SamuraiSupply.com Blog

Iaido Bokken Sword SE-550

2010-06-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Why is an Iaido Bokken necessary? The Iaido Bokken is necessary for several reasons. The first and foremost is that it is the safeste and best way to practice drawing. You get a real sense of how it feels and you learn to perfect your grip, your stance and your movements.

A bonus about this particular Iaido Bokken, the SE-550 is that it also comes with an awesome wooden scabbard that has a magnetic device to simulate the way an actual katana locks in the sayas koiguchi with the habaki. Also, you get the added benefit of actually being able to re-sheath the Iaido Bokken, thus perfecting your re-sheath technique.

It goes without saying that this is the safest way to practice the art of the draw, especially if you are a beginner as you do not want to train with a live blade and have any sort of accident. This is also an economical way to train as this Iaido Bokken ismuch less expensive then a non live Iai Sword. Of course, saying that, after you have gained your confidence in your draw, you can upgrade to a non live blade and then eventually move up to a live blade, where you will have the experience needed from training first.

If you want to start your training now, purchase your Bokken sword and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you. Be sure to also go to our home pag e and sign up to become a SamuraiSupply.com Member and you will receive monthly coupons, discounts and MUCH MORE!

Ryumon RY3201 Phoenix Katana Sword

2010-06-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

A quality sword which came from a high caliber company, RY3201 Ryumon Phoenix Katana is a special katana sword and one of the prime products of years of knowledge in metallurgy.

RY3201 Ryumon Phoenix Katana came from the family of Ryumon swords, which are generally handmade in Longquan, China, the place commonly known as "City of Treasure Sword." Acclaimed for their expertise in sword-making, Longquan is located in a place where the resources are just right for the crafting of these extraordinary samurai swords. This only ensures you that you will be acquiring a battle- ready and fully purposeful sword.

Fully hand-honed, this sword that came from a vast collection of Ryumon swords has a blade made from 1065 carbon steel. It is sharpened and refined by Ryumon Swords’ best craftsmen. The handle of Phoenix Katana is enclosed in a top quality double pegged ray skin.

However, for this particular kind of samurai sword, you will probably be embezzled by its wooden saya or scabbard for the main reason that it is engraved, hand painted in red with a phoenix scene that is worth beholding and admired. Seeing this particular work of art would surely be a treat you would not want to miss.

This sword coming from the well- crafted Ryumon swords’ family has a bo hi and an iron tsuba or hilt, ornamented with a front and back crane with embossed golden details. This fully sharpened katana sword is embellished by a black Japanese cotton tsuka ito and a handle draped with a high quality ray skin, double pegged to provide you extra protection.

These specific samurai swords have an overall length of 41.5 inches, with its blade and handle measuring 28 and 10.5 inches respectively. It weighs about 2.5 pounds. The Phoenix katana also comes with a black entwined sageo or the cord being used to tie the saya to the belt or the obi when worn. You would definitely not have any problems as to where to put or store this katana sword when you procure it because this comes with a sword bag and a Ryumon signature box as a bonus plus a wall scroll certificate of authenticity, maintenance and reference kits. This is just the more reason why you should buy this Ryumon Phoenix Katana. Aside from its beauty, it also comes with a lot of extras, with the fact that you can buy it for a very low price.

If you are interested in having a beautiful Ryumon Sword for your collection, please visit our site at SamuraiSupply.com or contact us for more information. Please be sure to sign up on our home page to become a SamuraiSupply.com Member and receive monthly coupons, discounts and MORE!

Assemble Your Own Sword - SW340BKD

2010-04-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

If you are a sword collector, and you want to make your own blade, you would probably be glad to hear that there is now a big chance for you to do just that at a really low price - yes, LOW price.

This newest treat for you involves the much- wanted katana swords. As you know, they now come unassembled to give you a chance to set up them yourself. Just imagine assembling your own training sword! And to make it all easier for you these katana swords will include instructions and complete hardware so you will be guided as to how you will make your own katana.

The SW340BKD Dragon Katana Sword is a sword which you can set up yourself and would be something you would be proud to do. It is a beginner sword and you can take it apart, put it together and really experiment and not have to worry because that is what it was made for.

These assemble yourself katana is prepared from blades made from high carbon steel, which makes it not only good for a show. Putting together this high quality sword would definitely give you delight not to mention that you will be more acquainted in terms of assembling your own sword.

The katana sword’s main feature is its katana blade, which measures 28 inches. This high carbon steel blade has a firm black glossed wood saya or scabbard. Its tsuba or sword guard has a dragon design. It also has two fuchi or hilt collar between the hilt and sword guard. These assemble yourself sword also includes one habaki or wedge-shaped metal choker, which keeps the sword from slipping from the saya or scabbard. There are also two wooden hooks, which will secure and hold the katana sword. A black sword bag also comes with this sword. And for you to successfully make your own blade, the package also contains an instruction booklet.

If you are interested in investing in one of our Assemble Yourself Swords, we have quite a few to choose from. Of course we also offer discounts on our home page for you and for your other friends who might as well be interested in starting a new hobby of collecting swords of a variety of designs.

Although there are many ready- made swords now available in the market for you to choose from, there is also a great advantage of purchasing those which you will assemble yourself. Not only will you be able to learn first- hand the exact way of putting a sword’s part together but the most important is the sense of pride you will feel once you see for yourself the beautiful product of your own hands.

Come and visit SamuraiSupply.com today and pick out a sword so you can make your own sword today or contact us if you need more information as we would be happy to help you find the best sword for you!

Kendo Training

2010-04-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in Kendo? It is becoming quite popular these days that's for sure. If you are, then you will need Kendo equipment and here at SamuraiSupply.com we can help with that. Here’s good news for all newbies in Kendo! You can take advantage of the starter kit that includes a sword at a very low price including shipping. If you want to cut down the costs of buying the necessary equipment, you can be happy with this package.

The very first thing that you have to get is the "bogu" or the set of protective armor. Make sure that you pick a bogu that is designed to withstand demanding conditions, especially during training. Safety is another consideration, so get one that is crafted artistically and provides safety to the user. Maximum protection is vital but you need to ensure that the bogu will allow unrestricted movements. Newbies are often confused when it comes to fitting and function of the bogu. Never sacrifice quality to get a cheaper price. There are quality ones out there that are reasonably priced. Shop around and you’ll find the best deals.

Check the stitching of the bogu. Experts say that the quality can be seen from the stitching. Pick a bogu with closer stitching and the trim should be made from a deer leather because this material is not likely to crack. For the ‘Do’ or the torso protector (breastplate), you should get fiberglass because it is lighter and easily adjusts to the impacts received. This is also less expensive as in comparison to bamboo. For your ‘kote’ or the hand and forearm protectors (gauntlets), you should opt for a deer leather because it wears better although it’s a bit expensive.

