Where to buy swords

last SG · 2009-09-26T23:42:21+00:00

Helooo.. is this thread dead? hahaz.. Bringing a swords to Singapore isn't very hard... only those funny funny shape sword or dagger i think will be harder t...

XKCobraDraconis SG

Hi Sir,

You kind of know a lot on Katanas. How can I acquire all these knowledge? Is there s Katana club in Singapore I can join?

Thx.

XP, Hi Joey!

Umm...just refer to me as XK will do.

There isn't a katana club in Singapore persay...however, there are quite a handful of sword collectors in Singapore for sure.

Basically, I acquired knowledge through the years by reading a fair bit (lots of info on the internet and books). You also have to examine pictures of good swords and if possible, go and examine swords in person. You'll learn a lot more through careful and upfront examination of sword pieces. I can't claim to know a lot cause I've certainly talked with ppl who know a lot more than I do. But everyone's learning day by day, so take it slow and do some homework on your own first. If ya have any questions later, then feel free to approach anyone for help.

Cheers!

Joeypoh2212 SG

Thx XK for your sharing. Where can I go to examine swords? Who can help me with any questions? Which are the good sites and books you have come across.

Thx again.

XKCobraDraconis SG

Thx XK for your sharing. Where can I go to examine swords? Who can help me with any questions? Which are the good sites and books you have come across.

Thx again.

You can examine swords at Cesars or Sheares. Basic questions, you can ask the sales people there, they do have some basic knowledge.

Sites-wise, go google seriously. At this point in time, its better that you just read up a wide range, no one site contains all the info. As for beginner books, I suggest you pick up this book called " The Samurai Sword : A Handbook" by John M. Yumoto . Basically it looks like this : http://www.amazon.com/Samurai-Sword-Handbook-John-Yumoto/dp/4805309571/ref=pd_sim_b_1 . It is sold locally.

Joeypoh2212 SG

Thx XK, you have been very helpful. Please share with me how many swords to you have?

XKCobraDraconis SG

Thx XK, you have been very helpful. Please share with me how many swords to you have?

At the moment, two swords. Pictures are on page 3 and 4 of this thread. The shikomizue is basically a collector's item from the Zatoichi series, construction quality is good. The crimson katana is a cheap blade and not of authenthic construction but it was a gift from some friends of mine.

Got 2 more custom blades on the way from Japan...but they're taking a darn long time.

Joeypoh2212 SG

Hi XK,

I saw your 2 swords, where did you acquire from?

XKCobraDraconis SG

Hi XK,

I saw your 2 swords, where did you acquire from?

Caesars. If you read my previous posts, I think it'd be pretty obvious.

Anyways, how old are you Joey? Or if you're not comfortable in revealing your age, what standard are you studying at (eg. secondary, poly, jc, uni)? To own a sword, you have to be 18 and above, just so you know.

Joeypoh2212 SG

Hi XK,

Age wise there is no problem, I've gone beyond 18. So your current 2 swords are both from Caesars, then you were saying waiting for another 2 swords from ???

XKCobraDraconis SG

Hi XK,

Age wise there is no problem, I've gone beyond 18. So your current 2 swords are both from Caesars, then you were saying waiting for another 2 swords from ???

Haha, if age is not a factor then all's good.

Oh, the other two swords are custom iaitos from Japan. Those I ordered myself, not through Caesars or Sheares. Hope that answers your question.

Joeypoh2212 SG

What is iaitos? Is it a live blade? Can you tell me the source? How much does each cost? Thanks.

XKCobraDraconis SG

What is iaitos? Is it a live blade? Can you tell me the source? How much does each cost? Thanks.

An iaito is a unsharpened blade. Basically meant for practitioners who require something of similar balance and weight to a live blade. Umm...I won't say where I got my iaitos from but you might try Tozando if you're really interested, they're a big company from Japan and make very good iaitos. Usually an average quality beginner piece will cost you around S$700 (shipping and licence included).

Asromanista2001 SG

aiyah buy sword also so difficult mey ????

unless you want to buy light-saber, go market got already what !!!!!!!

plastic one lah !!!!!!

you want the Yi Tian Jian or the Tu Long Dao also got what !!!!!!

Joeypoh2212 SG

Hi XK,

Please share with me, which brand of Katana currently in the market is worth collecting form your point of view.

