Monday, March 29, 2010

New SamuraiSupply.com T-shirts


Just wanted to send out a quick blog to mention our new SamuraiSupply.com t-shirts that we just had designed with our new logo. They are quite sharp and they have the Bushido symbols on the front, with our logo on the front and back.
This is a great addition to any order or just to have for yourself to wear at the dojo or ANYWHERE for that matter! Check out the SamuraiSupply.com t-shirts and perhaps order one today or get one for a friend. If you have any comments or input, please send them to info@samuraisupply.com as we would love to hear what you think of them! Of course, if you are looking for a great samurai sword to go along with it, visit our website at SamuraiSupply.com and don't forget to go to the home page before ordering and sign up for our SamuraiSupply.com Members area as it will give you an immediate discount code that you can use towards your order. How is that for customer service!

Musashi Glorious Dragon Katana Sword SS755


The Glorious Dragon, a mythical creature that appears in dozens of ancient cultures around the world. Whether it’s the large, winged, fire-breathing beast of European lore or the wingless water serpent of Asia, the Dragon has a majestic and commanding presence. It’s no wonder that we frequently see depictions of these creatures in the world of sword collecting, especially among Asian blades such as the Japanese Katana.

Japan’s own history with the Dragon is very interesting and unique. In their native form, the Japanese versions of the serpents were Water Gods, associated quite frequently with the sea. The Japanese Emperors are often said to be descendants of Dragons, perhaps an allusion to Japan’s relationship with China. This is not hard to imagine, since they are often used to represent the ancient Chinese Emperors.

Unfortunately, this powerful symbol finds itself being used for profit rather than tradition far too often. I frequently notice stainless steel display katana and sword sets adorned with dragons galore in malls all over the place. These rat-tail tang blades that aren’t made for anything more than cheap décor sell more popularly than the honest to goodness blades made by traditional smiths and companies devoted to making blades used by martial artists or owned by true collectors worldwide.

This mass production of sacred symbols is nothing new since there are many aspects of world cultures being sold as consumer products with no actual concern for historical accuracy behind them. Well, I can think of several companies that break that cycle, and will continue to do so as long as there exists in some place a market of devoted enthusiasts. Whether for art appreciation, historical enthusiasm and passion, or the practicality of a functional martial arts weapon, collectors can turn to Musashi swords for a blade that is functional, aesthetically appealing, and economical. When Musashi puts a Dragon on one of their products, it is because they have earned that right by being passionate about making real, functional swords in a modern take on traditional Japanese sword-making techniques.

When observing the Glorious Dragon Katana Sword offered by Musashi, I immediately noticed the prominence of gold coloring on a lot of the detailing, evoking the imagery of an Imperial Palace of China or a Shinto temple honoring the kami (gods or spirits, ancient protectors of Japan). This wasn’t simply a functional blade, which Musashi is renowned for making, it is a work of art. Well, a work of art that will still cut like a dream. The blade is hand forged with 1050 carbon steel, and is water tempered bringing the hardness to 55 HRC. To put it in layman’s terms, this is a vast improvement from the stainless steel paper wieght in the mall back home. The blade is beautiful and the hamon, or temper line, is genuine and prominent.

To the collector who is more inclined to have an artistic piece, the saya, or scabbard, steals the show. The creature depicted is unmistakably the water serpent of Asian myth, done in a Chinese style. For those who’d like a quick lesson, the Chinese Dragons are typically shown with four claws on each foot. This is, of course, unless it appears as an Imperial seal or furnishing, in which case there will be five claws. The Japanese, almost without fail, depict the serpents as having three claws per foot. The choice of the Chinese version of the Dragon may be a reflection of the forge which makes Musashi’s blades, located in China. It may also be a reference to the relationship between China and Japan, culminating in the beauty and unchallenged supremacy of Japanese style sword making meeting the ancient legacy of the Chinese take on the water serpent. Since the Japanese language and writing systems are highly influenced by classical China, it is not too much of a stretch to believe that this sword was made as it was intentionally.

