Quick Look: Michael Bell Katana

This is a quick look at two of the Michael Bell katana I have around. They are both made of cable steel and have a few notable oddities.
You can find more info about Michael Bell's work here - dragonflyforge.com/
Sword 1 Specs:
Handle/Tsuka Length: 13.75"
Blade/Nagasa Length: 28" (without habaki)
Sori: .551”
Moto-haba: 1.22”
Saki-haba: .845”
Motokasane: .328”
Sakikasane: .265”
Weight: 3lb 1.5oz
POB: 5.25” from tsuba
Sword 2 Specs:
Handle/Tsuka Length: 12.25"
Blade/Nagasa Length: 28" (without habaki)
Link to the new facebook spot - / matthewjensenswordreview
Link to the new patreon spot - / krunan
Link to my ebay sales page - www.ebay.com/usr/krunangree

[@jacobharris3208]

I got to meet Michael Bell when I was 17. He let me visit his forge. He was a super kind man. It was an amazing experience

[@mattflynn9746]

Great video matthew. I was the previous and custom ordered the to my specs. The first sword was designed for heavy usage/cutting. I was informed by michael bell that all these pockets are stands of cable that have burned away, totally normal with this type of material. The cloudy spots are actually muneyaki and tobdyaki. The mounting where done by fred lohman except the menuki are actually antiques. Before I retired the blade it was used for thick tatami with 1 1/2 in oak wrapped inside, 6 to 8 in bamboo and thrusting through 3/4in plywood. The blade held up with no damage at all. I can confidently say this sword is the strongest swor I have ever used. Thank you for the video matthew I will say more on the second sword very soon.

[@jonandresen1483]

Thanks for sharing. I admire your positivity and diplomacy. There is something for everyone.

[@CobraKaiNoMercy]

Very interesting swords. The cable steel gives it a unique looking hada.

[@shanewright344]

I agree, and it's even a little refreshing to see something a bit different.

[@mattflynn9746]

Now for the second sword but before that I wanted to mention that John de Mesa did the polish on the first sword after it was retired. Chris Osbourne did the polish on the second sword. Ok this sword I designed after general muramasa blades from studying muramasa blades and getting general specs out of The Craft of the Japanese Sword from the Sengo Muramasa information. Designed to be a vicious cutter on the ancient battlefield. The blade also has a mitsu mune which I requested from Mr. Bell. For the simple fact that i had never had a blade with that mine profile before. The fittings are antiques except the f/k were modren made in japan. The sword was completely mounted by gabriel bell including habaki. There were some hiccups during the completion process and I never got to see the finished sword firsthand. Thanks to Matthew for doing this video.

[@andrepalombo9853]

Hi! Would you be willing to share the blade specs for the second sword? I think it is a very awesome blade

[@davidchelepyan5233]

Awesome swords ⚔️

[@BrumEldar]

Thanks for the video 🙏😊

[@erichusayn]

Nice. Always wanted to hear more about those. If only I had the cash.

[@BACCHUS777]

Those two Ware are essentially fatal flaws in that position, any lateral force on the Kissaki and there is a high chance of it completely coming off. All the imperfections and Ware make it look like an old polished down Kazuchimono. Especially when looking at well the second sword came out it is disturbing to think a customer received that.

[@ambulocetusnatans]

I learned Kenjutsu at a time before cheap Chinese blades were available, and I've got to say my Sensei would not have allowed that sword to be used in his Dojo.

[@Shadowrpb]

Where did you get the 8 tier sword rack for your wall?

[@KF1]

Maybe it's super tough steel, but from an aesthetic standpoint it's hard to imagine choosing a steel source that you know is going to leave a pitted appearance.

[@andreweden9405]

Do you know if any antique moulds survive that are still used to cast the various hilt components? If not, that would be so awesome if a smith could get their hands on some that haven't been used for decades, and used them to cast parts for a new sword!

[@IPostSwords]

they typically weren't cast for antiques. Ford Hallam has videos on youtube showing how they were traditionally made

[@spurgear]

WEEEEEEEEEEEBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@matthewgarza2865]

No I agree with u I dont like that cable steel it always has flaws .......love ur video

[@MaliciousMollusc]

Dude, that blade looks rough.. Are they sure it's not a crack?

