Anyone ever bought/know about Swords from Imperial Weapons?

[Noobie101]

I was looking around for some Katanas for my girlfriend who does Kung Fu, and wanted to get her a good Katana. Since I don't know much about them and such, I have resorted to a few friends who have taken classes that teach you about such things.



My friend was saying that online sites that sell Katanas aren't usually the best ones. I guess this is true, but I really liked the swords I saw on http://www.imperialweapons.com/oriental/swords/05kat.html and wanted to get her a sword from the Mikusa Family - Battle Series Blades with 1.0 inch sori section.



Anyone ever bought from here or have any experiance and know if these Katanas are a good buy? Are they worth the money? Anyone know if they actually live up to their name?



Help would be appreciated in this subject. Thanks for teachin the Noobie in advance guys.

[nikolaj]

I'm definitly not much of an expert when it comes to shinken, but if you're girlfriend does kungfu, why would you get her a japanese sword? (not criticizing, just asking)

[Noobie101]

She is into all the martial arts Weapons. The Katanas just as collection items, but the rest of the weapons she uses.

I really like how the Last Legend Swords look like, and she really liked the fact that they were battle Ready. Dunno why, as I get confused when she starts talking about Katanas and things like that but she really does seem to like them =/

And she also had a really nice looking show Katana which wasn't sharpened but she really was in love with it. Thought I might get her a real Katana for her as a nice gift.

I have read about how people dislike the fact that people who don't know how to use the weapons buy them to cut things like coke cans and stupid things like that and endanger themselves. She really respects her weapons and since these Katanas looked pretty cool, i thought I would get her it.

[tattooedasshole]

She is into all the martial arts Weapons. The Katanas just as collection items, but the rest of the weapons she uses.

I really like how the Last Legend Swords look like, and she really liked the fact that they were battle Ready. Dunno why, as I get confused when she starts talking about Katanas and things like that but she really does seem to like them =/

And she also had a really nice looking show Katana which wasn't sharpened but she really was in love with it. Thought I might get her a real Katana for her as a nice gift.

I have read about how people dislike the fact that people who don't know how to use the weapons buy them to cut things like coke cans and stupid things like that and endanger themselves. She really respects her weapons and since these Katanas looked pretty cool, i thought I would get her it.
Be carful about the "battle ready" part, swords don't go into battle any more.
The sword do look nice, and i have heard good things about them. However, some of their blades have 3 mekugi, and that gives me pause. If it's intended as a diplay piece, go for it. If it is intended for use, you need to ask some one who has used an LL katana.

[nikolaj]

well, i sounds like you're really just buying these as display-pieces or collectibles or whatever, so I guess there's not a lot to fear in buying these...

Damn, I need to get me a shinken-buying girlfriend :p

[shred_lord]

Hmm, I wonder how long before Kaoru comes streaming into this thread?!

:bandit: My stopwatch is ticking!

Hahahaha.

Come on Kaoru, don't let me down now! :D

Oh, and maybe an iaito would be a better choice... not for safety or anything, but if your girlfriend decides to take up Iaido, once she's past the bokken stage she could probably use it (so long as it's the right length) and they look just like the real thing (more so than most wallhangers).

[nikolaj]

myeah, that's a good idea id... As long as she doesn't mind the fact that it's not sharp, a good iaito is an exact replica of a katana so...

[Noobie101]

Heh...ok...now, remember how I said that I didn't know much about these things? Well...here come the questions :) What is Iaito? I am guessing that is a type of sword, but then what is Iaido and Bokken mean?

And what does 3 mekugi mean, as it seems to be be a bad thing =/

Also...gonna sound like an incredibly stupid question, but what is the Chinese equivilant of the Katana? The Japanese had the Katana, I believe as Samuri's main weapon. So what was is the equivilant of the Katana in reference to Chinese weapons?

[nikolaj]

bokken is a wooden katana used for training in iaido, kendo, aikido and so on.
An iaito is a sort of replica of a katana used by iaidoka. (know however that iaitos are NEVER meant for actual cutting, even though the more expensive ones for advanced iaidoka are sharper.)
and there are different kinds of chinese swords, but I don't know if they favored one of them as much as samurai favored the katana... But I'm definitly no epert.