Of course we also are selling this one unique Bugo set. A machined stitched high quality 4mm/2mm diagonally stitched Bogu comes with a 3+ 1 shinai bag which means that you will have three shinai and a bokken or bokuto inside. This set as well includes a tenugui or a head towel covering and all required himos or strings.

These are some of the things that you will have to look into when shopping for the right equipment. The katana is also a great consideration. For new students, bokken swords are usually advised to avoid accidental cuts. The bokken is a wooden sword and is great for practice and drills. When you have gained more experience, you can now buy a katana or other samurai swords that you may need. Before buying a real samurai sword, make sure that you have already enhanced your strength and skills. It pays to own a quality and beautiful samurai sword.

Investing on quality equipment for Kendo is a wise decision because you will be using them for many months or even years! If you are starting Kendo and are looking for training gear, check us out. If you are looking for something in particular, just contact us and we will get a price for you right away. Buying Kendo equipment has never been easier then now, so visit us today at SamuraiSupply.com!

Samurai Bokken Sword 1806

2010-04-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re training for the use of a classical sword or that of Iaido, you can use the 1806- Samurai Bokken Sword! A samurai bokken is a wooden sword that is usually used during practice training or continuing the samurai sword training course. This type of bokken sword can last for many years, especially if you handle it properly. Cracking can take place when the sword is already old, but you can prevent this by applying oils and wood polish.

Most samurai bokken swords are synonymous with the katana due to its relative weight and size. Using this type will help you master the handling and balancing as of practicing with a real katana. The usual blade length is 30 inches with a total of 40 inches overall. Made from a solid oak hardwood, this bokken comes with a tsuba (sword hand guards) and a rubber stopper. The swords handle is carefully wrap in cords as most real katana blades are.

Make sure that you wrap the sword with a fabric and avoid excessive moisture at all times. At first glance, you will think that the sword is a real samurai sword. In fact, the bokken is balanced and weighted like that of a real sword with blade. Steel swords are not used during practice for safety reasons. It’s easy to cut yourself with a real Samurai sword but by using a training sword like that of the Samurai Bokken, it’s much easier to learn the basic and advanced techniques.

It’s not only the new students who are using samurai bokken. In fact, even masters are using wood swords to protect students and partners when practicing a various kind of techniques. In most stores, customers should be of legal age (18 years and above) to be able to purchase the sword. If you’ve watched the movie "The Last Samurai", then you already know what a real samurai looks like… and this is just what you can expect from a bokken. For under $20, you can already purchase a new sword that you can use during practice sessions.

When buying a samurai bokken, you have to go for only the quality swords in the market. The sword can serve as your companion as a novice swordsman. With the right maintenance and usage, the sword will accompany you as you learn advanced techniques and become a master swordsman while you hone your skills by using a quality Bokken Sword.

The Bokken wood training swords are now available in different colors and designs and you can find a black samurai as well as a red. By shopping online at SamuraiSupply.com, you can find the best Bokken Sword that meets your standards. Check out the different training swords we have to offer and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Tiger Bokken Sword 1802T

2010-04-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

Tired of breaking bokkens? Why not choose the Tiger Bokken (1802T) also known as the Ebony Bokken which is made from the best Asian hardwood. Sword practitioners and martial artists are now using tiger bokken swords for their trainings. The tiger Bokken is a wooden sword that comes from hardwood like oak. It serves as a training sword in place of a real sword with sharp blades. The Bokken sword is a must when learning the basic and advanced sword techniques. If you’re looking for a quality bokken, you can try the Tiger Training Bokken.

The usual training blade has been made gorgeous and great looking for you to utilize. This features a wood-burned decoration along the edge and the hilt. This 40 inch long bokken makes you stand out from the rest and can be of great used for Aikido, Iaido, all sort of Kata, Kendo, and Kumdo.

You will be amazed on the aesthetic beauty this bokken has. Though it is crafted without the cords on the handle, the functionality of a traditional bokken has not been compromised. You can use the swords during martial art drills and in sword sparring. You will enjoy the realistic training provided by this bokken. It is safe and economic as most of the bokken swords.

The tiger bokken comes with a removable tsuba and has a firm grip, also made from wood. It is usually made from an exotic Asian Ebony which is crafted with tiger strips of light brown in color. You can find this type of bokken as always as smoothly polished. With a little amount of investment, you can already learn how to use this sword.

The Tiger Bokken looks like and handles like a real sword but the only difference is that it is made from wood. If you are interested to learn how to use a sword, this is a great investment for you. It’s best to have your own Bokken so that you can practice at home. Aside from the uniforms, you will need to invest on a quality Bokken. Use the internet to find a great sword that you will use for many years.

The rarity of this beautifully crafted type of bokken makes it difficult to find. It is perfect for fitness freak and martial arts experts.

Many masters value their Bokken, and you will too, once you’ve mastered many techniques using your wooden Bokken. Choose among the many designs available today and you can try the 1802T- Tiger Training Bokken Sword! Check out our Bokken Swords today at SamuraiSupply.com and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us so we can get that perfect training sword for you!

New SamuraiSupply.com T-shirts

2010-03-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to send out a quick blog to mention our new SamuraiSupply.com t-shirts that we just had designed with our new logo. They are quite sharp and they have the Bushido symbols on the front, with our logo on the front and back.
This is a great addition to any order or just to have for yourself to wear at the dojo or ANYWHERE for that matter! Check out the SamuraiSupply.com t-shirts and perhaps order one today or get one for a friend. If you have any comments or input, please send them to info@samuraisupply.com as we would love to hear what you think of them! Of course, if you are looking for a great samurai sword to go along with it, visit our website at SamuraiSupply.com and don't forget to go to the home page before ordering and sign up for our SamuraiSupply.com Members area as it will give you an immediate discount code that you can use towards your order. How is that for customer service!

Musashi Glorious Dragon Katana Sword SS755

2010-03-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

The Glorious Dragon, a mythical creature that appears in dozens of ancient cultures around the world. Whether it’s the large, winged, fire-breathing beast of European lore or the wingless water serpent of Asia, the Dragon has a majestic and commanding presence. It’s no wonder that we frequently see depictions of these creatures in the world of sword collecting, especially among Asian blades such as the Japanese Katana.

Japan’s own history with the Dragon is very interesting and unique. In their native form, the Japanese versions of the serpents were Water Gods, associated quite frequently with the sea. The Japanese Emperors are often said to be descendants of Dragons, perhaps an allusion to Japan’s relationship with China. This is not hard to imagine, since they are often used to represent the ancient Chinese Emperors.

