i think the swords caesars are seriously overpriced. i know
someone onced bought a hanwei sword for more than 3k from caesars,
but i can get it at less than 2k. and caesars sell most replica
swords, which is just for viewing pleasure and there is no
prcatical use.
i dsagree with the saying that you can get a japanese made sword
at less than us$6k. in fact i can get it at around SGD5k, made of
tamahagane.
Agreed, Caesar's swords are overpriced. However, I should specify
that Caesars sells quite a handful practical-grade katanas. By
practical I mean, meant for martial artists. But of course, they
carry more replicas and anime swords. Perhaps only 15-20% of the
swords carried by them meet my definition of practical grade.
Anyways yes, I too can get hanwei swords for less than 40-50% of
the price of what caesars is selling. I have my contacts too, so no
big deal.
Assuming a exchange rate of 1USD = 1.43SGD (buy rate), your SGD
5k would be around...say 3500USD. Umm...didn't I already say
that you can find Japan-made katanas at less than US 6k made
by enthusiats or apprentices or average smiths. Even if the sword
is made of tamahagane, does that make it a good sword? Most
definitely not.
Let me explain: First, there are different grades of tamahagane.
Second, heat treament, forging method, lamination method, wielding,
sword koshirae fittings and balance...are what determines a good
sword. You can get the best material, in this case, tamahagane,
give it to an average Japanese smith and he produces you a SGD 5k
katana. But does this mean it is a high quality sword?
Can I even begin to compare the quality of this sword to one that
has been made by a top-ranking smith? I believe you're smart enough
to do the math and derive the answer.
To put it simply, my point is, bad heat treatment can ruin even
the best materials. I'm studying materials at the moment, if you
like I can show you all the necessary data diagrams another time.
You can't just judge the quality of a blade by it's materials,
doing so is narrow-minded. Its like saying, oh I have a car made of
titanium, it must be a good car. Well, WRONG....you forgot, the
engine, wheels and such.
Also does this mean that the sword meets strict imperial and
traditional quality standards of a nihonto? Depends. And this is
why Japan rates their smiths by their works. Good smiths produce
good swords because of their extensive experience and though they
charge a lot for their craftsmanship, you pay for what you get.
Look at Howard Clark, one of the best smiths in America, he's only
using L6 steel to make his swords. But his katanas are outstanding
in terms of quality...you don't see him charging them at SGD
5k.
Hope you get my drift.
