About American Samurai
Creating original masterpieces; swords of art & elegance by legendary Japanese Masters for serious art collectors.
Our Philosophy
Since our inception in 2017, everything was by referral. No advertising. No website. No listed contact details. Just word-of-mouth—quiet conversations among collectors and brokers who valued discretion and depth. Everything was personal. In 2022, we quietly launched our website. Not to change who we are, but to offer a window into our world. And now, for the first time, we’re sharing our antique collection publicly. The spirit remains the same: personal, thoughtful, and rooted in trust—now just a little easier to discover.
We normally carry no stock; no "inventory" as such. Everything we do is custom; one-one-one with our clients. We believe in creating authentic relationships with our clients and craftsmen, ensuring that each sword represents not just exceptional craftsmanship, but a genuine connection between artist, collector, and the ancient traditions they both honor.
Our Craftsmen
We work exclusively with master swordsmiths in Japan who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the ancient art of Japanese sword making. Many of these craftsmen come from lineages that stretch back centuries, carrying forward techniques and traditions that might otherwise be lost to time.
Each custom sword we produce represents thousands of hours of work, from the initial smelting of the steel to the final polishing that reveals the blade's soul.
Our Collections
Our two primary collections, The 8 Samurai Project and The Pleiades/7 Sisters Project, represent different artistic visions and philosophies in sword crafting. Each piece within these collections is completely unique, bearing the distinctive signature of its master craftsman while remaining part of a greater artistic whole.
Our Commitment
We are committed to preserving and sharing the exceptional artistry of Japanese sword making. Each transaction is not simply about acquiring an object, but about becoming a custodian of living history and art. We believe in transparency, authenticity, and the building of relationships that honor both the traditions of the past and the collectors who ensure these traditions have a future.
Our Story
From a Japanese website
The 8 Samurai Series and the Pleiades Wakizashi Project are the creative idea of A. Taum Dell'Armo, Founder/Director of Carmel Samurai Company, Carmel, CA.
## Martial Arts Background
Dell'Armo has studied five martial arts, with his passion being Iaido — The Way of the Samurai Sword. Currently, he studies Zen Ken Ichi/Zen Sword, a form that combines Iaido with Tai Chi energy movement.
## Professional Background
Known in his country as a marketing expert, Dell'Armo held prominent positions in top agencies:
- Senior VP, Ogilvy International — the largest advertising agency in the world.
- Executive Director, Simon Marketing, Inc., Los Angeles, CA — the world's largest promotions company, overseeing global promotions for:
- Coca-Cola
- American Express
- McDonald's
He was also the co-founder of The Madison Group, Inc., a marketing consulting firm.
## The Birth of a Unique Vision
After retiring, Dell'Armo decided to merge his advertising and marketing expertise with his passion for the samurai sword — creating something that had never been attempted before.
Thus, the 8 Samurai Series and the Pleiades Project were born.
## Personal Life & Carmel Samurai Company
Dell'Armo resides in California’s Monterey Peninsula, a world-famous tourist area known for:
- Pebble Beach Golf Resort
- The coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea
He proudly states that Carmel Samurai Company was founded to promote the Samurai Sword as Fine Art. Fittingly, Carmel boasts more art galleries per capita than any other town in the United States.
The Monterey Peninsula & Carmel: A Place for One-of-a-Kind Characters
The Monterey Peninsula in general—and Carmel in particular—has long been a place that attracts one-of-a-kind characters and outsized personalities. Think Steinbeck, Day, Ricketts, Morse, Eastwood.
These people share several traits, but one stands out: a passion for life and for the endeavors they engage in. It’s no stretch to add A. Taum Dell’Armo to that list.
Taum (pronounced just like *“Tom,”* the name he grew up with in the South Bronx) long held a dream to live in Carmel.
> “I used to call it my ‘Someday Place,’” he says. “I first visited in 1972 and vowed that I would move here someday.”
“Someday” became “today” 16 years ago when he and his wife Diane took up residence here. As is so often the case, the route from his home in The Bronx to Carmel was somewhat circuitous.
Pine Cone - Article / Great Lives
He's a native New Yorker, a seamless relentless East Coast talker who, when discussing his favorite topic — Samurai Swords — rarely comes up for air.
> "Next to my family, my sword is the most important thing in my life. It's really hard to even put into words," said Taum Dell'Armo, a 71-year-old Carmel Valley man who enjoyed a fortuitous life that included a lucrative career as an advertising executive, but found his bliss 12 years ago when he started studying "the way of the Samurai."
Baruch Magazine
### From the Bronx to the Dojo: The Samurai Journey of Taum Dell’Armo
How does a high-powered advertising executive find inner peace? For alumnus Taum Dell’Armo (’69), the answer lies in the way of the samurai.
The Bronx-born Dell’Armo—whose first name, “Taum,” is based on a Sanskrit holy word and is pronounced just like his given name, “Tom”—is trained in five martial arts and has been studying Iaido, an intricate Japanese sword art, for the last 12 years.
Carmel Magazine
### Taum Dell’Armo is a master of several martial arts methods and collects Samurai swords.
He creates custom swords for clients using antique components.
Taum Dell’Armo calls his "8 Samurai" **The Most Exclusive Art Club in the World**. And he's no doubt correct.
Carmel's Women's Club
### Lecturer and Scholar Taum Dell’Armo is presenting “The Way of the Samurai”
The presentation will include a display of exquisitely crafted gold and silver samurai sword fittings and a history of the meticulous workmanship that made the ancient sword one of the most treasured pieces of art in the world.
Meals on Wheels
### Dear Friend, so sorry to be slow in thanking you for adding so much to our Sunday Meals on Wheels Gala Fundraising night.
Taum, you were totally the “centerpiece” and made our table over the top.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so generous with both sharing your sword and that culture with everyone, and in helping.
**JUDIE PROFETA**
*Carmel Realty Company*
Guest Lecturer at Sagewood Center, Scottsdale, AZ (The Art of the Samurai - 2022 National Tour)
### Guest Lecturer at Sagewood Center, Scottsdale, AZ
**The Art of the Samurai — 2022 National Tour**