Unfortunately, this powerful symbol finds itself being used for profit rather than tradition far too often. I frequently notice stainless steel display katana and sword sets adorned with dragons galore in malls all over the place. These rat-tail tang blades that aren’t made for anything more than cheap décor sell more popularly than the honest to goodness blades made by traditional smiths and companies devoted to making blades used by martial artists or owned by true collectors worldwide.

This mass production of sacred symbols is nothing new since there are many aspects of world cultures being sold as consumer products with no actual concern for historical accuracy behind them. Well, I can think of several companies that break that cycle, and will continue to do so as long as there exists in some place a market of devoted enthusiasts. Whether for art appreciation, historical enthusiasm and passion, or the practicality of a functional martial arts weapon, collectors can turn to Musashi swords for a blade that is functional, aesthetically appealing, and economical. When Musashi puts a Dragon on one of their products, it is because they have earned that right by being passionate about making real, functional swords in a modern take on traditional Japanese sword-making techniques.

When observing the Glorious Dragon Katana Sword offered by Musashi, I immediately noticed the prominence of gold coloring on a lot of the detailing, evoking the imagery of an Imperial Palace of China or a Shinto temple honoring the kami (gods or spirits, ancient protectors of Japan). This wasn’t simply a functional blade, which Musashi is renowned for making, it is a work of art. Well, a work of art that will still cut like a dream. The blade is hand forged with 1050 carbon steel, and is water tempered bringing the hardness to 55 HRC. To put it in layman’s terms, this is a vast improvement from the stainless steel paper wieght in the mall back home. The blade is beautiful and the hamon, or temper line, is genuine and prominent.

To the collector who is more inclined to have an artistic piece, the saya, or scabbard, steals the show. The creature depicted is unmistakably the water serpent of Asian myth, done in a Chinese style. For those who’d like a quick lesson, the Chinese Dragons are typically shown with four claws on each foot. This is, of course, unless it appears as an Imperial seal or furnishing, in which case there will be five claws. The Japanese, almost without fail, depict the serpents as having three claws per foot. The choice of the Chinese version of the Dragon may be a reflection of the forge which makes Musashi’s blades, located in China. It may also be a reference to the relationship between China and Japan, culminating in the beauty and unchallenged supremacy of Japanese style sword making meeting the ancient legacy of the Chinese take on the water serpent. Since the Japanese language and writing systems are highly influenced by classical China, it is not too much of a stretch to believe that this sword was made as it was intentionally.

The tsuba, or hand guard, on this model is a motif of a Dragon appearing in traditional Chinese fashion. The tsuba and other metal parts on the tsuka (hilt) of the sword are done in copper. Those who are familiar with metals may know that copper has a tendency to react to oxygen resulting in a discoloration called a patina. On a sword like this, this would not be detrimental. A patina effect naturally suggests an old or ancient aura to whatever it may appear on, and the same is true for swords. When observing a copper furnished katana that has had time to oxidize and patina, one might very well be reminded of the history behind that particular blade’s art or style. Nothing could be more fitting than to have such a feature on a sword featuring the regal water serpents of Japan and China. For those who do not want such an effect to take place, sealants are available at very cheap prices which will protect the copper.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo is attributed with the following quote from the text, Hagakure; “It is said that what is called the Spirit of an Age is something to which one cannot return. That this spirit gradually dissipates is due to the world's coming to an end. In the same way, a single year does not have just spring or summer. A single day, too, is the same. For this reason, although one would like to change today's world back to the spirit of one hundred years or more ago, it cannot be done. Thus it is important to make the best out of every generation.” There is no practical need for a katana as a weapon of warfare or self-defense. However, that does not mean that we cannot honor the spirit of nobility and honor of a warrior class who’s influence is now felt worldwide, not confined to Japanese borders anymore than the sun is confined to the horizon of any one country. If you choose to pay tribute to the Samurai and their legacy, choose a blade that has meaning, a blade you can be proud of. Leave the plastic clad stainless steel abominations unsold on the shelves of mall stores where they belong.

A sword should tell a story. Whether through the nicks in the blade resulting from use on backyard targets or tameshigiri mats, remembering when and why you chose a sword, remembering receiving the it as a special gift, or simply knowing the story behind a blade model’s name or the artwork adorning it, a sword should always tell a story. Without stories, there is no legacy. Without a legacy, we are nothing.

If you would like more information on this blade and others, please visit SamuraiSupply.com Sword Articles. You can also check out Musashi Swords and shop for good quality, economically priced pieces to add to your collection at SamuraiSupply.com. If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to info@samuraisupply.com.

Musashi Rose Blossom Katana Sword SS782BL

2010-03-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

The vibrant colors of flowers call our attention to them many times without fail. In spring when the snow has melted who among us can behold the beauty of the first blossoms and not smile? Children will pick flowers for their mothers, fathers will put flowers in the hair of their daughters, and young men will often take the risk of gifting a flower to a young woman who has caught their eye and captivated their heart.
It is amazing that so simple a thing could attract such attention. After all, a flower does not try to be beautiful. It simply is by nature of existing. In much the same way, true Samurai were said to be the way they were without effort. While there were many who lived and died as members of the Samurai class, what many might refer to as true Samurai possessed a natural charisma, just like a flower. In fact, flower arranging was a practice learned by many Samurai, particularly after the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate when Samurai found themselves living in a time of newfound peace. The Samurai found new devotion to practices of culture and philosophy to help occupy their time and allow them to still be of service and value when their swords did not need to be drawn.
These were the Samurai of virtue, those who remembered that the word Samurai means, “One who serves.” There are many stories of Samurai who abused the power that came with their status without taking their roles seriously, but again, there are those legendary names that will never lose their luster.
Among the world of flowers, the rose is one which, in the western world, is written about quite frequently. It is like a queen among flowers, a symbol used for hundreds of years to represent the very pinnacle of beauty. In Japan, as well, the rose is a beautiful flower used frequently in flower arranging.
Every rose has thorns, this is simply a fact. However, the rose of the Musashi Sword Line is, aptly named, the Musashi Rose Blossom Katana Sword. When looking at the subtle beauty of a traditional style katana without elaborate and intricate ornamentation, a collector is not left wanting. While such lavish ornamentation can be appreciated and applauded, there are some swords that do not fail in their beauty and by nature of existing, they are beautiful.
The Musashi Rose Blossom Katana sword is hand forged and fully functional, perhaps making this rose almost all thorn while still retaining the beauty of a petal. The gold plated copper tsuba artwork, for which most katana models are named, depicts rose blossoms on a vine. The dark blue saya is well lacquered and works well with the copper and brass furnishings to add to the overall subtle aesthetic appeal to this sword.
For more information on the Musashi Rose Blossom Katana sword SS782BL visit or read the SamuraiSupply.com Sword Articles. Musashi Swords are a wonderful addition to anyone’s collection, combining functionality and authentic sword making styles with economical pricing to bring customers a blade they can appreciate without breaking the bank. If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to info@samuraisupply.com.

