Matthew JensenThe saga of Anathar continues. Can Anathar regain its former glory? Will the shards of Anathar be reforged into Anathar once more or will they turn into the sharts for Anathar?
Kit Rae Anathar - Part 3: The Shards of Anathar RebornMatthew Jensen2022-04-01 | The saga of Anathar continues. Can Anathar regain its former glory? Will the shards of Anathar be reforged into Anathar once more or will they turn into the sharts for Anathar?
There were a few things I noticed after the review. 1. The heat treatment is stronger at the tip of the blade. The bottom 2/3 of the blade are softer and easier to bend. The top 1/3 is a little more springy.
2. the top surface of the steel has some spots that look like blisters or bubbles. I cannot tell if they are from heat treatment or the etch.
Blade Specs: Hilt: 24.25” Grip: 22” Pommel: 2.125” Blade: 39.625” Width @ Cross: 1.416” Thickness @ Cross: .460” - Width @ 10” from Cross: 1.359” Thickness @ 10” from Cross: .278” - Width @ 20” from Cross: 1.270” Thickness @ 20” from Cross: .230” - Width @ 30” from Cross: .1.136” Thickness @ 30” from Cross: .183” - Width @ 35” from Cross: 1.029” Thickness @ 35” from Cross: .136” Total: 64” Weight: 3lb 5oz POB: .5” from Cross MSRP:450
Weapon Dynamics Specs:
Mass 1502.52473 Hilt Extremity 0 Grip Reference 61.595 Blade Extremity 162.56 Center of Gravity 62.865 Lever Reference 5.3975 Hilt Node 41.275 Blade Node 118.11 Action Point 52.07 Pivot Point 161.925 Action Point 29.845 Pivot point 112.395
I should call out here that I think everything ended up happy. I sent the sword off to Carlo, I believe he is pleased with it. I should also call here that Jason at Evolution Blades gave great customer service. It might not be apparent from the video but he covered sending the sword back to him and would have made a new sword if Carlo was not happy with the result. Shit happens sometimes, how you handle a bade situation shows what customer service is like. In this case I think Evolution Blades did exactly what a person would hope for given the issue. Attempt to solve on the phone, take the item back to attempt repair, replace the blade if needed.
Black Leather Ito in hararimaki Black Samegawa Steel: SKS3 Habaki: Copper with pattern Saya: black lacquer with samegawa wrapp
Info from the way back machine- The Yashima family of blades are well-balanced and quick in the hand. They are Keicho Shinto style blades with some koshizori (curve of blade more toward habaki), with masame hada (wave gain pattern) in the folded blades, full niku (convex shape on sides of blade), a significant taper from machi (blade at habaki) to yokote (tip line), and a longer chu kissaki (slightly longer tip). In the hand the Yashima feels like a Kamakura era fighting blade that has been reduced in length for the Shinto fighting styles.
• Tsuba design - It depicts a battle scene fought about 1185 from the Gempei War. The Yashima tsuba is a copy of an old original tsuba. • Standard handle color - Silver Dawn silk wrap over Black samé. • Available option categories are - All (listed under options below). • Our "You break it , we replace it" blade warranty*
Corrections: The tassel holder is often stuck to one side and does not pivot to either side. I was incorrect when stating that it should go to either side..
Corrections: The tassel holder is often stuck to one side and does not pivot to either side. I was incorrect when stating that it should go to either side..