[tattooedasshole]

Heh...ok...now, remember how I said that I didn't know much about these things? Well...here come the questions :) What is Iaito? I am guessing that is a type of sword, but then what is Iaido and Bokken mean?

And what does 3 mekugi mean, as it seems to be be a bad thing =/

Also...gonna sound like an incredibly stupid question, but what is the Chinese equivilant of the Katana? The Japanese had the Katana, I believe as Samuri's main weapon. So what was is the equivilant of the Katana in reference to Chinese weapons?
Mekugi are the bamboo pegs in the handle.
http://www.swordforumbugei.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3220&highlight=mekugi

[Kaoru]

She is into all the martial arts Weapons. The Katanas just as collection items, but the rest of the weapons she uses.

I really like how the Last Legend Swords look like, and she really liked the fact that they were battle Ready. Dunno why, as I get confused when she starts talking about Katanas and things like that but she really does seem to like them =/

And she also had a really nice looking show Katana which wasn't sharpened but she really was in love with it. Thought I might get her a real Katana for her as a nice gift.

I have read about how people dislike the fact that people who don't know how to use the weapons buy them to cut things like coke cans and stupid things like that and endanger themselves. She really respects her weapons and since these Katanas looked pretty cool, i thought I would get her it.

Ahhhh... I just came across this thread. :D

As long as this sword will remain on the WALL, you could get it for her.

People who are not trained in a Japanese sword art do not need real swords to play with. Displaying the sword is ok, but not if they intend to use it. Live(sharp) blades are extremely dangerous in the hands of an untrained person.

The fact that she likes the idea that they are "battle ready," is a bad sign, meaning she might get stupid and try to use it.

No sword is meant for battle these days because people just do not get into sword fights anymore. And, NO a person cannot spar with a live blade. Don't even let her consider that, and don't you dare either. "Battle ready" does not mean you can spar or play with it. Live blades are only for trained individuals if it is intended for use.

Swords are not toys and are not meant for use by untrained individuals. She will be just asking to either seriously cut or even lop off a finger or worse should she play with this sword you want to buy her.

Also, be aware that if you get a sword meant for practicing with, that is intended to be used by an experienced and trained Kenjutsu or Iaido practitioner, it will need to be cleaned and cared for every day or it will rust. And, cleaning a live blade is NOT a safe thing to do if you are not a trained person. You can seriously cut yourself cleaning one. It is just better to get her a sword meant for display that does not have to be cleaned constantly. It is easier on your wallet, too. And, remember, a display sword, otherwise called a wallhanger, is DANGEROUS for actual use.
If you do insist on getting a quality sword, find someone to teach her how to clean it.

Suffice it to say, if you do get her a live blade that is quality, better help her find a legit dojo to start lessons in if she wishes to use it one day. And, please understand that she will NOT be allowed to use that blade for a LONG time in any legit dojo. Students are permitted to use bokuto first, and then later are only allowed to use an Iaito(Blunt-edged sword). It will take like, 5 years at least, before she'd be allowed to use it. Really, an Iaito would be a much better idea for a gift.

Anyway, I say this for her safety. It would be sad if she got hurt because she played with it. Please consider what I said, and good luck with it.

Kaoru

[Kaoru]

Hmm, I wonder how long before Kaoru comes streaming into this thread?!

:bandit: My stopwatch is ticking!

Hahahaha.

Come on Kaoru, don't let me down now! :D

Oh, and maybe an iaito would be a better choice... not for safety or anything, but if your girlfriend decides to take up Iaido, once she's past the bokken stage she could probably use it (so long as it's the right length) and they look just like the real thing (more so than most wallhangers).

ROTFL! :D

Kaoru

[Noobie101]

She is a trained Kung Fu martial artist. She practices using weapons and although the Chinese weapons differ greatly from a lot of the weapons used in Japan, or more specifically the Samauri Katanas, she is trained and knowledgable of the consequences of "playing" with your Katana.

She likes the fact that they are battle ready merely for the fact that they aren't mass produced poor quality "wallhanger" Swords.