Musashi Elite Samurai Sword SS700-1

2010-03-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

There is no such thing as the mythic Samurai Swordsman who never loses, the swordsman so skilled that no man would dare approach him for fear of losing their head. Such a figure is the work of cinematic deception found in pop culture films from American and Japanese film makers alike.

It is a good thing that I am writing this rather than giving a public speech. I don’t think I could have said all of that with a straight face. There is at least one swordsman whose life and skill have become legend, and who’s name will never be forgotten. Miyamoto Musashi. Arguably, he was the greatest swordsman in Japanese history, perhaps even in the world. He lost one duel in his early life, and vowed never to lose again, a promise he kept. He fought over 60 duels and never lost, though he once came to a tie.

His dueling style was unlike anything that the Samurai of his time had seen before. Being taller than most in his day, Miyamoto likewise required a longer sword than most. He did not fight with this sword alone, however. A Samurai typically carried two swords worn on the waist at any given time, a practice put into law by the Tokugawa Shogunate. The two swords were the long sword, or katana, and the short sword, or wakazashi. Miyamoto fought with both swords, one in each hand, simultaneously. To be able to do this adequately takes a great deal of skill, let alone doing it with the proficiency that has earned Musashi’s place in the annals of history.

Musashi himself actually fought against Tokugawa and his army at the Battle of Sekigahara, choosing instead to side with the army of Ishida Mitsunari. Though Musashi’s personal achievements during this battle were great, the Ishida Army lost, resulting in the establishment of the Tokugawa regime.

Years later, Miyamoto Musashi defeated another legendary swordsman of the era named Sasaki Kojiro. What’s more, Miyamoto used only one sword in this duel; a sword he carved out of a boat oar while on his way to the island where the duel was to be held. The fight lasted mere moments and resulted in Kojiro’s death.

It is said that Musashi became somewhat disgusted with killing men in duels, and would do whatever it took to avoid being challenged in the first place. It is rumored that he actually stopped bathing and wore the same dirty clothes for weeks or months at a time, resulting in a stomach-churning stench that would keep would-be challengers from even wanting to approach him, let alone fight him.

Musashi’s book, the Book of Five Rings, gives instructions to young swordsmen seeking to hone their skills both in battle and in individual dueling. The book has been adapted to business practices by companies around the world, and is seen as a corporate success tool. Whether Miyamoto would approve or not, who can say for sure.

What I can say is that Musashi Swords is a company which produces swords from their forge in China, and their swords often feature the two-ring iron tsuba design which was actually on Miyamoto’s personal blades. For the company to name themselves after such a legendary swordsman is a bold claim, but one which is not all talk. Musashi Swords offers many blades at economical prices, allowing people in our day and age who are suffering side-effects from the global economy to still collect swords without spending too much. In fact, their basic katana is offered for a mere $50.

However, for the collector who wants a Musashi Sword that is truly worthy of holding the name of a mythic swordsman, the Musashi Elite Samurai Sword (SS700-1) is a higher end blade that commands respect. The two-ring tsuba is done in an oxidized copper, giving it that aged and legendary appearance. The blade is hand forged from carbon steel and clay tempered, resulting in a hamon, or temper line, which is natural and beautiful. To clarify, the hamon is a part of the blade which must be examined with discrimination by the die-hard collector, since many low end swords feature a hamon which is wire-brushed. Musashi Swords offers low end swords with such a temper line, but the elite hamon is genuine and prominent.

The Musashi Elite Samurai Sword is simply beautiful. I’ll admit, my personal preference is toward a blade that doesn’t have a lot of artwork or gold-clad furnishings. That means that while many would claim this sword to be beautiful simply to try and make a sales pitch, I truly believe it to be a worthy addition to any collection. It is fully functional. After all, Miyamoto would have it no other way if he were around to give his two cents worth.

Every sword should tell a story. This one tells a legend.

For more information on this and other Musashi Swords, please visit SamuraiSupply.com Sword Articles, or visit our website at SamuraiSupply.com. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to info@samuraisupply.com.

Hanwei Paul Chen Nanbokucho Raptor Katana Sword

2009-10-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so let's move on to the second sword in the Hanwei Paul Chen Raptor Series, which is the Nanbokucho Katana (SH2416). Nanbochuko is a historical period which spanned from around 1332 to 1392. This period of time is historical because it encompassed sixty eyars of internal conflict in Japan. This conflict created a huge demand for more and bigger sword blades than ever produced previously. Several traditional designs of Katanas and swords became longer and wider. Some swords were just ridiculously huge! It is believed that this is the period where the Odachi was born You know - the super large sword that has a blade that measures an insane 49"!!

So, suitably named for this period, the Nanbokucho Katana is an impressive piece of artwork and mastery. The blade length of this katana is 30". It has a long kissaki, and yet a weight of just under 3lbs. The weight is what makes this kstana as surprising as it is because it still allows for its weilder to move and cut swiftly and accurately. It is very agile and even nimble enough for one to master double cuts.

The blade of the Nanbokucho is forged from 5160 high carbon steel that has been specially heat treated. This has producted a very high resilience and a greater tolerance for a misdirected cut that beats any conventional differentially tempered blade. Also, becuae of this heat treating process, it has enabled the Hanwei forge to be able to avoid excessive thickness of their steel. This allows the blade to replicate the weight and handling characteristics of the original Japanese Katanas. The Nanbokucho itself was designed for heavy targets.

If you want to take a closer look at this sword go to SamuraiSupply.com and you can own your Nanbokucho Katana today! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Paul Chen Raptor Moroha Zukuri

2009-10-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

So, I mentioned we would look at the Paul Chen Raptor Sword Series, so the first sword we will look at is the Moroha Zukuri (SH2413). The sword is believed to have originated in the Heian Period which is from 794-1185. The originating design is said to come from the Tachi style blade by a legendary sword smith known as Amakuni. The style is seen as a link between the old Ken straight swords and the curved Tachi (and later Katana).

What really stands out about the Moroha Zukuri is that it has some unusual characteristics. For starters, it has a back edge on the top half of the blade, with fullers starting where this edge finishes and continuing to the hilt. This edge however, is deliberately left unsharpened for the benefit of Iaido practitioners used to working with more conventional blade styles. The blade itself is hand forged from 5160 high carbon steel and is mar quenched to an edge hardness of 57HRC.

The great thing about this Katana Sword is that the blade length is only 26 3/8" and the sword only weighs 2lbs 7oz. So, for functional purposes, this sword is very quick, and ideal for multiple cuts in light targets. Hanwei has really made an effort with the Raptor Series to make a sword that is versatile for many different types of users. The Raptor line harnesses the fact that we are not all the best cutters. Some are just starting, while others are perfecting their techniques. With the Paul Chen Raptor Series you get a lot of bang for your buck as this sword can handle a lot of abuse, and misdirected cuts while staying razor sharp.

