Taro Asano - modern Seki smith?

[Mikaveli]

So, on my internet travels I've found:

http://asanokajiya.com/en

 

I notice his kitchen knives have been discussed here.

 

I wondered what the cost of a katana from him is (either direct or on the used market, if any are available).

 

I'd assume they're expensive and with a waiting list - but if anyone has any knowledge I'd be interested to hear it.

[YOSE]

In one of his YouTube videos, he mentioned that he would not accept to manufacture any blade that could not be sold above a certain price point as making a custom order is costly. If memory serves, it was around 1.5 to 2.0 million yen.

[ROKUJURO]

YOSHI is correct, that is/was the price for a long blade. ASANO-SAN can work in different styles, so this might also influence the price. You have to imagine that most often, several blades are made at one time, so the best of them can be presented to the customer. It is a lot of material and time that goes into the forging of a sword.

But he is easy to communicate with, as he speaks English and is very friendly and open-minded. This makes him quite special among traditional Japanese swordsmiths. Just contact him under  
                                                                         samuraiknife.Japan@gmail.com

[Mikaveli]

1 hour ago, YOSE said:

In one of his YouTube videos, he mentioned that he would not accept to manufacture any blade that could not be sold above a certain price point as making a custom order is costly. If memory serves, it was around 1.5 to 2.0 million yen.

 

Ok, that's good - that's a starting point around what I had in mind.