I think I've decided to go ahead and try katana ownership again. I've been kind of back and forth on what to get because it seems there is VERY little information out there across the various sword and knife forums when in the form of reviews on usage and construction.
Anyway, I've pretty much narrowed down my selection to DF or Bugei. I know Bugei is made by Hanwei but the swords are made to their specs and they reject the ones that don't live up to their QC.
I'm looking for a sword that cuts very well and is strong enough to stand up to cutting over the years. I plan on using it to cut tatame mats occasionally but at the same time I want something that looks great in the living room.
I know the Samurai and Bamboo swords from Bugei are known to be very thick, heavy and strong. Naturally I am considering these but don't know how their mountings compare quality wise to DF. According to what I can find review wise, these swords were made for cutting and use.
From DF there seem to be a LOT more options. From what I can tell:
Daimyo class--the most expensive swords in their lineup but from what I've read it seems the extra cost is just because they are traditionally polished and this also results in thinner weaker blades. If this is true then these aren't for me.
Bushi class--Divided into forged-folded and 1095 monosteel class. Non traditional polish that holds up to use better and thicker blades. Several types available without Bo-Hi. My question here would be which is "stronger"? 1095 is high carbon and thus relatively brittle, the forged-folded would be less brittle here but then there is the risk of flaws in the folding process.
Who has owned some of these swords and can chime in?
Which would be considered the most durable, which would look the best on display?
Edited to add:
It seems the sword forums get very little traffic compared to others. Hoping to get at least one or two opinions.
Anyway, I've pretty much narrowed down my selection to DF or Bugei. I know Bugei is made by Hanwei but the swords are made to their specs and they reject the ones that don't live up to their QC.
I'm looking for a sword that cuts very well and is strong enough to stand up to cutting over the years. I plan on using it to cut tatame mats occasionally but at the same time I want something that looks great in the living room.
I know the Samurai and Bamboo swords from Bugei are known to be very thick, heavy and strong. Naturally I am considering these but don't know how their mountings compare quality wise to DF. According to what I can find review wise, these swords were made for cutting and use.
From DF there seem to be a LOT more options. From what I can tell:
Daimyo class--the most expensive swords in their lineup but from what I've read it seems the extra cost is just because they are traditionally polished and this also results in thinner weaker blades. If this is true then these aren't for me.
Bushi class--Divided into forged-folded and 1095 monosteel class. Non traditional polish that holds up to use better and thicker blades. Several types available without Bo-Hi. My question here would be which is "stronger"? 1095 is high carbon and thus relatively brittle, the forged-folded would be less brittle here but then there is the risk of flaws in the folding process.
Who has owned some of these swords and can chime in?
Which would be considered the most durable, which would look the best on display?
Edited to add:
It seems the sword forums get very little traffic compared to others. Hoping to get at least one or two opinions.
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