From what I know, she is trained expertly in the use of a broadsword, so she knows very well not to run around chasing little kids with a battle Ready Katana. And she is a lot less clumsy then I am so I trust her more with a katana then I trust myself with a butter knife :P

Although I thank you for looking out for the safety of any person who buys a Katana. There are some dumbasses who only buy Katanas to cut their lawn or see how many cars they can cut in half before the blade comes flying off. I understand why you make the post in referance to her knowing how to use one.

I may get her it, and I know she would treat it properly, and it is a good suggestion to learn how to clean one, as I know she would take good care of it, just because she takes care of all the weapons she owns.

Although one question, how does a battle ready Katana rust in a room when it is not used?!

[Kaoru]

She is a trained Kung Fu martial artist. She practices using weapons and although the Chinese weapons differ greatly from a lot of the weapons used in Japan, or more specifically the Samauri Katanas, she is trained and knowledgable of the consequences of "playing" with your Katana.


Well, it is good to know she is aware of the danger of sharp weapons. But, she still is not trained in a Japanese sword art. They are not used the same way a katana is. Therefore, she is an untrained person in those terms. So, she should not be waving around a katana that is sharp without proper instruction. She will not know what she is doing, since she is not trained in eoither iaido or Kenjutsu. Just because she is trained in Kung Fu, does not mean she is automatically trained in the use of a katana. I am glad though, she understsands the consequences. I just hope she understands well enough to not go using one until she gets the right instruction. Yes, she could badly injure herself even though she does Kung Fu.

She likes the fact that they are battle ready merely for the fact that they aren't mass produced poor quality "wallhanger" Swords.

I see. :) However, they are not really "battle ready." That's just a phrase sword retailers use to draw in the non-trained person to buy their stuff. I think it is poor advertising. Trained people do not use swords for sparring or for "battle." They are just sharp. IE, dangerous in the wrong hands.

From what I know, she is trained expertly in the use of a broadsword, so she knows very well not to run around chasing little kids with a battle Ready Katana. And she is a lot less clumsy then I am so I trust her more with a katana then I trust myself with a butter knife :P

Well, that's not what I mean. I understand she wouldn't do that. :) Well, being trained in the broadsword is not like being trained in a JSA. I mean that she should not be picking a live blade up without proper Iaido or Kenjutsu instruction. So, she should just put it up for display and keep it kept clean and in good shape. And, I am sure she is not clumsy due to studying Kung Fu, but I am sure that she will not know how to use a katana. I just think she needs to know that it is a completely different art, and that some instruction would be a good idea so she does not hurt herself or someone else by accident. I still don't like the idea of someone trying to use one without proper instruction in a JSA though... :)

Although I thank you for looking out for the safety of any person who buys a Katana. There are some dumbasses who only buy Katanas to cut their lawn or see how many cars they can cut in half before the blade comes flying off. I understand why you make the post in referance to her knowing how to use one.


You're welcome. :) Yeah, there sure are a lot of stupid people out there who do stupid things with swords. I'm glad you understand why I said what I did in my previous post. Thanks. :)

I may get her it, and I know she would treat it properly, and it is a good suggestion to learn how to clean one, as I know she would take good care of it, just because she takes care of all the weapons she owns.


I am glad to hear that. As long as she understands the dangers, and can take care of it properly, that's good. :)

Although one question, how does a battle ready Katana rust in a room when it is not used?!

To be honest? I don't know. I read something on it once, but I have now forgotten the reason. I'm not going to even atttempt to explain because I know I will get it all wrong. I just know it will. I only know it should be kept in the saya(scabbard). I don't know if it is a good idea to display it out of the saya.

(Oh, and it's not battle ready... it's called a live blade. :) )

Anyway, good luck, and I hope you find what you want. :) Just please, make sure she is careful if she attempts to use it anyway. (Please talk her into a bokuto if she must try out waza.)

Kaoru

[Noobie101]

She does not plan on using it. She just finds them very cool weapons to look it.

Basically it will be a properly made Wallhanger, which is what I wanted. It has potential, and its not a crappy sword which no time has been put into it.

Thanks Kaoru...although I don't think my girlfriend likes the fact you think she is clumbsy though :P (edit by her: Or a dumbass :P)

[Kaoru]

She does not plan on using it. She just finds them very cool weapons to look it.

Basically it will be a properly made Wallhanger, which is what I wanted. It has potential, and its not a crappy sword which no time has been put into it.

