I would like to share my Swords of Northshire experience. I actually ordered a completely customized shikmizue. Truly custom made. I requested a 36" overall length, Ebony wood for the saya, a 24" 1095 carbon steel blade, shiny sharp, and brass end pieces for the top and bottom. It costs me just over $600 and what a great blade! The entire piece looks like an everyday walking stick, but inside a deadly straight katana. Almost no rattle when sheathed, good fit yet a quick draw, and the blade is perfect. Kudos to Swords of Northshire for a great job. You can't go wrong with Swords of Northshire.
Thank you for this video and all your videos. Your videos are entertaining, informative, and you do a great job being reasonable and unbiased. As with many, we will be looking forward to part 2 of this particular sword as well as many more of your videos.
Good review, cant wait for a part 2. I want to see what this sword can stand up to before I bite the bullet and buy one for myself. Hope you had a great weekend. Thanks for making the video.
I bought a carbon steel katana, unsharpened, to practice with. To keep it from rusting I used an automotive clear coat paint in a spray can. It's been over a year and no rust.
At 10:16 in your video the upper right of the inside opening of the mouth of the saya has an irregular bump it may be the reason it is hard to release. But then again it could be the camera angle and I may be wrong. On a side note my ronin elite arrives tomorrow! I got#256 . Because it did not have a Jennifer tsuba ,thanks for your informative drunken ramblings!
Absolutely love your videos. Each time I watch one there is always just a little more knowledge it adds to my thinking. That's Matt! Keep up the great work!
@@Matthew_Jensen hopefully one day I'll be able to afford a decent sword. I'm not looking for a high end one. Just a good, nothing fancy, decent sword. Question do you ever sell off the ones you break? I'd like to build a short one.
I'm an engineer. The blade binding is definitely from the custom length. When you go to draw the sword, you have to overcome the sword slightly scraping
Really Enjoy your Videos!I'm an Iaidoka, and I have purchased two swords from SON; one an unsharpened (iaito), and the second a sharpened one. Both 1060 steel. I'm happy with both of them. I mostly practice with a zinc/aluminum Iaito from Tozando, but I do like using my swords of northshire one once in awhile for the added weight. Again, for the price; these are really hard to beat, IMO.
mojohand40 How is the steel? I’d be able to afford the 1060 (or the folded 1060) and was wondering if it looks poor or feels strange. Thanks. Edit: Spelling mistake.
Oh saw this and now I want the daisho I ordered to come in already. But yeah without even finishing the video I hope you enjoy it. I’ve always loved the nodachi I got from them and would say they are worth the cost for that beautiful work they do.
I considered buying from them in the past, but I discovered JKOO that also offers good quality for a very good price. They told me they can make a 160cm sword if I asked.
Matthew Jensen It’s only rambling if it’s not related. I’ve been streaming your videos while I drive, and it’s been an absolute joy to listen to. As a fellow martial artist, it’s nice to hear someone that’s knowledgeable and has genuine care for what he does.
@@Matthew_Jensen How did you get Swords of North Shire to customize the saya and put the crest on habaki? When i go to there website and try to male a custom sword i don't see the option for it.
I hope they are good ,I have one in the air on it's way to my home as we speak , I got the pretty one, got the 3 tone embellishments, and matched it all up , for just at 3 bills .They sent pictures and it is drop dead pretty ! I figure while peeps is admiring the swords Beauty ,I'll move like a lighting ninja, lol . Prettiest Katana I have ever seen . Being able to pick and choose ,and make it your way is very cool, I hope mine will be up to speed ! unlike yours. I also ordered one from Hanbon Forge and it's en-route as well, I still think Northshire and Hanbon are the same Co. Same pictures ,same city . I reallyb like that you answer your subscribers ,meaning me. I have a question, Where can I find a decent over the shoulder scabbard for them? Have bought 2 already and both are trash.?????
@@Matthew_Jensen Thank you as always for replying , I got to get a holster fixed anyways for my Ruger Blackhawk,done got fat in my old age ,I'll take the one cheap one and get him to re-design it ,and make a new one for it as well as the holster. He is a genius at leather crafting 30 plus years, he figured out early, if you ain't working for your self you will always be starving.He ain't rich ,but he works at home , and only has one boss, his wife. He does excellent work at a fair price. Ken's Leather Craft in Boonesmill Va.
