About Dynasty Forge

Although only recently founded in 2003, Dynasty Forge has emerged as one of the premiere Japanese Sword manufacturers today. Their focus on producing swords that are “pieces of functional art” have made their blades extremely desirable amongst collectors and fighters around the world. This double focus on art (their commitment to producing swords via traditional Eastern methods) and functionality (incorporating a forging process that involves high-carbon raw iron or Tamahagane and 1095 carbon steel for the strongest blades possible) is what sets apart Dynasty Forge from its competitors.

Dynasty Forge swords also offer extra strength and durability for the modern warrior—their weapons purposefully incorporate contemporary materials and methods (while being forged with respect to Eastern authenticity) to provide beautiful blades that won't shatter in the dojo. Dynasty Forge, therefore, understands and provides for the balance in their swords that every warrior must achieve in battle.

Dynasty Forge has always been committed to their customers. In this fashion they recently extended production from their Daimyo class arms to create more swords produced with the same quality but offered at more affordable prices to serve new and upcoming Japanese sword enthusiasts. The swordsmiths and founders of Dynasty Forge also are meticulous with regards to quality control and customer service, ensuring complete satisfaction on each and every sale.

The Forging Process

Dynasty Forge has developed three distinct lines of swords to appeal to the various needs of modern sword enthusiasts. For newer or value-driven buyers the Musha class provides an excellent set of weapons, forged with mono-tempered blades using buffing wheels and grinders. This process provides solid workmanship and attractive swords that will add luster to any collection.

However, Dynasty Forge is also dedicated to the traditional sword crafting processes of Japan which can be seen in their Daimyo Tamahagane and Bushi line of swords. In the process of smithing the Daimyo Tamahagane swords, craftsmen hammer and fold the raw iron comprising the blade. This folding action removes any impurities from the metal and highlights the Hada—the lush and unique grain patterning of the blade. Swords in the Dynasty Forge Bushi Line are also folded in a similar process but contain modern steel versus raw iron.

Both the Daimyo and Bushi class of Dynasty Forge swords go through an extensive heat-tempering process to create a distinct Hamon. The Hamon is created when a smith covers the majority of a blade in clay during the heating process so that only the very edge of the sword feels the full force of the fire. This process creates a milky-white pattern where the crystalline structure of the steel is modified—and no two patterns are alike. This unique factor is one of the reasons Dynasty Forge creates these two lines of swords using traditional Japanese forging methods.

Polishing a sword is a time-consuming process, especially when done by hand as it is by Dynasty Forge for both lines of swords in their Daimyo class. Rather than use buffing machines, smiths hand-polish using a series of graduated stones imported from Japan. This process can take more than thirty hours and utilizes multiple stones of diminishing degrees so that final stages leave “scratches” that are actually smaller than the structural variations in the steel itself.

Dynasty Forge's Chinese Sword Line

Taking the same attention to detail, Dynasty Forge is also reviving the production of high-end Chinese swords. Analyzing history for details and inspiration, the DF Chinese sword collection (coming soon) sets the benchmark for modern reproductions.

The Steel The Daimyo Forge-Folded blades are made using a unique combination of 1095, 1080 and 1060 high-carbon steel. Starting from a 9 layer billet, the differential carbon creates an intricate Hada usually found only on Tamahagane blades. Similar to the Daimyo 1095 line, the Daimyo Forge- Folded line gains strength from the lack of impurities in the steel, leading to stronger resilience and durability.

The Forging Process Each Daimyo Forge-Folded blade is hand-forged and folded 8-12 times, depending on how the billet reacts to each fold. The goal is to create a near homogenous blade with an attractive Hada. All Daimyo Forge-Folded blades undergo the traditional clay-tempering process. The resulting white Hamon lends the steel another layer of intricacy.

The Polishing Process Each Daimyo Forge-Folded blade is hand-polished on imported Japanese stones. Through a process that takes over 60 hours, the blade geometry is refined and the surface brought to a fine luster. Using twelve different grades of stones, the Hada is revealed. Our work most commonly displays Hada in the Ayasugi style with Mokume Hada on the Shinogi-Ji. The Hada is slightly more prominent compared to Tamahagane and makes the intricacies easier to appreciate. The Hamon is finished in the Hadori style, where the polisher uses Hazuya stones to accentuate the contrast against the Ji.

The Finished Blade The Daimyo Forge-folded line combines all traditional aesthetic qualities of the Japanese sword, while gaining improved edge retention and resilience through the use of modern steel. This is a result of a sophisticated process, revealing a Japanese weapon’s traditional form enclosed in a hand-forged blade, brought to a deadly and beautiful mirror finish. This line is perfect for those unwilling to compromise any aspect of the sword, demanding aesthetics and function combined. These high-performance weapons exude superior balance and craftsmanship.

omise

With each and every Dynasty Forge sword that is manufactured, a promise placed on the product to back its quality. Dynasty Forge is confident that they make the finest swords available. Thus, they are also committed to quality control and customer service in order to ensure that the customer is satisfied with the product that he or she receives.

Dynasty Forge Katana

With three classes of swords available to the consumer, Dynasty Forge has a number of products that will fit any collector or martial arts practitioner’s needs. For instance, the Musha class of swords serve as a perfect starting point for those looking to buy their first katana or are looking for an affordable but quality weapon. These swords are forged with mono-tempered blades by using buffing wheels and grinders. The forging process conducted will create an attractive sword and affordable sword that is also fully functional.

