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...

Joeypoh2212 SG

Do you know what brand does Sheares and Caesar carries?

I went to Plaza Sing Caesar to ask for the price before, the most expensive piece Paper Crane Tamahagane Katana is selling at $6888. Similar piece selling in House Of Swords is at $5870.

Is Paper Crane Tamahagane Katana a good sword for collection?

I think House Of Swords say can bring in other brands and models if you let them know what you want.

XKCobraDraconis SG

Do you know what brand does Sheares and Caesar carries?

I went to Plaza Sing Caesar to ask for the price before, the most expensive piece Paper Crane Tamahagane Katana is selling at $6888. Similar piece selling in House Of Swords is at $5870.

Is Paper Crane Tamahagane Katana a good sword for collection?

I think House Of Swords say can bring in other brands and models if you let them know what you want.

Unfortunately I've never visited Sheares, but a few of my friends frequent there cause they're knife collectors as well. From what I hear, Sheares tends to blunt their blades (shrugs, I can't be certain so don't quote me on this), but they do carry CAS Hanwei and Cold Steel if I remember correctly since my friend just bought a cold steel bokken from them.

Ah yes, CAS Paper Crane! I held that sword before. I must say that the fittings and theme is very beautiful and of good quality. It is also one of the top line blades from CAS. Personally, I quite love the Choji hamon on the blade, it is done fairly well though still not as great as other blades I've seen done by Japan mastersmiths. But of course, we shouldn't compare the two standards since they are on a whole different level. The Paper Crane is truly one of the top blades for it's class.

My only gripe is, I sincerely doubt this blade is meant for cutting excericises. As in, it won't cut as well as another blade designed for cutting. The Paper Crane is meant as a functional ornamental blade/ceremonial piece and it stands out in that category. *Nods* All in all, its definitely a good sword for collecting. Just remember to maintain it well cause Tamahagane rusts very easily in our climate. I suggest getting a display box to put this sword (cause its expensive) in and then throw in some slica gel packs to reduce moisture damage.

Yea, if House of Swords can preorder other brands for you then you've hit the jackpot cause I know Caesars is only able to bring in select brands. Caesars will be bringing in Thaitsuki brand (another average brand) in June/July. Models aren't a problem for both companies though (or at least...it shouldn't be).

Joeypoh2212 SG

Would you mind sharing your knowledge on the cutting blades, brands, and models?

XKCobraDraconis SG

Would you mind sharing your knowledge on the cutting blades, brands, and models?

Cutting blades...hmm...there are 2 basic categories for cutting blades. Those that cut soft targets well and those that cut hard targets well (usually these are the kind that were taken to battle in the past). Of course, most blades are sort of a hybrid mix that can handle soft-med or med-hard. The cutting effectiveness of a blade is determined by blade geometry and polish level. Though in theory, a martial arts grade polish will not cut as well as a high level display-grade polish, in reality, the difference is really very minute. Geometry plays a larger role.

I really can't go any further into details online cause its just too complex. It's easier for someone to teach you in person when it comes to these type of general questions.

Brands, you can just do a google search. Basically, there are a lot. And even I can't remember all of them. If you have the names on hand, I can more or less tell you whether they're good or not by looking at their products. Same with models.

Another point to note is, for practioners, we usually have to measure and note what blade lengths suit us. But since I doubt you'd be using your sword to cut anything, so you needn't worry about that.

Joeypoh2212 SG

Out of the 3 channels:

House Of Swords

Sheares

Caesars

All having the same brands, you only buy from Caesars, can you explain why?

XKCobraDraconis SG

Out of the 3 channels:

House Of Swords

Sheares

Caesars

All having the same brands, you only buy from Caesars, can you explain why?

LOL, eh? I only bought 1 sword from Caesars which is the shikomizue. My other incoming swords are not bought from them. Don't assume I only buy from Caesars, haha. I only go to them when I'm bringing in restricted items which I might have difficulty getting clearance by myself.

Joeypoh2212 SG

How much did you pay for your sword?

What brand and model is it?

Do you know which factory produced brand and model of Katana is best for cutting and collection?

XKCobraDraconis SG

How much did you pay for your sword?

What brand and model is it?

Do you know which factory produced brand and model of Katana is best for cutting and collection?

The sword was around $530 if I remember. But I got a 25% discount by using a member card during the birthday month. The brand is CAS. Model is SH2267

For the last question, frankly speaking I have no idea why you're interested in a superb cutter if you're not a practitioner. *Shrugs* All katanas can cut, but if you're not cutting, go for better fittings and design. Seriously, thats my opinion cause you'll realise that for most factory-produced katanas, those with nice designs don't cut that well and those that cut well usually do not have nice designs.

However, the closest that meet the mark of "best of both worlds" for CAS's line is Tori XL, Oni Katana, Praying Mantis (I remember reading that this one was a pretty good cutter), Wind and Thunder, Shinto. CAS's has newer swords but since I haven't examined them up close, I can't say much about them.

Joeypoh2212 SG

You havev very good knowledge on Hanwei products, I think they ought to pay you for marketing for them.

Are you able to share on other brands?

