You want chopping power AND style?



Not my photo or my blade, but I really want the blade to be mine. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Based on KnifeGuy's recommendation (as well as other reviews I've read), I went ahead and ordered a Cheness. I decided to go with their "Yamakami" Ko Katana; although my impulse was to go with a longer than normal 30-inch Nagasa, the more I thought about it, a wakizashi-length blade with a katana-sized grip seemed more "practical". Of course, that being practical in the context of a sword in the 21st century, which isn't terribly.

One reason I kept putting off buying an AK when they were in stock was that I'd read the blade thickness made them poor choices for tameshigiri cutting -- I've never done it, but if I'm going to buy a Japanese-style blade, I'd like that to be a viable option. That's also why I never bought an Everest Katana from Himalayan Imports, although I kept looking at them both for a quite a while. The Cheness SGC Series was specifically designed for cutting exercises and it was promotional priced at $230, including shipping. It's not INFI or SR77, but through-hardened 9260SA Spring Steel has an excellent reputation for toughness.

Good luck on your purchase Jim.

I hope you like what you get.

Hopefully, all of the parts are up to your expectations and hopes.

But, for $230.00, and based on what I keep reading about Cheness's 9260 steel, it seems like it should still be a good "blade" for the money.


I agree with your conclusions about what is "practical". I don't really consider a Katana "Practical". But, it is such a "Classic" and historic weapon, I felt I should have one pretty nice looking one that is still "Worthy" and could possibly be used.
I couldn't justify many thousands for a really nice one. If nothing else, the Cheness appears to be a good solid foundation of a blade that could be modified and upgraded if you wish.

I have mine by my desk, standing in a corner and it just doesn't seem like a worthy place. I really think it is a nice piece of art and wish I had a nice place I could display it. Maybe I will figure out something someday.

In regards to wakizashi blades, I also agree. I consider that size to be MUCH more practical. For field use, I would rather just have a nice heavy duty functional sized blade with good ergos.

The Cheness wakazashi's all have about a 21" blade that I think is likely longer than I would prefer. I think I would prefer more like 17" or so, but I am not sure.

Nevertheless, I have been considering since I got my Katana to buy a Cheness wakazashi blade, remove the traditional hardware and fabricate a nice micarta handle for a good field user. The handle would probably be a partially hidden tan handle of some sort (????).

Most of the Cheness Katana's and Wakazashi's are available with or without bo-hi (blood groove).

With bo-hi should be lighter and faster.

Without would theoreticall be stronger and tougher.

The Tenchi line is supposed to be Cheness's toughest line. I would consider the Tenchi Wakizashi without bo-hi.

Maybe some day when I get my finances back in order.....


In the end, I still have my Bark River Northwind - Like Ted's. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />





More than likely any modified Wakazashi project I would consider would probably try to compete with my Northwind. The Northwinds were 0170-6 with about a 17.25" blade and long handle. I find my Northwind to be pretty nimble and quick.

I saw the Northwinds at a Blowout pricing of around $125 or something at one time. I wanted to buy another, but I didnt'. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" /> ..... I SHOULD have bought 2 more! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

But, I can buy certain pretty "worthy" machete blades for about $20. I could customize one of those as well. (????????) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> .

Bark River is actually doing a project of customizing a pile of Ontario 1095 machete blades. $20 or less for comparable Ontario blades, will cost about $150 or so after customized by Bark River. I like Bark River, but I have to pass on that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> For that price, I will do it myself or leave it a cheap beater.

Bark River seems to be going up in price these days (?????) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

.

Bruce - quit being so pessimistic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> - we WILL have cause to celebrate! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Read your sig line repeatedly until you lighten up!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I think it would be cool ,I voted for about $300 price range....

Thank you!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Soooo will there ever be a scrapyard knife bigger than the Dogfather? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I was thinking "Great Dane"

I received my "Yamakami" Ko Katana last week. I think that ordering the Ko Katana rather than the full-size was a good choice. Perhaps because they market for cutting competition, the blade seems longer than a typical wakizashi. It's quite sturdy and would be a formidable weapon (any longer and it would be very difficult to use indoors) -- I'm happy with it.