Finally worked out the glitches and got my site up and running.

Thought there might be some other collectors out there who might appreciate the content.

Thanks for taking a look.

http://home.earthlink.net/~legends1394/

wheres the link or am i a moron missing it lol

always wanted to start collecting, may start

wheres the link or am i a moron missing it lol

always wanted to start collecting, may start

I guess the link WOULD be helpful huh!

**Fixed**

http://home.earthlink.net/~legends1394/

:bow: :bow:

my dream is to someday have a glass closet case with swords inside...someday...someday

:bow: :bow:

my dream is to someday have a glass closet case with swords inside...someday...someday

Thanks man....funny thought, I am working on the glass display. I just can't seem to find a big enough lock :nails:

nice...don't be like that one dumb ___ in this video..."these cannot be broken!" and he slams the sword down on the table, it breaks, flys up and cuts his face open.....

haha!

i'd find the video, but i'm in class and every single page i go to is blocked...i will find it when i get home and repost..

nice swords tho!

nice...don't be like that one dumb butt in this video..."these cannot be broken!" and he slams the sword down on the table, it breaks, flys up and cuts his face open.....

haha!

i'd find the video, but i'm in class and every single page i go to is blocked...i will find it when i get home and repost..

nice swords tho!

Actually, I think I know what you are talking about. If you are thinking of the one on the shopping network then I have seen it. I often use it to show how dangerous cheap stainless steel blades can be.
The blades on my site however are custom hand made by experianced smiths working with high quality steels.
I also study iaido and kenjutsu so these blades are not just for looks, but function as well.

Pretty good...beginners? using Frontpage or dreamweaver?

Pretty good...beginners? using Frontpage or dreamweaver?

Actually I have worked on a couple other sites and always used FrontPage but this particular site I cheated and used the software that came with my ISP. I know it is trellix based but that about it.

nice...don't be like that one dumb butt in this video..."these cannot be broken!" and he slams the sword down on the table, it breaks, flys up and cuts his face open.....

haha!

i'd find the video, but i'm in class and every single page i go to is blocked...i will find it when i get home and repost..

nice swords tho!

This is the video I was talking about. Is it the same one you saw?

http://www.jokaroo.com/funnyvideos/katana.html

Good ole stainless steel, the party ender.

I remember that video. At first i thought the second guy was going to come up and try to sell the sword even though like everyone just say what happened.

I am curious to know how many people that had already ordered it cancelled after. :rofl:

Check out the video people, its friggin hilarious!

http://www.jokaroo.com/funnyvideos/katana.html

i wish i had that collection...

yo, i almost died watching that! that's hilarious! i bought basball cards from those guys a long time ago! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

yo, i almost died watching that! that's hilarious! i bought basball cards from those guys a long time ago! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Only I hope the cards were a better value :silly:

Nice collection! So you forge them yourself?
Can you send me some links with general info on Japanese swords for beginners. I have always wanted to collect swords, but never have.

By the way, what is the difference between monosteel and folded steel?

Very very nice. I've been collecting swords, daggers, and knives for about 7 years now. I'm in to the tribal type stuff but yours are awsome. Here are some pictures of the ones that I have. Sorry about the glare in some of them, but if you want any close ups of any of them just let me know.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/365000-365999/365639_160_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/365000-365999/365639_161_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/365000-365999/365639_162_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/365000-365999/365639_163_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/365000-365999/365639_164_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/365000-365999/365639_165_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/365000-365999/365639_166_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/365000-365999/365639_167_full.jpg

Nice collection! So you forge them yourself?
Can you send me some links with general info on Japanese swords for beginners. I have always wanted to collect swords, but never have.
By the way, what is the difference between monosteel and folded steel?

Thanks for the compliment KG but no I don't forge blades. The blades on my site were purchased from some of the best japanese styled smiths in the nation. I am very fortunate to have them in my collection. The hobby isnt cheap when you get into custom works like mine but you can start small like most of us did and work your way up. It really helps to have an interest in some kind of swrod art like kendo, kenjutsu or iaido; thats when you can truely appreciate the weapons you collect.

