Got Questions on Katana?

Are Musashi folded elite swords worth it? 
Are musashi folded elite swords durable and clay tempered (differentially hardened)? Would it be better than a sword made of just 1060? The folded elite …

Swords of Northshire / 1095 clay tempered blades able to cut bone and wire? 
I am looking to buy my first katana and have read a ton of information on this wonderful website and other places. I want a sword that is capable of cutting …

Ronin Katana Elite Line -- Review? 
Hey! Thank you so much for your informative website. I recently purchased 2 Ronin Katana Dojo Pro's from your store as gifts, and I was looking at …

Ceremony for presenting a sword to a samurai 
Is there a specific ritual or ceremony for presenting a sword to a samurai?

What Dino do with this Katana if it’s real? 
Grandpa brought this back from Saipan, WWII? Said it was originally a Calvary Officers but the Japanese has to eat the horse so it was cut at the handle …

Are the damascus swords on katanafire.com any good? 
According to the directory of good sword vendors katanafire.com sell good quality swords. On katanafire, all of the swords from their higher end lines …

What Should i buy? 
This is my very first sword I'm hoping to cut water bottles at most with it. I'm just so new to all the 1060 1095 CS ETC. for example I'm looking at this …

why not include tamahagane in your "sword steels 101" section 
I was wondering why you didn't include a tamahagane section in your "real swords 101/sword steels 101". Tamahagane steel would be the most authentic …

who to talk to about identifying a sword in my family 
We have an old sword, and the story is that it is from japan from WW2, and it has its sheath, which has tassles and is in fairly good condition concidering …

hanzo steel vs dojo pro 
Are the Ronin Hanzo Steel katanas virtually a black coated differentially tempered version of Ronins Dojo Pro? At some point I want to buy both a Hanzo …

Quality steel for splitting bullets in half.. 
It's might sound funny but i saw people test the Katana with bullet and split bullet in to 2-3 pieces. What kind of steel do they use? Can a high carbon …

Information about rayskin  
I'm new to the katana!! I learned about fake rayskin, so i was wondering if the black rayskin is real or not? (Or any other color as well!) Another …

SBG custom vs. Hanwei Shinto? 
Is there a significant difference in the quality of the two swords.. Functionally and aesthetically? I'm buying my first Katana and would like A high quality …

Try a Ronin, or throw down for a Shinto? 
First, thanks for a side full of very useful information! I am a long time practitioner of Iai-do, with occasional tameshigiri practice (not nearly …

What is a Shinobi O-Katana? 
Hello guyz i was thinking to get a custom made sword an in a book that i borrowed from a friend says tha shinobi most likely carried an O-wakizashi. …

Bamboo Citadel katana by Citadel knives and swords  
Hello Paul, I was interested in your thoughts on the Bamboo katana by Citadel. I know they are expensive at around $2800.00 U.S. even from kult of Athena. …

looking for help identifying a sword from hawaii, i think. 
my uncle passed away and we found a sword, don't know much about it, he was stationed in Hawaii. there are markings on the blade which consist of four …

looking for help with WWII sword  
My Dad passed recently and I am trying to research a sword he collected in China and returned with after WWII. I believe it was made in a sword manufacturing …

Replica Katana 
Hello, i was trying to find a replica battle ready katana but after reading your guide, going by their prices 50$ they are probably garbage (they're carbon …

Differentially Hardened VS Monotempered 
What is the functional advantage to differentially hardened katana vs monotempered katana?

