Samurai Swords.

[Tenchu]

I want to buy a authentic and traditional Japanese Samurai sword. It is hard to find reliable sellers and craftsmen. I think I have found a few online, but I really have no other method of searching other than the internet. But given most craftsmen would not be able to make a living without selling on the net, it goes to figure that 99% of craftsmen advertise on the net.

I want to know does anyone have experience here or is anyone bought a sword on the net before?

Here is what I am thinking of buying as of now, this is the most reliable looking site I can find:

Liondog Katana

Some pics of the sword:

[godwine]

Authentic Katana (everything, Wakasashi, Danto etc etc), like karate and other martial arts, are crafted by different style (Ryu), most of the item you can find online are not authentic, they don't usually sell online

There are several store in Kyoto that sells authentic Katana, but it will cost a fortune, the cheapest I saw was around US$8000 for a single Katana.

If you are lucky, you may be able to find retired smith in your area who is willing to craft one for you, we have one here in Toronto, and if you show him pictures of something that will inspire him in making a sword, he will do it for you, but it will take him a good 9-16 months to make one......

[Tenchu]

Originally Posted by godwine

Authentic Katana (everything, Wakasashi, Danto etc etc), like karate and other martial arts, are crafted by different style (Ryu), most of the item you can find online are not authentic, they don't usually sell online

There are several store in Kyoto that sells authentic Katana, but it will cost a fortune, the cheapest I saw was around US$8000 for a single Katana.

If you are lucky, you may be able to find retired smith in your area who is willing to craft one for you, we have one here in Toronto, and if you show him pictures of something that will inspire him in making a sword, he will do it for you, but it will take him a good 9-16 months to make one......

I think you are right, you can not find them online. I am trying to learn about what is being made now days. It seems there are replicas and reproductions, the one I posted I think is a reproduction, where it can cut bamboo and wooden mats, but can not stand up in a real sword fight. So it seems real, but is not, even if hand crafted.

I think you are right and I will have to go to Japan and seek out a sword maker in person.

[godwine]

good luck.. I think there are only 3 families of smith left who inherited the ancient art from years ago... but you should still be able to find products by them....