As to your questions:
To give you a good overview of Japanese blades, parts and history why dont you start here:http://www.geocities.com/alchemyst/nihonto.htm
I found this index to be most helpful with terms and history.
With respect to forge folding vs. monosteel, well, not really a short subject but I think I can give you a brief run down.
Monosteel is a term generally used to describe a blade that is unfolded or unforge welded. A folded blade is of course folded but more importantly the reason for the folding is what is key. In ancient Japan the raw smelted steel used to forge blades was full of impurities, so, by folding a blade, the impurities were worked out leaving the good metal for the finished product. Today, there is really no need to forge fold steel because thanks to technology it's manufactured without the impurities once worried about. The only reason for forgefolding a blade in this day and age is really appearance and "staying true to history". You see, the effect of folding a blade is leaving behind a visible grain pattern that many find appealing. This grain is referred to as "hada" and there are many different types depending on how the blade was forged. Oh, and contrary to highlander movies, the more a blde is folded does not determine its strength. A blade can be folded to much, losing precious carbon and can actually be made weaker.
I hope that kinda answered your question. Let me know if you have any other questions, I am happy to help.

Very very nice. I've been collecting swords, daggers, and knives for about 7 years now. I'm in to the tribal type stuff but yours are awsome. Here are some pictures of the ones that I have. Sorry about the glare in some of them, but if you want any close ups of any of them just let me know.

Wow, thats a great collection. You really cover a lot of styles, I see the tribal you spoke of into chinese modern with the butterfly knives, down into some japanese styled pieces covering ninjutsu with the star. Quite a collection indeed, I feel sorry for the person who ever tries to break into your house. Just make sure if you ever need to use any of it, you go for the 440 steel knives and not the swords. Those pieces, while really nice as decor, would be extremely dangerous for anyone to swing around. I have seen more than one of those snap in two when torqued on. Sorry....rant OFF.
Anyway, I really dig your collection, nice to see someone else with the fever. I am usually called crazy for my collection because "why collect swords when we use guns"

Aarrrrgggghhhh....whatever....some people will never understand. :tap:

Yeah, I'm the same way. I have one gun that stays by my bed incase, but I love my knives. There are a lot more that I want also. Anyway, keep up the good work, you really have a good talent.

Thanks Giovanni! That did help. So, I would assume that folded steel is more expensive, right? Which of the three (kendo, kenjutsu or iaido) be easier to begin for someone not in shape (I'm not obese or anything, just out of shape)?

Thanks Giovanni! That did help. So, I would assume that folded steel is more expensive, right? Which of the three (kendo, kenjutsu or iaido) be easier to begin for someone not in shape (I'm not obese or anything, just out of shape)?

No problem bro glad to help.
Yes, forge folded/welded blades are more costly. Average cost of a custom monosteel blade is around $2000-$2400 for just the blade unpolished. Average cost of a folded blade is around $3200-$3500 for unpolished blade. It depends on the smith forging them, but that gives you a rough idea.
However, I dont want you to get discouraged, because thus far I have been talking about custom blades, but, there are other options out there for a beginner. There are some retailers out there that offer high quality production blades that are significatly cheaper than custom. These blades are what I call working blades because they are good sturdy blades that can be trained with and will last for a long time but because they are production made will never be collectable. Companies with good product include the following:

http://dynastyforge.com/
http://www.bugei.com/
http://lastlegend.com/
http://kriscutlery.com/

For a description of each and how they compare go to:
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s=c8eed0a027480c2b9c95bf0bf4388187&threadid=41155

As for which one to start with, well, whichever one is closest to you. Check out this site http://www.e-budo.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=124

Let me know what you think.

Thanks again, Giovanni! Time to study up on swords and sword martial arts. I'll let you know when I read up on all the info! So far the production blades looking promising.
Now how to sneek the money for the sword past my fiance. :ponder:

Now how to sneek the money for the sword past my fiance. :ponder:

You're on your own with that one bro. Thats why I trained martial arts BEFORE I got engaged :rofl:
I said "look here woman, dont make me get crazy on you......I'm gonna buy this blade whether you like it or not!!" Then she came into the room and I ran like hell :doh:

Good luck!

What up Gio,

I wanted to know what your opinion is on the Paul Chen Katanas. I see a lot of mixed opinions, actually, on all production swords in general. I was looking around and the Paul Chen Tsunami caught my eye.

What up Gio,

I wanted to know what your opinion is on the Paul Chen Katanas. I see a lot of mixed opinions, actually, on all production swords in general. I was looking around and the Paul Chen Tsunami caught my eye.

Ok, thats a good question and very common within this hobby. First of all it should be noted that Paul Chen does not forge any blades. He has a factory in Dalian China called Hanwei.
Now with that out of the way, the tsunami is a good mid-range blade suitable for light to medium cutting. It will cost you in the neighborhood of $500.00 and is a decent blade. Hanwei blades are production blades that have been known to have poor quality control at times. Places like bugei.com who have their own line of blades with Hanwei charge a premium price for their blades but have far better quality control, but every now and then a sub par blade slides by. The most important thing to do if find a retailer that has a good exchange policy for defects. I have had good dealings with www.888knivesrus as he is based in Jacksonville FL where I frequently visit.
The other thing I want to cover is your intentions. If you intend to get formal training I urge you to hold off on the purchase of a blade as your instructor will be key in you ultimate choice of blade. If you intent to make a purchase for collection or self training, which I dont reccomend but its common, then I suggest you find a retailer near you with blades in stock for you to feel. Some blades will feel better in your hand as weights and POB (point of balance) vary from sword to sword.
My suggestion is to first determine your budget and then find every possible blade that fits your price range, and go from there.