Was wondering if the Tenchi is weaker with the bo-hi. 
QUESTION: Hello my name is Matt i was just wondering if the cheness tenchi is weaker with the bo-hi. I looking for a sword that has a balance point closer …

Does Anyone own a Hanwei Forge Miyamoto Musashi sword? 
QUESTION: We've all seen katanas with the name "musashi", but this IS the Miyamoto Musashi sword. Runs from $500-1000. At least it appears to be a …

Looking at buying the kaze or tenchi ? but need help on some things 
QUESTION: hi there my name is cody and i am really interested in the blades that cheness cutlery has to offer the two im looking at are the kaze and …

practical plus xl or practical plus elite? 
QUESTION: Hi, I am looking for a good cutting sword that is able to cut more than tatami mats. It should be durable enough to cut also bamboo. After …

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traditional tamahagne diff. forged true hamon etc blade against Rittersteel 
QUESTION: If a rittersteel katana were to stike or cross blades with a more expensive traditional katana with the differentially forged blade like the …

Kaze a.k.a "tatami killer" vs. SGC which is better for tatami killing? 
QUESTION: I have bought 2 swords from the sbg store so far. A hanwei XL blade and a tenchi. So I have one monosteel and one differentially hardened …

O Katana or the Kaze? 
QUESTION: I'm thinking of buying my first Cheness but am torn between the O katana and the Kaze. I'm not that tall (6'1) but feel like my Musashi's …

No, this is NOT a question about shinwa...or whether the tenchi or kaze is better ;-) 
QUESTION: Hey Paul, it's SlayerofDarkness back again for the third time in two days...whoa you must be getting sick of me lol (^_^). First off, isn't …

is the golden oriole katana of hanwei suited for cuttingpractice 
Is the golden oriole katana of hanwei suited for cuttingpractice on waterbottles or tatamis? ANSWER: Sure thing, it is quite capable. Personally, …

Wait period on custom sword orders 
QUESTION: Paul, Hello, my name is Darryl Collins I live in Knoxville Tennessee USA. I am planning on making my first real sword purchase from the …

Shura katana 
QUESTION: I have a few questions about the Shura katana. Is the katana good for iaido if I get it on Bo/HI Is the sword razor sharp? Also If its not …

WHERE ARE MEKUGI??? 
QUESTION: Hey, I recently removed the damaged mekugi from a sword I bought from handmadesword.com (good place from my experience), and soon found myself …

blood groove 
QUESTION: hey im sure you have already answered this before but i was wondering what is the blood groove on swords actually used for? is it cosmetic …

Best Katana available and edge damage 
ANSWER: I'm sorry to bother you but I discovered you yesterday and couldn't help in asking. Which are the best manufacturers for both Katanas and …

Best Katana  
QUESTION: I was wondering if you guys knew much about the Cold Steel Warrior series Katana. I'm brand new to this, and was looking for a resilient Katana …

Two pegs? or not two pegs? that is my question. (bad pun intended) 
QUESTION: I want to start by saying that I appreciate what you're doing and I definately consider your page an awsome resource for swords information …

What would be a good practice/iado sword for me to purchase? 
QUESTION: I've been reading your reviews, and I must say "Great Job!", man. Your site is very informative. I'm looking at getting into iaido for …

PC Hanwei place to buy 
This isn't really a question as it is a small update. The sword mentioned on this page I bought it a while ago for a cheaper price. Not sure if you …

Bushido 'Wind Dragon' Limits 
QUESTION: Well, my question is a simple one. How far can I take my 'Wind Dragon' sword? What I am trying to say is, what is the limit of this jewel? …

Sword Breakage 
QUESTION: I have a high carbon steel katana. I have broke it cutting carton paper block. Without telling the producer and blaming them (as they will …

Making a choice about getting my first katana.  
QUESTION: I'm Stefan and I live in the netherlands. I have never owned a sword in my life but I have always been a great fan of katana's. Luckily …

Last Samurai Katana 
QUESTION: First, thank you for your attention and help. I buyed a sword in ebay: http://www.download2ship.com/html/rek/262.htm Blade Material: …

which one to get , and please!!!!!!!!! more detail on these katanas 
QUESTION: I currently own a bamboo mashiro katana like the one reviewed on this site. The site I got my sword from is now selling some well priced …

9260 SGC Series Katana or the 9260 Tenchi Katana 
QUESTION: I am looking at purchasing either the Tenchi or the SGC but a little uncertain which way to go. Is the SGC as resilant as the Tenchi or better …

sword specs of cheness tenchi and its applications 
QUESTION: I am currently learning weapons training and unarmed martial arts as well as experimenting things and researching on my own with regard towards …