The dedication to more traditional Japanese sword crafting can be seen in their Daimyo Tamahagane and Bushi class of swords. Both the Daimyo and Bushi class of Dynasty Forge swords go through an extensive heat-tempering process to create a unique Hamon. A Hamon is created when a swordsmith covers the majority of a blade in clay during the heating process so that the edge of the sword is the only piece truly exposed to the fire. This process creates a milky-white pattern where the crystalline structure of the steel is modified. When the process is completed, no two hamons are ever the same.

In the Daimyo and Bushi class of swords, Dynasty Forge swordsmiths also hand polish each and every sword. As you might guess, this is a very time consuming process, where it could take upwards of thirty hours to hand polish the blade. To do this, the smiths use a series of graduated stones that are imported from Japan. This dedication and time shows the true craftsmanship that Dynasty Forge put into their Daimyo and Bushi class swords.

How Do You Spot a Fake?

To ensure that you are not purchasing a fake Dynasty Forge sword, there are a couple of things that you can do to ensure that yours is authentic. For starters, you should visit the official Dynasty Forge website to see what you should be paying for the particular katana that you are looking at. At Swords Of The East, you can be guaranteed that you are buying an authentic Dynasty Forge katana.

Yet, if you do not want to pay the manufacturer’s price, you can use Dynasty’s Forge’s official website as a resource to find actual authorized and recognized Dynasty Forge dealers to buy from. Here, you’ll be presented with a list of reputable dealers that you can use to determine which vendor to buy from and which is offering the better deal. Since these dealers are trusted by Dynasty Forge, they should sell you a quality katana at a fair price.

Besides this, you can actually determine if the Dynasty Forge sword that you purchased is authentic is by examining its blade. Dynasty Forge swords offer its customers a very sturdy and dependable blade that should be able to withstand basic to advanced cutting tasks, depending on which katana you actually purchased. Since each blade is made with at least some form of carbon steel, you will know if you got a faulty sword by practicing with your blade.

On Dynasty Forge’s site, they warn their customers about how their blades are frequently imitated by others who aren’t capable of matching their true quality. Ultimately, no intimidation can match Dynasty Forge’s blade. If your blade breaks from a rather typical cutting task, it probably due to the fact that your sword is a fake or a knock off. This test will prove that your blade is not made of carbon steel and was most likely made with stainless steel instead. Thus, a cutting test is an end-all test to determine if your sword is truly an authentic and fully functional Dynasty Forge katana.

Maintaining Your Dynasty Forge Sword

The quality and functionality of your Dynasty Forge katana can only be kept up through regular maintenance and care for your blade. Although this maintenance does not require much work or time, keeping up with the cleaning of your sword is necessary in order to make sure that your blade lasts and stays in good condition. Regardless of how you decide to use your Dynasty Forge sword—whether it is for decoration or to practice Kenjutsu, Tameshigiri, or any other martial art—it needs to be cared for. Ultimately, you should realize that your sword serves as a piece of art and as a symbol that requires respect and care. Thus, in order for your blade to last and continue to perform at its intended level, it needs to be well maintained and cared for. This should be done no matter what type of Dynasty Forge sword you purchased.

The first thing that you should always do after you are done using your Dynasty Forge katana is to place its blade inside its scabbard or saya. This specific scabbard was created to protect your blade from long exposure to air, which can corrode your blade if it’s left out for a long time. You should also know that your scabbard helps to keep your blade from reshaping. Aside from this though, putting your katana in its scabbard as a safety precaution. Why even risk the chance of a very preventable injury from occurring? Since it is better to be safe than sorry, make sure that you put your Dynasty Forge blade away when it is not being used.

Now that you understand the safety concerns, let’s move on to something you shouldn’t do. One of the things that you will want to avoid as much as possible is touching your Dynasty Forge blade. If you did not know already, your hands produce oils that could ruin your blade if it is frequently touched. So, do not touch your blade unless it is absolutely necessary to do so. Really try to keep your blade touching to a minimum, and when you do happen to touch it, clean it with oil afterward. You can use a natural or synthetic oil to clean your blade. Some natural oils that you could use include mineral, clove, and camellia. When it comes to synthetics, silicone oil in a spray bottle will do the job. By oiling your blade at least once every month, you will keep in good working condition.

Now that you are equipped with a basic understanding on how to care for your Dynasty Forge katana, you should learn of some ways that you can damage or break it if you are not careful. Probably the most important tip to remember is do not try to cut any object that is extremely hard or difficult to cut. Ultimately, you should not try to cut down large tree trunks or branches with your Dynasty Forge blade or any other katana. This is because your katana was not designed to handle these types of cutting tasks. If you are in the need to really cut down some trees in your yard, you should use an axe instead. Cutting down large and hard objects with your Dynasty Forge katana will wear out its blade or could permanently damage it. Instead, use your sword as it was intended and designed by practicing your cutting abilities on water bottles, milk jugs, and other recommended targets.

Displaying Your Sword and Sharpening Your Blade

If you decide to display your Dynasty Forge samurai sword on a horizontal stand, make sure that the edge of your blade is facing up. This essential to the well-being of your blade, seeing as it can be damaged if it is not placed in its scabbard correctly. The handle, on the other hand, is not as big of a deal. Ultimately, when it comes to deciding which direction to display your sword’s handle, it’s your choice. Left or right, it all depends on what you think looks better.

When you need to sharpen your Dynasty Forge samurai sword, it’s probably best to leave this task to a professional. Do a basic search online and you should find a professional in your area that is certified and knows how to sharpen your Dynasty Forge blade properly.

Final Thoughts

Your Dynasty Forge samurai sword is a very dangerous and lethal weapon. Thus, you should know how to handle your sword responsibly to prevent an unexpected severe injury or even death from occurring.

Finally, remember to use the Dynasty Forge website as a guide to find a trustworthy and quality dealer if you do not decide to buy from their official site.