very time consuming and involves creating the tamahagane in a large clay mold called a tatara.

The sword-smith will repeatedly heat and hammer the sword to remove any impurities that may exist within the material. When he or she is finished they will have an exceptionally durable sword with a beautiful blade pattern giving off a nice sheen.

Due to the extensive time involved in making these swords the only downside is cost ($5,000+), however SON offers quality blades for $3,700 (button below or click here). Additionally the tamahagane blades from SON are all full tang blades giving an enhanced sturdiness with a perfect point of balance at 5″ from the tsuba.

You may think why do I need such a strong blade for self defense? Here’s a couple reasons:

• It’s unlikely that every person who owns a katana is an expert with it and therefore will not have perfect form or aim which could result in accidentally hitting harder targets (walls, metal, etc.). If this does happen you want a blade that won’t split in two leaving you defenseless.
• Likely/Hopefully you won’t be using it against other people, but it’s more likely that you may be using it to cut smaller diameter trees for firewood or shelter (unless you have a hand saw).
• During a survival situation you (and your gear) are exposed to the elements, including rain, having a higher quality blade helps (but doesn’t eliminate) reduce the rate of rust.
• Finally, you’re likely on the move a lot, carrying a decent amount of gear, and probably at a fast pace, which means let’s face it, you’re likely to fall a time or few. If this does happen you don’t want a blade that lacks flex and a simple tumble down a hill results in a broken katana.

Ultimately, if you are looking to find the best katana for an apocalypse to use for cutting virtually anything in its path then the tamahagane blades by SON would be most preferable.

Create a Custom Katana for the Apocalypse

Additionally if neither of the two types of katana blades mentioned above are of your interest you can create a custom katana sword where you determine the price all through adjusting the metal composition, the fittings, the tsuka, and every other component of it.

Below is a screenshot I took as I went through the process of buying my first truly made custom katana which you can see there are a wide array of blade materials.

To see the entire process of how to build a custom katana check out my blog post “The best affordable custom katana available” however in short – SON guides you through a 14 step process where you customize every element, even engraving, and have it sent straight to your house (for US residents, not sure the laws outside of the US).

Samurai Armor?

You have the best katana for an apocalypse but are you protecting your body from those who may attack you? Of course samurai armor can’t compare to Kevlar vests or military grade flak vest however when it comes to bladed weaponry samurai armor adds a degree of protection.

Check out our post on the “best samurai armor” and where to buy it or click here to head straight on over to see pricing for samurai armor.

Disclaimer – this article is by no means suggesting anyone buy a katana with the intention of using it on others, we absolutely oppose using it to harm others. This article is simply to outline in the hypothetical situation of an apocalypse, which katana sword would be best for protection. As always, the responsibility is fully on the individual using their katana.

The post What is the Best Katana for an Apocalypse? appeared first on Katanas Sword Reviews.

Ancient Japanese weaponry is famous worldwide for its effectiveness and still has relevance in modern times due to martial arts such as Iaido.

The Japanese warriors, more commonly known as ‘Samurai’ became famous all over the world because of their loyalty, honor,  and fierce fighting strategies. However, very little is known about the armor they wore which happened to be an important and complex component of their weaponry.

This article will go into detail on the history of the samurai armor, the parts of samurai armor, the various types, and where to find high quality samurai armor for sale.

History of the Samurai Armor

The basic armor was developed in Japan in the first half of the 4th century. The Japanese armor evolved from the armors that were used in China and Korea during those times.

The Samurai armor evolved from armors known as Tanko and Keiko. The first one was used by the foot soldiers and the second one was used by the cavalry. These were the armors which led to the manufacturing of samurai armor as we know today.

Initially, only basic cuirasses were developed in Japan along with the helmets. A cuirass is comprised of 2 pieces, that is, one piece protects the chest and another piece protects the back. Both of these pieces were attached together with the metal strips.

During the Heian period which dated from 794 to 1185, a large focus was put on evolving the armors to accommodate warfare at the time, which led to the samurai armor we are familiar with today. The use of leather and lacquer in samurai armor significantly increased during this period of time.

During the Heian period, the samurai armor was perfected and was extended to cover the entire body rather than just the upper torso.

For a long period of time only leather and iron strips were used to construct the armors but later on, the use of silk lace to connect the individual pieces of armor also became popular. The basic material to construct the armor, however, remained the same which was individual scales made from iron. These individual scales are also known as Kozane.

During the 16th century, however, the Samurai armor changed significantly due to the increasing Japanese trade with Europe.

The Portuguese introduced Tanegashima to the Japanese, which was a primitive form of firearm, due to which the Japanese armor manufacturers had to change the way in which they constructed samurai armor. The armors up until then were unable to protect samurai warriors from firearms, which necessitated the changes.

Instead of the iron strips which were being used earlier, now the samurai armor manufacturers started using iron and steel plates. These were necessary to produce bullet proof armors known as Tameshi gusoku. This enabled the samurai warriors to use the armor and stay protected even in the battles consisting of firearms.

Japan entered a peaceful period after the 1600s and thereafter the samurai armors were used a symbol of prestige and status instead of actual war armors.

Right up until 1877 these various armor types were being used in japan. Their last use in an actual act of war was in 1877 during the Satsuma Rebellion.

Finding Authentic Samurai Armor

Finding authentic samurai armor for sale can be a difficult task and if you do come across it due to the age of the armor it will be merely for viewing purposes only and best as a collectable item. SOTE does offer a few pieces of authentic samurai armor for sale, below are the armor types with links to their site for purchasing (if they’re still in stock) but keep in mind the fragility of these.

Authentic Samurai Armor from the Edo Period (1822) Buy This	Authentic Samurai Armor from the Edo Period (1780) Buy This	Authentic Samurai Armor from the Edo Period (1780) Buy This

Parts of the Samurai Armor

The Samurai armor consisted of many different parts to cover almost each and every part of the body. Each armor type is different however some of the most common parts of samurai armor are listed below.

