Custom Katana Backlog…

Just a quick update – I sent an email to everyone in batches 32 and 33 which are currently running from 3 to 2 months behind schedule as explained previously due to unexpected health issues of our primary contact at the forge.. The good news is that all these swords are in, but the bad news is that it will still take some time to ship them all out and the backlog is still ongoing, flowing now into batches 34 and 35, which I am trying to coordinate at the same time..

We really are working around the clock to get everything back on track, so please bear with us.. We are still not taking new orders, and I will soon be emailing everyone who has orders in with some updates..

Thanks so much for your patience. In the meantime, you can get some idea of where we are up to here on the SBG Custom Katana batch status timeline..

New Product Line – Project X: Forge Direct!

This brand new offshoot from Project X truly is an industry first..

Despite what some ebayers may claim, real Chinese forges do not sell direct to members of the public. While there are many sellers who claim to represent a forge in China, the reality is these sellers simply shop around at the big forges, getting the best that they can for their customers and passing it off as their own. Big forges only deal in large wholesale orders to distributors with minimum advertising quantities..

Until now..

Using the contacts we established over the years, and having gained a measure of confidence in who we are and what we are about with Project X, the Mastersmiths and owner of the largest and most respected forge in Longquan – they decided to make an exception…

Here is how it works..

The forge has allowed us limited access to a carefully picked selection of their premium grade swords that, because of how much they cost to import and because they are not “standard” heavily in demand swords like Katana or Longswords, have never been widely available before except in imitation form on ebay and Alibaba, etc (there is a budget, mid range and high end mastersmith version of these swords – be careful of sellers who try to substitute the budget or mid range for the high end stuff!).

These truly are stunningly beautiful pieces. To start, we were permitted four models: the first one, the Proto-Chokuto/Tangdao, is a rare blade style seen in both ancient China and Japan – the Katana’s great grandfather as it were with its single edged, chisel tip blade – clay tempered with real hamon and full rayskin wrapped handle.

Forge Direct Proto Chokuto Tangdao

Forge Direct Proto Chokuto Tangdao

The second is a blade fit for an Emperor – an ornately decorated two handed Qin Jian based on swords in use over 2000 years ago. But while the fittings are blinged out to the max – have a close look at that blade: differentially hardened with two hamon (one on each edge), folded 1095 carbon steel – and you know it not only looks good, it cuts with the best of them…

Forge Direct Early Imperial Two Handed Qin Jian

Forge Direct Early Imperial Two Handed Qin Jian

The Kiangxi Dao is one of my favorites simply because it is so unique, powerful and FUN.. With some serious presence, the beefy blade is folded, differentially hardened and beautifully polished (I am getting one of these for my own collection).

Forge Direct Kangxi Horsebane Dao

Forge Direct Kangxi Horsebane Dao

And last but not least, a true warriors piece. The Shu Jian..

I mean seriously, just look at this thing.. Once again, mastersmith forged with a folded, differentially hardened double edge – another that I desperately want for myself..!

Forge Direct Damascus Warrior Shu Jian

Forge Direct Damascus Warrior Shu Jian

Anyway, as you can see – these are some unique and rare swords – and unlike Project X, Forge Direct has no production limit – each sword is made to order and shipped to you anywhere in the world for FREE direct from the forge via EMS (please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery)..

The only catch is, each of these models will only be available for a limited time period before a new offering is rotated in. So if you see a design you like, you had better secure it while you can as once we rotate a product out of the selection, there is no guarantee it will be available again..

Check all these swords out here – Project X: Forge Direct

Project X – in the blink of an eye..

All I can say is “wow” – the landed stock of the Project X Japanese swords arrived, and sold out – before I could even list them on the main site.. Only subscribers to the Project X mailing list actually got a shot at one, and even many of THOSE people who were waiting to pull the trigger on one of these swords were not fast enough..!

Yes, we should have ordered a few more – after all, it can be YEARS between offerings and a LOT of people ended up somewhat frustrated..

So here it is ONE LAST CHANCE to Pre-Order for 2015..

The swords ordered now will be shipped in by Airfreight in early December in time for Christmas – so if you are one of the lucky few reading this at the right time, well – now is your chance..!

4 Models available – Model #001 in Katana and Wakizashi configurations and the same with Model #003 – CHECK THEM OUT HERE!

Batch 32 pics..

Hi all,

As you know we had some SERIOUS delays with batches 32 and 33 of the SBG Custom Katana to the point where we had to stop taking new orders to try and catch up..

The bad news is, we are not yet back on track – indeed, batch 34 just became officially due a couple of days ago and is looking like it will also be several weeks late due to the pile up from the previous 2 batches..

Talk about stressful…!!

The good news is, batch 32 is about to come in – right now it is clearing customs. And a little more good news, the swords themselves are looking good. Below are some pics from the forge that were taken before it was dispatched..

DSC07496 DSC07497 DSC07498 DSC07499 DSC07500 DSC07501 DSC07502 DSC07503 DSC07504 DSC07505 DSC07506

I realize it is annoying to batch 33 and 34 customers – but please bear with us guys. We will be shipping everything in order, so some additional delays are inevitable..

Thanks so much for your patience. I am REALLY looking forward to getting the custom Katana back on track and truly apologize for the extra time it is taking.

– Paul

The Last Kaneie…

Here they are – the very last Kaneie swords, so rare that they were never even listed before…

Two models – both with premium Kaneie fittings and T-10 tool steel, differentially hardened blades – one from the Okuden collection, which have a basic polish, and one from the Menkyo collection, with a full art polish..

The only catch apart from how few are actually available (7 in total) – some minor cosmetic flaws that set them apart as scratch and dents – so we have priced them to SELL at less than HALF price..! (much less, over 60% off!).

On the elite Menkyo Royal Blue Musashi Katana, the rayskin falls just short of full length, exposing a little wood as shown in the picture below:

Tiny gap in the rayskin near the handle..

Tiny gap in the rayskin near the handle..

They may also have some minor scratching on the saya:

Tiny scratch on the saya

Tiny scratch on the saya

The MSRP on this sword is $1,400 – the scratch and dent price, a crazy $599.99 with FREE SHIPPING.

The Okuden collection Tastumaki swords do not have any problems with the rayskin, however all of the sayas are slightly blemished and there may be a small spot of rust on the back of the blade (mune):

A tiny spot of rust may be present

A tiny spot of rust may be present

 

The actual swords

The actual swords

The Tatsumaki, MSRP $800 – the S&D price – an insane $329.99 with FREE SHIPPING!

Otherwise, the swords are in pristine condition and the discount for these defects really quite excessive.. However, we got them at a fantastic price, so why not pass it on for a lucky few..

There are only 7 swords in total available, and once they are gone – that’s it.

As such, best to grab them while you can..

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SWORDS IN THE HOT SPECIALS SECTION