I seen a 5 part documentary on PBS how they make those.. and the history.
It was already a goal in my lifetime before seeing that to have one, but watching it solidified my want and need for one.
I want a genuine one.. not some fake junk also.
So... is this a neck lanyard carry able, or perhaps belt concealable?
That thing is beautiful. Edo era? Awesome!!! What a find!
Do the Japanese still train up bladesmiths in apprenticeship and training? Is it still an art and considered a honorable trade to them?
At one time there were only a select few who were chosen through trial and testing to actually become a swordmaker. Just wondering if they still treat it with honor and reverence?
Awesome sword. I want one, and the training to wield it properly...
...training is now non-existant in urban areas,...You can still do it, but you have to find a school that does it, VERY rare. With the recent crime increases, some higher crime areas have their sword training programs cancelled...
...If you aren't robbed at baseball point over there, chances are, a bokken maybe a close second or third for non-edged, non-firearm weapon used in crimes.
...If I had a nodachi (long LONG katana, field sword), that would be the equivalent of me waltzing around Yokohama with an M249, needless to say, they would have guns called out on me!
I remember a cool, old series that I caught on late night television over there about a woman who's husband was killed, so she trapsed all over the countryside KILLING men with a bokken. Women were not allowed to have swords,...
but she did it with essentially an edged piece of hardwood. COOL STUFF!
She had learned her skills from her husband who was VERY skilled, but died due to dishonorable circumstances (they ganged up on him)...
NEVER pull it out of it's sheath entirely unless you use it and never put it back into it's sheath unless you use it (training is different). Want to show it to friends? Halfway out is the max allowed by Japanese steelsmiths. Anymore than that, someone will jump up and "draw" on you.
Also, they aren't hacking swords, there is a drawing motion involved when attacking. They dont thrust well either. I think its time for you to get some lessons...
I have a paul chen folded steel katana.Make me an offer.