Multitool.org Forum

Tool Talk => Edged Tools => Topic started by: Corwyn on October 18, 2014, 09:22:34 AM

Title: Reasonably priced, real hamon katana in Europe?
Post by: Corwyn on October 18, 2014, 09:22:34 AM
Hi guys,

As you know, I've been looking to get a katana, for a long time - I'm thinking it would make a great Christmas present for myself.  :D

I wanted a katana with clay tempered hamon and ray wrapings, razor sharp, but priced in the 100 $ range - so far the Musashi 1060 fit the bill perfectly.

Unfortunately I couldn't find any available:
Kult of Athena don't have any on stock for months now: http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SS784&name=Musashi+Tomoe+Katana
Trueswords won't ship internationally:
http://www.trueswords.com/musashi-1060-carbon-steel-clay-tempered-katana-dragon-p-5755.html
Swordnarmory won't ship to Romania:
http://www.swordnarmory.com/Handmade-Musashi-Samurai-Sword-Katana-1060-Carbon-p/jh-5905bk.htm

Any idea of another trustworthy shop that might ship here? Or a EU based one would be even better (even if it's more expensive) as it wouldn't have to go through customs... Or does anyone have such a toy he want to sell?

PS: I don't want to ask anyone from US to buy from TS or SnA than reship here, because if it gets returned by customs I'd end up with neither sword, nor money, and double shipping costs...
Title: Re: Reasonably priced, real hamon katana in Europe?
Post by: Chako on October 18, 2014, 12:47:51 PM
Yes, I have also noticed that these swords tend to go out of stock quickly. Here is some info on the manufacturer...if you haven't already seen this.

http://www.sword-manufacturers-guide.com/musashi-swords.html

From the above link, here is a link to Dragons Cavern that works...somewhat. I keep getting a message stating that the web site is down for maintenance. This does look like a dead end however to me at least.

http://www.dragonscavern.com/shop/catalog/

I bought my Musashi Tomoe from Kult of Athena. It was one of the only online places I could find that would ship to Canada, that actually sold these swords. I don't see if on Kult of Athena's website anymore, and possibly is no longer manufactured. I do not know.

However, when I looked up my specific model, I did find this web site. Not sure if this will  help you any...

http://www.japaneseswords4samurai.com/must.html

I hope you find what you are looking for.  :salute:
Title: Re: Reasonably priced, real hamon katana in Europe?
Post by: Corwyn on October 19, 2014, 10:05:50 AM
Thanks for the links. Not inspiring much trust though.. one barely works and the other has too much stuff available.

What about these ones (blade&shop):
http://getasword.com/cheap-samurai-swords/2259-musashi-bamboo-katana-black-ss806bk.html
http://getasword.com/cheap-samurai-swords/2256-musashi-warrior-katana-red-ss783rd.html

These are said to be on stock and they have a huge page talking about international shipping and customs.Also they say they are regularly sending swords to Germany and I can get it from there easily.

Anyone had experience with getasword.com ?
Title: Re: Reasonably priced, real hamon katana in Europe?
Post by: bmot on October 19, 2014, 02:25:41 PM
Don't know anything about swords or stores to buy them, but if you find a shop that will ship to the Netherlands and not to Romania, shoot me a PM, I'll be glad to forward it for you ;)
Title: Re: Reasonably priced, real hamon katana in Europe?
Post by: Corwyn on October 19, 2014, 04:55:24 PM
Thanks mate, Swordnarmory do indeed sell to Netherlands but not to Romania.
If I can't work directly with Getasword I might take you up on that offer.
Title: Re: Reasonably priced, real hamon katana in Europe?
Post by: bmot on October 19, 2014, 05:12:53 PM
Ah, not that I expect it to be a problem, but let me check our local laws on buying swords, first :P
Title: Re: Reasonably priced, real hamon katana in Europe?
Post by: Corwyn on October 19, 2014, 05:26:17 PM
Ow darn.. I remember now...

France, Portugal, Netherlands
Payment by Paypal and Credit cards.
Importing weapons is prohibited. Ask your customs office for a permission before buying a sword.

http://getasword.com/content/10-shipping-swords-internationally

So it's tricky for you too. Think through Germany might be easier. Romanian laws allow for katanas to be imported as collectibles in theory.. problem is customs people tend to be "overzealous" so if you run into one that hates samurai movies, it doesn't matter what the law says...