P.S.A. from Ashigaru Armory on sword classifications and test cutting...

Announcing a change in how we classify swords...but first, background.

Recently I had a conversation with a follower about the classification of one of our swords. I have always prided myself on being open and accessible to questions. The conversation quickly changed from simple questions to one of disagreement of said classification which then turned into a disagreement about pricing. It was no longer about the product or a purchase at that point. This evolved into another conversation from a related follower of the previous, echoing the same sentiment, almost word for word. My responses were the same, my respect was the same. We fully photograph and comment on any and all flaws, with extreme full disclosure. We can agree to disagree, and if that's the case, we may not be the shop for you. That is okay, and I hope you find exactly what you are looking for...truly.

But the conversation did bring up something important. Not every one swings a sword the same way. Not every one has the same skill set, or background. Not every one uses the same targets. So if I say sword X on target Y will cut, because it did so for me, will it for you? Will you have the same result? There will be countless users with more skill...less skill...maybe no skill...I cannot control what happens in those scenarios which is exactly why we have disclaimers which leads me to the following...

If anyone uses an antique to cut any type of target, they must understand and accept the risk and results of that cut. It will be of your own inspection, your own experience and your own skill. I've never sold a sword advertised for cutting with a split tsuka, worn, koiguchi, improperly secured menuki, or fatal flaws. If reliability and hard use is of concern to you, please check the Non-Nihonto section for modern mono-steel reproductions. To be accused of not taking the safety of our customers into consideration is not something that I take lightly, especially when based purely on remote opinion. I have talked plenty of customers out of purchases because the sword they were looking at would not meet their expectations or would otherwise be unsafe.

As a result, starting with our next listed swords, we are changing the classification system of Nihonto...(Non-Nihonto with live edges will also follow these rules, Iaito will always be blunt edged Iaito)

• Shinken: Swords with live edges. Shinken will not have any apparent or obvious fatal flaws. We cannot see inside steel however, so you must be comfortable with what you see.
• Iai: These swords will contain flaws that make them suited for Iai exclusively but will still feature a live edge.
• Study: Swords with this tag will have steel features or koshirae worth study and investigation. This tag can be paired with either Shinken and Iai swords, and may also be used by itself for swords where we do not recommend any physical usage due to value.

I am readily available at any time to answer legitimate product or purchase questions, in fact I quite enjoy it so please do not hesitate. If it turns into an argument or your typical internet disagreement or trolling, I will politely complete the conversation and move on. We exist today in our current capacity as the direct result of our honesty, communication style, and customers. If you know, you know, and we appreciate you. We will continue to do the same as we always have and we will endeavor to persevere!

Thank you!