Category Archives: Project X Updates

Some of our customers Project X (Mk IV) and Forge Direct 5.0 pics!

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The new Forge for Project X in short, totally rocks. Fast and precise work with high QC and exceptional value for money.

Here’s some recently completed customer design pics so you can see what the design combinations can create..

NOT FOR SALE – Customers Orders Images

You can see the detail of the complex interplay between lamination lines and hamon, buffalo horn jokiri and kurikata, premium silk sageo. Nice and subtle functional style.

Lovely choice of subtle earthy colors on this one, basic T10 blade.

Musashi iron tsuba, lovely ito and the full rayskin wrap that comes for free with EVERY Project X sword.

Subtle or eye catching, this is is definitely the latter. Free raysking wrap upgrade on the saya, work hardened copper 24K gilded gold and silver fitting set based on an actual antique. Its your sword, so why not make it POP!

EVERY Soshu Kiate blade is unique like a fingerprint. This one has a lot of a activity and is hard to look away from.

Just another laminate blade version highlighting the hand carved bo-hi and geometric kissaski.

Black on black always looks super cool and mean. Add a little splash of detail to the habaki and its set.

And if you wanna go extra mean, try black leather ito! It’s tough, hard wearing and very bad boy..

Eagle themed fitting set makes this design positively soar.

Just as lotus leaves lead to enlightenment (well, that was the idea!)

Back to the subtle is best theme, the classic iron sunburst shifts the weight forward for heavier cutting, and looks cool as hell with that habaki and brown ito.

Just a close up of the lamination. You an see its not just san-mai, this is the real deal..

And it’s not just Katana, Wakizashi and Ko Katana – not to mention matching Daisho sets are always popular and a real bargain.

They aren’t for sale, but if you want to try your hand, have a look at the options. One flat rate price for everything.

Project X

Always fun to see a bit of behind the scenes stuff.

Just before the Year Ends, Project X is BACK!

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We hope everyone enjoyed a joyful Christmas, full of festive cheer and time well-spent with loved ones. As we transition into the New Year, we wanted to inform you that while our shippers are taking a well-deserved break until January, we remain open for business, albeit with a reduced crew.

Exciting Updates for Project X and Forge Direct

We’re thrilled to share some major updates for Project X and Forge Direct. Recently, on October 23rd, Project X parted ways with “Ronin Katana” due to some unfortunate business practices on their end. If you missed the details, you can catch up here

To keep it brief, the separation revealed that SBG wasn’t receiving its fair share (or rather, Ronin was taking way more than their fair share) which caused us to (unwittingly) not be able to offer as much value as was actually possible for both Project X and Forge Direct offerings. While this was a tough lesson in trust, it has paved the way for a significant transformation.

The New and Improved Project X Soshu Kitae (Version 4.0)

The first noticeable enhancement in Project X swords is the expanded range of fittings and customization options.

OLD FITTING SELECTION

NEW FITTING SELECTION

Previously, we charged extra for elite fitting sets and saya, with custom Katana prices ranging from $1,150 to $1,405. Now, EVERYTHING is included at one flat, low price without any additional charges.

The new selection is a substantial upgrade. All premium options, once subject to extra fees, are now part of the package. The blade quality has also been enhanced, maintaining the exceptional standards you expect from Project X.

Lead times have been drastically reduced from 8-10 weeks to just 4-6 weeks. And for those who seek the utmost in customization, the price has dropped significantly. Previously, with all premium options, the cost could reach $1,405. Now, you get everything for just $999.95 for the Katana and $879.95 for the Wakizashi or Ko Katana, including FREE worldwide shipping.

PROJECT X CUSTOM KATANA (Mark IV)

$999.95

PROJECT X CUSTOM WAKIZASHI/KO KATANA (Mark IV)

$879.95

Forge Direct Joins Project X

But the evolution doesn’t stop there. The Project X offshoot, Forge Direct Japanese, has been streamlined and integrated under the Project X umbrella. This alignment brings uniformity in fittings and options, with some distinct differences:

  • The blade material: Master Smith Forged T10 Tool Steel instead of Soshu Kitae
  • The lead time: 3-4 weeks instead of two months
  • The price: Previously $840 to $1,095, now just $699.95 for the Katana and $599.95 for the Wakizashi or Ko Katana

FORGE DIRECT CUSTOM KATANA (Version 5.0)

$699.95

FORGE DIRECT CUSTOM WAKIZASHI/KO KATANA (Version 5.0)

$599.95

Not exactly the ideal time to launch, however..

There has to be a catch, and here it is: the Lunar New Year Holiday is approaching, which means our forge will pause operations just as we launch these revamped swords. While the timing is less than ideal and lead times will temporarily revert to the old schedule, we assure you that the wait will be worth it. The quality and craftsmanship of these swords will reflect the dedication and fresh energy of our Master Smiths when they return from their break.

Wishing you all the best for the New Year!

Project X

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

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SBG has officially severed all ties to Ronin Katana, and it’s effects on other, related projects..

Dear Customers,

We regret to inform you that, effective immediately, Sword Buyers Guide will no longer be carrying Ronin Katana products – and that this has also caused us to temporarily close down Project X, Forge Direct as they were our partners in these projects and we are in the process of upgrading and re-tooling these projects accordingly. This decision was made after careful consideration and is based on several serious concerns that we have chosen not to disclose at this time due to potential legal implications.

We want to assure our customers that this decision is not related to the quality of Ronin Katana’s products, but rather to our commitment to upholding the highest standards of business practices.

We appreciate your understanding and support during this transition. Thank you for your continued loyalty to Sword Buyers Guide.

Sincerely, Paul Southren, Sword Buyers Guide

UPDATE: Any customers who will be effected by these changes will be contacted personally over the course of the next few days. All original product listings can currently be found in the ARCHIVES page of the store.

Temporary Retooling for Forge Direct Chinese

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Don’t panic, Forge Direct Chinese hasn’t gone out of business! But due to circumstances that I will explain in detail at a later date, we need to retool each model and mix things up a bit with a new and better supplier.

But for now, the entire line has been temporarily mothballed and cannot be ordered until we have finished the retooling and overhaul.

Sorry for the inconvenience as we know some swords only just came out, but it needs to be done to improve and maintain QC levels and keep pricing as low as possible (indeed, my hope is when the line does return, the prices will be even LOWER!).

Thanks for bearing with us!