Likes Likes:  1
Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Unsharpened Baltimore Knife and Sword Katana for Iaido use?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Posts
    1
    Likes (received)
    0

    Smile Unsharpened Baltimore Knife and Sword Katana for Iaido use?

    Hi all!

    I'm just getting started with Kendo and Iaido, and I'm looking around for an Iaito that won't annihilate my wallet. My main concern is safety / quality, so I'll spend more if need be, but I have my eye on a Katana made by Baltimore Knife and Sword, which is the company that hosts the "Man at Arms: Reforged" series. They make a wide range of sword styles, but they don't seem to do too many Japanese swords. However, http://imakeswords.com/katanas.htm <- this Katana, and I'm referring to the one at the very bottom of the page, looks rather nice. I can't seem to find a review of them anywhere, but I figured someone here might have some experience with their Katanas. I'd be wanting to order an unsharpened Katana from them to use as an Iaito. Considering that their other swords are well known for their quality, would this be worth trying?

    Thanks!
    -Ben

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    MD, USA
    Posts
    233
    Likes (received)
    31

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BenL View Post
    Hi all!

    I'm just getting started with Kendo and Iaido, and I'm looking around for an Iaito that won't annihilate my wallet. My main concern is safety / quality, so I'll spend more if need be, but I have my eye on a Katana made by Baltimore Knife and Sword, which is the company that hosts the "Man at Arms: Reforged" series. They make a wide range of sword styles, but they don't seem to do too many Japanese swords. However, http://imakeswords.com/katanas.htm <- this Katana, and I'm referring to the one at the very bottom of the page, looks rather nice. I can't seem to find a review of them anywhere, but I figured someone here might have some experience with their Katanas. I'd be wanting to order an unsharpened Katana from them to use as an Iaito. Considering that their other swords are well known for their quality, would this be worth trying?

    Thanks!
    -Ben
    Nooooo.....please don't.

    It may be a quality modern sort of hobby / cosplay piece, but it is not a "katana." The blade morphology is wrong, and it has no koshirae.

    If $650 won't break your bank you can afford about half of what Tozando sells on their site.

    Tozando's base model will set you back barely $250. You might be able to find something even cheaper but you might not want to go much cheaper.

    For Iaido you really want something that has proper furniture as managing all of that is every bit as important as cutting correctly. Which you probably want a hi (groove) on the blade for so you can hear the whoosh anyway.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2002
    Location
    Saskatoon, SK, Canada
    Posts
    1,526
    Likes (received)
    58

    Default

    Please consult with your sensei before purchasing any equipment for kendo or iaido. Most iaido sensei won't allow any of the knife-shop type swords in their dojo. They can recommend the proper length for you, along with other considerations. They may even not want you to buy a iaito right away, asking that you train with bokken to start.

    For kendo or iaido equipment, many clubs have suppliers they like to deal with and have negotiated club discounts. So it's to your financial and technical advantage to consult with your sensei before any gear purchases.
    Neil Gendzwill
    Saskatoon Kendo Club

  4. Likes Brian Owens liked this post

Similar Threads

  1. Sumo in Baltimore
    By Kendoguy9 in forum Sumo
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 25th January 2015, 04:42
  2. Kenjutsu near Baltimore/DC?
    By RickMD in forum Sword Arts Dojo Finder
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 21st February 2008, 06:39
  3. unsharpened Katana?
    By knghtazrael in forum Clothing and Supplies
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 6th May 2006, 07:14
  4. Stick to Knife to Sword
    By Sharp Phil in forum Member's Lounge
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 27th October 2003, 22:45
  5. The medieval German sword and the Japanese katana
    By jorunikmv in forum Sword Arts
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 14th August 2002, 21:23

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •