Only Knives » Ryumon http://www.onlyknives.com Knives, Swords and Blades Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:44:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Ryumon Shirasaya Forged Chinese Katana | Handmade Unfinished Sword & Wood Handlehttp://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-shirasaya-forged-chinese-katana-handmade-unfinished-sword-wood-handle/ http://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-shirasaya-forged-chinese-katana-handmade-unfinished-sword-wood-handle/#comments Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:46:52 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9815 Ryumon Shirasaya Forged Chinese Katana One of Ryumon Sword's simplest swords, this natural shirasaya hand-forged katana could also be one of the company's best bargains. Though the unfinished katana demands some time and effort from the owner, it has potential as a good first sword.

Made at Longquan Forge in Longquan Village, China, this basic katana has some of the qualities of a more expensive blade, but the hamon has been etched and isn't a real tempering mark. The full tang blade itself is 1065 tempered high carbon steel but without advanced edge hardening. What you're actually buying here is the foundation of a functional cutting katana, since nearly everything else besides blade and handle would have to be added to transform this basic sword into an advanced weapon.

The saya (or scabbard) is plain, unfinished wood that matches the pinned wooden handle. Guarding the mouth of the scabbard is a koiguchi of black water buffalo horn. All other important parts -- including tsuba and ito -- would have to be purchased separately, and assembly would be a true lesson in swordmanship. Anyone really wanting to learn the details of katana construction could start here.

The carbon steel blade with deep blood grooves presents 29 inches of cutting edge, and the sword has a overall length of 39-1/2 inches. Some touch-up may be needed, since blades from Ryumon have often spent considerable time in storage. That could also affect the fit of the unfinished wooden scabbard; the usual coating of dense lacquer protects the wood from moisture and prevents distortion.

Zatoichi-style swordsmen should be happy with this katana as it is. All it truly needs is some sharpening and a little polish.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-shirasaya-forged-chinese-katana-handmade-unfinished-sword-wood-handle/feed/ 0 Chinese Yoroidoshi Tanto Dagger, Handmade | Ryumon Functional Sword, Forged Damascus Steelhttp://www.onlyknives.com/chinese-yoroidoshi-tanto-dagger-handmade-ryumon-functional-sword-forged-damascus-steel/ http://www.onlyknives.com/chinese-yoroidoshi-tanto-dagger-handmade-ryumon-functional-sword-forged-damascus-steel/#comments Wed, 12 May 2010 14:00:52 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9691 Chinese Yoroidoshi Tanto Dagger,With quality similar to that of the designer's custom blades, this double-edged Tanto Yoroidoshi Dagger is actually a production version based on the work of Wally Hayes, a swordsmith from Ontario, Canada.

Manufactured for Ryumon Swords at the famous Longquan Village in mainland China, the Hayes Yoroidoshi Dagger was hand-forged by a master craftsman at one of China's most respected foundries. The swordsmith families of Longquan Village have made swords for the Chinese military and martial arts masters for hundreds of years, winning awards for their highest quality blades in both modern and ancient times.

This beautiful double-edged dagger shows finer workmanship and better materials than most knives in this price range. From the Damascus steel blade to the water buffalo horn butt-cap, everything is top-notch. Even the grip is a step above the usual cotton tsuko. The handle of this tanto is wrapped with silk cord over genuine rayskin.

The tanto's high carbon 1065 steel will need traditional care, since this isn't the usual stainless steel blade. Forged with a strong diamond cross-section and without the blood grooves of many fancier blades, this knife shows the strength of a genuine armor-piercing weapon. Built with close tolerances that do hold up to both close inspection and heavy work, the Yoroidoshi is not designed for hunting, fishing, or woodcrafts. Traditionally, this type of tanto was only used for combat and is now produced for "protection purposes only."

Other uses would include collection and display, in or out of the tanto's black lacquered wooden scabbard.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/chinese-yoroidoshi-tanto-dagger-handmade-ryumon-functional-sword-forged-damascus-steel/feed/ 0 Ryumon Dragon Katana | Forged Replica Display Sword w/ Scabbardhttp://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-dragon-katana-forged-replica-display-sword-w-scabbard/ http://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-dragon-katana-forged-replica-display-sword-w-scabbard/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:09:56 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7069 Ryumon Dragon Katana Although the Dragon Katana Hand Forged Sword from Ryumon does catch your eye easily enough with a well-decorated scabbard and ornate fittings, be cautious if you expect this sword to be a good cutter. The steel used in the blade -- 1065 carbon steel -- could be excellent, depending on the quality of the temper. At this level of craftsmanship you could expect differential tempering and a true hamon, the mark of a clay-hardened edge and a tougher but softer blade back. Ryumon does have a reputation for consistent quality -- but there's more to a sword than steel, and the fittings may tend more towards art than function.

