I've dealt with Bryce at Swords of Northshire before. It was my first custom sword, and their customer service was second to none. If there was a problem during the build, Bryce would contact me immediately so we could sort it out. My only complaint would be the lack of options on their website. I had to ask Bryce for a catalog that had all of their fittings and options in order to get what I wanted, but that's a very minor complaint, all things considered. They delivered a good product, and they gave me everything I asked for. I would definitely commission them again for another build.
I am currently speaking to Hogi and I am about to buy a sword made of 1095 clay tempered steel sword with niku sharpening and I’ve watched many reviews and I’m trying to fix all of the flaws I see for the sword
Just got my custom katana from swords of northshire and it’s awesome for the price. Definitely better than some other katanas I’ve had around the same price range.
I have to admit ... this particular piece I wasn't as impressed with as the first one I got. BUT ... yes ... SON does a pretty good job at this affordable range AND their customer service is just outstanding.
Nice review. I could take any hardenable steel and heat treat it in a way that would make it break on impact of a water bottle. It's typically not an issue with the steel type, but an issue with the heat treatment. I've made 2 swords from 9260 and have bought several others. I've had no issues with it.
If you listen to some metallurgists they will say that 9260 is a tricky steel to work with. It, apparently, hardens quickly ... and as a result can easily be over hardened thus producing a brittle sword which may have been the case of at least some of the examples that I show here. HOWEVER!! ... there are manufacturers who seem to have gotten it right. I believe Swords of Northshire and Huawei are at least two of those manufacturers who have gotten it right. There are now several semi-custom assembled katana manufacturers who are offering 9260 as am alternative to high carbon steel or folded high carbon steel. On the other hand ... the now defunct Cheness brand had NUMEROUS problems with their 9260 blades. So ... I think because it is reportedly to be a more difficult spring steel to work with it will, quite honestly as it is in ALL cases, depend on the manufacturer.
Yeup. 9260 spring steel blade ... should've taken that hit like a champ! ITS WHY YOU BUY A SPRING STEEL BLADE!!! Not yelling at you man ... I just get my hackles raised whenever talking about them. BTW ... ya know Cheness is now defunct ... right?
@@mr.excalibur1455 That guy was using the Kaze 9260 that is Differentially Hardened 9260. I have always thought that 9260 should not be Differentially Hardened. Yes I know Cheness is toast.
Arthur, I had the same issues with SON where I chose a tsuba that was beautiful online, but the one I received was not the same quality casting...Bryce explained it was because their normal supplier was not able to forfill and they had to switch with another...still like it though but can't expect exactly what's on the site, was a disappointment...I have to say I have gotten many leather wrapped tsuka from jkoo and I am very happy with the comfort and grip of them and with extensive use I have not seen any movement what so ever...its still rock solid...agree on fake hamon, hate them but then again I try to choose clay tempered over spring steel when I have the option...nothing against it but I prefer the traditional esthetic...good job on the review More SON swords are in my sights...manganese is the element that's in the spring steel to make it flexable
My last katana from them had a classic 1095 deferentially hardened clay tempered blade. I wanted to do try something very different then my last custom through them ... overall ... hmmm ... I really liked the blade. I don't mind at all not having a hamon. Having spent most of my time around European swords is not an asthetic I particularity would miss if it weren't there. I'm sticking with the 9260 on the custom pieces for a while. I've gotta custom Huawei 9260 blade with an Unokubi Zukuri blade shape coming. Can't wait to try it out.
Just saw this. Nice job. The sword in that video is still one of my favorite blades and would probably be the first one i grab in an oh shit type of situation. I also have one from them in folded 1095. Might make a video on that one….
Website is not mobile friendly. I’m trying to get my first blade from them but as soon as I was gonna look at my finished product in the cart, the site shuts down and has never let me back in. Still gonna try though. Just need to borrow a friends computer.
I really can’t decide if I should go with 1095 clay tempered steel or 9260 spring steel which steel is better for cutting ? Good cutting sword is needed
Between this and the winter sun which would you recommend more, I want a larger katana. how did you get a custom length tsuka did you call them directly?
This is a tough one I have to admit. I had a Winter Sun from Dragon King ... check out both my and Matt Jensen's review on that sword ... damn nice blade and design for your money. If you don't mind something off the shelf ... generally speaking I've had pretty good luck with Dragon King. Currently I have their Hana Katana ... lovely ... very basic piece. I've also had their Savior Katana. However ... if you're looking for something with a spring steel blade ... I'd say the Winter Sun is a safe bet. Don't get me wrong ... Swords of Northshire make a good product and I've liked both of the pieces I've gotten from them. Yes, I ordered the custom length tsuka from the directly. And it took 4 months to get here. With this one in particular I was pleased with the blade ... didn't care too much for the casting on the tsuba and I really didn't like the leather ito wrap much. If you are looking for a nice 30" -er blade ... check out the Savior Katana from Dragon King. However ... if you don't mind the wait ... Swords of the Northshire delivered a wonderful 9260 Spring Steel blade with this one.
