From: doug@eng.umd.edu (Douglas N. Cohen)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Re: Looking for Japanese Sword
Summary: -=-=-< information on swords >=-=-=-
Keywords: -=-=-< where to get 'real' japanese and chinese blades >-=-=-
Date: 2 Sep 92 15:18:31 GMT
Article-I.D.: eng.1992Sep02.151831.25409
Followup-To: at the bottom.... at the bottom.....
Organization: hah!  we don't need no steenkin' organiztion!
Cc: lund@ssd.kodak.com,dmw@sei.cmu.edu


In article <1992Sep1.232314.18646@pixel.kodak.com> lund@ssd.kodak.com (Nate Lund) writes:

>In article <1992Aug28.135251.8622@sei.cmu.edu> dmw@sei.cmu.edu (David White) writes:
>>Hey all:
>
>[snip]
>
>>Also, where would a person go to purchase a cheap($180 - $400) katana.  I need
>>a real one to practice with, but since it will be getting banged on frequently,
>>I am hoping that there are swords that are not antiques that will last  and are
>>relatively inexpensive.
>
>If by katana you mean a folded blade, then I'm afraid that Andy V. is right.
>(If you find a supply of genuine katana in that range - let me know! :-)
>

	for practice blades, i would reccommend you try Flying Dragon Imports
in wheaton, maryland.  they have a variety, including the ones mentioned.
their address is 11226 georgia avenue, wheaton, maryland, 20902, and their
phone number is 301 946 0462.
	(you may want to mention that you heard it from me on the net - my
name is doug cohen.  they will ship, and if you belong to a legitimate
registered martial arts school, they may even have discounts on some things.)

>My practice sword is the ~$130 stainless from Century.  I don't bang it, so
>can't say if it will stand up to that kind of abuse.  The blade is 440 so it
>will take an edge (well, not a _real_ katana edge, but better than Al), and
>the aluminum scabbard is good for a neophyte such as myself who would most
>likely split a genuine wood scabbard.  The biggest drawback so far is that
>the handle wrapping was too loose for actual use, so I spent ~4 hours one
>night rewrapping it good and tight.  My fingers were sore for weeks.

	that's what you get for using that brand.  there are some really 
good practice weapons at Flying Dragon, some of which already have nice
edges, and some are dull, for the totally novice student.

>
>>Thanks in advance,
>
>Doitashimashite.
>
>Nate
>nlund@kodak.com

	if you are interested in the true folded blade, or collectables, or
weapons that can be used (not for the beginner!)  i have some available
for sale.  in addition, i have a rather excellent and reliable source for
blades.  they are in various conditions, and are of a variety of types,
styles, qualities, lengths and prices.  
	and, as always, i am/at:

	     doug:  <doug@eng.umd.edu> : <doug@lpf.umd.edu>

	-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-< a ghost in the machine >-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

	"presidential elections are planned distractions
	 to divert attention from the actions behind the scenes....
	 like a game of chess when the house is a mess, or
	 a petty money squabble when your marriage is in trouble,
	 or a football game when there's rioting in the street!

	 it's just another movie.....  another song and dance.....
	 another poor sucker who never had a chance!
	 it's just another captain goin' down with his ship.....
	 it's just another jerk, taking pride in his work!

				       greetings from timbuck three!
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts