Well, if someone from this forum wants it, I'll offer it for $225, shipped (continental US of course).
Here's what I wrote on myArmoury so you don't have to click through:
'm selling one of the older designs of the Shinto katana from Paul Chen / Hanwei. This one is ten years old. It has never been used for cutting or anything else, other than sitting on display on a shelf.
The blade isn't as bright as I remember, so it's possible it's darkened a little over the years, but I know that was one of the issues with the older versions that they've improved in the more recent designs. The photos make the blade look brighter than it is.
It's in great condition, except that the ray-skin has receded a little and the pommel-cap (kashira) is a little loose now. I suppose it's possible the cap simply popped loose to reveal a little of the grip core underneath. It looks like the ito (grip wrap) could probably be tightened down to correct this. It's not very noticeable, and I have a close-up picture below showing it.
I'm including the cleaning kit and fabric bag that came with it originally. And the scabbard (saya) is of course included.
Originally the sword had a MSRP of $700, and the new model is MSRP $895 (KoA is selling it for $481.95).
I'm asking $250 due to its age and relative cost of the new model online. I'll keep it posted here for up to a few weeks, at which time I may list it on ebay if it doesn't sell here.
I'll include free shipping to the Continental US in the above price. Anywhere else and I'll have to ask you to pay the shipping charges.
Most of these photos are clickable for a zoomed view:
Stats:
Overall Length: 39 inches (99 cm)
Blade Length: 28 ¼ inches (71.75 cm)
Hilt Length: 10 ¾ inches (27 cm)
Weight: 1 ⅞ pounds (0.85 kg)
Center of Gravity: 5 ¼ inches from guard (13 cm)