Thanks Kaoru...although I don't think my girlfriend likes the fact you think she is clumbsy though :P (edit by her: Or a dumbass :P)

I'm glad to hear she doesn't plan to use it.

Ermmm... If you think a wallhanger has potential for actual use, think again. Why do you think it is called a wallhanger? Please see my thread on this here:

http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6529

It does not matter if one is supposedly full
tang or whatnot. A wallhanger is not meant for use at all. Please understand that. There is no such thing as a properly made wallhanger. A wallhanger belongs on the wall, not in someone's hands.

What exactly do you think a wallhanger is? Am very curious...

Well, I didn't say she was clumsy. You assumed I did. :) She is untrained in JSA, therefore, not qualified to use a Japanese sword, nor knows how to. That is my point. Kung Fu and JSA are completely different arts, and the swords in each art are very different. So, she would not know how to properly move without instruction. See what I mean? :)

Kaoru

[shred_lord]

29.5 hours Kaoru. I expect better damnit. :D

I'm glad to hear she doesn't plan to use it.

Ermmm... If you think a wallhanger has potential for actual use, think again. Why do you think it is called a wallhanger? Please see my thread on this here:

http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6529

It does not matter if one is supposedly full
tang or whatnot. A wallhanger is not meant for use at all. Please understand that. There is no such thing as a properly made wallhanger. A wallhanger belongs on the wall, not in someone's hands.

What exactly do you think a wallhanger is? Am very curious...


Er..

Stick....Got....Wrong...The....Of.....End....The
(rearrange!)

I'm pretty sure he meant that he'll get a good sword and it will be a wallhanger by virtue of the fact that it will hang on a wall.

Noobie101;

Wallhanger has a very specific (and derogatory) meaning in sword circles, it refers to swords fit for nothing but hanging on the wall.

Oh and..

This is Iaido (http://www.kendo.org.uk/iaido.shtml)

[Noobie101]

What I mean is that most "Decortated" swords that are ONLY meant to hang on the wall don't actaully look nice to people who actually collect nice swords.

For example...I bought her a Katana which when I got it what great when I knew nothing about swords, but the actual blade is not really sharpened, and I'm not really sure what this is called, maybe the hamon, but its a certain darker color at the part where the blade is that this blade has just painted on. It has just a little jagged pattern that poorly makes it look like it is a real sword.

I agree that a wallhanger belongs on the wall, but I just want to get her a sword that looks nice and is properly DONE, not a sword that is poorly done and all the purpose it COULD ever serve is to be on the wall BECAUSE it is so poorly done. A walhanger in your opinion never would be taken off the wall because they are very poorly made, and your definition doesn't differ far from mine.

The difference is that I wanna get her a nice PROPERLY done sword to SERVE as a wallhanger. Not as a cheap crappy wallhanger :)

She is inexperianced as you said with this particular weapon, that is why she won't use it nor take it from the wall, but it will be a ligitamently made, great looking, sharpened blade that can be used, if she was experianced. The only purpose for the creation of the sword wasn't PURELY for the purpose of sitting there. :)

[Noobie101]

To Shred Lord:

Ya, I am slowly descovering that, and figuring out that I should have rephrased what I meant to a sword that is beautifully done, and expertly created, but will serve its purpose as a wallhanger, not a poorly made looking sword :)

And in referance to Iaido, got any places in South Florida I could take Iaido? I searched here and in google, but I can't find any place in more above Miami, but not 4 hours drive above Miami. I live right in the middle, and i am going to drive all the way to miami to take Iaido, i might as well take Kung Fu with her :)

[shred_lord]

You're best off asking Kaoru, she has some cazy database of every kenjutsu, kendo, and iaido dojo in the world.

[Noobie101]

Well then Kaoru, do you know any places in South Florida for Iaido? Let me know if you do.

The only discrepancy I have with taking Kung Fu over Iaido is the impracticalibility of Iaido. It is a martial art that teaches dicipline and such, but, when could you actually be able to USE what you learn in Iaido in such cases as self defence.

*braces himself*

I'm gonna get slammed for that comment, but better ask then not to ask at all :-/

[Andou]

Well then Kaoru, do you know any places in South Florida for Iaido? Let me know if you do.