@@Matthew_Jensen Gotchya. Recently picked up an unokubi and a Shinogi from their 2018 tsunami series. Completely changed my view on katana under $300. Quite a bit of thought goes into them. You can just feel it. True sharp is not just a marketing gimmick. They are demon laser status dude. Went to look at the lines in the light, and was just wowwed by the geometry as well. I would highly recommend giving them another chance if you get an opportunity. Not so much for a review, but more cuz I know you're a man that loves a well thought out katana...
I always have an eye out but the second hand market for HSTS is a little weird. As much as I would like to review one, I don't know that it is in the cards anytime soon.
@@Matthew_Jensen You can contact Ricky Chen on Facebook. He may have still some new 2018 tsunami left. $200ish. Worth every penny... I had a stash of cash saved, waiting for one to come up on the used market, then dude comes out with new ones, was able to get 2 brand new for what I would have paid for 1 used.... I've gotten hyped katana before (viper, dojo pro, raptor). HSTS are the only ones that actually lived up to the hype....
How do you add a description of what colour / engravings you want? I can only find the engraving details, not the colour of the blade or the engravings on the habaki and shape of the tsuba. This is said to be able to be costumized in the website
when you see a koiguchi with a black ring instead of one shaped to touch the habaki, it's likely made of plastic. a simple burn test on a small sliver will let you know. can you provide more info on what looks like a tsuka core crack/split? thanks.
Hi Matthew thanks for the informative video. I have a question off subject: What do you think of folded ‘9260 steel?’ Ever heard of it? Just found it available on a website. I have heard of ‘9260 spring steel’, but not of ‘9260 folded spring steel’. Thanks!
James Galea modern mono steels are stronger. If any one of those folds isn’t properly welded then it’s a weak spot. Hundreds or thousands of folds just adds the possibility a weld doesn’t take or a foreign object or inclusion causes a weld issue. 9260 is great for swords. It’s hard and extremely flexible. Check on mythbusters sword to sword experiment if you haven’t seen it. They used Hanwei swords to film that tv episode.
The is for the video, all your stuff is extremely top notch. I wish someone reviewed guns as detailed as you review swords. A question for you, did you order this sword “razor sharp” or “sharp with niku”. Sorry if you mentioned that in the vid and I missed it.
Evan deleidi the sword making process took the longest, but I emailed customer service. Bryce was really helpful, and kept me up to date with the process. He let me know mine was ready 6/12. (Mine was ordered around 5/3) After that it just takes two weeks for shipping.
I ordered mine 3 ish weeks ago and I just got finished pictures of it today, Bryce has said that it should be shipping out in the next few days. Very communicative.
The idea here was not to make the most durable sword, it was to see if SoN could make a sword that was to my spec. I asked for some weird stuff and they provided it. The sword was longer and thinner than some I have tested but still held up pretty well.
Bro I don't even care that this was from 2 years ago, having a bo-hi isn't going to cause the sword to break easily, all it will do is make the katana lighter.
I think m, I ll buy one at 560 dollars. Folded damas, clay Tempered 1095. Is the adaptation of the size really important? I found that a short katana is perhaps better. It s not a double edge plate, and katana are really special. Can you tell me if I ll obtain a good no tahamagane katana or if I should buy a cheaper one? (I already have a tiger elite Paul Chen). I just want a katana for my collection and I have both goals, the other one is a tahamagane one... Do you know as an expert if it s possible to buy a Japanese tahamagane katana? Thank you
Im with carl on this one i think we are really going back to the wild west/fuedel japan. Keep a pistol and a katana on you like Isshin the GLOCK saint😂@@celphalonred1999
For 300$ you get a hand made sword most swords on sale are cnc made or with a grinder sure what you point out does matter but at least its hand made and will last you for a life with care im not an expert but it looks great
Your binding is where the crack is.You should consider the price of the sword you compare it to a more expensive sword ,what do you expect? A sword 30 inches or more is not a katana.