@@mr.excalibur1455 yeah finna go with swordshire, they responded to my inquiry about the longer tsuka and gave the full catalog of what they do and can even get custom engravings for the saya and habaki too. They also do battle wrap for the tsuka so I wanna try that out. I saw those reviews you mentioned and I enjoyed them.
@@mr.excalibur1455 my sword finally came in after waiting 4 months for it. I gotta say I wanted a katana because of our local renaissance festival and for the value this beats out alot of the swords at the festival. The feel of the sword and balance of it is insane for the asking price. My favorite part is actually how nice the saya is. I'm so used to cheap sayas it caught my off guard lol.
@@mr.excalibur1455 Honestly I would like a custom one but it would probably be very expensive but a massed produced katana I would take to so if you have any suggestions on either one that would be very helpful.
@@keeganreyes8857 OK. No problem. Next set of questions then. In no particular order ... #1- How do you want to spend? & ... #2- What do you want to do with it?
@@mr.excalibur1455 are you referring to the differential hardening process? I dont know anything about swords lol also does wirebrushing a hamon on affect overall durability aswell?
@@owned141117 Yes ... the DH process does affect that springy quality that a blade made of a spring steel would have. However ... a wirebrushed hamon like you would see on a Cold Steel Warrior Katana, or a Ronin Katana Dojo Pro series, or Hanwei's Raptor series are all cosmetic and would NOT affect the spring tempering of the blade. There are companies that will add an acid etched hamon to spring steel blade that also would not affect the tempering.
Lol.. Cheness's swords never came out right?? Well, you and I have been down this road before.. Will have to agree to disagree.. Have had Cheness swords I didn't care for, but have also had some that were real diamonds in the rough!! They were offering their latest swords in a katana and ko-katana set.. They stated they were the last swords they would make.. I hate I was unable to order a set before they ran out!! The reviewer that had the Cheness blade that broke was not a TH 9260.. It was a DH 9260 which as you stated is a waist of the 9260 steel in the first place.
Well ... the fact that Cheness is now defunct I think is at least partially a testament to their more recent shortcomings. The reviews that people have made in recent history are just blistering in most cases. And this is not just to do with the quality, or lack there of, of their products ... it was the severity of their lack of quality control and any real measure of customer service. I am FULLY aware that even suspect companies can produce good swords if everything comes together as it should for that design. I've had a recent run of good luck with Hanweis and Dragon King swords ... which have a spotty reputation because they are mass produced swords ... where they have come nicely sharpened, well put together, and have stood up to some relatively good amount of testing. Trust me ... I understand your point on this ... no pun intended. As a collector of European swords I'm quite the fan of Darksword Armory which in past years has had a dubious reputation (unjustifiably IMHO) at best ... though the pieces I've bought more recently have been very finely made. I get it. However ... in this case the bad experiences simply outnumbered the good and together with COVID and resulting supply chain issues ... it was a 1- 2 combination they could not recover from. At least you got some "diamonds in the rough" that you can enjoy ... and after all ... isn't that what really counts?
The review is nice , could be little shorter but good content. Personally speaking I find that the Loud music in your video's is annoying more then anything.
I tend to try and be comprehensive not only in my assessment of the product but also in other's and what they have said as well. As far as the background music ... meh ... its a package deal. I appreciate the input.
I've dealt with Bryce at Swords of Northshire before. It was my first custom sword, and their customer service was second to none. If there was a problem during the build, Bryce would contact me immediately so we could sort it out. My only complaint would be the lack of options on their website. I had to ask Bryce for a catalog that had all of their fittings and options in order to get what I wanted, but that's a very minor complaint, all things considered. They delivered a good product, and they gave me everything I asked for. I would definitely commission them again for another build.
I am currently speaking to Hogi and I am about to buy a sword made of 1095 clay tempered steel sword with niku sharpening and I’ve watched many reviews and I’m trying to fix all of the flaws I see for the sword
That's an awesome sword!
Just got my custom katana from swords of northshire and it’s awesome for the price. Definitely better than some other katanas I’ve had around the same price range.
I have to admit ... this particular piece I wasn't as impressed with as the first one I got. BUT ... yes ... SON does a pretty good job at this affordable range AND their customer service is just outstanding.