1. Dou or Dō – Dou is the armor part which is worn on the chest. It was constructed from iron plates or sometimes leather plates. The dou also sometimes consisted of medals and pendants. The size of the dou would often vary according to the individual who would be wearing it.
2. Kote – These were sleeves which extended from the shoulder all the way to the wrists. Kote was created by putting a cover of clothing over the iron plates of various sizes. The exact size was dependent on the samurai warrior wearing it.
3. Tekko – Tekko are gloves of the armor. They were made according to the size of the hands of the warrior. The construction was done with the help of small iron plates. The plates were joined together in such a way that it enabled proper hand movement including knuckle movements.
4. Haidate – Haidate was used to protect the thighs specifically. Haidate was, however, made with very small iron or leather plates so that the warrior was able to change the posture at a short notice. These plates were connected together with the help of chains and thereafter sewn with a cloth.
5. Suneate – These were the shin guards and consisted of small plates held together by chains and thereafter sewn to cloth and were specifically used to protect the calf.
6. Kusazuri – The kusazuri was also constructed from iron plates or leather plates. It is used to protect the lower body. It usually hangs from the dou.
7. Sode – These are the shoulder plates which are rectangular in shape. They were made from the same materials, that is either leather plates or iron plates or sometimes both.
8. Shikoro – The shikoro is a set of layered steel or leather straps that combined are the neck guard. This attaches to the kabuto and is intended to protect the samurai from any objects aimed at the nape of their neck.
9. Kabuto – Kabuto is nothing but the helmet. Even though it was made from same materials namely, leather plates or iron plates but the number of plates used were much higher, sometimes going up to 100. These plates were held together using rivets. Another part which was attached to the Kabuto is the shikoro which was used to protect the neck. It consisted of curved strips of iron or leather.
10. Wakidate – These were the buffalo horns which were attached to the kabuto.
11. Menpo – This was the face plate which was attached to the kabuto. It was made from an iron plate. It had slits for eyes, nose, and mouth. The rest of the face of the samurai warrior was always covered with Menpo.

Other Parts of the Samurai Armor

• Tateage (not shown) – Tateage in the armor was specifically used to shield the knees. It was in the form of semi-circular discs, which enabled easy mobility for the warriors. It was generally made from steel plates.
• Kogake (not shown) – Kogake is a part of the armor which covers the feet. These were made from strips of leather sewn together.
• Mabisashi (not shown) – This was the plate which was attached to the front of the Kabuto. The plate was made from iron. The function of the plate was to protect the forehead.
• Yodare-kake (not shown) – The yodare-kake was used to protect the throat. It was made from horizontal rows of iron or leather plates. It was suspended from the bottom of the Mengu which was used to keep Kabuto in place. Mengu was used for tying the Kabuto. Various metal strips were used to tie it and keep it in place.

These are the most common parts of the Samurai armor, however each suit is completely different and may compose various other elements or lack some of those I have mentioned here.

Types of Samurai Armor

There are numerous types of samurai armor with vast variations however for the purpose of this article we’ll go over the four most well known; Lamellar Armor, Tameshi Gusoku, Tatami Gusoku, and Okashi Gusoku.

Lamellar Armor (Kozane Armor)

Lamellar armor is a samurai armor which dates all the way back to the 4th century. At that time, the armor only consisted of Dou and the helmet.

These were made from leather or iron plates. The pieces were held together with metal strips or lacquer.

At the end of the 4th century, armor manufacturers also started using silk lace in order to hold them in place.

Pros:

• Comparatively light weight
• Provided good protection to the upper torso

Cons:

• Ineffective against Firearms
• Left the lower half of the body exposed

Tameshi Gusoku

In the 16th century trade between Europe and Japan led to the import and influence of new types of armor. Among these new influences were the introduction of bullet resistant armor to protect the samurai against modern weapons of the time such as guns.

This new armor was made from iron and steel plates allowing the samurai warriors to have protection from bullets.

Pros:

• Protection against firearms
• Covered the entire body

Cons:

• Comparatively heavier

Tatami Gusoku

The previous two armor types, though were effective in their time, they did have some setbacks; one of which was the weight and lack of flexibility. Since these armor types were stiff and the lacked the ability to fold and be packed away for transportation a need for a ‘foldable’ armor was developed.

During the feudal era, this need of portability was fulfilled by the Tatami Gusoku which was foldable and hence could be carried around easily when not in use. The tatami gusoku was worn by all classes of samurai ranging from upper class to lower class.

Pros:

• Portable
• Lightweight
• Full body armor

Cons:

• Lesser protection than the Tameshi Gusoku

Okashi Gusoku

The samurai armor often changed according to the rank of the soldier. Okashi Gusoku was basic armor for the soldiers with a lower rank. This specifically consisted of Dou which was enlarged to cover the upper part of the lower body. These were mass produced and often had the inventory numbers painted on front of them.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to mass produce

Cons:

• Provided only basic protection
• No helmet

Samurai armor was constructed with great attention to detail and made significant evolutionary advances from the basic armor of 4th century, all the way to the 16th century when it became bullet resistant. The types of armor vary greatly from country to country and even from clan to clan.

Regardless of the type of armor or the time period it is from there’s no debate that samurai armor was constructed with the utmost detail.

Now that you know the history, parts, and types of samurai armor, I’ll let you know where to buy samurai armor for those interested in owning their own authentic or replica armor.

Where to Find Samurai Armor for Sale

If you attend a dojo you may ask your Sensei if they are aware of any local shops that may deal in Japanese armor, there aren’t many merchants that do this so don’t be surprised if you don’t find anything locally.

Site’s like Ebay may yield some results for individuals looking to sell used or new samurai armor however you are then at the discretion of the seller should anything be wrong with the armor.

A merchant mentioned in other posts, Swords of the East also have an extensive selection of  samurai armor for sale. Some snapshots taken from their product selection are shown below.