If you are looking for a great cutting sword, check out our Paul Chen Raptors and buy yours today! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@samuraisupply.com.

Paul Chen Raptors - What's in a Name?

2009-09-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

We all know the importance of a name. This is why many katana swords are named what they are. It is a symbol of respect, or sometimes, to just show from which period the design came from or what it was influenced by. Many people believe that the soul of the Samurai lives in the blade. This is all the more reason to take special care when naming a sword.

So, let's take a look at a wonderful group of swords brought to us by none other then Paul Chen. The Raptor designs area all based off of some historically important periods where forging technology and designs were really improving. The Raptor lines focused around making a very versatile, wide ranged sword line and that is what was accomplished. These Raptor swords can be used for a wide choice of targets rather then just mats. Hanwei Paul Chen has given careful thought to the way they name their swords and we should always remember that when we are choosing the sword that best fits us. We will look at each sword in the Raptor Series much closer in the next few blogs to come.

To add a Paul Chen Raptor to your collection, go to our site at SamuraiSupply.com and if you have any further questions, please feel free to email us at info@samuraisupply.com

Storm Shadows Sword from G.I. Joe

2009-09-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

We took a look at the Snake Eyes sword, but it would not be complete without looking at the Storm Shadows sword as well, as the two really do go hand in hand!

As many of you sword fans already know, Storm Shadow is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe series and television shows and is best known for his history with fellow ninja Snake Eyes. Throughout their history, the duo have been everything to one another from the bitterest of enemies, to the most loyal of friends (and blood brothers of course) who would fight and die for one another.

For those of you who want a bit more information, here you go! Storm Shadow’s real name is Thomas S. Arashikage. Arashi means “Storm” and Kage means “Shadow” in Japanese, which tells you how he got his name. Storm Shadow is the only member of the team to change sides several times as he is conflicted in loyalties between Cobra, G.I. Joe and his strong relationship with his brother, Snake Eyes.

Storm Shadow usually wears a white uniform and a mask and when you do see him out of his uniform, he is usually shown to be Japanese-American with black hair and dark eyes. He is a great ninja warrior and is a covert ops specialist as well, so he is a very useful member - to either side!

This is a great sword for display as it is a stainless steel half white blade that comes unsharpened. It also has a ninja clan symbol engraved on the balde and a cobra head guard and the white handle has twin cobra heads. It also comes with a really cool white scabbard. Check it out further at SamuraiSupply.com and add it to your collection today!

Snake Eyes Sword from GI Joe

2009-09-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

Something we have to talk about are some great movie swords that are available. We will talk about many of the different movie swords, so today, let’s talk about GI Joe and the Snake Eyes Sword shown in the picture (SA0280).

Snake Eyes is the code name of a member of the G.I. Joe team and much of his history and information, including his real name, and most everything else about him, has remained classified throughout all depictions of his origin. Snake Eyes is quiet in his movements and is a quick and deadly master of many martial arts as he is a full- fledged ninja master.

Snake Eyes has a quiet personality and usually wears what is best described as a black military type ninja bodysuit along with a balaclava and visor to cover his face, which was disfigured in a helicopter explosion. Of course, since then, Snake Eyes has had a lot of plastic surgery to repair the damage he had to his face, however, he still has a few scars left behind. His vocal cords however, could not be repaired after the deadly explosion.

A description of Snake Eyes out of his uniform, is that he is around six feet tall, with an athletic build, blond hair and blue eyes and of course has his Snake Eyes Sword! This sword is a 440 stainless steel unsharpened blade with partial serration and ninja emblem. There is a cast metal guard, a full tang with a poly grip handle and a speckled finish scabbard with a metal accent. This is a MUST HAVE for all the fans of Snake Eyes and the GI Joe movie!

Visit SamuraiSupply.com today and check out all our movie swords and start collecting your favorites today! If you have any questions, please contact us or if you have a sword in mind that you want and you do not see it on our site, let us know and we’ll do our best to find it for you!

Musashi Toradragon Katana and Yaki-ire Tempering

2009-07-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

In our Musashi Katana collection, we have a sword called the Musashi Toradragon Katana Sword (SS761-1). This Katana Sword is a hand forged 1095 high carbon steel blade and is tempered using the Yaki-ire method. There have been a few questions on what the Yaki-ire method is, so we thought we would give you a bit more information on it.

Yaki-ire Tempering:

1)After the forging and the final shaping the blade is covered with clay, a thick layer on the body and a thinner layer on the edge where the Yakiba will be. After the clay has dried, the sword is placed in a charcoal fire until the temperature reaches approximately 700 degrees centigrade (1290 degrees Fahrenheit) on the back and 800 degrees centigrade (1470 degrees Fahrenheit) on the edge. Due to the heating, the blade gains somewhat in dimensions, and the tip curves a little upwards. At this point, it is then plunged into a container with water of a temperature of about 20 degrees centigrade (70 degrees Fahrenheit).
2) In the water, the edge, which has a thinner clay coating, cools off faster than the main body of the sword - the thicker clay, together with the greater thickness of the blade itself, keeps the heat longer than in the edge portion. The material at the edge contracts, and two seconds after the swords has been put into the water the blade curves slightly towards the edge; this is called Saka-zori or Gyaku-zori ("reversed Sori").
3) Five seconds after the blade was immersed in water, the rapid cooling of the edge caused a transformation of the steel structure from austenite (a nonmagnetic solid solution) to martensite (a very hard and brittle solid solution of iron and carbon), resulting in an expansion of the edge. The body of the sword, cooling off slower and losing its expansion which was caused by the heat, crystallizes into pearlite (a mixture of iron and cementite [iron carbide]). In other words: the edge expands while the back shrinks, thus gaining a Sori towards the back, the typical shape of a Nihonto.

We hope this helps out all your questions about Yaki-ire tempering and that we gave you a bit of insight of what goes on behind making this awesome Musashi Toradragon Katana Sword! We have a great sale going on now, so be sure to add this Katana Sword to your collection today! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at info@samuraisupply.com.

Ryumon Okinawa Practical Sword

2009-07-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

We could not very well publish an article and a post about Ryumon Swords and not showcase one of their beautiful swords! The one in particular we think you should know more about is the Ryumon Okinawa Practical Katana Sword.

This gorgeous sword is hand forged and folded AISI 1060 high carbon steel blade tempered in the traditional clay method, which produces a hard and extremely sharp cutting edge and a very resilient spine. Of course, this sword is polished by master sword smiths to reveal its beautiful hamon and hada as well and the iron tsuba is very detailed.