Hmm. Not sure how I feel about this one. Criticising the minutest detail of the fittings lining up, but approving of the incredibly sloppy nail-polish painting on the saya? Nah.
This is what I'm talking about you just said you haven't seen me swing of sword around that's what I don't want to sword for just a swing around I'm 58 years old and I need to sort for real protection not to dress up in a costume and swing one around I live in the mountains where there are bears mountain lions real threats and I need a real sword not one to show off to my friends or or I mean for real practical use for real use not to make believe and that is a hard sore to find because I have been chased my bears up there and I'm about sick of that I love to hike with my dogs so I'm facing real threats not imaginary
![Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024 | Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (INA) [5] vs. Akane Yamaguchi (JPN) [2] | F](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EIjZybhsWqA/mqdefault.jpg)
I would like to share my Swords of Northshire experience. I actually ordered a completely customized shikmizue. Truly custom made. I requested a 36" overall length, Ebony wood for the saya, a 24" 1095 carbon steel blade, shiny sharp, and brass end pieces for the top and bottom. It costs me just over $600 and what a great blade! The entire piece looks like an everyday walking stick, but inside a deadly straight katana. Almost no rattle when sheathed, good fit yet a quick draw, and the blade is perfect. Kudos to Swords of Northshire for a great job. You can't go wrong with Swords of Northshire.
Ah, the zatoichi cane sword?
Thank you for this video and all your videos. Your videos are entertaining, informative, and you do a great job being reasonable and unbiased. As with many, we will be looking forward to part 2 of this particular sword as well as many more of your videos.
Good review, cant wait for a part 2. I want to see what this sword can stand up to before I bite the bullet and buy one for myself. Hope you had a great weekend. Thanks for making the video.
I bought a carbon steel katana, unsharpened, to practice with. To keep it from rusting I used an automotive clear coat paint in a spray can. It's been over a year and no rust.
Really? Brand & name of clear coat?
Clear coats are not good and don't work well in protecting metal.
Just........just oil it
Really like how you made the katana, it even has a Mitsu Tomoe crest on it
At 10:16 in your video the upper right of the inside opening of the mouth of the saya has an irregular bump it may be the reason it is hard to release. But then again it could be the camera angle and I may be wrong. On a side note my ronin elite arrives tomorrow! I got#256 . Because it did not have a Jennifer tsuba ,thanks for your informative drunken ramblings!
man I just love this guy and his reviews, keep it up man
Absolutely love your videos. Each time I watch one there is always just a little more knowledge it adds to my thinking. That's Matt! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for the kind words. Glad you enjoy the content.
@@Matthew_Jensen hopefully one day I'll be able to afford a decent sword. I'm not looking for a high end one. Just a good, nothing fancy, decent sword. Question do you ever sell off the ones you break? I'd like to build a short one.
I made a video about it ruclips.net/video/E0JhV_OL9Y8/видео.html
Thanks for the review. I’ve been debating on purchasing from them for a while now.
Have you purchased one?
Is the quality Good?
@@ferdiecall I have purchased three from them, but I only have two at the moment. The quality is excellent.
kengox77 could you tell me how long shipping took?
@@ilovebabies Shipping usually takes about 2-3 weeks from China to the States, I think. I'm not sure about any other country.
kengox77 Thanks, I’m in the states but I haven’t gotten anything and it’s been a month since I ordered it, guess I’ll have to shoot them an email.
I'm an engineer. The blade binding is definitely from the custom length. When you go to draw the sword, you have to overcome the sword slightly scraping
How does driving a train qualify you to talk about swords?
@@Matthew_Jensen what? i'm a mechanical engineer. i work for a manufacture. fit ups for parts is one of my specialties
sorry I could not resist.
Really Enjoy your Videos!I'm an Iaidoka, and I have purchased two swords from SON; one an unsharpened (iaito), and the second a sharpened one. Both 1060 steel. I'm happy with both of them. I mostly practice with a zinc/aluminum Iaito from Tozando, but I do like using my swords of northshire one once in awhile for the added weight. Again, for the price; these are really hard to beat, IMO.
mojohand40 How is the steel? I’d be able to afford the 1060 (or the folded 1060) and was wondering if it looks poor or feels strange. Thanks.
