05/17/2016
From Ryan Maza. Titled: NFW
"I / we have not posted on here in forever, however I have something amazing to share with you all. As you all know, SIJ went on a hiatus a few years back. Many of you have moved on to other states, jobs, etc., but the teachings and passion for the art will stay with you forever. Recently, a small clan of us invested in some new mats and have made quite the epic backyard dojo - thus, the resurgence of SIJ begins! But that’s another story.
As some of you may know, I am a Creative Director at an Advertising Agency called, Amped Marketing & Advertising. However, the owner owns and operates two other businesses simultainously. One is, American Martial Arts Supply - AMAS. The other is, 'The Armory.' Armory.net. A retail site that sells replica weaponry (and clothing) to movie studios, collectors, cosplay, etc.
The owner recently decided to delve into the REAL SWORD market, wanting to offer customers a unique live blade that was created to CUT (market demand). Specially, a Japanese sword. A sword in which could only be purchased from the Armory. ** insert evil laugh here**
Enter…. yours truly.
I was put in charge of this project. For months I have been talking with different people from various companies, based on our contacts. Bringing in an experienced salesperson from the industry, knowing what sells and what doesn’t, price points, etc. We decided on producing an affordable (mid-level) sword, that is a ‘Wide Blade Cutter,’ that included all the selling points in which many customers look for…in spades. Ooooh, and here’s a cool part: This sword is being made by the renowned sword smith from SkyJiro Forge. A few of you hardcore peeps are familiar with their work.
Are you sitting down? Of course you are…. here’s the thing…
The sword is to be…. the Shiden’issen Katana. Not kidding. Black Steel wide blade cutter, leather wrap tusk, battle wrap style, Shiden’issen custom Menuki, Fushi Kashira, 5 Ring Tsuba, Saya w/ SIJ Mon…and on and on with epicness. Let that sink in for a minute.
Every little detail has been meticulously designed, thought out and planned. Currently, the custom Tsuba (guard) is being constructed by a different metallurgist in Japan. This Tsuba just happens to be Mon (crest) of SIJ (the 5 rings). From all the research I have done, and according the the makers - this style Tsuba does not exist anywhere in the world. And if it does, it is currently unknown.
When the prototype is complete (prior to production), it will be sent to me…for ‘testing.’ ;-) At this time, we are to shoot promo/advertising videos for the Shiden’issen Katana and…a select group of you will be called back into action. On camera…to cut the s**t out of Tatami mats.
I will keep you all up-to-date on this beast…but in the meantime, feast your eyes on this! And start saving your coin. This deserves to be displayed your wall, next to your Menkyo (some of you have a SIJ shrine, I know). Or under your bed. Or both."
