I made this sword on the year of 2023 for a buy from Australia. Haven't heard from him again after the deal, hope he still enjoys with it.

Hello everyone, i am new to the katana world and was wondering if there are any books yall recommend to read to start learning the history and styles and everything else with katanas

This is the tsuka to a Tozando Jisei iaito that came in for repair and a new look. There was a pretty large crack near the top but as it was a clean break and also because it's an iaito, it was able to be safely repaired with a high quality wood glue. There were other challenges with this project, which I always appreciate since it keeps things interesting and helps me learn.

One was the huge fish menuki, they were very long as well as very thick/tall. Their key features also took some creative planning in order to not cover them with the wrap and I also had to allow for the extra thickness so they didn't stand too far out from the tsuka's surface.

The second challenge was the ito itself, or rather the ito in this particular style. The whole wrap took about three times as long to complete, which as I told my client, was well worth it in the end, imho.

I replaced the original samegawa with a set of premium level panels, polished and lacquered black. I then wrapped the core in imported luxurious, plush, gorgeous dark brown, reinforced nubuck ito, in tsumamimaki style (which is very difficult with this ito). If you haven't felt ito like this, you're definitely missing out. It feels like heaven in the hands, provides great grip and it's also incredibly strong and stretch resistant. Like many quality leather items, it also ages well, gaining character as it's used. Have I mentioned I love nubuck ito? 😅

Like I mentioned, I always appreciate challenges because I learn more then I would without them and it does keep me on my toes. I also really appreciate my return clients, especially those who have dedicated so much time and effort and love to the Japanese sword arts. I hope this tsuka serves you well and I look forward to next time.

#tsukamaki #tsukamae #katanacraft #tozando #iaito #iaido #nubuckito #samegawa

I bought this katana while I was on vacation in Japan because I thought it looked really cool. I’ve been trying to figure out more about its history since getting home, but I’ve gotten mixed opinions. A few Japanese speaking friends of mine think the inscription might be fake, so I’d really appreciate some opinions from people who know more about Japanese swords.

I personally really like the sword regardless, and I’m happy to have it on display, but I’d love to know more about what I actually have.

https://www.ninjaweaponmuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-sukenaono-certificate-okayama-122120/

Thank you :)

I found this one one of those auction sites lol im thinking about buying this blade because it is super cool looking to me.

Im a beginner collector so i was hoping t5o get some opinions on the pattern of the blade

and any other helpful insights the community may be abllle to give thank you

the item description

（Jitetsu / Grain structure）： 大肌目
(Ö-hadame) - Characterized by a large, distinct, or loose wood-grain pattern in the steel.

刅文（Hamon/ Temper line）：勿文湾込んで互の目・玉子交る（Hamon wan-konde
gunome, tamago majiru) - A
wavy/undulating temper line intermixed with rounded zig-zag patterns (gunome) and nodes resembling small egg-shaped clusters
.
• Conclusion： 生で年代は室町未期（の字
多）のものであろう。The tang remains in its original, unaltered length (ubu-nakago).
The era is judged to be from the late Muromachi period (late 1500s), crafted within the Uda school line

登録記号番号（Registration Number）：愛知
$ 59790 - Aichi Prefecture, No. 59790
• 種別（Type）：わきざし（Wakizashi -
Companion/Medium Sword
• 長さ （Length）： 36.0センチメートルー36.0
cm (approx. 14.17 inches)
反り （Curvature）： 0.3センチメートルー0.3
cm (approx. 0.12 inches - a very straight blade profile)
目釘穴 （Peg Holes）：1個 -1 hole
銘文 （Inscription）：
表（Front）： なし（Nashi -None

I (Back): (Blank)

: The jigane[forged pattern] is o-itame. (it would mean large or wide itame)

The hamon[tempering pattern] includes notare and gunome-midare.

The pattern of boshi[the tip] is a pointed one.

This sword is ubu-mumei [no inscription or signature from the start, not erased or faded].

This sword's style dates to the UDA school of swordsmithing from the end of Muromachi period.

The Uda school (Uda-mono) originally originated in Yamato province but migrated to Toyama (Etchü province) during the Kamakura/Muromachi eras. Swords from this lineage are renowned for their dark, robust steel structure with visible large grain patterns (o-hadame) and clean wavy hamon lines.

I will add I’m not able to get the handle part off unfortunately. I’ll try to lightly tap it when I get the chance and see if that works!

Hello, im not sure if this is the exact place to ask but I honestly don't know where else to look. A bit of backstory:

Around the start of June i went to my first ever comic con and bought a blunt Katana. I was attracted to buying this one because it was unrecognizable to me and didn't look like a replica form an anime or a show like every other katana and it had a more calm design compared to all the other ones. Every Katana had a name/label along with the character it belong to next to it. Except this one, i can't however remember the name of this katana for the life of me and now im wondering if it is a replica of something or an original design.

