In case you are not interested in the story, you can see the detailed pictures of the prototype here and over here you can let us know how much it sucks 
These are the specifications by the way :
| Tsuka | 28cm | Sakihaba | 20mm | |
| Blade (from tsuba) | 73,4cm | Sakikasane | 5mm | |
| Point of Balance | 12,5cm | Kissaki | 35mm | |
| Motohaba | 30mm | Weight | 1000 gram | |
| Motokasane | 7mm | Sori | 18mm | |
| Tsuba | Steel | Sori Type | Koshi Zori |
Ok this is the short story : Since I decided to break up with Konron (more about this in a feature post) I’ve decided to hooked up with the people at the Zhui Feng forge and gave them 2 prototypes to work on.
I worked with them a few years back but at that time, their prices were on the higher side and I was unable to compete with companies such as Cheness , Chen, etc so I decided to stop working with them in order to catch up with the ‘market’.
The quality of their swords was very good but I was looking too much at other companies and especially the price tag.
Now, a few years later, I became a bit smarter (finally ) and realize I don’t have to follow the Cheness,Hanwei or any other companies track and play the ‘cheapest price’ game.
So I hooked up with them again and gave them 2 prototypes to work on.
Right now they already finished our monosteel sword and should finish the folded steel prototype before Chinese new year. Since that is next week, I’m not sure if they are able to do so.
The blade is already done but they had to wait for my fittings which will arrive there tomorrow if all goes well.
Since working on new prototypes (with a new forge and new people ) is always a pain in my ass, I like to ask you to give me some feedback and let me know what you like/dislike on this model and what you like to see in a 300-400 euro sword.
You can find the monosteel prototype here and soon i will post the pics of the folded sword here too to hear what you think.
The pricetag is not exactly sure at this moment but it I’m aiming for a 350-375 euro pricetag for the monosteel (i promise i do something special for our members once they go into producion ! If you want to be a part, just fill in your name and email at the homepage)
I don’t have any pricetag ready yet for the folded katanas but since they are making their own steel to forge the blade (they are not using ”ready to go’ billets as most of the factories does) and a lamination construction, I don’t think I will be able to offer it below 1100 euro or . But we will see…
So here are the first pics of the monosteel prototype :
The rest of the detailed pics can be found here
Now, i would really appreciate your feedback and toughts on this piece. Head over to here and let me know what you think ! I really appriciate your help and if there’s anything i can do you a favor with, just let me know
Related posts:
- Our custom katana project is live ! Unlimited options…
- Why a handmade katana isn’t always a hand forged one !
- The “new style” pictures of our Japanese katana swords – part 1
- The Long expected 9260 steel katana swords are almost here…damn Olympics
- Update on Konron Delivery and new Katana boxes on the way
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Hi Dave, Just a short reply on the new katana: I like the blade wich has a nice hamon and overall the sword looks sweet. The fittings looks nice by themself, although they don’t really match with eachother…I think it would be better if they have a own theme.
Keep it up and good luck with the Zhui Feng forge!
Hi Daveke,
I already have sent you comments about this project.
I also wanted to add that I spend the afternoon thinking about a suitable name for it.
I kind of found one, it has to do with the tiny Salamander Menuki. Because a very well known species is part of the natural heritage of Japan. If you would like to know what I came up with… you know my mail adress:)
Best of luck, I really like it.
Joey
Hi guys. All in all the Katana looks great (I am sure it handles well also) But the Iconography of crashing ocean waves on the Kashira really does not fit with a Dragonfly and reed theme of the tsuba. Maybe create a specific Koshira to match the Tsuba and visa versa. Keep it up and I look forward to seeing how this develops.
Thxs for the feedback guys ! I agree with the ‘matching theme’ thing..It just had to go a little bit too fast and there was no time left to make a matching f&k but it will defenitely come
i like it a lot.
if it does not disrupt the balance of the sword, i’d definate;y want one
Hey Dave, great looking blade! Will these ever be stocked in the states? Also, wondering about approx. cost in $USD
Hi Frank,
No plans to stock them at this point but we can alwsays send them straight from the forge to you (or from here). In usd that would be around $475.
Talk to you,
Dave
It’s truly a beautiful weapon. I am looking forward to seeing more creations like this one from you guys. The detail is perfect all over the sword. Keep up the astonishing art of your weaponry.