Actually, the first thing that caught my eye was the cast metal tsuba, described as a mixture of zinc and brass. Yellow brass is a bit light for a tsuba that might have to take a real hit -- even if only because of a bad strike -- and the ornate casting itself is a fairly fragile design. The Dragon sword looks like a fine display weapon but not quite stout enough for cutting practice. Materials chosen might not hold up well to heavy use. The level of workmanship still puts it far above ordinary replica swords in quality.

If you're looking for a visually-striking display sword with the feel of the real thing, you shouldn't be disappointed by the Dragon. Accessories include a nice wooden storage box and a manual on swordsmanship which has been appraised as thoughtful and useful and not just advertising filler. The traditional sharpening kit provided with the set will be necessary, since 1065 high carbon steel isn't rust proof. The cotton sword bag will be helpful if you travel with the blade. If you do decide to test this heavy 42-inch sword in striking practice, remember that the company providing the warranty is far away, in China.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-dragon-katana-forged-replica-display-sword-w-scabbard/feed/ 0 Ryumon Shirasaya Katana | Hand Forged Full Tang | Japanese Samurai Swordhttp://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-shirasaya-katana-hand-forged-full-tang-japanese-samurai-sword/ http://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-shirasaya-katana-hand-forged-full-tang-japanese-samurai-sword/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:25:47 +0000 admin http://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-shirasaya-katana-hand-forged-full-tang-japanese-samurai-sword/ Ryumon Redwood Shirasaya Sword HandRyumon's dark redwood katana is another beautiful reason why Ryumon should be a contender on everyone's shopping list. This is a high-quality sword, and it's available at an affordable price too (if you know where to look).

The blade is full-tang and has been sharpened by hand. It's made from high carbon steel and has a nicely visible hamon line as well as a thick blood groove, which spans almost the entire length of the blade.

This Shirasaya set, however, doesn't exactly live up to its English translation of "white scabbard." But the dark redwood scabbard and handle more than make up for this small technicality. The wood is glossed and lacquered, and at the top of the koiguchi (scabbard opening) you'll find an authentic buffalo horn, polished to blend in quite nicely with the redwood motif.

The katana also comes with a decorative box, cleaning kit, sword bag, and a really informative "how-to" guide for taking care of your new sword.

You could display it if you wanted to, but since it's battle ready and doesn't display a whole lot of decorative flair, this redwood katana would be best used as a functional sword. And with everything we've seen thus far from Ryumon, it should function quite well!

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-shirasaya-katana-hand-forged-full-tang-japanese-samurai-sword/feed/ 0 Ryumon Katana | Hand Forged Full Tang Blade | Battle Ready Samurai Swordhttp://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-katana-hand-forged-full-tang-blade-battle-ready-samurai-sword/ http://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-katana-hand-forged-full-tang-blade-battle-ready-samurai-sword/#comments Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:49:30 +0000 admin http://www.onlyknives.com/ryumon-katana-hand-forged-samurai-sword-akagane-tsuba-sharkskin-saya/ Ryumon Katana Grab a napkin. Seriously. You'll need it to wipe the drool off your chin after taking in all that this Ryumon katana has to offer. It's a professional-grade sword with an elite decorative touch... much too handsome to use in battle.

We honestly can't find anything wrong with the way this sword was made. It's as authentic as it gets. The 29-inch blade is forged from high carbon steel, handmade and folded in the honored traditional Japanese clay technique. The saya, or scabbard, is made from hardwood, glossed, and coated with lacquer for an elegant finish.

Where this katana really shines, though, is in its ornamentation. The saya is made from genuine sharkskin of the best quality, wrapped securely with a vivid brown cord. The tsuba is molded from pure copper, and features detailed carvings of Japanese fantasy characters. The carvings make their way onto the genuine buffalo koiguchi as well.

Included in this set are a sword reference guide, cleaning kit, wall scroll, and satin bag, all in a decorated wooden display box.

Unfortunately, this katana runs just short of a thousand dollars at retail value. Quite a sword, but also quite a splurge. Those of us not willing to spring for it will just have to sit and drool for a little while longer. Got another napkin?

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