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Post by pellius on Jun 26, 2021 17:45:59 GMT
It very recently came to my attention that LK Chen started offering a niuweidao: lkchensword.com/niu-wei-daoI’m always happy to see more makers offering this style of sword. To my knowledge, the only production models that are currently available are made by Hanwei and JKOO. The Cold Steel version seems to still be in production, but is eternally sold out and going for over $600. Dynasty Forge has been unavailable or “back ordered” for years now. TWF has the Dan Dao, but the blade seems more like a falchion profile to me. Of course, I may be missing some. Anyway, it’s nice having another option at a reasonable price ($320 list) from a maker that has been getting pretty good comments. The LK Chen website currently lists their niuweidao as “preorder,” with a wait of four weeks. However, they also are knocking 40 bucks off the price (so, $280). I went ahead and ordered one, so I guess we shall see if the four weeks estimate is true. I ordered a Hanwei Cawood from MRL during their Memorial Day sale, which informed me after purchase that it was actually not in stock. So I guess we’ll have a race to see which ships first. Also worthy of note, LK Chen charged $90 for shipping. Ouch [but see update, below]. When I get the LK Chen niuweidao, I’ll post photos and stats, and maybe some first impressions. Cheers. |
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Post by pellius on Jun 26, 2021 19:52:17 GMT
Update:
I just got an email from LK Chen that they refunded $20, presumably from the shipping charge. While that still leaves shipping at a robust $70, they could’ve just done nothing and kept the 20 bucks.
So a big thanks to LK Chen!
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Post by kjakker on Jun 26, 2021 20:06:18 GMT
I received such a refund when I bought two of their swords a couple of months ago.
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,714
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Post by stormmaster on Jun 26, 2021 21:03:04 GMT
im really excited to buy the yan ling dao next month with those fangshi style fittings
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Post by Arlequin on Jun 26, 2021 21:43:39 GMT
Nice, don't think ill grab this one, but I'm glad they're continually expanding their line up. If they want to, they could completly take over the market for chinese blades. With Dynasty Forge and Imperial going awol, pretty much the only option for a legitimate sword was to cough several thousand to a private smith with little peer review or send your money over to jkoo and hope you get something decent.
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Post by pellius on Jul 2, 2021 19:49:47 GMT
Well, it has been a week, so only three to go!
Maybe.
The website says there’s a seven week lead time for a niuweidao now. Dunno if that includes an order from a week ago, but the “pre-order” language tends to make me think the delay is universal for that particular model.
On the other hand, they are at least updating their website to let folks know of the delay.
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Post by pellius on Jul 10, 2021 14:25:31 GMT
Second week update:
No word from LKC yet, but none was expected.
In the last week, they have added an option for a folded pattern steel of two different alloys. When I ordered, the only steel option was their version (so to speak) of 5160 steel.
No change to stats, which is good. The weight of about 2lbs 3oz is ok for a sword just over three feet in length. I just hope the blade has at least some distal taper. A thick foible won’t cut or handle very well, especially on an oxtail.
LKC is continually updating their web page, though, which is very encouraging.
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Post by kjakker on Jul 10, 2021 23:12:14 GMT
Your sword should have proper distal taper. The two LK Chen swords I own both have visible distal taper.
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Post by pellius on Jul 10, 2021 23:56:10 GMT
Your sword should have proper distal taper. The two LK Chen swords I own both have visible distal taper. That is very encouraging. Thanks. |
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Post by snubnoze on Jul 11, 2021 4:14:37 GMT
I'm not totally interested in Chinese swords, but price to performance ratio of LK Chen can't be denied. This Niuweidao at $280 seems like a steal. While not as cheap, I'm really liking the looks of this Yan Ling Dao: lkchensword.com/shop/ols/products/yan-ling-dao |
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Post by pellius on Jul 11, 2021 20:38:22 GMT
I saw a reference to LKC’s new Yan Ling Dao on FB. That’s what led me back to their site. The thick forte and strong distal taper was very impressive - very tempting.
That is how I came to discover they were offering an oxtail. I’m hoping it has similar attention to detail and handling to their Yan Ling Dao.
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Post by pellius on Jul 13, 2021 3:59:58 GMT
Another brief update.
LKC updated their niuweidao page to include blade thickness measurements:
Blade thickness approx.
at hand guard: 5.00 mm
19.1 cm from hand guard: 4.00 mm
34.5 cm from hand guard: 1.80 mm
18.5 cm from tip: 1.40 mm
I must say that these stats are very promising! Now I’m really looking forward to having this oxtail in hand.
Also, as before, I appreciate LKC continuing to update the info on their website.
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Post by Turok on Jul 23, 2021 11:28:45 GMT
I look very forward to seeing your review of the niuweidao, Pellius! The Yan Ling Dao also looks great with nice, crisp fullers! I can't wait to see some more hands on reviews of these swords!
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,714
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Post by stormmaster on Jul 23, 2021 15:37:36 GMT
Does anyone have any ideas what the different versions of the yan ling dao look like?
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Post by tommyh on Jul 25, 2021 18:38:50 GMT
They seem to like making more obscure models of Chinese swords, so my fingers are crossed they eventually make a double broadsword. This could be a good starting point for that.
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Post by FLScott on Jul 26, 2021 0:37:26 GMT
I have one on order as well.
They seem to be expanding their line quite fast. I also saw the Snow Peak Jian and Yan Ling Dao added recently along with two pole arms.
Their shipping is expensive but it is coming from China. They give a discount for US customers because they use a different shipper for US then anywhere else.
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Post by pellius on Jul 26, 2021 1:37:52 GMT
Update
I just passed the original four week wait. Their website bumped the wait to seven weeks after I placed my order. Now the site doesn’t mention any wait. We shall see.
While waiting, I’ve been casually comparing the oxtail stats to other similar swords, such as DF’s old oxtail, Hanwei’s oxtail, JKOO’s oxtail, and Albion’s Vassal falchion.
If LKC hits the stats advertised, this will be a very impressive sword.
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Post by kjakker on Jul 26, 2021 5:00:30 GMT
When I placed my order from LKC it took nineteen days to arrive. However I was not ordering the newest item on the site.
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Post by FLScott on Jul 26, 2021 9:56:01 GMT
When I placed my order from LKC it took nineteen days to arrive. However I was not ordering the newest item on the site. The first order I had with them took 12 days from China to my door. This one is at 6 weeks now. I also ordered another sword at the time. I kind of wish I placed separate order because it looks like they are waiting to ship them together. But for all I know it is sitting at customs. |
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Post by pellius on Jul 30, 2021 15:54:57 GMT
I got an email that the Dao is ready, but it will take a few days for LKC to procure a shipping box.
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