They offer new replica samurai armor as well as authentic collector grade armor. One of my favorite looking sets is the CAS Hanwei Samurai Dragon; it is an Edo era replica with excellent craftsmanship, wearable with decent flexibility, and goes well with the Tori Elite katana.

The only downside of the Hanwei Samurai Dragon is it’ll run you $5,000+ which if you have the money is a good deal taking into consideration the normal cost of samurai armor for sale, however it’s not something that’s in everyone’s budget.

Hopefully this post gives you an idea of the various types of samurai armor, the history of this exquisite armor, and provides some direction for where you can buy samurai armor for yourself. Start you search for high quality armor below!

The post The History of Japanese Armor & Where to Find Samurai Armor for Sale appeared first on Katanas Sword Reviews.

The best katana in my mind are the ones made hundreds of years ago, the Nihonto (日本刀, nihontō) blades, which means a ‘Japanese sword made in Japan by a Japanese swordsmith under the original forging methods’.

I believe these are best not because of their durability, which actually in some cases at the time was inferior to modern katanas, but because they were the foundation forges to many great swords in production today and their purpose of being produced in that time was for much greater causes than those forged today.

In ancient Japanese times these blades were forged with the utmost dedication and meant to be a life long companion to any Samurai. Whether it be to avenge a loved one’s death or to overthrow a dictator’s oppression on their people, these blades were meant for purposes beyond being a wall hanger or back yard cutter.

If anyone ever wants to see a ton of actual authentic katanas they need to check out the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo Japan. This place is probably number 1 on my bucket list. I’ve browsed their site numerous times checking out all the ancient katana swords they have there and can’t wait for the day I actually get to go there in person.

To buy one of these katanas from the ancient times you would have one heck of a time finding one, and even if you do, you’ll be paying $20,000+ for an authentic katana from hundreds of years ago and the use beyond it being a wall hanger or museum piece now is practically nothing.

There are however some great katanas being produced in modern times under the old forging methods that are actually functional. I’ll run through the best katana by price point, some of which you may have already noticed in my other katana reviews post.

My personal list of the best katana swords on the market today will include

1. SON – Premium Tamahagane <$5,000  <— HIGHLY RECOMMEND
2. Thaitsuki – Tonbo Sanmai <$3,000 <—ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMEND
3. Thaitsuki – Roiyaru Sanmai <$2,500
4. Hanwei – Praying Mantis <$2,000
5. Hanwei – Tori Elite <$1,000

Now let’s get into each of these katana swords in more depth…

Best Katana Under $5,000 (HIGHLY RECOMMEND)

If you’ve already read my post on the “types of katanas” you know Tamahagane blades are in my top choice for having a quality blade forged in the traditional Japanese methodology. What makes these blades so durable is their composition, the blades have a high carbon core to ensure optimal sharpness and ability to hold an edge, and are then encased in tough low carbon composite to reduce the brittleness of the blade.

Swords of Northshire offers a line of premium hand crafted clay tempered tamahagane blades that are unmatched for their price range. A lot of time and effort goes into making these blades (2 months to be exact) with such quality, the polishing alone is a 25-30 day process by an experienced polisher resulting in a beautiful cloudy hamon.

The blades are full tang ‘battle ready’ and due to their immense quality can handle cutting bamboo, small trees, bones, iron and copper wire. SON offers a wide range of these premium katanas (as observed in the photo above) and offers customization of each blade so you can have a one of a high quality sword.

If you want a serious blade for your collection then these are the ones to go with.

Breakdown

• Overall Length: 40.9″
• Blade Length: 27.9″
• Tsuka: 10.6″
• Weight: 2.2 lbs.
• Price: Usually ~$3,700

Best Katana Under $3,000 (HIGHLY RECOMMEND)

Thaitsuki Nihonto is a Japanese forgery that is known for high end katanas and wakizashis. They produce their swords in smaller batches to create an exclusive feeling for those who buy one of their swords. When looking at the Thaitsuki katanas there are two styles they offer them in: the Maru and the Sanmai.

• The Maru katanas are forged from a single steel with a hardness that usually ranges from 40 to 60 HRC. These tend to hold an edge pretty well however are not made of folded steel, though it is still hand forged. The Maru are the lesser expensive of the Thaitsuki swords.
• The Sanmai are the higher quality katanas that are made from three time folded steel over a 40 to 60 HRC core. This allows for a hard edge yet more durability throughout the rest of the blade so that when it makes contact with a target it will be able to absorb some of the shock without breaking. Since each is handmade, no two sanmai swords will look identical, giving each their own grain pattern and unique look and feel.

The best katana I suggest for this price range is the limited edition Thaitsuki Tonbo Sanmai Katana. These are highly collectable (as well as functional) and as a result usually are tough to find in stock and have longer wait times so if you do find one under $3,000 (and want it) jump on the deal.

The Thaitsuki Tonbo yields a blacked copper tsuba with a silver dragonfly design that’s engraved on the inlay. On this katana you’ll find silver Seppa (spacer), Habaki (blade collar), and dragonfly Menuki (handle ornament). The tsuka is layered in black Japanese silk & rayskin which combined with the silver fittings makes for a nice dark on silver contrast look.

It is hand forged folded high carbon steel (1025 layers), clay tempered with a hardness of 60 HRC (edge) and 35 HRC (body) and comes hand polished with an excellent hada. I read somewhere that only 100 were imported to the US making these even tougher to find, click the link below to see more info and if any are left in stock or have been sold out already.

Breakdown

• Overall Length: 41 3/8″
• Blade Length: 29″
• Tsuka: 11.5″
• Weight: 2.9 lbs.
• Price: Usually ~$3,000

Best Katana Under $2,500

My next recommended katana also is from the Thaisuki forgery, the Thaitsuki Roiyaru Sanmai (Triple folded steel) made from 1024 layers. A beautiful katana that is quite functional having the durability and edge to cut through bamboo without any issue.