Musashi Yasha Katana 
QUESTION: Am I wrong or did Musashi Swords just discontue the yasha since your review? Because before you reviewed it, it was the last item in their …

Damascus katanas 
QUESTION: So I'm looking at buying a katana, and ive seen a lot of places on the net advertising Demascus katanas... are these any good? and also they …

Is the John Lee Goden Flower Katana a good buy at 319euro? 
QUESTION: Is the John Lee Goden Flower Katana a good buy at 319 euro? Folded 12 times supposedly, nice to handle and look at; would it survive practical …

First time buying a traditional japanese sword 
QUESTION: Hello, I have always dreamed of purchasing and owning a real sword ever since I was real young. To me they are great works of art and wished …

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Best Authentic Japanese Swords out there... 
QUESTION: Hello, i wanted to know if you could give me a list of the top authentic japanese sword makers in the world today 1,000.00 and up. Combat ready …

Is 5160 a good steel for a katana??? 
QUESTION: I saw a katana made out of 5160 steel is that a good steel for a katana and how would it compare to 9260 in terms of toughness??? ANSWER: …

Purpose of SORI 
QUESTION: What is the practical purpose of the sori on Japanese swords? I don't believe it is purely aesthetic. My guess would be the sori increase the …

How much weaker does a bo-hi make a sword? 
QUESTION: Right now I'm planning on buying a tenchi and I'm trying do decide whether or not to have it with bo-hi. I understand that the bo-hi makes …

sharp vs sgc 
QUESTION: I have a pretty sharp katana already. I am thinking about geting a sgc cheness katana but I have heard rumors saying that it is not that sharp. …

Musashi Wind Katana(s) 
QUESTION: Hi, I'm one of the owner's of the $179 Musashi Wind katana and i absolutley love it! Purchased it after reading your review as a matter of …

my first samurai sword 
QUESTION: I have just recived my first sword from japaneseswords4samurai.com and paid $1,199.00 for it. It is ment to be hand forged, heat treated, …

can a chenness cut through a phone book ??? 
QUESTION: I have seen that a cold steel gross messer can cut through a phone book i was wondering if a chenness shura or a kaze could do it also i think …

blessed swords 
QUESTION: My husband keeps talking about blessed Katana swords.. He'll see one and say, it's not blessed... What does that mean and is that important?? …

Brown Ito Kaze Ko? 
QUESTION: Is cheness going to wrap the kaze ko katana in brown cord anytime soon? I want it to match my full size kaze. ANSWER: Actually, unfortunately …

Identification of a Japanese Sword 
QUESTION: I have found a small sword I believe it is Japanese in origin. The blade is approximately 10" long and sleek and very sharp, manufactured …

How sharp are the Tenchi and SGC swords? 
QUESTION : I am just asking how sharp the swords are. Are they razor sharp? Or a good cutting sharpness? ANSWER: Hi Hank, Short answer - no, …

Masahiro White Shadow Katana 
QUESTION: I've been wondering about this sword. It's made by Masahiro which in my opinion makes buying it a gamble, but has had many good reviews on …

Samurai sword Rituals & ceremonies 
QUESTION: While watching the great film "Three Outlaw Samurai" (and we have seen this procedure in many other films as well...Ronin-Gai, Hunter in the …

Which katana for an experienced sword user: Tenchi or kaze 
QUESTION: I have light duty cutters and a junk blade from a long time ago. I am due for a tough and sharp heavy duty cutter. I am asking for your opion …

Battle Ready Tiger Strike Katana 
QUESTION: Hi, I've been looking at your site recently, as I'm in the market for my first "functional" katana, and I have a question regarding a particular …

which "Exclusive" sword? 
QUESTION: I have read your site in full and what a great help it's been!! I could do with some guidance on what will be my first and only sword! It …

