Looking for longer tsuka katana

by Jim

QUESTION: I'm a martial artist working on a 2nd degree black belt in the Korean style of Tang Soo Do. Until now I have only studied with Kendo type bamboo swords and wooden bokken. I am looking to purchase a "live blade" katana for doing forms (kata), practicing proper technique, and some rice mat cutting.

Many of our sword moves are with one hand, and where the handle rests against the forearm. Good balance and a longer handle, similar to the Paul Chen Golden Oriole (2.3 oz, 27' blade, 14" handle) would be ideal, but way out of my price range. Any chance you could recommend a sword with similar parameters in the sub $200.00 price range?

I love your website! Keep up the great work!

Thank you and Best Regards,

Jim

ANSWER: Hi Jim,

Tang Soo Do, very cool - when I was in high school my best friend trained in that art (I did Goju Kai Karate and later Wing Chun) and enjoyed sparring against each other a lot in those days. A lot of respect for that art indeed! :-)

Anyway, to answer your question - it is actually very difficult to find a sword with a longer than average tsuka in the sub US$300 price range. Most production forges only make what is a 'standard blade', you know - 28" blade and 11" tsuka with little or no variation.

The closest thing I can think of is the Oniyuri Shinobi Gatana which has a 14" tsuka (tick) but a 23" Blade (around 4" too short for what you are looking for).

It is very nicely balanced though, especially the bo-hi/fullered version. Otherwise, you would need to spend the $$$.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help..

Kind Regards,

- Paul