9260 silicon steel Wakizashi (short samurai sword) by Cheness Inc.
Thickness and width at Mune-machi (the notch for the copper thing on top of the hand guard): 7.5mm, 31mm
Thickness and width at Yokote (the line where the edge angle changes, forming a tip): 6mm, 23mm
Blade length: 520mm
Sori (curve): 14.5mm
Period: Newly made
I am cleaning up my house and found a couple of swords that I no longer need. .
This is a Cheness Inc. wakizashi katana made from 9260 steel (0.6 % carbon, 2% silicon) spring steel in Shirasaya (plain wood storage fitting). Supposedly, this kind of fitting is not meant to be used for combat because it lacks a hand guard but rumor has it that the Yakuza used Shirasaya fitted sword because of better concealment. The shirasaya is made from hard wood so you can make your own fitting out of it.
The 9260 blade is very, very flexible and unlikely to break unless you make an effort to kill it. Cheness is one of the most popular Katana manufacturers, just do a search on the net and you will see. Unlike many modern replicas, it has a full tang instead of a tiny rod welded to the blade, not stainless steel, and comes properly sharpened (not the usual V-grind kitchen knife edge).
Please note that it is the oil-quenched version and not the clay tempered version (the clay tempered one costs much more). If you order direct from Cheness, the blade is $140 and you pay $20 for shipping, 10% duty on swords and 14% vat, at 8 ZAR to I USD, we are talking about R1550 here (well over 2k if you buy from a shop) and you still have to wait and worry about it will disappearing at custom.
I will give 7-days money back (minus shipping of course) guarantee if you are not happy with the sword, provided it is returned in the same condition. If you cut things with it the guarantee is void because bad cutting techniques can break or bent even the strongest swords.
The sword is used but as new, I have never cut with it. The reason why I list it as used is because I have swung it a few times (no, I didn’t hit anything by accident) and the fact that I have taken the handle off for inspection once (all proper Japanese style swords are held in the handle by 1 or 2 bamboo pegs so it is very easy to strip it). If I don’t tell you, you probably won’t even notice.
A word of warning here, I will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use of the sword be it sword failure or plain human stupidity. This is not a toy.
Not for sale to persons under the age of 18.
BTW, I have a full time job so sometimes I don't reply to e-mails/question fast enough, don't be offended.
FAQ:
Was the katana made in Japan?
No, not even the 5000 Rand ColdSteel katanas are made there. Only registered smiths are allowed to make swords in Japan and they are allowed to make 2 swords a month each, using traditional methods only. A newly made Japanese katana bare blade will set you back at least $3000US
How do I sharpen a Japanese sword?
If it is one of those modern mass produced swords, go buy one of those v shaped ceramic sharpener, works well enough. Unlike a knife, V-grind, the katana blade gently tapers to form an edge so do not do it the normal stone way.
If you have a real Japanese sword, you DON’T do it yourself, Japanese swords are not supposed to be sharpened the normal way. When a sword is worn/damaged, a polisher will reshape the sword using proper stone and edge is put on in the process. It takes about 7yr min to become a polisher so don’t even think about it.
Can it chop thru iron/kitchen knife/lamp pole/glass bottle/water pipe/etc?
It is a sword, not a light saber! You will break the blade. Even Japanese swords have limits.
Why does my sword go dull?
Because it is not made from stainless steel, stainless has chromium in it and this makes the grain structure weak hence not suitable for anything longer than 12inch.
How do I take care of the blade?
Wipe and oil it once a month (once a week in coastal area) and immediately after use. Leave the scratches from cutting alone, do not attempt to sand it off. You are supposed to use clove oil but sewing machine oil works just as well.