The Thaitsuki Roiyaru also has silver fittings, though not to the extent of the katana we just reviewed for $7,000. On this katana you’ll find silver Seppa (spacer), Habaki (blade collar), and flower Menuki (handle ornament), the Tsuba however is made of brass.

It is forged in Koto style which was an early forging method during the Edo period and a can be disassembled for cleaning. I do however strongly suggest not taking it apart unless you have experience in disassembling and reassembling katanas. If you do this process incorrectly you not only chance ruining your katana but even worse is risk harming yourself.

The bo-hi on the blade only runs partially down the blade, which is unique however I’m not sure the exact reasoning for it. Since the bo-hi (groove) usually is placed to control weight and balance past the tsuba my guess is that the way the blade is weighted is that there only needed to be some weight reduced closer to the tsuba but I’m not positive.

Thaitsuki when they first started caught some heat for being overpriced and not worth the money they were asking. After much backlash from buyers the switched up their manufacturing process and started placing a lot more emphasis on really taking the time to forge quality pieces that actually warrant the price they charge for them (since it’s still not all that cheap).

I think most today would agree that Thaitsuki now vs Thaitsuki 10 years ago is a completely different company and really upped their game.

Overall the Thaitsuki Roiyaru Sanmai is just one of many katanas they offer, each in their own style, forge, and price tag. The sheer aesthetics, forging process, and the ability of easy disassembly makes it (in my mind) the best katana under $3,000.

Breakdown

• Overall Length: 41.5″
• Blade Length: 29″
• Tsuka: 11.5″
• Weight: 2.5 lbs.
• Price: Usually ~$2,500

Best Katana Under $2,000

Like a mantis snagging a fly, the Hanwei Praying Mantis katana snatches its place as best katana under $2,000 for a few reasons beyond its amazing green nature themed aesthetic appeal.

The first and biggest of which is the unique steel used in this katana – L6 Bainite Steel. Bainite is a high-carbon special purpose low-alloy steel. This means it’s highly resistant to bending, almost to the point of near unbreakability (I say ‘near’ because we all know everything has its limits).

Another perk to the Bainite composition is that these blades can be lighter and thinner yet still remain stronger than conventional steel or 1086. Where most folded steel katanas have a softer outside with a hard core to prevent breakage they don’t have the springy reaction that this katana has, meaning it can flex more than a normal blade without altering the shape. Blades such as the Praying Mantis made with Bainite are excellent for tameshigiri as well as general sword work.

Now since this is made from Bainite steel you will not find a Hada on the blade. The hada is the grain pattern that you’ll find on folded katanas, so if that is something you absolutely want then this may not be the best katana for you.

The green silk ito looks great on the white rayskin wrapped tsuka with the golden praying mantis menuki. The tsuba is made of copper and from what I’ve read online is that it isn’t as worn as the promotional images released by Hanwei appear it to be.

As with some of the others on this list, the Praying Mantis katana has a bo-hi running the full extent of that blade providing for lighter swings. This not only looks beautiful but is a functional katana exceptionally strengthened by its L6 Bainite steel forge.

Breakdown

• Overall Length: 41″
• Blade Length: 29″
• Tsuka: 11″
• Weight: 2.5 lbs
• Price: Usually ~$1,700

Best Katana Under $1,000

If you read my other post on katana reviews then I think you know which katana will take this spot as the best katana under $1,000…you got it the Tori Elite!

Now there are a lot of great swords out there but honestly we can’t all have the Ferrari of katanas so we find the best katana within our price range. If you happen to be able to afford one of the previous katanas I mention on this page then go for it. I have friends that have some of these more expensive katanas (hence my familiarity with them) and they will vow anyone who’s got a few thousand to buy one of the more expensive katanas.

The reason I love the Tori Elite is that it is practical, yes it’s still almost $1,000 however it is worth every penny. This is my primary katana and favorite that I own.

The balance point on this blade is 5″ down from the tsuba which for me is perfect. At this balance point it is easy to recover from each swing quickly without wearing your arms out. The bo-hi runs the entire length of the blade which allows for lighter faster cuts.

The biggest perk of the Tori Elite that places it on my list as the best katana under $1,000 is the steel composition used in forging the blade. It uses ASSAB K120 C Swedish steel which is from as you’d guess…Sweden where their iron ore quality is exceptional and has lesser impurities than steel that may be coming form other countries.

As wonderful of a sword as the Tori Elite is it must be know that it is not Nihonto since it’s not made in Japan nor made by a Japanese swordsmith. The Tori Elite is a Paul Chen design produced by Hanwei which is based in Dalian China, so if you’re looking for Nihonto you’re probably best looking at one of the previous swords I mentioned.

I do provide more of an overview on my earlier post talking about the top 3 katana reviews as determined by my friends and I if you would like to read that as well.

Breakdown

• Overall Length: 40″
• Blade Length: 28.5″
• Tsuka: 11″
• Weight: 2.6 lbs
• Price: Usually ~$1,000

Conclusion

Just because I believe these are some of the best quality blades for the price ranges I’ve assigned them to doesn’t mean everyone will agree. Each student of various martial arts practices in their own way and has their own preference for the sword type they like. Additionally I do not own each of the swords I mentioned here, though I have used some mentioned.

My post here on the best katana is merely meant to be an expression of my thoughts of what I’ve seen in-person or online and isn’t intended to be professional advice by any means. If you are hesitant on what katana to get I always recommend talking with your sensei to find a sword that truly will be the best katana for you. Good luck in your search!

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It is well known that samurai have many forms of weaponry in their arsenal used for numerous offenses and defenses of an attacker. The most common weapon of which is the well known katana sword. This sword however is only one of many weapons and equipment a samurai would have at their disposal.

In modern times I wouldn’t expect people to be walking around with all of these weapons since there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself in jail for brandishing a weapon. That however doesn’t mean you couldn’t have your own stash of samurai weapons at your home for practice.