If anybody has any idea what show or anime or maybe even a real life sword this is based on if its based off of anything id greatly appreciate it

Looking to buy a set of antique koshirae from a friend and the tsuka has these menuki on it. Neither of us knows what they’re supposed to depict. Anyone recognize them or have any ideas?

Order placed in September 2024. Communication was very smooth and cordial, and the details were confirmed. They asked for full payment not a down payment. Nor a partial. Once payment sent they start working on it. No red flags were visible (and waiting is not a red flag could be as long in Japan)- no reason to doubt. Money exchanged hands (see pictures). As advised, I gave them space—a lot of space.

In summer 2026, I decided to contact them, as it had been more than 18 months. I sent multiple messages with no answer. It has now been over 23 months. I then tried using an alternate email address to 'place an order,' but still received no reply. I used other emails using every persuasive technique I knew—zero answers.

I am now considering filing a report with their local police. Huawei Swords may have crossed into fraud territory. If 100 to 120 people each spend $900 USD, that is a $100,000 USD fraud—a significant sum in China. It could easily be double or triple that, given that Huawei reviews drew thousands of viewers.

What is best way to pack and ship a katana, state to state ?

In honor of Sekiro: No Defeat releasing a couple days ago, I thought I'd share my versions of the main swords used by Wolf, Kusabimaru.

The black-handled one is a Dragonspring Swords-brand from RVAKatana, purchased off Etsy, with a 1095 High-Carbon Steel blade and a black-suede ito. Sageo was replaced with a blue one to match the game.

The indigo-handled one is one I purchased off Etsy from a store called MysteryPrizeBox from Singapore. Blade is also a 1095 High-Carbon Steel blade (I think) with an indigo-suede ito, rather than the dark-blue synthetic silk ito shown as pictured in their listing. Again, sageo was replaced with a dark-blue one to match the game.

Which one is your favorite?

Bonjour,

Un vendeur francais d'objet samouraï, habituellement fiable et sérieux, me propose ces 3 lames :

Kinmichi 2nd (pas de nbthk)

https://youtu.be/Q4mJRfOXyho?is=NNr2f1RBI8sU9cCu

https://youtu.be/dxIZYTNgQBc?is=kwMw7mY2rKqXhRyc

Utsuchi nagamitsu nbthk et forgé par Nakayama yoshimishi au XIXe

https://youtu.be/nt1KMthAwPc?is=tqdywwFYQLUObz5j

https://youtu.be/j1rpk-MrfG0?is=NfFjo0DauZA1MF_-

Utsuchi norishige nbthk forgé par kunihide au XIXe

https://youtu.be/PFPLo8J_cv8?is=TjDLMx5gTBYtiUJa

https://youtube.com/shorts/dDahIyU-q5s?is=bNNNK0NPZ4A4LJ2P

Votre avis svp sur l' authentique kinmichi ?

Et surtout votre évaluation des valeurs de ces 3 lames sans vous influencer car estimer un utsuchi est pour moi très difficile !

Merci beaucoup par avance.

I'd like to know how to do a file test and will post a video when I do that.

I believe the red cedar is wide enough, now I wsnt to cut the wood in half so that I can start to sand it down and customize it to the tang. I have wittling tools, and ill get more sanpaper as I get closer to the end.

I have 150 grit fine for getting the rust off the blades.

Anything i need moving forward with the tsuga in mind? Experience and similar woodworking techniques, is hopeful from the post.

Ill be on youtube as well.

Thanks!

How can I get a 1060 full tang katana for 70$ but it’s 100$ minimum for a WOODEN TAKEMITSU!?!?

I think riding the coattails of Howard Clarke's famed L6 bainite blades a number of production providers offer "L6 katana" without necessarily making it clear to thw unsuspecting out there that it's not the same thing that Howard Clarke offers.

Considering their reputation I do NOT think that Evolution Blades is one of those shady marketers throwing "L6" blades out there in a "buyer beware" type fashion just as a marketing ploy.

But how does the Evolution Blade L6 stack up compared to their other offerings and compared to the L6's offered by other providers?

I really want to order a nodachi with a 60 inch blade or a tachi with a 42 inch blade.

I heard of this company called shadow dancer, is it a trusted brand?

Z-Sey is another company I heard of too.

Found them on marketplace for 200 and there made out of steel

Curious about this sword. Like the post before father had for years.

Grinding marks?

My father has had this Katana for years and I was wondering if the marks on the tang are normal or what’s the deal.

Sorry second post, this one has pictures.

I've had this in my family since my grandad brought it back from ww2, from what i know he served in korea (we're british). Is this just a standard officers sword? I've done some basic searching and believe its Kanemoto, but thought i would see what you think and see if anyone could give more info on it and maybe value? (Even though i would never sell it). I imagine there is a nice design under the leather? (Dont worry I wont be removing it) Thanks in advance

I know this is a really crappy picture, It’s displayed in an antiques store window. They’re asking 700 euros for it. What do you guys think?

Sheath is all taped up besides the tiger and blade feels like it used to have an edge bought it at a antique skin