Blade Specs: Hilt: 10.75” Grip: 9” Pommel: 1.125” Blade: 33.625” Width @ Cross: 1.67” Thickness @ Cross: .266” - Width @ 10” from Cross: 1.411” Thickness @ 10” from Cross: .205” - Width @ 20” from Cross: 1.517” Thickness @ 20” from Cross: .144” - Width @ 30” from Cross: 1.205.” Thickness @ 30” from Cross: .066” - Total: 44.375” Weight: 2lb 14.4oz POB: 3.875” from Cross MSRP:$468.00
Weapon Dynamics Specs:
Mass Hilt Extremity 0 Grip Reference 27.30 Blade Extremity 112.71 Center of Gravity 36.5125 Lever Reference 2.8575 Hilt Node 22.225 Blade Node 81.28 Action Point 5.715 Pivot Point 53.975 Action Point 22.225 Pivot point 81.28
Blade Specs: Hilt: 10.75” Grip: 9” Pommel: 1.125” Blade: 33.625” Width @ Cross: 1.67” Thickness @ Cross: .266” - Width @ 10” from Cross: 1.411” Thickness @ 10” from Cross: .205” - Width @ 20” from Cross: 1.517” Thickness @ 20” from Cross: .144” - Width @ 30” from Cross: 1.205.” Thickness @ 30” from Cross: .066” - Total: 44.375” Weight: 2lb 14.4oz POB: 3.875” from Cross MSRP:$468.00
Weapon Dynamics Specs:
Mass Hilt Extremity 0 Grip Reference 27.30 Blade Extremity 112.71 Center of Gravity 36.5125 Lever Reference 2.8575 Hilt Node 22.225 Blade Node 81.28 Action Point 5.715 Pivot Point 53.975 Action Point 22.225 Pivot point 81.28
Special thanks to sword friend Matt for sending this my way.
Handle/Tsuka Length: 10.5” (as advertised) Blade/Nagasa Length: 22.75” (advertised 23”) Sori: .47” Moto-haba: 1.681” Motokasane: .216” (advertised .204”) Saki-haba: .85” Sakikasane: .21” Weight: 2lb 11.9oz POB: 2.5” from tsuba Steel: 5160 HRC: Between 50-55 - (No bite on 50- 55 bites a bit) Edge angle: aprox 25 degrees MSRP: $475.95
Stylistically I think this sword looks the part. It has a visual charm and feel that make it suited to the zombie apocalypse. It seems crude but at the same time more refined than some of its less expensive alternatives.
Special thanks to sword friend Matt for sending this my way.
Handle/Tsuka Length: 10.5” (as advertised) Blade/Nagasa Length: 22.75” (advertised 23”) Sori: .47” Moto-haba: 1.681” Motokasane: .216” (advertised .204”) Saki-haba: .85” Sakikasane: .21” Weight: 2lb 11.9oz POB: 2.5” from tsuba Steel: 5160 HRC: Between 50-55 - (No bite on 50- 55 bites a bit) Edge angle: aprox 25 degrees MSRP: $475.95
Stylistically I think this sword looks the part. It has a visual charm and feel that make it suited to the zombie apocalypse. It seems crude but at the same time more refined than some of its less expensive alternatives.
Mass 1023.417785 Hilt Extremity 0 Grip Reference 14.605 Blade Extremity 93.0275 Center of Gravity 31.75 Lever Reference 3.175 Hilt Node 12.7 Blade Node 67.31 Action Point 12.7 Pivot Point 65.405 Action Point 5.08 Pivot point 79.375
Mass 1023.417785 Hilt Extremity 0 Grip Reference 14.605 Blade Extremity 93.0275 Center of Gravity 31.75 Lever Reference 3.175 Hilt Node 12.7 Blade Node 67.31 Action Point 12.7 Pivot Point 65.405 Action Point 5.08 Pivot point 79.375
You made a lot of points in the video but I can only add info to two and maybe piggyback on the other.
Damaging the scabbard by slamming it in.
Your main point is valid, while it can have an impact it generally does not. Worth noting old blades have lacquer work that could be damaged or further damaged. The glue that holds the koiguchi on may also come loose or the koiguchi may crack. If the saya is made poorly the sword may bind and potentially damage the sword. In a modern sword, it is very unlikely to damage the sword in the short term, perhaps after hundreds of thousands of times, it could damage the saya, it’s more likely to loosen the parts on the hilt.
The main damage that can come in the short term is the friction fit. Most of the time it's not done right away but if you have a well-fitted habaki it will loosen over repeated and gentle use. Slamming it in will diminish that fit more quickly and if it is very tight, might cause the saya to split.
Blocking with the edge.
Another bocking with edge, some schools focus on the side others just go with the edge. I study two different styles of kenjitsu, one parries with the flat, the other mostly the edge. Though many blocks are for the forms and the objective in application would be to turn it into an attack. Generally there is an alternative to a block if you are agile enough. Swords cost a lot but they were also repaired. They were not expected to last forever though many have survived.