Edit: Spelling mistake.
you can file the mouth of the scabbard to loosen it up but only enough for it to be tight but not too tight
Believe me... our Jensen guy KNOWS that...
Oh saw this and now I want the daisho I ordered to come in already. But yeah without even finishing the video I hope you enjoy it. I’ve always loved the nodachi I got from them and would say they are worth the cost for that beautiful work they do.
I considered buying from them in the past, but I discovered JKOO that also offers good quality for a very good price. They told me they can make a 160cm sword if I asked.
Why do you only have 5k subs? Your channel is VERY informative!
I am not sure why I even have 500. Glad you like the rambling.
Matthew Jensen It’s only rambling if it’s not related. I’ve been streaming your videos while I drive, and it’s been an absolute joy to listen to. As a fellow martial artist, it’s nice to hear someone that’s knowledgeable and has genuine care for what he does.
FINALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. sword gods have answered
Every day I have time to wack stuff, it snows... Part 2 will happen eventually.
Eventually is accurate
@@Matthew_Jensen How did you get Swords of North Shire to customize the saya and put the crest on habaki? When i go to there website and try to male a custom sword i don't see the option for it.
@@raymondlyons6038 You would need to email them. I don't know that their site has that option. They may or may not be doing that type of work now..
@@Matthew_Jensen ok thank you very much
I hope they are good ,I have one in the air on it's way to my home as we speak , I got the pretty one, got the 3 tone embellishments, and matched it all up , for just at 3 bills .They sent pictures and it is drop dead pretty ! I figure while peeps is admiring the swords Beauty ,I'll move like a lighting ninja, lol . Prettiest Katana I have ever seen . Being able to pick and choose ,and make it your way is very cool, I hope mine will be up to speed ! unlike yours. I also ordered one from Hanbon Forge and it's en-route as well, I still think Northshire and Hanbon are the same Co. Same pictures ,same city . I reallyb like that you answer your subscribers ,meaning me. I have a question, Where can I find a decent over the shoulder scabbard for them? Have bought 2 already and both are trash.?????
not sure on the over the shoulder scabbard. might try having one made by a leather worker.
@@Matthew_Jensen Thank you as always for replying , I got to get a holster fixed anyways for my Ruger Blackhawk,done got fat in my old age ,I'll take the one cheap one and get him to re-design it ,and make a new one for it as well as the holster. He is a genius at leather crafting 30 plus years, he figured out early, if you ain't working for your self you will always be starving.He ain't rich ,but he works at home , and only has one boss, his wife. He does excellent work at a fair price. Ken's Leather Craft in Boonesmill Va.
@@thebigfellar7178 can I see it
Great review. Can't wait to see her dispatch bottles... Swirly and groovy...
Question. Have you ever handled an HSTS?
I have had two of them but they were very early prototype pieces and do not seem to reflect their current offerings.
@@Matthew_Jensen Gotchya. Recently picked up an unokubi and a Shinogi from their 2018 tsunami series. Completely changed my view on katana under $300. Quite a bit of thought goes into them. You can just feel it. True sharp is not just a marketing gimmick. They are demon laser status dude. Went to look at the lines in the light, and was just wowwed by the geometry as well. I would highly recommend giving them another chance if you get an opportunity. Not so much for a review, but more cuz I know you're a man that loves a well thought out katana...
I always have an eye out but the second hand market for HSTS is a little weird. As much as I would like to review one, I don't know that it is in the cards anytime soon.
@@Matthew_Jensen You can contact Ricky Chen on Facebook. He may have still some new 2018 tsunami left. $200ish. Worth every penny... I had a stash of cash saved, waiting for one to come up on the used market, then dude comes out with new ones, was able to get 2 brand new for what I would have paid for 1 used.... I've gotten hyped katana before (viper, dojo pro, raptor). HSTS are the only ones that actually lived up to the hype....
How do you add a description of what colour / engravings you want? I can only find the engraving details, not the colour of the blade or the engravings on the habaki and shape of the tsuba. This is said to be able to be costumized in the website
Nice video. All rayon strings loosen badly, it is a problem for that synthetic. Leather or real Silk solve the problem.
