Finding a sword repair shop.
by Kevin Ells
(Renton, WA)
this is just some of the rust
QUESTION: I was recently given a limited edition katana by a friend of my family. It turns out that they had been using it for numerous purposes that shocked me. There are chips in the blade and it needs the rust romoved and the hilt needs to be re-wrapped. it basically needs a total overhaul and i need to know where to send it. the distance doesnt really matter as long as it can be restoerd.
ANSWER:Hi Kevin,
There really aren't that many places that do sword restoration, at least not those that do it for a reasonable price point.
Probably the most well known is Fred Lohman here: http://www.japanese-swords.com/pages/polish.htm though this is around the US$800 mark.
You may be able to find other people on the various sword forums who will be able to help do it for a cheaper price.
Hope this helps.
- Paul