For those with a strong interest in martial arts that may be curious on what they would need to have what I call the “samurai arsenal pack” or if you’re looking to ideas for someone else these are be top 8 best samurai gifts.

1. 1.  A Custom Katana – Every swordsman (or women) should have a weapon that is custom to their liking so that it is one of a kind. Martial artists should express themselves and their inner soul through a katana that matches their personality. Making a custom katana with the katana builder program is the optimal gift for a martial artist. (Make one here)
   2. Sword Cleaning Kit – When you invest a lot of money into quality swords you should take proper care of them and be sure to thoroughly clean them. A sword cleaning kit is essential to accompany any sword purchase. (Buy one here)
   3. Hanwei Tori Elite Tanto – As the Tori Elite katana is a beautiful masterpiece so is the tanto. The backup weapon to any katana should be held to the same quality as the primary weapon. (Buy one here)
   4. Tameshigiri Mat Stand – For proper cutting maneuvers a mat stand will definitely help you prop up your target properly for the most effectiveness. (Buy one here)
   5. Thaitsuki Roiyaru Sanmai Katana – One of the top notch hand forged blades with beautiful accents, this sword would make anyone glimmer with satisfaction. (Buy one here)
   6. Tameshigiri Mat – Don’t be a fool and cut random things laying around the house. If you are serious about the art make sure you practice with the proper targets for cutting. (Buy one here)
   7. Unokubi Zukuri Samurai Sword Katana Wakizashi & Tanto – For those looking for the full set; katana, wakizashi, and tanto, this set not only looks stunning but also is effective for target cutting. (Buy one here)
   8. Throwing Star – A ninja’s arsenal isn’t complete without the legendary throwing star. The will take a bit of practice to get used to but are a ton of fun. (Buy one here)

There you have it, my take on this year’s best samurai gifts. If you have a martial artist enthusiast you’re buying a gift for either or all of this would be the complete samurai package!

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What Type of Katana Blade Should I Get?

For first time buyers it may not be known that there are various types of katana swords to choose from. I’m not talking about variances in their external cosmetics but instead in their composition and blade cut. The strength, weight, and cutting ability all comes down to the design, material, and forge method used to create the katana.

Before you decide to get a sword you should make yourself aware of the various types of katana swords and which may be best for the application you intend to use it for.

The Various Types of Katana Swords

Step one is determining the type of katana sword you’d like to get, which you most likely will be faced with any of the following metal types:

Folded Steel (Tamahagane)

This blade has a high carbon composition that is strengthened through its forging method. This is the traditional method used in forging katanas in Japanese culture many years ago. The term “Tamahagane” means precious steel and is created from an iron sand composition.

The process for creating these types of katana swords is very time consuming and involves creating the tamahagane in a large clay mold called a tatara. The sword-smith will repeatedly heat and hammer the sword to remove any impurities that may exist within the material. When he or she is finished they will have an exceptionally durable sword with a beautiful blade pattern giving off a nice sheen.

The age of the steel used also plays a role in the durability of the blade. Katanas made with older steel have a higher concentration of oxygen in them which means that during the forging process the oxidized portions of the blade will be easier to stretch which means that the hammering process will be more effective in removing these impurities leaving you with a sturdy and dependable katana sword.

These swords are usually the most costly due to the extensive time involved in making them. The image below is an example of what is considered one of the highest quality Tamahagane katanas made in modern time- the Taka Katana.

Tamahagane katanas are best for those who have been practicing martial arts for quite some time and have a large amount of disposable income they’re willing to spend on a sword. You can find folded steel blades at reasonable prices though, just do some searching around (I’ll actually recommend some sites later in this Katana Readiness Guide where you can buy a katana from a trusted dealer).

If you are looking to find a strong katana to use for cutting then this blade type would be most preferable. Tamahagane katanas are also highly sought by sword collectors as well.

Usually swords that have taken longer to forge will be of higher quality since there are multiple iterations of smelting, folding, and hammering, so look for information around the forge process. Swords of Northshire’s custom katanas usually indicate the forging times on each sword.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel blades are more aesthetically appealing than useful in dojo fighting, therefore are primarily used as show pieces instead of functional swords. These swords molecular composition isn’t as durable as the folded steel or the carbon steel. This in return means that the blade will be more brittle and can break with hard impacts.

Since the geometry of the blades isn’t as well designed there are issues with poor tang construction, this can make swinging the sword unbalanced and potentially dangerous. Additionally most stainless steel blades aren’t put through the same rigorous heat treatment process that other types of katana swords are put through which strengthens the material.

My personal preference is that if you are looking for a katana that you can actually use then you should avoid any stainless steel blades. Due to their high chromium composition (visually enhances the sword) they do make nice wall-hangers if you are decorating an apartment or your dojo though.

What these blades do have going for them aside from their visual appeal is that due to the chromium element they are resistant to rust and corrosion.

Carbon Steel

When looking for a combination of quality and price the high carbon steel katanas seem to be most preferable and common in the market. These types of katana swords are usually favored due to their strong durability as a result of their chemical makeup. High carbon steel blades lack the chronium component that you’d find in stainless steel which does allow for the carbon blades to be stronger yet on the flip side they are susceptible to corrosion because of this missing component.

Despite their name, carbon steel swords do have less carbon than typical stainless steel swords do which allows them to be more compatible with other metals. Carbon steel is much harder than stainless which creates the ability to hold a sharper and more acute edge. As a result, they are quicker to sharpen and can achieve a sharper edge than the stainless do.

As the percentage of carbon in the blade rises the steel has the ability to become more durable through heat treating; however, it also becomes less pliable. Additionally the higher the carbon content the lower the melting point is. So the higher the carbon content the stronger and less pliable the blade is, the lower the carbon content the softer and more pliable the blade is.

Within the carbon steel swords there are numerous types of metal grades, far more than I will take the time to mention and put you through the long, boring definition of the slight variances in each. Instead I’ll let you know the most common high carbon steel blades you’ll probably come across in the katana market.

