Where to purchase the Real Hiro Nakamura, "Heroes" Katana?

by Geoff
(CA, USA)

QUESTION: As far as I know, there are only three real Hiro Nakamura swords, whose models are the G-509 and the G-918, and the G-701. The problem is that I can't decide whether the quality of the G-918 and G-509 are essentially the same sword or not, when compared by the two product pages listed on the Global Gear website. I have contacted Global Gear, but have recieved no reponse from them in two days, and am unable to order anything from their site.

In any case, I would rather just pay for the one that is the highest quality of what is available, the G-701 (I believe), which has among other nice characteristics, folded steel, full tang and is "Clay" Tempered, wave Hamon Hardened to approx. 60HRC.

From my understanding,it is not a replica, since there is no mention of any license or serial number, but the product page doesn't say who it was made/manufactured by either, so I don't want to assume it was Global Gear (while they do claim to have custom designed the other "Heroes" swords on their site).

Can you help me look for the real thing? I want a real sword, for use in my Karate class (by Jan. 19, 2009), and being a heroes fan I'd like to study with this sword even though it will not actually be used in sparring for now -only training. I'd like to know which model would be the best in terms of quality. The sword mentioned in the "Hiro's Sword" Review (G-509) is not even listed by Global Gear anymore and where I do ask for this certain model, retailers only want to sell me the UC2558 replica model. I want something authentic, that stands up to training/normal usage of a real sword. Thank you for your time, and helpful response! I look forward to hearing from you!

ANSWER: Hi Geoff,

My wife and I are heros fans ourselves actually (which reminds me, have to get off the computer tonight to watch it! LOl).

But yes, to answer your question - all of the Hiro Nakamura swords on the Global Gear site are made at the same forge, and the price does indeed determine quality. Definitely the best quality blades out there (they use a good forge - as evidenced in my review of the Chikara).

There are a few cheap ones that have started to appear, I believe United Cutlery now make one that seems to be better than the first generation of el-cheapos (some were REALLY bad) - probably not suitable for dojo application (I'll be checking it out myself early next year I think) - but it shouldn't be too bad either.

- Paul