Howard Clark Katana (L6 Banite Steel) Samurai Sword with Aki Mon

[@lonnierichman1013]

Really glad I watched the explanation of banite by Walter sorrels before I purchased a banite katana. Highly recommend Walters videos.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I agree. Walter makes great videos. I am in awe of that mans ability at so many different skills.

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

A very beautiful piece. Thanks for the review!

[@SebastianSzukalski]

The nodes in the samegawa are lovely.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

+Sebastian Szukalski they do look nice.

[@SatsumaTengu14]

Beautiful blade!

[@bigbossdiop3771]

My favorite sword in your collection lol

[@Matthew_Jensen]

This one is not in the collection anymore. I sold it off a little while ago.

[@IntiArtDesigns]

Mmmm, sword pron. Seriously though, beautiful piece. I'd consider buying it, but the problem with some swords is that they are just too beautiful to test, we'll never know how well this sword would hold up against an oil drum. Not that I'd want to abuse a sword that way anyway. I'm sure Mr. Clark is worth his reputation though. L6 is new to me, I'm currently looking into T-10 blades, have you done any reviews for those?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

+Kakarot7 Not many reviews on T-10 pieces. I don't think I have any at the moment. I have had a few in the past though, nothing really stood out as great about the steel itself.

[@Aurumk1]

Swords these days are designed for speed not actual strength.

[@frankwoods135]

Cpm 3v is some of the most toughest strongest steel I've ever seen

[@nmwninja]

beautiful hamon! wow...

[@Matthew_Jensen]

+mosinmama Howard Clark knows how to make em nice, Ted Tenold knows how to make them shine. It came out well for sure!

[@soykanmuri7277]

I kinda dropped my blade showcasing it, it dropped not far about a few inches. Then it hit the ha against some metal underneath what I had resting. So I'm needing a repolish where the edge dulled. All I could afford then and then I go and dull it partially.

[@dannyhale076]

wow beautiful sword

[@henryjiang9990]

Hey Mathew, I am thinking about getting a custom katana from HC as well. Who do you think does the best polish and fittings?

[@oakmeal]

Do you have anymore l6 blades remaining in your collection? Where else can I view your collection for purchase?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Not at the moment.

[@kensen1070]

I would love to see a destruction test on a Howard Clark Katana. But of course this will never happen because it is just too expensive to break it so we will never know if the L6 banite swords made by Clark are really that good. If the resistance of the sword is not far superior then this Katana would not make any sense... I hope it really is but I am quite sceptical

[@yojirex6374]

Howard has a video of that on his website, though it's 10$ to download.

[@aleistervillaseca438]

Please make a cutting test!

[@frankdrebin1023]

I think this one is my favorite. When you commission a Howard Clark does he just forge the blade only? Or does he mount the tsuka, and make the saya as well? His site doesn't really specify other than suggesting people for polishing. However apparently I have to figure out the depth of the curve of the blade I want. As if I know what it should be, lol. Gorgeous piece. Definite sword porn. Love the saya, too. Is that cherry blossom gold leaf?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

+frankdrebin I have never bought one from him directly so I can't say for sure. Everything I clark blade I have purchased was second hand. From what I can tell he makes the bare blade unpolished, habaki, and other fittings. He is a man with many talents though, so perhaps I am mistaken.

[@sankojin]

I know that this is an old post but thought I would chime in and answer your question. Howard only forges the blade if you buy one from him. He has the ability to do a full polish and mount but from what I understand he hasn't done one in a long time. When you order a blade from him you will get it in a smith polish. A smith polish is the foundation of the blade geometry. You will also get a habaki. This is why Howard lists people on his site so that you can find someone that will finish the blade for you. Hope this helps you even though you asked this question over a year ago.

[@henryjiang9990]

So ted tenold has the best polish

[@jackarrows1436]

🗡️👍

[@marveen6372]

My dream sword also the most expensive :(

[@dannyonvanfleeren7177]

So where the heck can i get one lol

[@Matthew_Jensen]

They are tough to find. Not many come up on the market used but you can order one from Howard for $5k and probably be out the door polished and finished for 8-12k finished after a few years.

[@josehouzelot4334]

what is better? L6 bainite or CPM3V blade for a katana sword ? :)

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I think I would personally go with a CPM3V blade all other things being equal..

[@josehouzelot4334]

+Matthew Jensen (Funny Sword Reviews) yes i see ;) not very différence maybe the price ? haha ^^

[@Matthew_Jensen]

If you compare the steels in a state where both are heat teetered properly for sword usage... (from my understanding) L6 has some really nice shock resistance properties. As it it does not bend or break easily but it is also not known to hold an edge very well. CPMV3 seems to hold up well to shock for all the things you would want a sword to do but seems to hold and edge better. The L6 blades (at least from Howard CLark) are deferentially hardened so they have a nice look to them but still very simple.. The CPMV3 blades I have seen in swords mostly from Dan Keffeler are through hardened. There is a little less to see... but either L6 or CPMV3 are choices where you are getting a blade for performance/use and in that case I would go for the CPMV3

[@profrabbit2]

the only downside to L6 is it's propensity to rust, not really a problem with a Howard Clark since any owner will want to care for it properly, :)

[@Matthew_Jensen]

It does have a tendency to rust quickly. It's hard to care for it even with caution.

[@profrabbit2]

there is a solution, to form rust you need the metal, moisture and oxygen, for long term storage you can use a sealed container, add dry ice (carbon dioxide) and wait till the CO2 flows over the container then seal.

[@davidjackson7720]

Did you sell it yet?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Yes, its still pending final payment but the new owner and I have a plan.

[@Katrulzin]

Nice video, but it's bainite, not banite. You're forgiven.

[@patrickmartin7762]

do a simon lee! dam it

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have had one. I thought it was OK. That is about the best I can say. Polish was good for the money at the time and fittings were unique but sub par. Overall mount was not bad but not much different than anyone else. I will do a review if I get another one.

[@billlythekid5780]

The price is just ridiculous though, isn’t it? This has no historical value. Wouldn’t buying an authentic Japanese Nihonto with historical significance be a smarter purchase?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Depends on all the things..

[@orcastrike7750]

Howard Clark doesn’t really make these with the intent of them having historical value. It’s more of just an attempt to make the most advanced blade possible.

[@ЕленаСпельт]

give me that sword