Posted by Max Roach If you want to train, I suggest that you find an instructor before buying any sword. He or she will guide you in selecting a blade that is appropriate for that particular style. Do not cut with a fine, highly polished blade! If cutting is your goal, buy a Paul Chen-type blade. Avoid any blade that is not made by a Japanese master or the student of one. The blades that come from China are marginal at best; yup even the expensive ones. Although the hada can be nice, the balance of such blades is generally terrible and the lines lackluster. Cheap swords like these serve the tameshigiri crowd well but almost always disappoint a discriminating collector. If you want to start collecting then I advise that you stick to antique nihonto. Buy from reputable Japanese antique specialists or sword polishers like Bob Benson et cetera. Daisho can be found in many price ranges. Once in a while you can find a real deal. Your most important tool as a collector is knowledge. Join your local sword society if there is one and learn as much as you can. Oftentimes, they will also help you determine the value of a prospective blade purchase. Max Roach
on April 4, 2004, 3:16 pm, in reply to "I am looking for the best foldedsteel forger out there."
If you are looking for a first rate, American made blade, I highly recommend Michael Bell of the dragonfly forge. He is one of a couple of American smiths who have completed a traditional Japanese apprenticeship in Japan. His blades are outstanding, and if you are willing to pay the price, cannot be beat.
I hope this helps.
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