Manners. I absolutely and unequivocally agree that you can do whatever you want with your own property. I would also emphasize that it does not extend to other people's property. While you make this point I would like to make it with a little more thunder.
I do a lot with Japanese style swords. Someone spitting on it to clean it, or touching the blade, or even moistly speaking over it means that I would need to clean it. Were someone to do this to my sword, they would have created a chore for me if I noticed it. If I didn’t then it could result in damage that would cost a substantial sum (potentially thousands of dollars) to resolve. The polish or finish work on some blades is very sensitive and people who never practice sword etiquette may not know about it. Even very experienced sword collectors or makers make this mistake.
Sticking the sword in the dirt as well will mar the finish on the sword at best, at worst there are rocks there that can roll some edges easily. Swords polished with a satin finish with a robust edge angle are less likely to be damaged. However, one tip in the dirt would require a new polish to bring back to perfect.
Were someone to do this to my property it would be hard to keep calm. (again because it would cost me thousands of dollars and years of time and stress to return to its previous condition)
I have had experiences where I ask, do you know “sword etiquette” most of the time people say yes. Then proceed to get handsy with a blade, set it hard on a dirty table, hand it to people in dangerous ways. By all means do what you want with your own stuff, at the same time, if you want to touch other people's stuff, then I would advise learning the best manners you can.
Blade Specs: Hilt: 10.75” Grip: 9” Pommel: 1.125” Blade: 33.625” Width @ Cross: 1.67” Thickness @ Cross: .266” - Width @ 10” from Cross: 1.411” Thickness @ 10” from Cross: .205” - Width @ 20” from Cross: 1.517” Thickness @ 20” from Cross: .144” - Width @ 30” from Cross: 1.205.” Thickness @ 30” from Cross: .066” - Total: 44.375” Weight: 2lb 14.4oz POB: 3.875” from Cross MSRP:$468.00
Weapon Dynamics Specs:
Mass Hilt Extremity 0 Grip Reference 27.30 Blade Extremity 112.71 Center of Gravity 36.5125 Lever Reference 2.8575 Hilt Node 22.225 Blade Node 81.28 Action Point 5.715 Pivot Point 53.975 Action Point 22.225 Pivot point 81.28
Mass 1187.845019 Hilt Extremity 0 Grip Reference 20.955 Blade Extremity 95.885 Center of Gravity 26.67 Lever Reference 5.08 Hilt Node 16.51 Blade Node 67.945 Action Point 19.3675 Pivot Point 90.4875 Action Point 5.08 Pivot point 54.61
Review Corrections: 1. There are two Mekuki not one (thank you Alientude) 2. Forgot to show the nakago - It is not great. Right size and general shape but not dressed as well as Huawei pieces. 3. In the video I talk about ito tightness and it looks like it moves a lot. While I can displace the ito I have to push pretty hard to get it to move much. I would say the $60 ito upgrade was tighter than this $30 option. It is still better than many other $150 swords.
The version I have is the 9260 katana, at the time of recording this sword is selling for $75 plus $30 for the hishigami ito that was done. The sale may not be gong when you watch the video but it is available as of 3/12/23.
The gi top is 65 euro and the bags are between 90 to 100 euro. From my understanding these are made in Barcelona Spain. Javier at Urufu noted he was a textile engineer. I get the impression these are a labor of love as they use materials I do not see in other martial arts equipment.
I created some restrictions here in the sense that I restricted the options to things that are commercially available on the from a vendor. That killed the options of buying a blade form a custom smith (at least the way I do it), random ebay or second hand market finds, and other random deals.
The short answer here is an Evolution Blades Motohara series blade. I have been very happy with the LMC and Tensho L6 that I own from them. They are excellent training tools with a lot of attention to detail.