• 10xx Steels (where xx could be any combination of numbers signifying the carbon density). The numbers following the ’10’ signify the carbon percent in the sword. For example a 1055 carbon steel means that the sword is 0.55% carbon content, a 1095 is as you would guess…0.95% carbon content.
  • 1045 is what most cheaper swords are made from, they are softer and in my mind I wouldn’t go with anything less than a 0.45% carbon content otherwise it’ll be too soft for functional use unless you’re looking for another wall hanger. At anything below a 1045 sharpening and maintaining an edge becomes more difficult.
  • 1060 (0.60% carbon content) is probably your best bet of the 10xx carbon steels. It is hard enough to be durable yet still soft enough where it is pliable. These swords will hold up pretty well in almost all normal katana uses.
  • 1095 is also a common carbon steel yet you’re more apt to find this in knives. This is a harder more brittle carbon steel that is easy to sharpen and holds an edge better than lower carbon content swords. The disadvantage is that if it is simply 1095 steel then if you hit another hard target with it there’s a greater chance it could break.
• 9260 Spring Steel
  • The name gives you an indication of how this metal behaves, spring like. Meaning that it has more flexibility and can recover from bends and vibrations better than other steel blades. A little fun fact about the name is that it comes from the same steel being used in the suspension coils of vehicles, hence the name ‘spring steel’. 9260 spring steel adds an additional component to it’s composition – silicon (2%). By adding silicon to the chemical make up it gives the sword added flexibility.

T10 Tool Steel

T10 is a newer steel being used in katana sword manufacturing. It is a Tungsten alloy (tungsten is also what some wedding bands are made of) with a high carbon content (0.90%-1.0%) combined with a smaller silicon content than the spring steel (0.30%-0.35%). Due to the mixture of silicon and high carbon content these swords perform better than other 1095 carbon steels and are more durable.

Remember, having a higher carbon content provides for a sharper edge, adding silicon to the composition slightly helps reduce the brittleness of the blade.

Combination Materials

One of the more popular types of katana swords is the combination of 1095 high carbon + folded steel. This combines the two powerful methods to create a sword that is hard at the core yet durable to avoid breaking on the outer layer.

These combinations usually feature the 1095 as the core component providing the internal structure that is hardened with the 0.95% carbon content. They are then layered in folded steel to protect the inner hard, yet usually otherwise more brittle core. The benefit of this method is that once you sharpen the sword past the folded steel layer you reveal the hard edge of the 1095 component which as I described earlier will hold a sharper edge longer.

So in summary a hard long lasting sharp inner element protected from breaking by the folded steel outer layer. A decent 1095/folded steel blade usually will run you $400 and up.

So there you have it, the most common types of katana swords by metal composition. As I had said earlier, there are a vast array of other metals that swords are made from but these provide you with the basics to help you narrow down a path of the type of metal you would like to have in your katana. Now that we’ve reviewed the types of katana swords lets move on to the next step of the katana readiness guide – how to size a katana.

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Time to Find a Dojo

The final step in our katana readiness guide is helping you find a dojo where you can now use your newly purchased katana. If you already have a location to train then you are finished, no need to read this step!

For those of you who are new katanas, other weaponized martial arts, or just martial arts in general, this final step will help you pin down a place where you can practice under the supervision of a trained sensei (which as I said in earlier steps that I highly recommend).

I guess before I get too far ahead of myself for those who are new to this and don’t know what a dojo is let me explain. A dojo is a place or large room used for training purposes in martial arts. They can range from a gym, to a smaller studio, to an entire complex focused on teaching the various martial arts. Dojos can vary in the types of martial arts they perform there ranging from judo and karate to the more skilled iaido.

The word comes from Japan and loosely translated means “a place of pursuit” the pursuit of which is your journey to mastering a martial art. The ‘Do’ means ‘way’ or ‘pursuit’ and the ‘Jo’ means ‘a place’. Combined they represent the term that is referred to today.

Why Find a Dojo?

The primary reason why everyone who is new to any martial art that involves swords, blades, or other weapons should find a local dojo is so that they learn how to use them. You don’t buy a car and try to take it out on the road before you know how to drive it…well I didn’t anyway.

By going to a dojo you can practice under the supervision of a master sensei who will instruct you on the proper usage of your sword. Having this guidance is essential in remaining safe and actually understanding what you are trying to accomplish beyond just swinging a piece of sharp steel around.

Training in a dojo will also allow you to understand the ways of the samurai, their ancient thought process, and their takes on various life situations. It’s not just a sport you are about to participate in, it’s an entire mindset.

The final benefit of practicing in a dojo is that you’ll get to meet other people that share the same interest as you. You not only will train against them in the dojo, but you will bond with them outside of it. I’ve actually learned quite a bit from my friends who I practice with; they’ve let me experiment with their swords (hence some of my offered advice around katana reviews), given my advice on sword care, and even shared a few beers with me (not before using the katana of course).

How to Find a Dojo

Well you could do a simple search for “dojo’s near me” in Google, Bing, or whatever your preferred search engine of choice is. The only thing is that occasionally dojos may not be set up with the keyword “dojo” in the title, meaning you may be missing out on some.

My preference is using a search engine specific to dojos. The site dojos.info is great resource for finding a place to practice by conducting a nationwide search for dojos near an address you select.

I’ve taken some code from their site to allow you to search for a dojo near you right from here. Just enter your zip code in the search tool below to see what’s near you.

Once you have a selection of a few dojos you’re interested in the first step is to call them to find out if they even offer the martial arts training you are interested in as well as their membership costs. This may narrow down your list a bit.

From there I’d suggest actually visiting each one and speaking with the sensei there and understanding the various katana training performed there. It is very important to work with a sensei you believe you’ll be comfortable with since at times you will become very frustrated. If you are practicing Iaido everything is extremely fluid and calculated, you can expect some struggles at first with getting the movements down.