This Ryumon Okinawa Practical Katana Sword also comes with a premium sword maintenance kit which is worth $30 and a reference guide. If that was not enough add ons, it also comes with a silk sword bag and an unsharpened training blade with a rounded tip so that you have an extra blade to practice with! This gives you an extra blade - yes, an extra blade!

This is just an amazing sword for the price as we have this Ryumon Sword at an awesome sale price right now! Click on our Ryumon Swords and pick out the one that best suits you now and add it to your collection today! If you have any questions about this Ryumon Sword or any other Samurai Swords, please contact us.

Ryumon Samurai Swords

2009-07-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

I couldn't go without doing a blog on these great swords by Ryumon! To start off, let's see what Ryumon means. The word Ryumon translates to erudite or reputable. See, I could stop there and you would know just what kind of manufacturer Ryumon is and how their swords are. Let's tell you a bit more about these sword though! (The Ryumon Phoenix Katana RY3201 is pictured to the left)

The Ryumon line has brought us several different beautiful pieces that compare with a lot of other very well known manufacturers out there. The Ryumon line has tried to stick to a solid quality of craftsmanship as best as they can and among the competitors, Ryumon is considered to be in the intermediate level by sword collectors. I feel that intermediate is very respectable and you get a really good quality sword for what you pay for.

These Ryumon Swords are made by master sword smiths that use old traditional methods of sword making along with some modern knowledge of today. This enables them to put forth a quality hand forged and folded, full tang Samurai Sword that is made of tough, medium or high quality carbon sharpened steel. Each of the Ryumon Swords is fully functional and battle ready and can be used in both full contact sparring matches as well as training.

The best part is that almost all the Ryumon Swords come with a Ryumon signature box, a sword bag and a maintenance kit. I LOVE getting all the extras in my purchase and with Ryumon you are getting a lot of bang for you buck, which is what I look for. Quality sword, affordable prices, and great extras included!

You can add your Ryumon Sword to your collection today and know that they all have a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee. We want you to know that SamuraiSupply.com stands 100% behind their products. We hope you enjoyed this wee bit of information and if you are looking for more detail on the Ryumon Swords, check out our sword articles. If you have any thoughts or comments on this or any other blog or article, please contact us as we love to hear from you!

Who is Hanwei Paul Chen?

2009-06-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

SamuraiSupply.com would like to give you a brief overview of just who Hanwei Paul Chen is because the Hanwei Paul Chen Swords are very popular and very much in demand. Who makes these amazing swords? Where did they get started? Where did they come from?

Hanwei started with a man by the name of Paul Chen. Paul was born and raised in Taiwan and while he was young Paul developed a passion for knives and swords. Paul especially loved Samurai Swords and his passion for them grew strong.

There was a high cost for custom made pieces and antiques so Paul pursued an education into the making of knives and swords and he started to perfect his custom designs. He gained a very good reputation because of his unique designs and is quite successful.

When the demand for swords began to take off, he moved to Dailan, China which is known as the "steel city". He decided to become a manufacturer and he was able to employ many talented workers to bring the designs he created to life.

Hanwei employs over one hundred employees that produce over six hundred items in the sword, knife and weaponry fields. They are always developing new products and coming up with new concepts which keeps them the leader in their field.

Paul Chen's son, Ron Chen has now followed in his fathers footsteps and has studied under the Japanese legend Yoshindo Yoshihara. Ron Chen is responsible for the Tamahagane and the Banitie blades that are being developed by Hanwei and are very popular with sword collectors. There are many great things in store for Hanwei Paul Chen and we are looking forward to adding more of their new swords in our store so that we can bring them to you!

Go and look at the beautiful swords offered by Hanwei Paul Chen and add one to your collection today!

Tamahagane Steel for Samurai Swords

2009-06-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about Hanwei Paul Chen and a couple of their Katana Swords that they have used this Tamahagane Steel on. Tamahagane Steel is a type of Japanese Steel translated as "jewel steel" which is mainly used to make Samurai Swords and Katana Swords. (SH2294 Paper Crane Katana Sword shown)

Tamahagane Steel is made by building and firing a Tatara, the traditional Japanese sword steel smelter. This charcoal fired furnace produces a very pure steel from iron sand and this steel "kera" or bloom can be broken and separated into high and low carbon pieces. These will form the "skin" steel and the "core" steel of the blade. The skin steel is forged and folded repeatedly. Careful heat treating, shaping and polishing reveals the tight "hada" or layer pattern of the blade and the white particles of the "hamon" or temper line. It takes about one week to build the tatara and complete the iron conversion to steel.

While this vigorous process results in the beautiful qualities much admired by collectors, it also produces a very functional blade as the high carbon content of the skin steel makes a very hard edge possible while the softer core steel gives the blade its resilience and ability to absorb shock.

The Paul Chen Paper Crane Katana Sword (SH2294) and the Paul Chen Paper Crane Wakizashi Sword (SH2328) are both made with the Tamahagane Steel and are without a doubt some of the greatest achievements in sword making artistry available from Hanwei.
The swords offer a Paper Crane motif tsuba with Nanako (stippled background) and an incredible hada and prominent hamon. They both also have a black lacquered saya with hand woven silk sageos.

These are fully functional and beautiful swords and are a MUST have to your current collection or a great way to start off your collection. They are priced right now at over 10% off the regular price and when you sign up to become a Samurai Supply Member on our home page, we will take an extra 7% off the price! Order yours now securely on our site and take advantage of this great price and this amazing sword!

Anime Swords

2009-06-04T17:32:00.000-07:00

Anime Swords have become very popular and are becoming a huge craze with many people of all different ages. The animation that the Japanese have done as their storytelling has really allowed them to be artists and create pretty much any character and setting and it has been a huge hit.

With the Japanese anime comes many different weapons that they use in these films and who could think of any better weapon than a sword! The Anime Swords are all very different and really use a lot of the imagination of the creators. Some have unique ornaments, some have great designs, some you just want because of the character who used them. Whatever the reason, these Anime Swords are really great. (Rukia Anime Sword shown above)

The swords are not only original and a great keepsake or gift, they are totally affordable so you can collect all the Anime Swords you want and not break the bank! Now that is a bonus!

We have a few Anime Swords for you to look at, go to our Decorative Swords page and you can pick out one that you can add to your collection! We are offering an extra discount to our already low prices - just become a Samurai Supply Member on the home page and you will receive an immediate disount coupon code for your purchase! Just made it even easier for you to afford one!

Samurai Sword Maintenance

2009-05-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, so now you have your Samurai Sword, you have paid good money for a functional sword and now you need to maintain it. The functional Samurai Swords are made of carbon steel and they require polishing and oil especially if you are doing cutting exercises. Carbon steel will rust or pit if it is not properly maintained, so we want to be sure that you are taking excellent care of your sword that you just invested good money in. If you have a non functional sword or a decorative sword, they are usually stainless steel and do not require any oiling at all.