Swords Featured:
Hanwei Kami Katana- Review - youtu.be/IXTcdYJKHBc Handle/Tsuka Length: 10.825” Blade/Nagasa Length: 29” (without habaki) Sori: .671” Moto-haba: 1.32” Motokasane: .274” Saki-haba: .956” Sakikasane: .237” Weight: 2lb 9.2oz POB: 5” from tsuba MSRP: $1500 You can see the listing on CAS Iberias site. casiberia.com/product/kami-katana/sh1201
Motoraha LMC Review - youtu.be/U7jv3y10eQA Blade: 29” SKS3 Geometry: Shinogi Zukuri Light Mat Cutter, Light and wide blade made for cutting used japanese tatami. Ito: Black SIlk Same: Aged/enhanced large nodule panels. Fitting: Wave Theme Habaki: Copper with pattern Saya: Gloss Black Handle/Tsuka Length:10.63” Blade/Nagasa Length: 29” (without habaki) Sori: .73” Moto-haba: 1.3” Saki-haba: 1.08” Motokasane: .21” Sakikasane: .15” Weight: 2lb 2.7oz POB: 5.25” from tsuba MSRP: $1800 ( got it less second hand) Evolution Blades can be found here - facebook.com/EvolutionBlades
#katana #customkatana #iaido #katanatraining #katanaskillsQuick and Dirty: $300 Katana Clouodhammer Steelworks 51CRV4 Steel Katana #katana #sword #iaidoMatthew Jensen2023-02-28 | This is a quick download on some of the highlights from the Cloudhammer 51CRV4 Katana review.
Musashi 51crv4 Steel: 51crv4 Handle/Tsuka Length: 10.5” Blade/Nagasa Length: 27.62” (without habaki) Sori: .73” Moto-haba: 1.”23 Motokasane: .287” Saki-haba: .878” Sakikasane: .184” Weight: 2lb 4.9oz POB: 5.25” from tsuba MSRP: $300 HRC: Between 50 and 55. 55 bites and 50 does not. Spine seems to be a little softer. Edge: Still not 100% sure on if I am using the measuring tool right but seems to be about 22 degrees and fairly consistent.
#katana #customkatana #iaido #katanatraining #katanaskills$300 Katana Review : Clouodhammer Steelworks 51CRV4 Steel BladeMatthew Jensen2023-02-28 | This is a review of a Cloudhammer Steelworks $300 Iaito made of 51CRV4
Musashi 51crv4 Steel: 51crv4 Handle/Tsuka Length: 10.5” Blade/Nagasa Length: 27.62” (without habaki) Sori: .73” Moto-haba: 1.”23 Motokasane: .287” Saki-haba: .878” Sakikasane: .184” Weight: 2lb 4.9oz POB: 5.25” from tsuba MSRP: $300 HRC: Between 50 and 55. 55 bites and 50 does not. Spine seems to be a little softer. Edge: Still not 100% sure on if I am using the measuring tool right but seems to be about 22 degrees and fairly consistent.
#katana #customkatana #iaido #katanatraining #katanaskillsWhat is the worst thing that happened with a sword? #swords #katana #swordMatthew Jensen2023-02-25 | People ask what is the worst thing that has happened doing the sword videos. Hands down it is this.
This is the list of items mentioned - Angel Sword APOC Badger Blades Balaur Arms Battle Blades Blade Culture International bohihyu Boker Brandon Sword bugei Bushido Swords Cheness Citadel Knives and Swords Cloudhammer/Byzer Cold Steel Condor Dragon King Dragon Sword Dreamsword Dynasty Forge Feilong Fidestisan Gen2 Global Gear Hanbon Handmade Sword Hanwei/Paul CHen Haytaya Kotetsu HSTS Huanuo Huawei Iron Tiger Forge Japanese Gunto JKOO/Sinosword John Lee Kaneie Kataku Budo Kawashima Komonjo (maybe this should be here) Kris Cutlery Last Legend LyueSword Marto MAS Martial Art Swords Masahiro MiniKatana Motohara Munetoshi Murasame Katana Musashi Nine Circles OniForge Onikiri Point Gallery/Texas Steel Props ProSword Rittler Steel Romance of Men Ronin Ryansword Ryujin RyuMon Saber Smith SBG Shikoto Shinwa Simon Lee siwode Katana Skyjiro Sokojikara ST. Nihonto / sheng sword Stage Steel Starfire Swords of Nothshire Ten Ryu TFW Thaitsuki True Swords Trukatana United Cutlery Wiwingti Yarai No Hanzo YesKatana Z-Sey Zeist Armory Zombie Tools
Musashi 51crv4 Steel: 51crv4 Handle/Tsuka Length: 10.5” Blade/Nagasa Length: 27.62” (without habaki) Sori: .73” Moto-haba: 1.”23 Motokasane: .287” Saki-haba: .878” Sakikasane: .184” Weight: 2lb 4.9oz POB: 5.25” from tsuba MSRP: $300 HRC: Between 50 and 55. 55 bites and 50 does not. Spine seems to be a little softer. Edge: Still not 100% sure on if I am using the measuring tool right but seems to be about 22 degrees and fairly consistent.