Here is the dojo search process for your reference:

1. Search to find dojos close by
2. Call find out what is taught there
3. Obtain pricing and rule out anything too expensive
4. Visit each dojo to determine which sensei is the best fit for you
5. Chose a dojo and start katana training!

New Dojos are opening up all the time; below is a live RSS feed I set up to let you know about any new dojo openings listed with Dojos.info, the top dojo search site. I’ve set it up to show the 5 most recent openings.

The Black Belt Academy

Cincinnati, OH
Demolition TaeKwonDo

Fostoria, OH
D R Martial Arts Academy

Hemphill, TX
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Orange Park

Orange Park, FL
PFS Kali

Nashville, TN

Online Training

Occasionally we may not wish to join a dojo due to various reasons (distance, time, money, experience, etc.). Whatever the reason there are alternatives to learning various martial arts via online training programs, however the quality of learning online as opposed to in-person is significantly worse. This leaves you with either messing around yourself and hoping you don’t lose a finger (or worse) or researching online training programs.

When this is the case there are online courses you can watch however these really don’t do you the justice that an in person formal training would do. The primary reason being that the instructor can’t actually see your technique, this prevents them from correcting any mistakes you may be making in the training. Without knowing if you are doing something wrong or not, it becomes pretty difficult to correct it.

Some courses that I’ve seen online but haven’t partaken in are listed below. If any of you readers do happen to enroll in them we’d love to hear your feedback on their effectiveness in our forum section or on our Facebook page.

• Martial Arts University
• American Martial Arts Institute
• Fighting Arts
• Iaido.com

YouTube Videos

YouTube is amazing, the things we can find on there are endless. I’ve pulled a couple videos I think you may be interested in checking out that will help you learn some basics.

A start to katana training.

More related videos from Ehowmartialarts.

A video on how to unsheathe your katana.

More training videos are available on Sensei Orlando’s YouTube channel.

Udemy Courses

Udemy is also a great place to learn various martial arts (as well as just about anything else). This site provides a range of training tutorials both for free as well as for a fee. The image below links to a training program for Taijutsu.

Conclusion

That’s it, we’ve walked you through the entire process of buying a katana. I hope you found this katana readiness guide to be extremely valuable in helping you make your journey into becoming a trained swordsman. I appreciate any shares you can give my site to help spread the word.

Additionally there are a lot of other great forums out there to help you in your search with Sword Buyers Guide being a great one. I’d suggest clicking the link below to browse katana options then once you find one either come back here to our forum section or use another forum to ask any additional questions you may have around the blade. Online communities are great for providing real life feedback to help form your decision on what to buy.

Stick around and check out my other posts if you are craving more samurai information. My next post will teach you where you can find or make a custom katana that fits your personality and stands out from the rest of the class.

I’m ready to buy a katana now!

The post Step 5: Where to Practice – Find A Dojo appeared first on Katanas Sword Reviews.

1. The Walking Dead Sword

At the top of the list is Michonne’s katana from The Walking Dead. A great show accompanied by a sleek and clean looking katana, this is the perfect blade for decapitating those unruly undead. Get yours here and get ready for the apocalypse!

2. 47 Ronin Sword

Custom craftsmanship from sword maker Paul Chen that even Keanu Reeves would be jealous of. The legendary story of 47 Ronin and their battle to avenge their master’s death HAD to make it in our top 5. There are multiple makers of the 47 Ronin sword, some with cheap quality and others such as this with superior quality. Here’s the working custom replica of the 47 Ronin sword.

3. Kill Bill Sword

From the bloody Kill Bill serious, this katana has been hand forged and is battle ready. Whether you want it as a wall hanger or to use in class you can find yours here.

4. The Matrix Sword

The katana wielded by the mighty Morpheus defies all known logic. Get ready to battle the Smiths and dodge bullets (ok ok so you can’t really dodge bullets) with your Matrix sword here.

5. The Last Samurai Sword

Change your view of the world through the eyes of The Last Samurai. This blade features beautiful engravings and a sleek saya. One of Tom Cruise’s best performances accompanied by a stellar blade.

If there is another movie sword that you think deserves to be on this list let us know on Facebook! Check out our other Katana reviews for functional swords here.

The post Top 5 Ultimate Movie Katanas appeared first on Katanas Sword Reviews.

If you are on the hunt for an affordable custom katana look no further. Occasionally I’ll meet someone who wants to break out from the norm and buy a katana that is rarely seen anywhere else. Most people think that to buy a custom katana they’ll need to drop thousands of dollars….nope! Small batch custom katana forging is a huge trend right now meaning your chances of finding a unique blade at a reasonable price is pretty good.

Pre-forged Custom Katanas

The first option when shopping for a custom katana is a pre-forged one, meaning that it is already made yet wasn’t produced in large batches and usually doesn’t carry a brand name like Hanwei or Thaitsuki (want to have one made from start to finish? Read on I’ll tell you how you can). These custom katanas are usually made in smaller forgeries allowing them to determine the style of the blade the wish to create. I usually buy my katanas from SOTE but recently came across this new distributor which offers a pretty unique selection of various swords ranging from katanas and tantos to Chinese and medieval swords – Swords of Northshire.

The Senshi authentic Japanese katana is a beautiful sword with a unique crackled style wood saya. I am a huge fan of the brown as you already know if you’ve read my previous blogs, so this katana is right up my style. The 12 stage polished finish gives it a nice sharp look especially in contrast to the tsuba which has a more flat ominous looking style.

Aside from the looks of this katana there’s quite a bit of structural advantages to it starting with the composite. The sword features a hand forged T10 steel blade. When it arrived it was already sharpened and even after quite a few uses it has remained as sharp as when I got it.

If you’re still not sure which steel is better here’s a chart to help you determine the strengths of the various steel grades.

