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SWORD BUYERS DIGEST

Issue # 167, April 2022

From the Desk of Paul Southren

After resisting it for several years, the April Fools edition of the sword buyers digest has become something of an annual tradition. And in these rather ridiculous and surreal times, this is the third year where it has been especially appropriate..


Of course, unlike the current era - which to me at least seems to be entirely focused on exploring the depths of foolishness - we will just 'spice up' this issue with a little cathartic nonsense here and there in addition to our usual mix of news, articles, information and other swordy bits and pieces.


So without any further ado - if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!


Sword Industry News

For the last 2 years the sword industry has been struggling to find its way. From nothing in stock and everyone cashed up and wanting to buy to lots of stock and no one with any money left, the sword market is either in the wrong place at the right time or the right place at the wrong time and never seems to catch a break..


But finally, we have some unexpected good news - the sword industry has found an almost magical solution to its problems with a radical technological solution..


No, it's not 'Sword Air' - the world's first dedicated international sword distribution company with their own fleet of specialized planes to fix all the supply chain issues and ship swords economically anywhere in the world..

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It's not even 3D printed swords made from Neo-obsidian or a massive new fully automated CNC factory or the invention of a new super steel - no. It's so radical that we can bypass EVERY obstacle to fulfillment to the online sword buyer..


INSTANT SWORDS! DELIVERED INSTANTLY! FOR FREE! ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!


Yes, the cat is out of the bag. Thanks to modern technology we will be the first sword business to go entirely online and supply image files NFT's of swords at just $50 each! No more worrying about stock levels or inflation. No more supply chain chaos and now swords are priced so that even the best ones are available for a flat rate of $50 per sword! (discounted down from $7,999,999.99).


And to celebrate this amazing launch of Non fungible swords, we are giving away a FREE NFT Sword to each and every subscriber! Valued at $50! And it even comes with a human shaped sword stand!

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Pretty amazing times!


Stay tuned for next months update, but with such a positive start to the month, expect nothing but good news and more Sword NFT's as we transition to the fully digital economy (NFT tatami mats coming soon!).


Happy April 1st..

Feature Article: Thaitsuki 22 year anniversary

There are a lot of mixed opinions about Thailand's Thaitsuki Swords - much of it a bit of a storm in a teacup about their innocent use of the word 'Nihonto' in their previous name, Thaitsuki Nihonto (even though they never claimed their Katana were made in Japan, Nihonto is reserved for Japanese made swords exclusively - even though technically it just translates as 'Japanese Sword').


In my own experience, I tried out one of their flagship models - the KtN5 - and reviewed it here, finding it to be more than adequate and with some of the nicest fittings I have seen on a production sword. But I have also found the owner, Mr. Satit Pitchayawanlop (Mr. Sivarat), to be very friendly, personable and open about his business and so on their 22nd year of operation present a message from the man behind it all..

The Story of Thaitsuki Swords

by Thaitsuki Swords CEO Satit Pitchayawanlop

From the beginning as a teenage boy who wanted to have his own katana collections to a global sword trade, it is a strange but true story for thaitsukisword.com


For businesses that do not have a starting point but came from a passion for the art of Japanese swords, Mr. Satit Pitchayawanlop (Sivarat) started this business and has been running it since the age of 22 for the last 22 years. Starting from the sword model ktn1 maru we have released many collections and models and continue to create and imagine original designs that attracted both domestic and international media recognition and interest.


Below is just a sample of some of the coverage:

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Another point of pride is that he was honored to design the sword used in the film SAMURAI AYOTHAYA

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Current Models

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KUMORI MARU KATANA

(KTN4)🡺 SEE MORE DETAILS


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SOKUETO HONDACHI MARU KATANA

(KTN5)🡺 SEE MORE DETAILS


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FURUI SHISHI SANMAI KATANA

(S01)🡺SEE MORE DETAILS


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DOKUJI NAMI SANMAI KATANA

(S02)🡺SEE MORE DETAILS


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ROIYARU SANMAI KATANA

(S03)🡺SEE MORE DETAILS

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TONBO SANMAI KATANA

(S04LE)🡺SEE MORE DETAILS

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ORASAKU ZUKURI HONSANMAI KATANA

(S05)🡺SEE MORE DETAILS


Each piece is made to order, which will take time but is a craft that guarantees the precision in the workpiece and different from those in the market.


Over the last 22 years, Mr. Satit Pitchayawanlop has sold at least 4,000 swords and there is good news that a limited edition katana will be released to celebrate the 22nd anniversary, which will be a special edition and will only produce 100 units.


For more news, visit the Thaitsuki website below:

Thaitsuki Official

Video: skills, patience and inspiration

The Making of Thaitsuki Swords

Swords in the News

MET Museum Japanese Sword Fitting Exhibition

The MET Museum has a new exhibition featuring a collection of ornate and beautiful Edo period sword fittings showcasing how the Katana became a high fashion statement item during this largely peaceful era spanning nearly 300 years.

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Official Bandai Release of Demon Slayer Sword Replicas

It's not very often you see official replicas of anime swords (most of the time the parent companies just sue the makers and retailers of unofficial knock-offs every few years to 'make money from replica swords') but while these are mere ornaments, they are cool toys and cosplay items.


Recent photos of Tamahagane

It's just a gallery of photos from the forge of legendary Japanese swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara taken in February this year - but each one is worth 1000 words. Always good to see the forge fires in Japan still burning. For more info, check out this related article: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220329/p2a/00m/0et/035000c


Canada's Soccer Team and their lucky Sword!

Canada's Soccer team has a swordy mascot that the team takes with them wherever in the world they may go. Must be fun getting through customs sometimes, but what a cool tradition!

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Modern Brand Logos Reimagined as Medieval Illustrations

From LaCoste to Burger King, YouTube and even Tinder, check out what these everyday logos would look like if drawn in the classic style of medieval manuscripts..


Usagi Yojimbo coming to Netflix April 28

Stan Sakai's iconic character, the Samurai Rabbit Usagi Yojimbo is coming to Netflix at the end of this month, and apparently it has Sakai's stamp of approval so could well be worth the watch..

Video of the Month

You might be forgiven for thinking that gripping a sword by the blade and striking with the handle would be the residue of an April Fools joke taken all too seriously - but most lovers of medieval swords will be familiar with this very unusual striking technique known as the 'Murder Stroke'.


In this video popular YouTuber Scholagladitoria deep dives into this technique despite his own personal misgivings:

Just remember to count your fingers after each strike just to be on the safe side.

Best Forum Posts

Homemade Sword Mounts

Easy example of some cheap, home made sword mounts to display your swords on the wall.


Busy Month at Lonely Wolf Forge

The Lonely Wolf Forge has been busy making more one of a kind unique swords and blades for the SBG community. Check out their latest work!


The Swordpocaylpse..

One of our members comes back after a 10 year hiatus and the ongoing discussion describes the current 'Swordpocalypse' quite succinctly..


Most expensive blade you have ever cut with?

What's the most expensive sword you have ever cut with? SBG members share their experiences and some pics of Howard Clark L6 Katana!

Hope you enjoyed the April edition of the Sword Buyers Digest and our feature article on Thaitsuki Swords 22 year anniversary.


  • Paul Southren


P.S. Cannot resist, have to complete this issue with one last April 1st super special offer..

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The coupon has no expiry date and can be used at ANY sword store - so happy swordening all!