First few seconds, I thought I left the speed at 1.5x. I liked it. :]
when you see a koiguchi with a black ring instead of one shaped to touch the habaki, it's likely made of plastic. a simple burn test on a small sliver will let you know.
can you provide more info on what looks like a tsuka core crack/split? thanks.
Hi Matthew thanks for the informative video. I have a question off subject: What do you think of folded ‘9260 steel?’ Ever heard of it? Just found it available on a website. I have heard of ‘9260 spring steel’, but not of ‘9260 folded spring steel’.
Thanks!
I would imagine you can fold any kind of steel.. I am not sure it helps but I would imagine it can be done.
Matthew Jensen That’s right. I can’t seem to find if it really helps to fold it. Thank you for your reply! Best wishes!
It depends on what you mean. Folding helps it look cooler, at least if that is your thing.. It does not make it perform any better.
Matthew Jensen I see. Makes sense. Thank you again for your time Matthew!
James Galea modern mono steels are stronger. If any one of those folds isn’t properly welded then it’s a weak spot. Hundreds or thousands of folds just adds the possibility a weld doesn’t take or a foreign object or inclusion causes a weld issue. 9260 is great for swords. It’s hard and extremely flexible. Check on mythbusters sword to sword experiment if you haven’t seen it. They used Hanwei swords to film that tv episode.
0:06 where'd you get the kimono?
How did u add the logo on the saya
I asked for it
The is for the video, all your stuff is extremely top notch. I wish someone reviewed guns as detailed as you review swords. A question for you, did you order this sword “razor sharp” or “sharp with niku”. Sorry if you mentioned that in the vid and I missed it.
Hello! I really enjoyed your video and I already subscribed. Is there a way to import this katana to Brazil? Thanks in advance!
I don't know the answer to that one. You would need to reach out to them to see if shipping to Brazil is an option.
@@Matthew_Jensen thanks for the answer master!
Hey man, sorry to bug, but how long did it take for you to get your sword from them??
I ordered mine about 2 weeks ago and it’s still only processed. Did yours ship or arrive yet?
Evan deleidi the sword making process took the longest, but I emailed customer service. Bryce was really helpful, and kept me up to date with the process. He let me know mine was ready 6/12. (Mine was ordered around 5/3) After that it just takes two weeks for shipping.
Michael Michel okay so I still got a while haha. At least that means it’s legit and they care about the process. Are you satisfied with the quality?
I imagine it used to be quicker before covid. Stupid fucking virus.
I ordered mine 3 ish weeks ago and I just got finished pictures of it today, Bryce has said that it should be shipping out in the next few days. Very communicative.
No snow was harmed in the making of this video
Right on the ballpark, there's always those problems that need customization in that price.
Thanks!
Welcome!
Hi,
I would like to know if you ask for a longer katana. Handle seems to be very long no?
@@Matthew_Jensen it seems to me so. Thank you for the answer.
Have you got any issue with customs please ? Because I placed an order and im worried customs will seize it...
You say you bedazzled the sword... but you didn't choose to have a clay tempered 1095?
Ans you chose to weaken the sword with a dual Bo-hi?
P.S Love your reviews? just a bit confused?
The idea here was not to make the most durable sword, it was to see if SoN could make a sword that was to my spec. I asked for some weird stuff and they provided it. The sword was longer and thinner than some I have tested but still held up pretty well.
Bro I don't even care that this was from 2 years ago, having a bo-hi isn't going to cause the sword to break easily, all it will do is make the katana lighter.
Nice sword..how much for it sir.?
Would a 150-200$ sword be worth it from them or should i just get a 300$ sword to make sure the quality is good?
Wow.... New video
it happens sometimes.
I think m, I ll buy one at 560 dollars. Folded damas, clay Tempered 1095. Is the adaptation of the size really important? I found that a short katana is perhaps better. It s not a double edge plate, and katana are really special.
Can you tell me if I ll obtain a good no tahamagane katana or if I should buy a cheaper one? (I already have a tiger elite Paul Chen). I just want a katana for my collection and I have both goals, the other one is a tahamagane one...