Thank you for this review from a balanced, and well stated perspective. Very good considerations.
You are very welcome. I hope it was informative and perhaps a little entertaining.
Nice review. I could take any hardenable steel and heat treat it in a way that would make it break on impact of a water bottle. It's typically not an issue with the steel type, but an issue with the heat treatment. I've made 2 swords from 9260 and have bought several others. I've had no issues with it.
If you listen to some metallurgists they will say that 9260 is a tricky steel to work with. It, apparently, hardens quickly ... and as a result can easily be over hardened thus producing a brittle sword which may have been the case of at least some of the examples that I show here. HOWEVER!! ... there are manufacturers who seem to have gotten it right. I believe Swords of Northshire and Huawei are at least two of those manufacturers who have gotten it right. There are now several semi-custom assembled katana manufacturers who are offering 9260 as am alternative to high carbon steel or folded high carbon steel. On the other hand ... the now defunct Cheness brand had NUMEROUS problems with their 9260 blades. So ... I think because it is reportedly to be a more difficult spring steel to work with it will, quite honestly as it is in ALL cases, depend on the manufacturer.
Excellent video! Excellent detailed review!!!
The Cheness you said that broke. Was this the one where the guy bounced it off a blue barrel?
Yeup. 9260 spring steel blade ... should've taken that hit like a champ! ITS WHY YOU BUY A SPRING STEEL BLADE!!! Not yelling at you man ... I just get my hackles raised whenever talking about them. BTW ... ya know Cheness is now defunct ... right?
@@mr.excalibur1455 That guy was using the Kaze 9260 that is Differentially Hardened 9260. I have always thought that 9260 should not be Differentially Hardened. Yes I know Cheness is toast.
Arthur, I had the same issues with SON where I chose a tsuba that was beautiful online, but the one I received was not the same quality casting...Bryce explained it was because their normal supplier was not able to forfill and they had to switch with another...still like it though but can't expect exactly what's on the site, was a disappointment...I have to say I have gotten many leather wrapped tsuka from jkoo and I am very happy with the comfort and grip of them and with extensive use I have not seen any movement what so ever...its still rock solid...agree on fake hamon, hate them but then again I try to choose clay tempered over spring steel when I have the option...nothing against it but I prefer the traditional esthetic...good job on the review More SON swords are in my sights...manganese is the element that's in the spring steel to make it flexable
My last katana from them had a classic 1095 deferentially hardened clay tempered blade. I wanted to do try something very different then my last custom through them ... overall ... hmmm ... I really liked the blade. I don't mind at all not having a hamon. Having spent most of my time around European swords is not an asthetic I particularity would miss if it weren't there. I'm sticking with the 9260 on the custom pieces for a while. I've gotta custom Huawei 9260 blade with an Unokubi Zukuri blade shape coming. Can't wait to try it out.
Liked the video,and I love the ‘Kill Bill’ soundtrack, but the background music is a little too loud and really distracts from your review.
Just saw this. Nice job. The sword in that video is still one of my favorite blades and would probably be the first one i grab in an oh shit type of situation. I also have one from them in folded 1095. Might make a video on that one….
Website is not mobile friendly. I’m trying to get my first blade from them but as soon as I was gonna look at my finished product in the cart, the site shuts down and has never let me back in. Still gonna try though. Just need to borrow a friends computer.
Were you successful?
I really can’t decide if I should go with 1095 clay tempered steel or 9260 spring steel which steel is better for cutting ? Good cutting sword is needed
I personally would go with 9260 ... unless you want the asthetics of the hamon along the edge.
Why do they make the same black, the rayskin I mean?
nice
The display knot on the saya is called Ronin Musubi
Always helpful to learn all the vocabulary. Thank you.
@@mr.excalibur1455Your welcome 😊
Between this and the winter sun which would you recommend more, I want a larger katana. how did you get a custom length tsuka did you call them directly?
This is a tough one I have to admit. I had a Winter Sun from Dragon King ... check out both my and Matt Jensen's review on that sword ... damn nice blade and design for your money. If you don't mind something off the shelf ... generally speaking I've had pretty good luck with Dragon King. Currently I have their Hana Katana ... lovely ... very basic piece. I've also had their Savior Katana. However ... if you're looking for something with a spring steel blade ... I'd say the Winter Sun is a safe bet. Don't get me wrong ... Swords of Northshire make a good product and I've liked both of the pieces I've gotten from them. Yes, I ordered the custom length tsuka from the directly. And it took 4 months to get here. With this one in particular I was pleased with the blade ... didn't care too much for the casting on the tsuba and I really didn't like the leather ito wrap much. If you are looking for a nice 30" -er blade ... check out the Savior Katana from Dragon King. However ... if you don't mind the wait ... Swords of the Northshire delivered a wonderful 9260 Spring Steel blade with this one.
