I have just this weekend (mid May, 2012) purchased a three piece matching set of Japanese swords, made in Australia. I also purchased from him a really beautiful hand-crafted walking cane made from an olive tree, with elk antler handle (They can be made out of all sorts of exotic woods). I have been searching for something special like this for quite some time, as this particular sword style has techniques for using the cane against the long sword, short sword, and spear (something that I will most certainly also order, sometime in the future). He is also making the Naginata.
All of these items (above and below) have been made by a master craftsman by the name of
Michael J. Fechner, who is an Adelaide (Australia) based sword and knife maker.
Like the man, love his work
These swords are extremely well made by a master craftsman. They are weighted well, and finished to a high standard and quality.
When cutting with them, I was very surprised as to how easily they cut through the tatami mats, like a hot knife through butter, even when I cut through a tatami mat from top to bottom.
In my personal opinion, as a Shihan of the sword.
"Fechner Blades can easily compete against, and I am certain that they can sometimes surpass, the quality and cutting ability that many Japanese swordmakers worldwide can produce".
I highly recommend Fechner Blades.
Buy Australian folks, and support our home-grown craftsmen. I certainly will from now on.
Michael J. Fechner
Japanese sword maker based in Adelaide, Australia.
Email: fechnerblades@yahoo.com
A member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild
Their website address: www.akg.org.au
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I have been asked to review , from time to time, Japanese style swords marketed by Global Gear at Knox City, Melbourne, Australia.
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Sword review number 1 :
G Series
Model G-916V2 Clay Tempered Spring Steel
(The last Samurai Sword)
The inscription on the wooden scabbard (Saya) reads as: Samurai Damashii, which translates as: Samurai spirit.
The inscription on the blade translates as: Now, as in ancient times, with the right spirit/right mind/right attitude the Gods will bless you.
Overall look and feel:
This sword does have a nice feel about it, although I found that the handle (tsuka) was very large and much different to what I have been using in Japan.
The quality is what you would expect for a sword priced within this range, nice but not perfect.
Cutting quality:
I found this particular sword to be a bit of a surprise, as it cut quite nicely. I could still feel that this was not a neat clean cut as such, but surprisingly good for the price.
A good sword to start your collection of live blades
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Sword review number 2 :
Both long and short sword below were bought by me personally at Global Gear, Knox City, Melbourne, Australia.
Long sword above by Hanwei (Practical Plus XL). Cost Y60,000 or AUS$600.
Short sword above by Cold Steel (Imperial O Tanto). Cost Y60,000 or AUS$600.
I was very impressed with the cutting ability of these 2 swords when I tested them out. They both come highly recommended by me. Fantastic value, weight, feel and look for the price.
Comparable to the quality swords that I used to cut tatami mats with in Japan.
Only time will tell how long they last.
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