Seido Swords owner Angelo Samaklis said he opened the shop in October, because of his passion for Japanese swords.
“I started collecting swords in 2008 and have had a passion for them since I was a young, but I could not afford them,” he said.
“I am probably one of the few people in the country who has a permit to import Japanese-style weapons.”
The store offers two types of swords: machine made and handmade.
“Handmade swords are normally for collector value, and machine made swords are popular for cutting purposes,” said Samaklis.
The difference between the two is quality.
Handmade swords are five times the price of a machine made sword, because it takes time to make them and they are often used as display pieces
The swords are imported from Longquan, China, and include Katana Wakizashi Tanto products.
“The swords in the shop are among the highest quality of Katana swords in the county.
Longquan community has a 2 500 year sword making history, which has been passed down for generations.
“We carry folded steel, high carbon and 9260 spring steel swords,” Samaklis said.
His favourite sword is the Unokubi Zukuri weapon, because it is well balanced, agile and razor sharp. It is strictly a collector’s sword, which is handmade and carries a high value.
“The swords in the store are battle ready, that is how precise and fully functional they are,” he said.
Samaklis advises anyone who owns a sword to treat it the same way they would treat a firearm, by keeping it in a safe place and away from children.
The price range for the swords can vary from R1 600 to R50 000.
If you have a sword that you think is worth something then bring it to Seido Swords for a free appraisal.
From November 15 till December 24, customers can get a 20 per cent discount on all swords.
Seido Swords is located at Oakfields Shopping Centre, Oak Street,in Northmead.
For more information contact Angelo Samaklis on 011 425 5443.