[@TIMBERTIGERFORGE]

It's made from logging cable bud, hundreds of round wire forge welded, cable damascus is much stronger, it is the sun of all its parts, the blips are unavoidable that sed they are thru out and actually make the blade tougher any crack that May occur or chip from blade to blade contact or extreme situation will soon be stopped buy the tiny voids left from strands of the steel rope which had the carbon burned from them and disintegrated. Hand forged steel rope or cable Damascus it is a very unique material and if you do not understand it It is or can be mistaken as a substandard material that would be a grave mistake by any person. Not willing to take the time and research the material. I make large quantities of it regularly. If you would like a piece feel free to contact me.

[@panoctic]

for that price that pockets are not ok and makes me warry of the sword. despite of being beautiful, i cant stand a imperfections, that stuff drives me crazy.

[@chrisw7188]

hey, how is dragon king as a brand? they are under the hanwei umbrella of brands and they use 65MN steel for a lot of their blades

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Are they? I know they are distributed by CAS but I was under the impression they were a different company.

[@chrisw7188]

@@Matthew_Jensen i think youre right.. they dont make things very clear

[@andrepalombo9853]

Hello I know this is an older video but would you still be able to share the specs for the second blade?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I never did do much measuring on that one. Handle/Tsuka Length: 12.25" Blade/Nagasa Length: 28" (without habaki)

[@andrepalombo9853]

I was just curious about the numbers for size comparisons. I really like the long tsuka and a blade with some more mass to it. Thanks for the reply!

[@aperson1741]

Is katanas for sale a good website to shop? I asked last week but I don’t think you seen it :(

[@aperson1741]

Haven’t bought a real katana yet so I want to make sure I don’t overpay

[@violentinstincts]

@@aperson1741 read Swords Buyers Guide - that's a good place to start.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have never worked with them before. As Sky Vins said, Sword Buyers Guide is a good place to start reading about mass production swords.

[@Gman-109]

No such thing as a "dumb" video on your channel. I find them always to be interesting, no matter what sword/etc the vids about. I always learn something, and then go creep on your "for sale" threads afterwards, hah.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

My sale threads have been pretty barren lately. Trying to avoid the post office.- Glad you like the videos and I appreciate the kind words.

[@rickycouto4442]

A am looking for a Huey cuter

[@mikebender6268]

Could you provide nagasa, moto and saki haba dimensions on that second blade?

[@silverbulletfury2660]

can you give me two good katana manufacturers?

[@DougsDiggers]

Damn boi he thicc!

[@nathancripps8343]

Maybe wipe it after you clean it I don't really no

[@violentinstincts]

i imagine these are 4-grand swords.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I think the bare and unpolished blades cost that or more.

[@Darren_Tay]

Pass. For that price, I rather get a katana from Howard Clark, Walter Sorrells or Rick Barrett with better steel choice.

[@nathancripps8343]

Can't see the wavey machine press $ got 200000$

[@martinkukumberg4598]

Why only katanas?European swords are good too!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

They are indeed, people just don't ask me as much about them. I like them, I enjoy them, I own them..... But very few people ask me for my thoughts on them. For beaters, Ronin is tough and ends up top of the beater list. In terms of a cheep refined blade.. they are very model specific. An older used Atrim is a good bet.

[@nesking3115]

If I am going to pay $10K+on a custom made Katana I would rather commission a legitimate Japanese smith ..

[@nicholasvogt9770]

A legit Japanese Smith is going to be well above 10000. Just for the blade you're talking anywhere from 20-50k, not including polishing and mounting.

[@micahcampa]

@@nicholasvogt9770 there a japanese smiths that do it for less like 4k and up

[@nesking3115]

@@nicholasvogt9770 not necessarily..Unless you commission one by Yoshindo Yoshihara one can get a commission for a Shinsakuto for a “reasonable “price .I know ,because I had one commissioned back in 2016 for $20K ..

[@zarmr9719]

Micah Bell? No.. just no pls

[@texasghostrider9644]

Do you know how lucky you are to have just won a Michael Bells katanas let alone two of them?! Those sword can run anywhere from 10 to 20 Grant custom. And if you don't know anything about them, you know being a respectful martial artist and a student of the sword that I am I'm going to hold my tongue and just tell you you're looking man even have one nevermind 2

[@Matthew_Jensen]

What about the video gives you reason to hold your tongue? I don't take offence to generally coherent arguments.

[@TheAhirishman]

The mark/split/crack on the tip is a delamination. Complete trash.