Keep me updated

Giovanni

I have read similar advise in regards to training. I will hold off on buying a sword until I figure out if I will become serious about training or if I will just be collecting. I will take your advise to regards to training if that is what I do. And I think I will stay away from the Hanwei swords. Thanks!

Know where i can get one in a bambo stick?

Know where i can get one in a bambo stick?

Ummm.....can you be a bit more specific? Are you looking for something to hang on your wall or something you can actually handle or practice with?
If you are looking for a wall hanger then try e-bay under bamboo sword, should be a bunch of them for pretty cheap, but then, the sword quality is reflected by the price.

If you are looking for something decently made, off hand I only know of the bamboo stick katana by Hanwei - paul chen factory, and will cost you around $400.00. Here is an example:
http://888knivesrus.zoovy.com/product/PC1002GT

It should be nothed that the hanwei version is not real bamboo, but rather wood cut and laqured to simulate bamboo. This is because bamboo makes a poor material for koshirae because it is technically a grass and thus not dense enough. Nevertheless, overall it is a nice looking piece.

Good luck

After posting this thread I got a lot of hits on my site.

So I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to check it out.

Here is another video for those interested. The guy performing the cuts is James Williams from Bugei Trading Company in CA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwUn0UR8DXI&mode=related&search=

One more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFGcZ7nbbXg&mode=related&search=

Thanks Giovanni! That did help. So, I would assume that folded steel is more expensive, right? Which of the three (kendo, kenjutsu or iaido) be easier to begin for someone not in shape (I'm not obese or anything, just out of shape)?

of the three, iaido would be the easiest way to begin for someone out of shape, imo, because it is purely the 'art of drawing the sword'.

kenjutsu would be the most physically demanding, because 'jutsu' indicates practice of the raw technique. the 'do' in kendo indicates a more artful interpretation of 'ken', the sword, or in this usage, swordsmanship.

I'm sure that the physical demand of any style would depend on the teacher, and that any of the three listed would be very challenging at higher levels. The beauty of these systems is that it is usually understood that a beginner will come to the first practice with many ideas as to what will happen, and it is necessary to take ample time to convince the beginner that they are truly beginners. This means that whatever you were to choose, provided you find the right teacher, your practice will increase in difficulty as you become more fit.

that being said, I would recommend you add aikido to your list of styles to investigate. The sword is at the heart of nearly every movement in aikido, and it is a very graceful, gentle art that is very receptive to newcomers. I would hazard a guess that most people walking into a kendo, kenjutsu, or (especially) iaido dojo have a martial arts background of some sort.

If you wanted to PM me, and tell me where you live, I would give you a list of good teachers in your area.

What up Gio,

I wanted to know what your opinion is on the Paul Chen Katanas. I see a lot of mixed opinions, actually, on all production swords in general. I was looking around and the Paul Chen Tsunami caught my eye.

Ok, thats a good question and very common within this hobby. First of all it should be noted that Paul Chen does not forge any blades. He has a factory in Dalian China called Hanwei.
Now with that out of the way, the tsunami is a good mid-range blade suitable for light to medium cutting. It will cost you in the neighborhood of $500.00 and is a decent blade. Hanwei blades are production blades that have been known to have poor quality control at times. Places like bugei.com who have their own line of blades with Hanwei charge a premium price for their blades but have far better quality control, but every now and then a sub par blade slides by. The most important thing to do if find a retailer that has a good exchange policy for defects. I have had good dealings with www.888knivesrus as he is based in Jacksonville FL where I frequently visit.
The other thing I want to cover is your intentions. If you intend to get formal training I urge you to hold off on the purchase of a blade as your instructor will be key in you ultimate choice of blade. If you intent to make a purchase for collection or self training, which I dont reccomend but its common, then I suggest you find a retailer near you with blades in stock for you to feel. Some blades will feel better in your hand as weights and POB (point of balance) vary from sword to sword.
My suggestion is to first determine your budget and then find every possible blade that fits your price range, and go from there.

