New sword: Atrim "Little Tigress" katana

[Swordlady]

I'm currently posting from Seattle right now. A couple days ago, I picked up my new sword. Angus Trim made the blade, and Scott Irey did the saya and fittings. The blade is not traditionally made; it was machined, not hammered or folded. But, it is just as durable - even more so - than a traditionally made katana, thanks to Gus' heat treat. The sword is capable of flexing ninety degrees and returning true to form. In other words, it would take a LOT for this katana to take a set from cutting.

Here are the specs:

Overall length: 36"
Blade length: 25.5" (not including habaki)
Tsuka length: 9.5" (to tsuba)
POB: approx 4 5/8" from tsuba

The tsuka is wrapped with navy blue silk ito, and the saya has matching navy blue silk sageo.

Pics:

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Sweeeeet!

 

[Swordlady]

A shot of the blade out of saya, which will probably show up as a link:

 

[Blindside]

Very nice! I have always liked Gus' euro work, and now it looks like he found someone who can handle the aesthetics for the Japanese blade. Did you break it in at the cutting party?

Lamont

 

[OnlyAnEgg]

that is flipping hot!

 

[MA-Caver]

Very nice.

 

[shesulsa]

That is beautiful!

 

[terryl965]

Looks like it was well crafted and it is a nice looking piece.
Terry

 

[Carol]

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh she's beautiful!!!!!!

 

[Charles Mahan]

I've seen examples of Irey-sensei's work. It's really very nice.

 

[Gemini]

VERY nice, Swordlady!

*sigh* Not my time yet...

 

[Swordlady]

Thanks, guys and gals. Yes, I did break her in at a cutting party at Gus' shop Sunday afternoon. No tatami, just milk jugs and soda bottles. Hopefully, I'll be able to try her out with some *real* tameshigiri at the next Sword Fest in Malvern (that is, whenever a date gets finalized).

I also did some solo kata with the new sword. Nice and light, great balance. The shorter blade is perfect for my height, especially for those dastardly left-handed draws. The tsuka is also short because we use a close grip in YSKR.

All I need now is a matching wakizashi, which I'll probably not be able to get for a while. Til then, I'll have to use my cheapo Hanwei Practical wak with the shiny new sword...

 

[Gemini]

I'd stick with the light sabre, but that's just me...

 

[Swordlady]

Here are a few action shots Restita took last Sunday at the cutting party:

 

[Swordlady]

Here is a "glamour shot" of the sword:

 

[kyudogrrl66]

Yep, that's one fine sword!!

Restita

 

[Swordlady]

Yes, indeed...I'm surprised you didn't give her a whirl at Gus' last Sunday...

 

[kyudogrrl66]

I did try it out, didn't I? Oh m' gosh, I don't remember!!! :uhoh:

 

[pgsmith]

Hey Jennifer,
I was looking at your new sword (very nice by the way!) and noticed the tsuba. Scott Irey sensei donated tsuba, including one of that model, as prizes at the West Coast Tai Kai last February, and I won that one. Good thing too, since I talked myself out of buying the same one at his table before the competition.

 

[Scott Irey]

You know Paul....you could have talked yourself into buying one of tyhe other models