@@mr.excalibur1455 yeah finna go with swordshire, they responded to my inquiry about the longer tsuka and gave the full catalog of what they do and can even get custom engravings for the saya and habaki too. They also do battle wrap for the tsuka so I wanna try that out. I saw those reviews you mentioned and I enjoyed them.
@@jondonom Excellent. Glad it is was informative and helpful. I hope you enjoy your sword.
@@mr.excalibur1455 my sword finally came in after waiting 4 months for it. I gotta say I wanted a katana because of our local renaissance festival and for the value this beats out alot of the swords at the festival. The feel of the sword and balance of it is insane for the asking price. My favorite part is actually how nice the saya is. I'm so used to cheap sayas it caught my off guard lol.
@@jondonom Very glad you are happy with it. They are a good company and they deliver a good product for your money. Happy Fairing!
Just bought one of these yesterday and I heard you say it took 3 months to get to you?
3 to 4 months ... yes. Standard time these days for these pseudo-custome assembled Chinese made Japanese style katanas.
I want a Wakishazi and think I will try SON.
what company is the best to buy a katana from?
That is a VERY complicated question. Are you looking for a mass produced katana or a custom assembled one?
@@mr.excalibur1455 Honestly I would like a custom one but it would probably be very expensive but a massed produced katana I would take to so if you have any suggestions on either one that would be very helpful.
@@keeganreyes8857 OK. No problem. Next set of questions then. In no particular order ... #1- How do you want to spend? & ... #2- What do you want to do with it?
How badly does putting a hamon on spring steel negates its properties?
Putting a REAL hamon on a spring steel blade basically nullifies the "spring" qualities of a spring-ed or mono-tempered steel.
@@mr.excalibur1455 thank you
@@mr.excalibur1455 are you referring to the differential hardening process? I dont know anything about swords lol also does wirebrushing a hamon on affect overall durability aswell?
@@owned141117 Yes ... the DH process does affect that springy quality that a blade made of a spring steel would have. However ... a wirebrushed hamon like you would see on a Cold Steel Warrior Katana, or a Ronin Katana Dojo Pro series, or Hanwei's Raptor series are all cosmetic and would NOT affect the spring tempering of the blade. There are companies that will add an acid etched hamon to spring steel blade that also would not affect the tempering.
@@mr.excalibur1455 thank you
Deep six the music.
No.
Lol.. Cheness's swords never came out right?? Well, you and I have been down this road before.. Will have to agree to disagree.. Have had Cheness swords I didn't care for, but have also had some that were real diamonds in the rough!! They were offering their latest swords in a katana and ko-katana set.. They stated they were the last swords they would make.. I hate I was unable to order a set before they ran out!!
The reviewer that had the Cheness blade that broke was not a TH 9260.. It was a DH 9260 which as you stated is a waist of the 9260 steel in the first place.
Well ... the fact that Cheness is now defunct I think is at least partially a testament to their more recent shortcomings. The reviews that people have made in recent history are just blistering in most cases. And this is not just to do with the quality, or lack there of, of their products ... it was the severity of their lack of quality control and any real measure of customer service. I am FULLY aware that even suspect companies can produce good swords if everything comes together as it should for that design. I've had a recent run of good luck with Hanweis and Dragon King swords ... which have a spotty reputation because they are mass produced swords ... where they have come nicely sharpened, well put together, and have stood up to some relatively good amount of testing. Trust me ... I understand your point on this ... no pun intended. As a collector of European swords I'm quite the fan of Darksword Armory which in past years has had a dubious reputation (unjustifiably IMHO) at best ... though the pieces I've bought more recently have been very finely made. I get it. However ... in this case the bad experiences simply outnumbered the good and together with COVID and resulting supply chain issues ... it was a 1- 2 combination they could not recover from. At least you got some "diamonds in the rough" that you can enjoy ... and after all ... isn't that what really counts?
The review is nice , could be little shorter but good content.
Personally speaking I find that the Loud music in your video's is annoying more then anything.
I tend to try and be comprehensive not only in my assessment of the product but also in other's and what they have said as well. As far as the background music ... meh ... its a package deal. I appreciate the input.
No hamon fake rayskin thats not a katana
It is a katana inspired shaped object HAHA!! No ... but really ... modern manufacturing ... modern metalurgy ... it'll work!
Your sword is right side up
Peace time. Glad I finally got it right.