Keep me updated

Giovanni

You might also want to hold off on a live (sharpened) blade untill you get actual practice. Look for a decent/beginners Iaido so you won't accidentaly hurt yourself or a onlooker.

What up Gio,

I wanted to know what your opinion is on the Paul Chen Katanas. I see a lot of mixed opinions, actually, on all production swords in general. I was looking around and the Paul Chen Tsunami caught my eye.

The other thing I want to cover is your intentions. If you intend to get formal training I urge you to hold off on the purchase of a blade as your instructor will be key in you ultimate choice of blade. If you intent to make a purchase for collection or self training, which I dont reccomend but its common, then I suggest you find a retailer near you with blades in stock for you to feel. Some blades will feel better in your hand as weights and POB (point of balance) vary from sword to sword.
My suggestion is to first determine your budget and then find every possible blade that fits your price range, and go from there.

Keep me updated

Giovanni

You might also want to hold off on a live (sharpened) blade untill you get actual practice. Look for a decent/beginners Iaido so you won't accidentaly hurt yourself or a onlooker.

Yep, you make a good point however it should be noted that iaido is the type of training, what you were refering to was an iaito, which is the actual unsharpened blade used in iaido. Also, it depends on the type of JSA style he wishes to study as some do not require iaito but rather a bokken. If my memory serves, styles such as nami ryu use live blades for training, so the purchase of iaito would be a waste. And since we are on the subject of iaito, it is important to point out that while the person training runs a far less risk of cutting him or herself with an iaito, they are by all means still a dangerous weapon. iaito can still be thrust through an arm during noto or even worse, fracture from long term stress during a kata, sending a nice shard of alloy flying across the room. Now, is it common for an iaito to break, not at all, but is has been known to happen on rare occasion.

What up Gio,

I wanted to know what your opinion is on the Paul Chen Katanas. I see a lot of mixed opinions, actually, on all production swords in general. I was looking around and the Paul Chen Tsunami caught my eye.

The other thing I want to cover is your intentions. If you intend to get formal training I urge you to hold off on the purchase of a blade as your instructor will be key in you ultimate choice of blade. If you intent to make a purchase for collection or self training, which I dont reccomend but its common, then I suggest you find a retailer near you with blades in stock for you to feel. Some blades will feel better in your hand as weights and POB (point of balance) vary from sword to sword.
My suggestion is to first determine your budget and then find every possible blade that fits your price range, and go from there.

Keep me updated

Giovanni

You might also want to hold off on a live (sharpened) blade untill you get actual practice. Look for a decent/beginners Iaido so you won't accidentaly hurt yourself or a onlooker.

Yep, you make a good point however it should be noted that iaido is the type of training, what you were refering to was an iaito, which is the actual unsharpened blade used in iaido. Also, it depends on the type of JSA style he wishes to study as some do not require iaito but rather a bokken. If my memory serves, styles such as nami ryu use live blades for training, so the purchase of iaito would be a waste. And since we are on the subject of iaito, it is important to point out that while the person training runs a far less risk of cutting him or herself with an iaito, they are by all means still a dangerous weapon. iaito can still be thrust through an arm during noto or even worse, fracture from long term stress during a kata, sending a nice shard of alloy flying across the room. Now, is it common for an iaito to break, not at all, but is has been known to happen on rare occasion.

You say Iaito I say Iaido....at least from a beginners stand point it can be confusing. :doh:

I practice Kum-do (Kendo (kenjutsu sorta), but my instructor is Korean). So I use 'sticks' and 'Mokum' instead of Shinai and Bokken. I have a friend that practices Iaido, with Iaito...and then a new friend that trains in Germanic broadsword...

Freaking termanology...

What up Gio,

I wanted to know what your opinion is on the Paul Chen Katanas. I see a lot of mixed opinions, actually, on all production swords in general. I was looking around and the Paul Chen Tsunami caught my eye.

The other thing I want to cover is your intentions. If you intend to get formal training I urge you to hold off on the purchase of a blade as your instructor will be key in you ultimate choice of blade. If you intent to make a purchase for collection or self training, which I dont reccomend but its common, then I suggest you find a retailer near you with blades in stock for you to feel. Some blades will feel better in your hand as weights and POB (point of balance) vary from sword to sword.
My suggestion is to first determine your budget and then find every possible blade that fits your price range, and go from there.

Keep me updated

Giovanni

You might also want to hold off on a live (sharpened) blade untill you get actual practice. Look for a decent/beginners Iaido so you won't accidentaly hurt yourself or a onlooker.