We thought we could give you some easy steps in maintaining your sword to keep it in top condition. First be sure to purchase a Samurai Sword maintenance kit (Premium Sword Maintenance Kit shown in picture OH1003) unless your sword came with one. Then we can go over the five easy steps!

1. Use a sheet of harai gami (rice paper) or erufu (cotton cloth) to remove oil and debris from the blade. Please be sure to hold the sharp edge away from you while you are working on the blade.
2. Tap the uchiko (powder ball) lightly against the blade and continue tapping all the way to the tip of the blade.
3. After powdering the blade use a clean harai gami or erufu to polish the blade in a circular motion and repeat until the powder is dissolved.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the other side of the blade
5. Apply a few drops of oil along each side of the blade and use a piece of harai gami or erufu to spread the oil evenly over the blade. Do not touch the blade before resheathing.

That's it! There may be a few terms in there that you are not familiar with, however, the maintenance kit comes with instructions as well and tells you what everything is. Maintaining your sword is an important part of owning a functional sword and you want to be sure that you keep it in great condition. Please buy your maintenance kit now and keep your Samurai Sword in top condition! If you have any questions, please contact us.

Bushido Black Bamboo Pearl Katana Sword

2009-05-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is a sword you have to take a look at. It is a beautiful sword from Bushido and a must have for sword collectors or for sword trainers! The Bushido Black Bamboo Pearl Katana Sword is a great quality functional sword.

The Bamboo Pearl comes with a nice quality sword bag along with a maintenance kit to keep your Samurai Sword in top condition. This Katana Sword comes with the Osprey Handmade Furniture set and it is a high quality beautiful set that you have to see with your own eyes. The sword has a high gloss black lacquer and the bamboo and pearl inlay on both sides of the saya is just amazing.

Click on this video to see the review: Black Bamboo Pearl Katana Video

This is one amazing sword and it deserved a special spot in our blog to tell you all about it! After seeing the video, you will want this in your house! Before buying it, log on to SamuraiSupply.com and become a Samurai Supply Member and get an immediate discount coupon to use on your purchase or contact us for the code!

Samurai Sword International Orders

2009-05-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a very common question that comes from a lot of customers - do we ship internationally? SamuraiSupply.com does ship internationally because of the fact that there are not many sites out there that offer this service and we want EVERYONE to have the Samurai Sword that they desire.

For international orders, you do have to contact us and let us know what product(s) you are interested in and what your address is or fill out our International Orders form on the home page with that information. We will then email you back a quote from at least two different carriers. Once you have decided on a carrier, you let us know all the details and we will give you a final price based on your shipping choice. Then all you have to do is send the money via Paypal, which is completely secure for you and sit back and await your arrival!

We have enjoyed helping our international customers as far away as Sweden and as close as Canada. We have a great testimonial below from one of our international customers:

"Great personal service and amazingly fast delivery. Truly a pleasure and I will buy here again. Cutting stand has a nice finished look, gold plated dragon fittings are beautiful, sword box is neat, Bushido Dragon Sword feels good and the wooden practice sword is solid. Everything very well packaged. Thanks again from Canada."

We will provide excellent customer service whether you live in the United States, Canada or across the sea! Be sure to read our Store Policies with international orders. We are here to bring you the best in Samurai Swords and we look forward to helping you with your international order today!

Samurai Sword Bags

2009-05-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Samurai Sword bags - something that you don't really think about or consider when you are buying your sword. When you are purchasing your sword, you are looking for that next great piece or the next work of art to add to your collection. Perhaps you are thinking of what Samurai Sword would be best to train with. (Paul Chen Sword bag shown here) You need to also consider how you will transport your sword and protect your investment. The answer - a sword bag.

When you purchase your sword, a great add on is a sword bag. They are especially great if you practice your forms in the dojo or you are training and you are going back and forth between places. The sword bags will easily protect your sword and keep it out of harms way. You can get some really beautiful bags and in many different colors.

There are also some great and stylish sword cases or boxes that will hold multiple swords so that when you are traveling you can carry more than one with you. You may have a few different swords you use for tameshigiri, or one for training and one for cutting practices. This way, you can bring them with you, protected and safe.

After all the time we spend looking for that special sword, we want to be sure we have them protected, after all, it is our sword and we take pride in them - I know I do! Be sure to check out the sword bags at SamuraiSupply.com and you can go to our home page and sign up to be a Samurai Supply Member and get an immediate discount coupon for your purchase! Buy yours today and keep your Samurai Sword protected!

Make Your Own Training Sword

2009-05-22T18:13:00.001-07:00

Today, there is a pretty good selection of Assemble Yourself Katana Swords, including manufacturers such as Masahiro, Musashi and Kawashima. I think the whole concept behind the Assemble Yourself Katana is a great idea and I would recommend everyone own one and try for themselves! (Image shown is the Kawashima Assemble Yourself Folded Katana)

Making your own sword gives you a deeper appreciation for what goes into making the sword as you get the opportunity to visually check and inspect all the components of the sword. The instructions for assembling the sword have a few of the basic terms used with Samurai Swords and will get you using some of the sword terminology. (check out our blog on sword terminology)

The sword comes with everything you need to put it together and you get a chance to really become a part of the sword. You may ask how does purchasing an Assemble Yourself Katana Sword classify as making your own training sword? These Assemble Yourself Swords are great for Tameshigiri or general cutting practices. The fact that you are able to put the sword together yourself and have the option to change the furniture on it and customize to your own taste makes it a sword that you are proud to be a part of. You would be surprised how much knowledge you gain from something as simple as putting together pieces that are sitting there ready for you. It is quite an experience and one that I feel we should all get to partake in. Due to all the process you go through, my opinion is that you are making your own training sword - and boy you will be proud of it when it is finished!

Check out our Assemble Yourself Katana Swords and become a part of it. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and be sure to sign up on our home page to become a Samurai Supply Member and get an immediate discount code for your order today!

Kogarasu Maru Style Blade

2009-05-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

Since we have a great sword in our line called the Musashi Coud Dragon Katana - Kogarasu Maru, we thought we would explain a bit about the Kogarasu Maru. The Kogarasu Maru, or "Little Cros" is a unique Japanese tachi sword rumored to have been created by legendary Japanese smith Amakuni during 8th centrure CE.

The Kogarasu Maru is sometimes referred to as a Kogarasu Zukuri as the blade of the Kogarasu Maru was forged in the Kissaki Moro Ha Zukuri design. The Kogarasu Maru is unique as a bridge between the old double edged Japanese Ken (based on the traditional Chinese straight sword) and the traditional Japanese tachi and eventual katana.