XKCobraDraconis SG

You havev very good knowledge on Hanwei products, I think they ought to pay you for marketing for them.

Are you able to share on other brands?

Haha yea, thats because I've been reading up on Hanwei stuff for years really. Plus, I also held many of their blades before. It isn't just me though, every sword collector knows about Hanwei.

Unfortunately, I can't share on-hand info on other brands because I haven't held much swords from other brands. But if you have a particular sword model in mind, show me a website link and I can tell you whether its worth the money.

However, I do know of a good brand that works with Paul Chen and some other big names, their QC was in Japan (not sure about now), but anyways, almost all their blades are both beautiful and designed to cut. The company is Bugei (www.bugei.com). And again, Caesars does bring in some pieces from them, not a lot though and its pricer. You might want to consider this brand as their blades are thought to be of above-average to good quality.

Joeypoh2212 SG

Will you be able to share on WKC brand?

XKCobraDraconis SG

Will you be able to share on WKC brand?

I did a little research on WKC just now and also spoke to a friend this evening regarding that brand. As I said before, I'm not too familiar with it...umm...doesn't seem to be that well marketed as compared to other brands. However, my friend and I agreed that the quality of the swords seem quite good (their average quality could beat CAS's average range). However, according to what I read on their site, they are using modern methods to make the blades. So don't expect something traditional.

The blades are supposedly made in Solingen, Germany. According to my friend, it is a well known as the city for knives. It is a well known fact that a lot of knife craftsmen there made bayonets and knives for the Third Reich. However, how good they are at katanas is anyone's guess.

Judging from some blade geometries, I'd say their line of katanas will excel in soft-med hardness target cutting. Hope that helps.

Joeypoh2212 SG

I am interested in WKC swords in HouseOfSwords in www.ebay.com.sg. I would like to listen to your comment first before deciding on any piece.

XKCobraDraconis SG

I am interested in WKC swords in HouseOfSwords in www.ebay.com.sg. I would like to listen to your comment first before deciding on any piece.

Of the 3 WKC blades on sale, the blue Hand Forged Folded Steel Katana seems to be the best made in terms of geometry. I can't tell much from the small photos cause I usually need really up-close pictures to judge properly but the fittings seem to be relatively good quality and the hamon (seems to be of kikusui design) has a nice hada showing.

Again, these WKC blades don't seem to be built for hard target cutting. You may cut hard targets if you wish, however, you will notice that the edge blunts very fast because the edge geometry is not made for that purpose. All in all, a fine blade worth collecting. I wouldn't consider the WKC Tamahagane katana as the geometry isn't to my liking, I see some sections which just look kinda weird. Which is a pity cause the blade itself shows fine hada, though I can't say how pronounced it is by judging from small pics.

iwanplaeplae SG

raffles place ... mrt underground.. they sell the knife sharpener too from samurai sword to knight's sword... to frozen throne devil may cry....

Joeypoh2212 SG

I went online to check out WKC, they said their blades are use by martial art experts for cutting both soft and hard targets. And they even give guarantee on their blades.

Hanwei swords don't even dare to say that.

Raffles place, I think is Caesars, I will not buy from them. I can get much cheaper from House Of Swords in www.ebay.com.sg.

XKCobraDraconis SG

I went online to check out WKC, they said their blades are use by martial art experts for cutting both soft and hard targets. And they even give guarantee on their blades.

Hanwei swords don't even dare to say that.

Raffles place, I think is Caesars, I will not buy from them. I can get much cheaper from House Of Swords in www.ebay.com.sg

As I've said before, their blades can cut hard targets as well. However, I think it might be more suited for soft-med hardness targets. Its nice that they give guarantee though, but I believe that guarantee covers blade defects and breakage. A well-made blade shouldn't break but bend overtime.

Haha, though Hanwei doesn't outrightly give a guarantee, many ppl do use their blades for practice. The choice is yours really, I believe each brand has their speciality. WKC does seem to make good blades, I believe you won't be dissapointed with a good model from them.

Joeypoh2212 SG

I am being going over House Of Swords on www.ebay.com.sg website. They have added on some new brands.

Besides Hanwei which they are selling cheaper than Caesars, they have brands like WKC, ColdSteel, Cheness, and also Imperial Forge.

Please comment on brands like ColdSteel, Cheness, and Imperial Forge.

XKCobraDraconis SG

I am being going over House Of Swords on www.ebay.com.sg website. They have added on some new brands.

Besides Hanwei which they are selling cheaper than Caesars, they have brands like WKC, ColdSteel, Cheness, and also Imperial Forge.

Please comment on brands like ColdSteel, Cheness, and Imperial Forge.

I'm not familiar with Imperial Forge, but heard of them before. Cheness is definitely well known as well as Cold Steel. Can't say which brand is more famous though cold steel likes to advertise its blades as being able to take up a lot of punishment. It really depends which product model is good or not, even famous brands make mediocre blades as well as good blades.

Therefore, I suggest for now, you should just compare which models you like. I can't give you an overview of the brand really, unless its a very exceptional brand. These brands however, all fall under the average to above-average category, so theres not much to compare.

Joeypoh2212 SG

Is there any brand and model in the market that you think is good but still not in Singapore market yet?

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