Yep, you make a good point however it should be noted that iaido is the type of training, what you were refering to was an iaito, which is the actual unsharpened blade used in iaido. Also, it depends on the type of JSA style he wishes to study as some do not require iaito but rather a bokken. If my memory serves, styles such as nami ryu use live blades for training, so the purchase of iaito would be a waste. And since we are on the subject of iaito, it is important to point out that while the person training runs a far less risk of cutting him or herself with an iaito, they are by all means still a dangerous weapon. iaito can still be thrust through an arm during noto or even worse, fracture from long term stress during a kata, sending a nice shard of alloy flying across the room. Now, is it common for an iaito to break, not at all, but is has been known to happen on rare occasion.

You say Iaito I say Iaido....at least from a beginners stand point it can be confusing. :doh:

I practice Kum-do (Kendo (kenjutsu sorta), but my instructor is Korean). So I use 'sticks' and 'Mokum' instead of Shinai and Bokken. I have a friend that practices Iaido, with Iaito...and then a new friend that trains in Germanic broadsword...

Freaking termanology...

I agree my friend terminology can be quite frustrating. I am fimiliar with the style you pratice although I know it as gumdo. I was instructed the korean sword to be referred to as gum or geom. These blades have a lot in common with katana but as with anything there are subtle differences. Gumdo is a facinating style and far more energetic than any ryu I am familiar with. So, props to you and good luck with your future training.

Funny that I just got back from spending a few hours with a co-worker at his armor teacher's house. They all do kenjetsu and I saw them practicing just a little for some demo they're doing in a couple of days. And I got to see the shop were they make armor and some weapons. There were swords here and there all over the house, mostly medival type stuff. It was awesome.

Funny that I just got back from spending a few hours with a co-worker at his armor teacher's house. They all do kenjetsu and I saw them practicing just a little for some demo they're doing in a couple of days. And I got to see the shop were they make armor and some weapons. There were swords here and there all over the house, mostly medival type stuff. It was awesome.

Were they doing a demo with medival weapons and armor? If so, I am thinking it probably wasn't a form of kenjutsu. Was the armour solid steel plate or a framework of mutiple plates layered, bound by silk and leather?

No, they were doing kenjutsu stuff, it just happened to be at the house of a guy who makes armor. I saw his workshop and some stuff he's done, most of the armor he's made seemed to be medival armor,. But I know that my co-worker was being taught how to (by the same armor guy) make Japanese type stuff a few months back. All the layered and wax-hardened leather stuff. The armor guy (Steve) has been making armor for I think 11years, and used to fight in something with real swords while wearing the armor. But it was all for show, so it was choreographed, but mistakes wouldn't have been good. I think he mentioned some organization "SCA" or "SEA" something like that, where people use real weapons to put on shows/demos.

Last night everyone who was there seemed to be in awe of a Bokken that just got finished for another co-worker of mine. Everyone saw it and was like "wow that's niiiice, who's is that?" and they'd say "Karl" and then they'd be like "uhh" lol Like why is he getting such a nice one, he doesn't deserve it as much as others do. That's the feeling I was getting. lol But since I work with the guy, I can kinda see why that response was garnered if he's anything in class like he is at work. Lazy....oh wait...he does stuff sometimes...they're called crossword puzzles. lol An alright guy, but one who you haven't been able to depend on if you want something done in a hurry. Enough about that, it was an awesome Bokken and I don't know anything about them, but I do like wood work and could see the craftsmanship involved.

No, they were doing kenjutsu stuff, it just happened to be at the house of a guy who makes armor. I saw his workshop and some stuff he's done, most of the armor he's made seemed to be medival armor,. But I know that my co-worker was being taught how to (by the same armor guy) make Japanese type stuff a few months back. All the layered and wax-hardened leather stuff. The armor guy (Steve) has been making armor for I think 11years, and used to fight in something with real swords while wearing the armor. But it was all for show, so it was choreographed, but mistakes wouldn't have been good. I think he mentioned some organization "SCA" or "SEA" something like that, where people use real weapons to put on shows/demos.

Last night everyone who was there seemed to be in awe of a Bokken that just got finished for another co-worker of mine. Everyone saw it and was like "wow that's niiiice, who's is that?" and they'd say "Karl" and then they'd be like "uhh" lol Like why is he getting such a nice one, he doesn't deserve it as much as others do. That's the feeling I was getting. lol But since I work with the guy, I can kinda see why that response was garnered if he's anything in class like he is at work. Lazy....oh wait...he does stuff sometimes...they're called crossword puzzles. lol An alright guy, but one who you haven't been able to depend on if you want something done in a hurry. Enough about that, it was an awesome Bokken and I don't know anything about them, but I do like wood work and could see the craftsmanship involved.

Ohhh..ok, I understand ya now. :D