The Kogarasu Maru was designed with a curved double edged blade approximately 62.8 cm long. One edge of the blade is sharpened in normal tachi fashion, but as the edge comes to a point the blade continues in the reverse direction back towards the hilt of the sword, similar to a European sword or a Japanese yari spear, but stopping midway. A singe bo-hi style groove runs down both sides of the blade to the hilt. The forging process yeilded a sugaha "straight" style temper line on both sides of the blade.

Please take a closer look at our Musashi Cloud Dragon Katana - Kogarasu Maru in our line of Musashi Katana Swords. Go to our home page and sign up to become a Samurai Supply Member and get an immediate discount coupon for your order! Why wait - own yours today!

Masahiro Assemble Yourself Katana Sword

2009-05-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

This is for all you sword buffs who love to become a part of knowing your sword. Where it came from, the initials of the person who made it, putting it together yourself....making your own training sword! The feeling of getting the box, opening it and being able to put it all together yourself. Picking which tsuba you will put on, and doing all the maintenance to it to keep it in tip top shape.

We loved putting our swords together and the box the Masahiro Assemble Yourself Sword comes in is an amazing showpiece in itself. When you open it up and see the quality of the inside of the box, you just want to stare at it and enjoy the beauty. The box can not only be a display case, it can also be a carrying case. The Masahiro Assemble Yourself Swords are a great price range and come in four different saya to choose from. We did a video product review on it that you can take a look for yourself and see what a beautiful and amazing sword this is and there is also a video on how to assemble it yourself.

Masahiro Assemble Yourself Katana Review - video

Assembling A Katana Sword Yourself - video

Enjoy the videos and then log on to our home page, become a Samurai Supply Member and get an immediate coupon discount on your Katana Sword purchase! We have many Assemble Yourself Swords to choose from, so take a look and then purchase yours today. There is nothing like assembling your own Katana Sword, you will love it.

Samurai Sword Terminology

2009-05-21T11:41:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our glossary of sword terminology. If you are just getting into Samurai Swords and Japanese Swords, you might have some trouble with the terminology used. Words like saya, tsuka, and tsuba might be foreign to you so we have put together this sword glossary to help you understand the meanings to some of the most popular words to describe Samurai Swords and Japanese Swords and some related terms. These terms will also help if you are buying an A ssemble Yourself Katana Sword and you want to brush up on your terms. If you have a term you would like to add, please send it to info@samuraisupply.com

Samurai Swords Terminology:

Dojo - A place of training for martial arts
Ha - Cutting edge of the sword
Hamon - Tempered area/line on blade
Hi - Groove on the side of the blade
Jigane - Area between hamon and shinogi
Katana - A Japanese sword with a curved blade used by the Samurai
Kissaki - Tip of the sword
Koshirae - Sword fittings
Monouchi - Cutting area of the ha
Mune - Back edge of the sword
Nakago - Tang (part of blade inside the handle)
Saya - The case which a Katana is sheathed
Scabbard - A sword sheath
Shinogi - Line separating jigane and shinogi ji
Shinogi ji - Area between shinogi and mune
Sori - Curvature of the blade
Tsuba - The guard of a Japanese Katana
Tsuka - The handle of a Japanese Katana

Hopefully these terms helped you out a bit and if you have any comments, please contact us.

Movie Swords For Sale

2009-05-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

Okay movie, game, and Japanese Animation gurus. Let’s take a moment to talk about some of these Decorative Swords, replicas, and Movie Swords for Sale. Some might ask why bother with a sword that you saw in a movie, game, or some cartoon? Others say why not get something original. Well, maybe they do not get the idea of collecting things of interest and what we are passionate about, and that is Samurai Swords. Whether they are a completely original sword, or one used in a movie they still have something about them that we just need to have. I think a lot of us can agree that they make a great conversation. Someone comes to your house and says, “Wow! What a cool Samurai Sword. Where did you get it?” Then you get to tell them all about where you bought it, what movie, or game it was in, and who the character it was that wielded it, and then you begin to discuss things you might both remember about the movie.

Take for instance the Samurai Sword used in The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise. Who can forget the scene where he stands off against five soldiers as they encircled him and he plays in his mind how the battle would go. Who wouldn’t want to own a piece of that?

But the fact of the matter is that some of these Decorative Swords, or Replica Movie Swords, or whatever you want to call them are really cool, unique, and above all they are a collector’s item. Some of the Movie Swords for Sale that you find are a real bargain and are beautifully crafted. Some are even functional. Although I do not personally practice, or cut with mine, they are the real deal. Some of course are just that a replica ,that is meant to be on display.

At the end of the day, we all know our personal reasons for collecting these swords and we do not care what others think. I know from personal experience that they are a part of me and who I am, and I like to share stories to my friends and family about them. I find that even in Decorative Swords that there is more than just meets the eye as I know what is entailed in making that sword and the craftsmanship that goes into it. Overall I think that Replica Movie Swords, game swords, and even Anime swords are a great addition to anyone’s collection.

Browse through our Decorative Swords and find the sword that will start up a great conversation or make a great addition to your home! Go to our home page and sign up to become a Samurai Supply Member and get an immediate discount!

Bokken Training Swords

2009-05-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Quite a few of you sword buffs out there know the benefits of obtaining a quality Bokken Sword, especially one such as the Black Foam Bokken Sword (shown to the left). The Bokken Swords have many dynamic uses whether you are beginning your sword training, novice swordsman, or even a master swordsman. It is a great tool to harness your sword skills, forms, and even aiming. The best thing about them is that you can practice without any danger to you, or a sparring mate.

With the Black Foam Bokken Sword, you are able to really get into sword play safely. Some of the interesting features of this particular Bokken include a hard wooden core with soft foam outside, a plastic guard and a rubber end cap. Thus, making it completely safe to practice your maneuvers, tactics and precision striking.

Some Bokken Swords are actually quite amazing in their workmanship. Take for instance the Black Dragon Wakazashi Bokken. It has a beautiful dragon carved into the blade of the sword. With black wood, the dragon really pops out at you. It is an amazing sword for the price, you just can't go wrong with it. It can even serve as a simple decoration piece that definitely will turn peoples heads. Win, win situation when you buy this sword!

For me personally, I like the idea that I can practice to my hearts content with a Bokken and not worry about damaging any of my expensive swords. The last thing any of us want is to do any damage to our swords. Let's face it, we pay good money for a lot of these swords and we take pride in them. I love the fact that I can practice my swordsmanship with a partner which gives you a real feel for what an actual battle would be like. After practicing with a Bokken for awhile, I found that I was a lot more precise in the way I struck any of my targets or even when I was exercising my Tameshigiri skills. I have noticed a big difference in my ability to really control my movements with an actual functional sword and find that I handle my swords with a lot more confidence.

Check out the amazing and affordable Bokken Swords and buy yours today! Go to the home page and become a Samurai Supply member and get an immediate discount off your order!