Additionally the blade is clay tempered full tang, meaning that the blade extends completely back through the entire tsuka. Full tang blade provide more durability and leverage than blades that start mid way through the tsuka. Not to mention they are a lot safer to use due to reduced chances of them breaking (something that happened to me earlier with my first katana). The weight on this sword has a great balance as well, it comes in at under 3 lbs. (2.8 to be exact) but the way it’s made the balance allows for easy maneuvering with it. This katana hasn’t had as much field testing as some of my other blades but so far I’m pretty happy with it, another beauty added to my extensive collection! Not to mention you can get custom engraving on it as well. If you’re looking to stand out on the battlefield (or class which is more likely than a battlefield) with a custom katana that very few will have, then I’d recommend going for the authentic Senshi katana.

UPDATE: I received a few emails asking where to find the Senshi, unfortunately Swords of Northshire has sold out of their Senshi custom katana and I’m not exactly sure when they’ll start forging another batch of them. They still do have quite a few other options if you’re looking for a custom katana though, some with some very beautiful saya woodwork engravings so I’d recommend browsing their selection.

Browse For a Custom Katana Here

Still Not Unique Enough for You? Make Your Own Custom Katana!

Swords of Northshire are the first sword dealers I’ve seen to do this…Create your own katana from start to end. I’m talking about selecting the blade forge you want, the groove, the saya, the tsuba, the finishings, everything is as you want it! I was ecstatic when I found this out, I really am able to get a sword that is one of a kind and at a very reasonable price. Below is a screenshot I took as I went through the process of buying my first truly made custom katana.

There are a vast amount of styles you can create and the great thing is you determine the quality starting with the blade compositions you select. Clay Tempered of course which is best (and most expensive) or you can go with the lesser priced Carbon steel. The starting base price for a custom katana is $190, from here the cost depends on how much you want to upgrade the blade, fittings, and saya. I’ll walk you through the steps of making your own custom katana using Swords of Northshire’s katana building program.

1. Step 1 – Select whether or not you want the blade sharpened before it leaves the forgery or will it be a wall hanger therefore you prefer a dull blade for safety reasons.
2. Step 2 – Choose a blade composition (what type of steel do you want it made from and the forging process):
   • 1060 Steel: A good balance between hardness and durability. Used on light to moderate targets (foam rolls, rolled mats).
     • Folded vs. high carbon steel: the folded steel requires a more lengthy process where the steel is folded over itself and hammered multiple times to spread out the carbon content which not only helps remove impurities but also develops a grainy pattern on the blade.
   • 1095 Steel: Hard steel, primarily used for cutting heavier targets yet it is more susceptible to breaking due to the lack of flexibility in the steel.
     • Folded vs. high carbon steel: the folded steel requires a more lengthy process where the steel is folded over itself and hammered multiple times to spread out the carbon content which not only helps remove impurities but also develops a grainy pattern on the blade.
   • 9260 Spring Steel: The same steel used in the springs supporting the suspension on your vehicle, this steel has an extremely high durability rating and can bend and spring back to the normal curvature with very little chance of breakage.
   • 1095 Steel: A very hard blade that will hold an exceptionally sharp edge however is also very brittle due to its 0.95% carbon content. If you go with this blade I’d suggest getting the folded steel version.
   • Clay Tempered Blades: Clay is applied to the blade before the quenching process causing the blade to undergo differential heating process, which creates a hard edge for heavy cutting yet a more flexible back for absorbing shock. This method creates a beautiful, genuine hamon line that most high quality custom katanas will have and others will notice.
   • Tamahagane: Made from an iron sand called ‘tamahagane’, these blade types are the most authentic samurai blades since they follow strict forging methods and usually take almost a month to finish the polishing. If you want a ‘real’ authentic katana then this is the blade type you want.
3. Step 3 – Blade length, do you want a katana (28″), a Wakizashi (20″), or a Tanto (13″). Almost all my swords are katanas, I have a couple Wakizashi’s and one Tanto.
4. Step 4 – Groove or no groove? Otherwise known as the ‘bo-hi’, a line carved out of the blade allows for the blade to be lighter weight. For some who are used to practicing with a non-grooved blade, I’d recommend staying without the bo-hi since the weight difference may throw you off for a bit until you get used to it.
5. Step 5 – Hamon, or the ‘wavy’ line along the blade. You can have an artificial one placed on the blade for looks however the true hamon will come with a Tamahagane blade. I personally like the irregular style pattern seen below.
6. Step 6 – Select the color of the saya (scabbard) for your katana. This is what the katana slides into when not in use, kind of like a sheath of a knife. There are 6 colors currently to choose from.
7. Step 7 – Choose a color for the sageo (rope that ties around the saya holding it to your belt)
8. Step 8 – Selecting a tsuba is one of my favorite parts when I have them make a custom katana for me. It’s one of the most visible parts of the sword that really allows for you to get creative with it. There’s a pretty big selection so just choose something that fits your style.
9. Step 9 – The Habaki and Seppa are the components that prevent the blade from falling out of the saya. Nothing too fancy with the customization here.
10. Step 10 – The Fuchi & Kashira are another one of my favorite parts to choose. These are the end fittings that go on both ends of the handle of the blade.
11. Step 11 – The Same’gawa is just the wrap that goes around the handle.
12. Step 12 – The Menuki fit under the tsuka and add some lift on the handle to allow you a better grip on it. There’s a few neat options here as well in terms of customization.
13. Step 13 – Almost done, time for the handle wrap which if you’ve been reading all my other posts here you know what my preference is…yep brown leather!
14. Step 14 – The final touch on your custom katana is the engraving, you are not limited to letters but they’ll also engrave designs, kanji symbols, etc.

So in just 14 quick simple steps that are very easy and pretty much self-guided through the custom katana builder program Swords of Northshire has you can have your one of a kind katana delivered to your door. Interested? I couldn’t resist and have my second one on the way!

Now for you Walking Dead fans, I have the perfect katana for you if you can get it before they sell out. Read my review on Michonne’s katana.

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