Fully functional Nodachi. Are they real? 
QUESTION: I have been looking for a nodachi of functional use for some time now. Do you know where I can find one of 50 inches or more? I can't find …

TESTED KATANAS 
QUESTION: Have you heard of and have you tested the swords from The Shinwa company??? ANSWER: Hi Mark, nice to hear from you - hope you and your …

Undecided on SGC Katana 
QUESTION: Hi Paul! Can you tell me if the (SGC Tsukikage 9260 Spring Steel Katana) can be bent at 45 degree angle will it take a set like the cheness …

Hanwei vs cheness 9260 
QUESTION: What is a more durable cutter the hanwei katanas or the cheness...Tenchi or the Practical Plus Elite Katana? ANSWER: That's easy, definitely …

Sharp and durable 
QUESTION: Hi, i have a question here: which of the cheness katanas is the sharpest and most durable in 300$ price range? Thank you ANSWER: Hi …

same wrap 
QUESTION: Are there any place that sell katanas with full same wrap? It seems most places sell them with panels. ANSWER: Hi Charlie, Not in the …

1050 vs 9260 Spring Steel 
QUESTION: Can you tell me the different between 1050 spring steel (cold steel katana) and 9260 spring steel (cheness Tenchi) which steel is more stronger? …

Difference between Hanwei and Cheness Differentially Hardened Katana 
QUESTION: Is the Hanwei sword (differentially tempered to produce an HRC60 edge, HRC40 back and a distinctive hamon) stronger than(Differentially Hardened …

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Looking for longer tsuka katana 
QUESTION: I'm a martial artist working on a 2nd degree black belt in the Korean style of Tang Soo Do. Until now I have only studied with Kendo type …

ASSAB-K120C Powder Steel and Functional Sword Sets 
QUESTION: ASSAB-K120C powder steel blade... Saw that on netlinks replica swords. I was wondering if you knew the specs of this type compared to say high …

Wakizashi for Home Defence 
QUESTION : I was considering purchasing a Wakizashi for home defense, as I'm opposed to guns. I'd love something that's both ornamental/display worthy, …

Tenchi Wakizashi 
QUESTION: Hey Paul is it possible you can sell the tenchi wakizashi from chessnes like you sell the tenchi katana? ANSWER: Hi John, I do! :-) …

Full tang, high carbon steel, assemble yourself... Worth the buy? 
QUESTION: Full Tang Katana Kit I know where I can get better quality swords... considering I have been through your site 100s of times. But I was …

Where can I buy a Japanese sword. 
QUESTION: I want a samurai sword that is Japanese made, I do not want a knock off and I want a good quality sword. I have visited a website who sells …

Cutting Tatami mats  
QUESTION: I have had no prior experience or lessons with cutting tatami mats. I read on some web sites that I should 100% not cut them with no experience..Is …

Question on Cheness Yamakami Katana from Panama 
QUESTION: HELLO PAUL SOUTHREN, I AM OF PANAMA, MY NAME IS VIAN CARLOS, I DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH. I HOPE YOU INCLUDE/UNDERSTAND WHAT I WRITE, I DESIRE TO …

Shipping Katana to Canada 
QUESTION: I was wondering if a razor sharp Katana such as the Tenchi blade could be shipped to Canada or if there is a law that doesnt allow it. If …

About the Musashi Rosewood Shirasaya 
QUESTION: I have the Musashi Rosewood Shirasaya and after cutting some water bottles, buddy bottels, milk jugs, cardboard and some small sticks a decent …

Wielding a Nodachi 
QUESTION: Have you ever wielded a nodachi before? The nodachi is much longer than an o-katana, having a blade length that could be around 50 inches. …

Help with Japanese Swords and Swordsmanship 
QUESTION: I recently got interested in Japanese swords in general. I'm trying to start collecting and just bought a three sword set (actually my dad …

Undecided about Kaze Katana 
QUESTION: I'm sure you've handled both the Kaze with and without bo-hi, and I was just wondering how both of them felt while cutting/manouvering? You …