The tsuba, or hand guard, on this model is a motif of a Dragon appearing in traditional Chinese fashion. The tsuba and other metal parts on the tsuka (hilt) of the sword are done in copper. Those who are familiar with metals may know that copper has a tendency to react to oxygen resulting in a discoloration called a patina. On a sword like this, this would not be detrimental. A patina effect naturally suggests an old or ancient aura to whatever it may appear on, and the same is true for swords. When observing a copper furnished katana that has had time to oxidize and patina, one might very well be reminded of the history behind that particular blade’s art or style. Nothing could be more fitting than to have such a feature on a sword featuring the regal water serpents of Japan and China. For those who do not want such an effect to take place, sealants are available at very cheap prices which will protect the copper.

Yamamoto Tsunetomo is attributed with the following quote from the text, Hagakure; “It is said that what is called the Spirit of an Age is something to which one cannot return. That this spirit gradually dissipates is due to the world's coming to an end. In the same way, a single year does not have just spring or summer. A single day, too, is the same. For this reason, although one would like to change today's world back to the spirit of one hundred years or more ago, it cannot be done. Thus it is important to make the best out of every generation.” There is no practical need for a katana as a weapon of warfare or self-defense. However, that does not mean that we cannot honor the spirit of nobility and honor of a warrior class who’s influence is now felt worldwide, not confined to Japanese borders anymore than the sun is confined to the horizon of any one country. If you choose to pay tribute to the Samurai and their legacy, choose a blade that has meaning, a blade you can be proud of. Leave the plastic clad stainless steel abominations unsold on the shelves of mall stores where they belong.

A sword should tell a story. Whether through the nicks in the blade resulting from use on backyard targets or tameshigiri mats, remembering when and why you chose a sword, remembering receiving the it as a special gift, or simply knowing the story behind a blade model’s name or the artwork adorning it, a sword should always tell a story. Without stories, there is no legacy. Without a legacy, we are nothing.

If you would like more information on this blade and others, please visit SamuraiSupply.com Sword Articles. You can also check out Musashi Swords and shop for good quality, economically priced pieces to add to your collection at SamuraiSupply.com. If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to info@samuraisupply.com.

Musashi Rose Blossom Katana Sword SS782BL


The vibrant colors of flowers call our attention to them many times without fail. In spring when the snow has melted who among us can behold the beauty of the first blossoms and not smile? Children will pick flowers for their mothers, fathers will put flowers in the hair of their daughters, and young men will often take the risk of gifting a flower to a young woman who has caught their eye and captivated their heart.
It is amazing that so simple a thing could attract such attention. After all, a flower does not try to be beautiful. It simply is by nature of existing. In much the same way, true Samurai were said to be the way they were without effort. While there were many who lived and died as members of the Samurai class, what many might refer to as true Samurai possessed a natural charisma, just like a flower. In fact, flower arranging was a practice learned by many Samurai, particularly after the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate when Samurai found themselves living in a time of newfound peace. The Samurai found new devotion to practices of culture and philosophy to help occupy their time and allow them to still be of service and value when their swords did not need to be drawn.
These were the Samurai of virtue, those who remembered that the word Samurai means, “One who serves.” There are many stories of Samurai who abused the power that came with their status without taking their roles seriously, but again, there are those legendary names that will never lose their luster.
Among the world of flowers, the rose is one which, in the western world, is written about quite frequently. It is like a queen among flowers, a symbol used for hundreds of years to represent the very pinnacle of beauty. In Japan, as well, the rose is a beautiful flower used frequently in flower arranging.
Every rose has thorns, this is simply a fact. However, the rose of the Musashi Sword Line is, aptly named, the Musashi Rose Blossom Katana Sword. When looking at the subtle beauty of a traditional style katana without elaborate and intricate ornamentation, a collector is not left wanting. While such lavish ornamentation can be appreciated and applauded, there are some swords that do not fail in their beauty and by nature of existing, they are beautiful.
The Musashi Rose Blossom Katana sword is hand forged and fully functional, perhaps making this rose almost all thorn while still retaining the beauty of a petal. The gold plated copper tsuba artwork, for which most katana models are named, depicts rose blossoms on a vine. The dark blue saya is well lacquered and works well with the copper and brass furnishings to add to the overall subtle aesthetic appeal to this sword.
For more information on the Musashi Rose Blossom Katana sword SS782BL visit or read the SamuraiSupply.com Sword Articles. Musashi Swords are a wonderful addition to anyone’s collection, combining functionality and authentic sword making styles with economical pricing to bring customers a blade they can appreciate without breaking the bank. If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to info@samuraisupply.com.