#katana #customkatana #iaido #katanatraining #katanaskillsQuick and Dirty: Cloudhammer Steelworks $300 IaitoMatthew Jensen2023-02-07 | This is a review of a Cloudhammer Steelworks $300 Iaito made of 51CRV4
Musashi 51crv4 Steel: 51crv4 Handle/Tsuka Length: 10.5” Blade/Nagasa Length: 27.62” (without habaki) Sori: .73” Moto-haba: 1.”23 Motokasane: .287” Saki-haba: .878” Sakikasane: .184” Weight: 2lb 4.9oz POB: 5.25” from tsuba MSRP: $300 HRC: Between 50 and 55. 55 bites and 50 does not. Spine seems to be a little softer. Edge: Still not 100% sure on if I am using the measuring tool right but seems to be about 22 degrees and fairly consistent.
For context this was from a sword Review on a JKOO katana. The Longsword is from Ronin Katana which was also featured as a punching bag on many sword reviews.
For context this was from a sword Review on a JKOO katana. The Longsword is from Ronin Katana which was also featured as a punching bag on many sword reviews.
Disclaimers: This sword was sent by DSA for review. I did not pay for it. This sword is a factory second, though it seems close to what a new blade would be. *DSA did note to me that these were cosmetic and tempering issues. The blades both have a curve to them. I don’t see the curve in the blade so they must have keener eyes than I do. I don’t study HEMA, keep in my thoughts that of an enthusiast and not an expert.
Notable review type things.. The bad. The blade feels hefty in a bordering on bad way. The hilt has pointy bits that can hurt your hands. The blade is a little more wobbly than it needs to be. The did not cut bottles or noodles well.
The Good. The shape is handsome and somewhat unique. The furniture is detailed and has depth. For smashing targets, it was comfortable in my hands. Not a lot of shock to the user.
Blade Specs: Hilt: 11.75” Grip:9.75 ” Pommel: 1” Blade: 34” Width @ Cross: 1.623” Thickness @ Cross: .181” - Width @ 2.5” from Cross: 2.023” Thickness @ 2.5” from Cross: .169” - Width @ 10” from Cross: 1.591” Thickness @ 10” from Cross: .170” - Width @ 20” from Cross: 1.934” Thickness @ 20” from Cross: .164” - Width @ 28.5” from Cross: 2.193” Thickness @ 25.5” from Cross: .168” - Width @ 30” from Cross: 1.743” Thickness @ 30” from Cross: .149”
Total: 45.75” Weight: 3lb 7.4oz POB: 6.25” from Cross HRC: Between 50 and 55. 55 bites, 50 sakes more. Tested edge and spine in two spots. Ricasso and 20” up the blade. Edge Angle: roughly 25 degrees most of the way though it shifts a bit near the tip to 30. MSRP: 645.00 USD – 805.00 USD
Advertised Specs: Blade: 5160 High Carbon Steel. Dual Tempered HRc 6048-50 at the core Fittings : Mild Steel Total Length: 45.5″ Blade Length : 34″ Grip Length: 11″ Weight: 3 lbs 8 oz.
Weapon Dynamics Specs:
Mass 1570.56358 Hilt Extremity 0 Grip Reference 29.845 Blade Extremity 116.205 Center of Gravity 46.0375 Lever Reference 2.54 Hilt Node 24.765 Blade Node 83.185 Action Point 24.765 Pivot Point 90.17 Action Point 11.43 Pivot point 75.565