Who is the best sword maker in the world?

Question

i am going to buy a katana or a shirasaya sword. and i want to know who is the best sword maker in the world or at least good sword makers and where can i buy them from. and i want to know does the sword have o be oiled even if i didn't use it.

Answer 1

Satorido! heres an address where you can buy, and check them out,

http://www.globalgear.com.au/category325...

Answer 2

Wilkinson

Answer 3

Hatori Hanzo

Answer 4

You cannot afford it.

All swords have to be maintained whether mounted or in shirasaya - without care they will rust.

No one can say who the best swordsmith in the world is  (it is a matter of opinion). If you are talking about Japanese swords, there are a bunch of swordsmiths in Japan who are considered "National Treasures." Like I said - you could not afford one of their swords. If you want a japanese made sword be prepared to spend at least $5,000 and likely double that.

From a dealer you might find a gendaito in the $3,000 if you are lucky.

There is no such thing as a "Shirasaya sword." A shirasaya is simply a resting scabbard used to store a blade when not mounted in furniture.

I would advise contacting someone who knows Japanese swords before making any significant purchase. Without guidance, you are likely to get ripped off.

If you want a more affordable sword, then you will have to buy a Chinese made one - which sword you buy depends on what you plan to do with it. (You do not say in your question what your interest is).

Answer 5

Muramasa

The greatest sword ever has a name... Kusanagi

The other dude was right.  You cannot afford one and shouldn't be able to own one until you have achieved rank in Kendo / Kenjitsu.  It is disrespectful to have such arrogance for the tradition of owning a sword with out the discipline to control it.  They are much more than just "swords", they carry the kami of the makers and those that have wielded them before you.  

If you are just looking for something to hang on the wall, impress your girl friend and fool around with, get a Paul Chen or a Cold Steel.  They both make a respectable sword.  You can use it too, supposing you can master it.  

YOU MUST MASTER THE BLADE.  You might think that means that you must, learn to use it...  NO.  YOU MUST DOMINATE IT.  IT has it's own spirit and will control you if it can.  

This is a bit esoteric, but believe me, it is true.  Go find a cop or a person who has shot or killed someone and pick up the weapon / gun they used.  You can feel it.  It vibrates.  

Answer 6

you could check out howard clark from morgan valley forge

he's actually an american smith that produces shinken (katana like blades) but the thing is that he isn't bound by the strict regulations of the Japanese

he's very famed for his L6 blades.  L6 is a tooling steel that's many times more durable than the iron sand steel of the japanese

http://www.mvforge.com/

Answer 7

You might want to get a better understanding before dropping that kind of money. Shirasaya is a "resting scabbard" -- something you keep the blade housed in to preserve it when not needed. It should still be brought out and oiled with frequency to prevent rusting.

For a swordsmith (if you really wanted the best), I would try contacting someone who is either a living national treasure of Japan or a winner of the Masamune Prize; preferably both, like Sumitani Seiho. Alternately, one of their students would be a close second, if I particularly liked their signature styling and their master was deceased or no longer working.

Let's be frank: do you really have the money to spend on something you understand so poorly? Tanto made by the best swordsmiths are minimum $3000. Katana or Tachi will easily hit $15000. These are works of art with historical significance. If you're serious, find a broker who deals in Japanese swords. You're looking at anywhere from 3-10% commission, depending on the broker and the swordsmith, but at least you won't have to learn the ins and outs of Japanese etiquette.

Answer 8

Gassan Sadatoshi - Look at spending the same amount of money you would if you were to buy a new car. It has to be oiled from time to time, even if you don't use it.