The only discrepancy I have with taking Kung Fu over Iaido is the impracticalibility of Iaido. It is a martial art that teaches dicipline and such, but, when could you actually be able to USE what you learn in Iaido in such cases as self defence.

*braces himself*

I'm gonna get slammed for that comment, but better ask then not to ask at all :-/

You'll probably end up using Iaido for self defence if you said what you just said to someone who practices it deeply. :wink:

[shred_lord]

when could you actually be able to USE what you learn in Iaido in such cases as self defence.

You can't. Iaidoka take considerable pride in the impracibility of their art. It's all about yourself.

That said, both kendo and iaido make you much more in tune with your body and develop a certain mindset that would probably be to your benefit if you found yourself in a scrape you could extricate yourself from. Actually, that same mindset would help you get out of a that situation without violence.

[Noobie101]

Ya, it is a great way to learn self discipline, and learn an extremely interesting subject, but I find Kung Fu more useful if you found yourself in a pinch.

The only reason i consider Iaido is that uses one of the coolest weapons :D I love the use of the sword, and practicing with it would be extremely enjoyable to me. I understand that it does teach you to be more in tune with your body, and also helps you learn techniques and skills to be more adept with a sword. If I could find one close to my house, I may just check it out :)

[Noobie101]

To andou:

Never meant any disrespect, i just meant it in the fact that i found Kung Fu more applicable to a possible incounter with someone you might get into a fight with. Someone may attack you, and I don't speak from experiance or training in Iaido, but i don't think much of the training would be appicable unless you were carrying a bokken or a Katana =/

[Gregory]

Well then Kaoru, do you know any places in South Florida for Iaido? Let me know if you do.

The only discrepancy I have with taking Kung Fu over Iaido is the impracticalibility of Iaido. It is a martial art that teaches dicipline and such, but, when could you actually be able to USE what you learn in Iaido in such cases as self defence.

*braces himself*

I'm gonna get slammed for that comment, but better ask then not to ask at all :-/


What if terrorists take your city hostage and all you have is a very sharp katana? And THEY have katanas too?

Then Iaido would come in handy. Same with kendo. Kung fu would get your face cut off

[MudoBudo]

I know some about them. They make some very nice full tang sword for very little money. This does not mean they are good swords, but they get into great detail about how they are made, of what, and all such little details. I have not heard anything bad per say, and have thought about buying from them myself. Their prices are quite low, and really, with some of what they are offering quite a deal really, as long as they don't bend on your knee and stay bent. Let me check them out again and I'll give you some advice on what you should and should not buy as far as katanas.


I was looking around for some Katanas for my girlfriend who does Kung Fu, and wanted to get her a good Katana. Since I don't know much about them and such, I have resorted to a few friends who have taken classes that teach you about such things.



My friend was saying that online sites that sell Katanas aren't usually the best ones. I guess this is true, but I really liked the swords I saw on http://www.imperialweapons.com/oriental/swords/05kat.html and wanted to get her a sword from the Mikusa Family - Battle Series Blades with 1.0 inch sori section.



Anyone ever bought from here or have any experiance and know if these Katanas are a good buy? Are they worth the money? Anyone know if they actually live up to their name?



Help would be appreciated in this subject. Thanks for teachin the Noobie in advance guys.

[MudoBudo]

I know some about them. They make some very nice full tang sword for very little money. This does not mean they are good swords, but they get into great detail about how they are made, of what, and all such little details. I have not heard anything bad per say, and have thought about buying from them myself. Their prices are quite low, and really, with some of what they are offering quite a deal really, as long as they don't bend on your knee and stay bent. Let me check them out again and I'll give you some advice on what you should and should not buy as far as katanas.

Hmm, well they sure are asking very little for folded steel, although really, folding blades is obsolete. With modern steel technology you dont need to do all that folding to get the carbon content even throughout the whole blade. I would not spend that much on a sword te be honest, simply cause it was folded. I would be wary of mail order in general, although really, how many stores are there selling good swords at good prices around? If your going to spend eight or nine hundred bucks on a sword, well, best you do a lot of research.

[jimswanson]

For more practical info, check www.swordforum.com. Look through the archives for sword reviews, you'll see various katana given the once over by experienced swordspeople (gotta be PC).

Jim