XKCobraDraconis SG

Hi XK,

Please share with me, which brand of Katana currently in the market is worth collecting form your point of view.

Hmm....it really differs from person to person, with budget being the major factor. I suggest you state down a rough price range, either in SGD or USD so I may assist you better. Also, do let me know your preferences and what you'll be doing with your sword (eg. for display or iai-practice or batto-practice...).

*Do remember that carbon-steel swords also require maintenance, which means oiling it weekly (or once in 2 weeks) and doing a full strip-down every 6 months. If you want to avoid this, get a stainless steel sword!

Personally, I prefer saving up for really good pieces which are both functional and aesthetically beautiful. However, chances are that my preference usually leads me to select expensive swords. On the other hand, I also do like unusual, aesthetically beautiful (but perhaps not very functional) collector items from time to time like the shikomizue. Haha, *shrugs* I just find it cool having a sword that looks like a walking-stick when sheathed. Stealthy indeed.

Joeypoh2212 SG

Hi XK,

Base on "saving up for really good pieces which are both functional and aesthetically beautiful", please advice me on the brand and piece to get and from where.

Thanks.

XKCobraDraconis SG

Hi XK,

Base on "saving up for really good pieces which are both functional and aesthetically beautiful", please advice me on the brand and piece to get and from where.

Thanks.

With all due respect JP, I enjoy discussions (which basically requires some level of knowledge/opinion sharing between 2 or more parties). I like helping people with similar interests...however, there's comes a time where I draw the line between those who are truly interested in something and those who are just in for a Q&A session thinking they can gain understanding faster that way.

To put it simply, I dislike spoon-feeding people. It isn't my job and I'm not getting paid for it. Any mature person, would know that there is no free lunch. I believe you're mature enough to do some research on your own, then ask what you want to know showing 'proof' that you did some readings on your part. Get my drift?

Please know that I mean no offence at all, its just that I don't like the way you're just asking general questions and expecting a reply. I asked you for your budget, preferences and sword-usage for a reason but didn't recieve an answer. It helps narrow down choices. You can't expect me to summarize what I know in a single post with a general question like that because quite frankly I wouldn't even know where to start. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, to me, functional and aesthetically beautiful swords can begin with a minimum price of US$8000.

The key here is how to distinguish details, something you wouldn't know how to do at a beginner level. Anyone can then simply put a sword in front of you and say its good and you might just blindly believe them.

If you're just interested in buying a sword without knowing a thing about it, then simply walk into Caesars. Simply put, there's many swords there that look nice and are relatively functional.

Joeypoh2212 SG

Hi XK,

Thanks for your comment. As much as I want to contribute to this track, I am only at my learning stage and I have been reading from those internet sources you have indicated. You have been very helpful thus far and I appreciate that.

If there is another person in this forum that is knowledgeable enough to share, please reply to my questions.

I have a feeling you're related to Ceasar as you have been "hinting" buying from them.

XKCobraDraconis SG

Hi XK,

If there is another person in this forum that is knowledgeable enough to share, please reply to my questions.

I have a feeling you're related to Ceasar as you have been "hinting" buying from them.

Haha, well I'm not a staff of Caesars for sure but I do go there often. They do make purchasing of swords very convenient which is why I recommend beginners to go there. Only 2 stores in Singapore sell swords as far as I know, Sheares and Caesars. Sheares, however, specializes more in knives. So if you love knives as well, I totally recommend you check that place out. :)

A little point to note though, high end swords are not mass produced and do not have a brand. They do however, go by the swordsmith's name.

Joeypoh2212 SG

I have check the price in Ceasar, their swords is much more expensive. And the brands are limited.

Where as House Of Swords on www.ebay.com.sg, their price is cheaper, and they have othert brands.

As I am new, and I want to collect a real practical sword. Which brand is good?

XKCobraDraconis SG

I have check the price in Ceasar, their swords is much more expensive. And the brands are limited.

Where as House Of Swords on www.ebay.com.sg, their price is cheaper, and they have othert brands.

As I am new, and I want to collect a real practical sword. Which brand is good?

I checked out what brands House of Sword is carrying, basically Cheness, Paul Chen Hanwei (CAS) and Cold Steel are average brands. Not sure about WKC brand though, doubt I've heard of them before. *Shrugs* Seems like an average brand too, but I would trust the first 3 brands I listed since they're more reknown internationally.

They are all practical, but some cut better than others cause they were designed for practioners.

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