Sword craftsmen?

MatoriSan · (#1 (**permalink**))

I'm not certain whether or not this is the right place to ask... but is it possible that there are people -- craftsmen to be more precise -- in Japan who are willing to handcraft and forge anew a completely custom, fully fledged Japanese Katana? A real sword, speaking explicitly? You're probably thinking that I've seen too much of Kill Bill and I want a Hattori Hanzo sword but only out of curiosity, I was wondering whether there are still craftsmen in Japan who take swordmaking orders. There is something in me that keeps telling me that I'd want a sword as a family heirloom, but to have it as that I'd like it custom designed. What are your knowledges of this?

Oh, and I am fully aware that there is a law ever since the Meiji era that forbids the carrying of swords in public, I'm not that crazy

RazerKill · (#2 (**permalink**))

I think there was already a similar post on jp.
Your asking for something with a big price i guess^^

Nyororin · (#3 (**permalink**))

If you have the money to support the endeavor, there are a few craftsmen who can forge a sword entirely in the traditional manner. There have actually been a few recent advances in reproduction of the traditional methods that were "lost" over the years.

It is really a matter of money and time. None of it is going to be cheap.
But yes, it can be done. There are still craftsmen around.

XDemianu27X · (#4 (**permalink**))

If you're willing to pay 7+ thousand for one, yeah. We met a smith last month on our trip to Kumamoto who was making/selling them out of his house. He had a few that were selling for about 3,000,000 yen ($30,000)

Troo · (#5 (**permalink**))

That's really not a bad price! Whereabouts in Kumamoto was this chap?

TalnSG · (#6 (**permalink**))

Are you specifically interested in a Japanese sword, because there are other traditional swordsmith around that specialize in custom works.

My one custom sword was made by a man north of Austin, TX. He has studied the Japanese techniques, but does not purport to be quite as skilled. However, he is an accomplished designer. Since this was not his full time profession, I don't know if he still has his forge, but if you are interested I can check.

zed · (#7 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by TalnSG

Are you specifically interested in a Japanese sword, because there are other traditional swordsmith around that specialize in custom works.

My one custom sword was made by a man north of Austin, TX. He has studied the Japanese techniques, but does not purport to be quite as skilled. However, he is an accomplished designer. Since this was not his full time profession, I don't know if he still has his forge, but if you are interested I can check.

I have made a Design for a katana that I want but so far no luck finding a craftsman to forge it for me, I drive by Austin every few months and I would be really grateful if you could direct me.

TalnSG · (#8 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by zed

I have made a Design for a katana that I want but so far no luck finding a craftsman to forge it for me, I drive by Austin every few months and I would be really grateful if you could direct me.

I see if I can reach him and if he is still forging blades and let you know. May take a week or so to track him down this time of year because he is addicted to Ren Fairs.

zed · (#9 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by TalnSG

I see if I can reach him and if he is still forging blades and let you know. May take a week or so to track him down this time of year because he is addicted to Ren Fairs.

no worries I have time thanks a lot.