Do you know as an expert if it s possible to buy a Japanese tahamagane katana?
Thank you
thanks for your review.
Above the handle of the sword there is the symbol of the Akamatsu clan
What are your opinions on leather ito? Seems like it would hold tight, last long and give a good grip. Is this a true thing though?
I like it but it does not feel as comfortable as silk or suede
Why would you choose 1095 without clay tempering ?
Generally more forgiving of the type of crap I put it through.
What is your opinion on the company Sato swords?
I have never see one.
Do they offer silver fittings like thaitsuki?
I think they will do some silver colored fittings but I don't know about pure or 75% silver like Thaitsuki.
has anyone ordered one from the UK? is it legal to order one?
I want to adorn my sword with the blood of my enemies.
Did it come apart easily? For maintenance.
Around the 7 minute part he touches on that.
Is it good? cuz im thinking of buying.
Is something about the video unclear?
That's one nice katana!
Only thing I care about is if it cuts, if it can keel, and if it holds up. I don't care about the decor.
Im worried for ya
Im with carl on this one
i think we are really going back to the wild west/fuedel japan.
Keep a pistol and a katana on you like Isshin the GLOCK saint😂@@celphalonred1999
3:49 I bought katana from aliexpress have the exact same fuchi for 130 usd ....
How long did the shipping take for you?
I don't even remember. a few weeks?
What is the cost ??
answered in part 2
How much
I put all that in the description.
For 300$ you get a hand made sword most swords on sale are cnc made or with a grinder sure what you point out does matter but at least its hand made and will last you for a life with care im not an expert but it looks great
I would guess a number of power tools were used in this sword.
From where did you buy
Swords of Northshire. Google, my friend.
Make the vidio show your a atlantean sword?
Can you imagine if he chose the Tamegahana? xD
I would venture a guess it would be a bit softer.
I prefer western european weapons by I think I am sold on getting a set from this site soon...
We can survive a zombie apocalypse cause of the amounts of weapons we have the weather and etc
Are they made in China?
Yes
give me that sword
Just a comment for the algorithm
I did not see or heard of a perfect Katana...I think they are made not to be perfect.
Your binding is where the crack is.You should consider the price of the sword you compare it to a more expensive sword ,what do you expect?
A sword 30 inches or more is not a katana.
I dont understand the fake cley tempering it's just wrong. It's like breast implants or driving a Tesla with a Buick engine in it.
If you want to use a car analogy, it is more like a fake hood scoop. It just adds to the look and that is enough for some folks.
Hmm. Not sure how I feel about this one. Criticising the minutest detail of the fittings lining up, but approving of the incredibly sloppy nail-polish painting on the saya? Nah.
Hmm. I'm not convinced yet. Seems like a quality that Huawei or JKOO can make for $300.
Maybe so.. They got all the dimensions right though.
Wait.. you have short short hair.. only 3 plus years and your hair got super long
covid..
This is what I'm talking about you just said you haven't seen me swing of sword around that's what I don't want to sword for just a swing around I'm 58 years old and I need to sort for real protection not to dress up in a costume and swing one around I live in the mountains where there are bears mountain lions real threats and I need a real sword not one to show off to my friends or or I mean for real practical use for real use not to make believe and that is a hard sore to find because I have been chased my bears up there and I'm about sick of that I love to hike with my dogs so I'm facing real threats not imaginary
A 400 plus and not even real hamon um..that disappointing a very brittle blade to say the leat
Dude where you live? My government has told me global warming my hair on fire and you would be flooded with melted ice caps by now.
No worries, snow and cold are normal for my part of the world.
"Cool"? Well, as a butcher knife - yes, as a sword - certainly, no.
The flippant step osmotically sniff because zone precisely post below a natural acoustic. loud, moldy stock
This guy doesn't have a girlfriend
Simp. You watch a video about an interesting sword and the first thing comes to your mind is a woman.
He's got a wife and still more swords than you.
And i bet you're a 40 year old virgin~
What would you say is my best bet for a custom katana?
The Palmetto State Armory of swords......
How long did it take to receive your order?
Depends on the steel