What katana would I buy if money were not a factor?

I just talked to Citadel. They will in the future be doing another run of swords for Cas Iberia.

Thank you for yout time and efforts! Fantastic review, glad I found your videos!

I really enjoyed this video. I feel like I know you a little bit better after it and it will help me properly interpret your other videos. I appreciate your style of review at least as much as anyone else's and probably the most.

The reason for the sword (around 13:50 ) not fitting correctly after a time is simply (but not exclusively this): The place where it was made had not taken into consideration where your sword would end up in the world. for example: If they made the scabbard in Costa Rica, or Hunan China, the humidity would affect how the wood would swell or shrink. That will have every bearing on sword fitment. If the maker does not take that into consideration, then if your average humidity does not align with theirs it will not fit and have to be adjusted. A professional at this will know how to make these adjustments, and they're made on humidity. A small, yet important feature mass blades manufacturers do not consider; yet are more important than most realize. "The man in Black" who you refer too, understands this: as most educated Sayashi do. If I pay 4 grand and up I expect it to be very "Japanese", and new steels. new ideas and concepts, new modalities of constructions etc...this is not the problem. The problem is the utter lack of understanding what matters in a Japanese/style blade really means. It isn't about the "change"; its about to the attention to detail and honest workmanship. Being true to the ideal at least. The workers in a Toyota factory understand this ethos, from top to bottom, and that's why they're good cars. When one skimps things in order to make a price point, they better know what and why they are doing so....and to what extent. These folded steel blades may be in some small way be even superior (but not many) to traditional Tamahagane, but the feel, the balance, the cutting ability (when done right) are rarely equalled.

I was just watching one of your other videos, we do enjoy your reviews! Just ordered a 47 Ronin Katana from Hanwei, my first katana after years of thinking when should I buy one haha

Congratulations on the sound editing, sir. The medieval diddling was too busy; this background selection is flat, featureless, of narrow range providing no competition with or distraction from your narrative. You were very well miked and at good levels throughout. The sonic background did compete with you a tiny bit from time to time in terms of levels but that is a bit of tweeking. Your natural vocal register and that of the background are pretty close - perhaps experimenting with background a third higher or lower on the scale and hear what that is like. Overall, well done, pleasing, great improvement. I am impressed with your efforts and thank you for making them; the sound was very good.

The red one is absolutely beautiful

Citadel. No question.

My favorite sword i have ever had is a Kaneie Tamahagane Katana. Perfect tsuka, amazing looking blade... Next best thing to Japanese sword for me.

I got a Kami katana in rough shape with no fittings last year that I'm slowly making progress with. The last Kami I saw for sale was listed around$2500.

Good video for that thank you very much

Hello I like your videos and appreciate the effort and level of detail that goes into them. Have you any advice for Japanese made swords and options actually from Japan, those are more appealing to me despite the steel not being as high grade carbon

Matt, you mentioned the price of tatami--have you looked into Kageyama Imports? Aikidoka did a review of the mats they're importing. As long as you're willing to buy in bulk and are willing/able to cut and roll them yourself, the price is pretty good. Edit: I also have some personal experience cutting them and, while I am an embarassingly bad cutter, I give the mats themselves a thumbs up!

Bugei has restocked some of their swords.

One thing that really annoys me especially in the case of Hanwei is the seppa and the stuff they think you don’t see. For instance the mouth on seppa and Tsuba badly ground to fit the sword and use the same crappy brass seppa

It's interesting that you seem to favour ishime saya in your reviews, but for a classy sword they're all piano gloss lacquered saya. Personally, I enjoy both, though find the gloss types have more presence and taste. Also, it's kind of interesting the variety of katana buyers and purposes. Compared to, say, a modern compound bow, which is strictly performance oriented, and would be weird to buy one for the express purpose of hanging it on the wall or practicing dry-draw.

That was great and really useful. One year ago I purchased Shi katana from Dragon sword. It did the job. What do you think about Dragon Sword?

I had so many oooh’s and ahhh moments during this video 🤩

i always thought swords were pretty cool and your channel is informative enough to get me into it, got any tips for a total beginner here?

i personally would go for a real Nihonto from the Edo era in superb condition....for production Katana i always found the Old Pine katana from Bugei super nice...