Thread: 2020 Texas Razor Meet

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Nice to see you guys had a great meet!
Like to know more about that sword?

Mine?

I contacted Howard about it in 2015 because at the time I needed a practice sword for martial arts, and instead of buying a dead iaito off the shelf I wanted something with a soul. I asked Howard about a sword that was not sharpened to a true live edge, and he said the idea went against his principles and he would never do it. So he decides to do it just once in order to be able to say he made an exception and then never do it again.

The sword is a san mai. The core is folded 1086 steel. The sides are -I think- a laminate of 5160 and 1084 but I could be off. Howard also made the habaki, the tsuba (guard) and the fuchi and kashira (fittings on the handle) in iron and nickel. It was pre-polished by someone, and then sent to Christopher Osborne. Chris had someone create the tsuka (handle) and saya (scabbard), and did the finish polish himself.

The total project took more than 4 years. I am no longer practicing martial arts, but will still treasure the sword. It is a work of art.
I am not going to comment on what I paid exactly because that is in big part between Howard and me, but the overall cost in normal circumstances would add up to 5 figures.

I cannot believe that I missed your sword. I saw Howard's, but wouldnt handle them while standing on cement.

Originally Posted by ScottGoodman

I cannot believe that I missed your sword. I saw Howard's, but wouldnt handle them while standing on cement.

I would not even touch them or Brunos.

Originally Posted by rolodave

I would not even touch them or Brunos.

Me neither. I was happy to step back and just look.

Pete <:-}