Musashi Elite Samurai Sword SS700-1


There is no such thing as the mythic Samurai Swordsman who never loses, the swordsman so skilled that no man would dare approach him for fear of losing their head. Such a figure is the work of cinematic deception found in pop culture films from American and Japanese film makers alike.

It is a good thing that I am writing this rather than giving a public speech. I don’t think I could have said all of that with a straight face. There is at least one swordsman whose life and skill have become legend, and who’s name will never be forgotten. Miyamoto Musashi. Arguably, he was the greatest swordsman in Japanese history, perhaps even in the world. He lost one duel in his early life, and vowed never to lose again, a promise he kept. He fought over 60 duels and never lost, though he once came to a tie.

His dueling style was unlike anything that the Samurai of his time had seen before. Being taller than most in his day, Miyamoto likewise required a longer sword than most. He did not fight with this sword alone, however. A Samurai typically carried two swords worn on the waist at any given time, a practice put into law by the Tokugawa Shogunate. The two swords were the long sword, or katana, and the short sword, or wakazashi. Miyamoto fought with both swords, one in each hand, simultaneously. To be able to do this adequately takes a great deal of skill, let alone doing it with the proficiency that has earned Musashi’s place in the annals of history.

Musashi himself actually fought against Tokugawa and his army at the Battle of Sekigahara, choosing instead to side with the army of Ishida Mitsunari. Though Musashi’s personal achievements during this battle were great, the Ishida Army lost, resulting in the establishment of the Tokugawa regime.

Years later, Miyamoto Musashi defeated another legendary swordsman of the era named Sasaki Kojiro. What’s more, Miyamoto used only one sword in this duel; a sword he carved out of a boat oar while on his way to the island where the duel was to be held. The fight lasted mere moments and resulted in Kojiro’s death.

It is said that Musashi became somewhat disgusted with killing men in duels, and would do whatever it took to avoid being challenged in the first place. It is rumored that he actually stopped bathing and wore the same dirty clothes for weeks or months at a time, resulting in a stomach-churning stench that would keep would-be challengers from even wanting to approach him, let alone fight him.

Musashi’s book, the Book of Five Rings, gives instructions to young swordsmen seeking to hone their skills both in battle and in individual dueling. The book has been adapted to business practices by companies around the world, and is seen as a corporate success tool. Whether Miyamoto would approve or not, who can say for sure.

What I can say is that Musashi Swords is a company which produces swords from their forge in China, and their swords often feature the two-ring iron tsuba design which was actually on Miyamoto’s personal blades. For the company to name themselves after such a legendary swordsman is a bold claim, but one which is not all talk. Musashi Swords offers many blades at economical prices, allowing people in our day and age who are suffering side-effects from the global economy to still collect swords without spending too much. In fact, their basic katana is offered for a mere $50.

However, for the collector who wants a Musashi Sword that is truly worthy of holding the name of a mythic swordsman, the Musashi Elite Samurai Sword (SS700-1) is a higher end blade that commands respect. The two-ring tsuba is done in an oxidized copper, giving it that aged and legendary appearance. The blade is hand forged from carbon steel and clay tempered, resulting in a hamon, or temper line, which is natural and beautiful. To clarify, the hamon is a part of the blade which must be examined with discrimination by the die-hard collector, since many low end swords feature a hamon which is wire-brushed. Musashi Swords offers low end swords with such a temper line, but the elite hamon is genuine and prominent.

The Musashi Elite Samurai Sword is simply beautiful. I’ll admit, my personal preference is toward a blade that doesn’t have a lot of artwork or gold-clad furnishings. That means that while many would claim this sword to be beautiful simply to try and make a sales pitch, I truly believe it to be a worthy addition to any collection. It is fully functional. After all, Miyamoto would have it no other way if he were around to give his two cents worth.

Every sword should tell a story. This one tells a legend.

For more information on this and other Musashi Swords, please visit SamuraiSupply.com Sword Articles, or visit our website at SamuraiSupply.com. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to info@samuraisupply.com.