Review: Valiantco. Pinuti
Mar 5, 2010 21:06:39 GMT
Post by Cottontail Customs on Mar 5, 2010 21:06:39 GMT
I am reviewing the Valiantco. Pinuti sword that I have owned for about 5-6 years so I will do my best to remember the details of finding and purchasing it.
Quick personal backround-
I have been training in Filipino and Malaysian martial arts for many years now in addition to many other forms of mma. I was exposed to imo, some of the most fascinating and unique fighting styles and was lucky enough to work with a Sifu who trained directly under Sifu/Guru Dan Inosanto.
I have also trained in the stick fighting style of Dog Brothers Martial Arts and really took a liking to using two equal length weapons at the same time. In addition to the Pinuti I am reviewing here I also own a KC version.
I was looking for a sturdy well made blade and there weren't too many choices of manufacturers to choose from (as far as I knew)
I purchased the KC one, which is very basic, before the Valiant so I was looking for a little more detail and aesthetics for my 2nd.
Historical backround-
The Pinuti is a Filipino sword from the Visayas and was used primarily as a farm implement originally.
The word Pinuti is Cebuano for "whitened". After daily use over a period of time it would take on a dark patina from contact with plant and animal fluids and when it was sharpened the edges became shimmering white, hence the name.(Wiki.)
The exaggerated pommels are mostly representative of the native birds such as cockatoos. Some similar swords are depicting alligators with open mouths as well as other indigenous animals.
Historical and otherwise important people were also honored by representing their heads on the handles such as on this Pinuti.(don't know who's head this is)
Purchase & delivery-
The first look at Valiant's handmade weapons was very impressive and intriguing. Very rich in detail.
I think I paid around $120-$130USD + shipping and it soon arrived in a well bubble wrapped simple cardboard box.
There was a good amount of oil on the blade so no rust, and the horn handle was wrapped with newspaper.(no pics)
Initial impression-
I noticed that the there was a little difference in detail from the one pictured on the website to mine, but still looked great. It had decent weight and balance and the blade though not the best polish was very sharp as was the "false edge".
Statistics-
blade: 19 3/4" hand-forged spring steel, sharpened and hardened O.A.: 26 1/4"
handle: 6 1/2" buffalo horn, fine carving, brass guard and ferrule
sheath: Ironwood, moderate carving
O.A. length w/sheath: 28"
weight in gr.: 800 w/sheath: 1.05kg.
P.O.B.: 3 1/2"
C.O.P.: approx. 9 1/2" from guard
handle pinned and epoxied
Components-
The handle
I was impressed with the work that went into the carvings on the horn handle and even though I don't know the history of the person depicted. it's still very cool.
after using it at first, I found that the grip is a little too thick and round with a slickness when sweaty(can't talk about swords without the occasional Freudian slip)
the ferrule has since become loose enough to spin and the guard has a tiny bit of play, this does not effect the blade in the least.
The sheath-
again, I like the extra carving detail in the Ironwood and it feels substantial without being too heavy or bulky.
the blade fits in well and will not slip out when upside down without shaking it.
sort of a birds head at the tip.
The blade-
very sharp out of the box. it could definitely use some polishing to even it out a bit but if your intention is to cause seriously nasty slicing forward and backhand cuts, no work needed.
it has a nice belly and slight turn back as most swords of this type.
Most Pinuti also have a pretty dull false edge where this one even though listed as semi-sharp, is just as sharp as the front. nice!
I now use a dab of resin on the grip to prevent slipping and use this sword in my weaker(left) hand
after all these years I have grown accustomed to the weight and balance difference from the KC and at this point it feels very natural.
my hands are medium build but with long fingers and this sword might not be the right fit for those with smaller features as the grip at it's fattest is 1 3/8" wide.
I have cut many many targets from bottles to boxes to produce but unfortunately I have no video or pictures as I was not expecting to post them anywhere. If I do any more target practice, I will be sure post it.
Conclusion
overall I have grown to like this Pinuti quite a bit over the years but it might not be the best one to start out with.
I would recommend it for a second sword and I would recommend the company as well. my favorite is still the KC but it is very plain and to the point so if you like the details you would probably choose the Valiantco.
Pros:
nice detailing in handle
strong, very sharp blade and false edge
lightweight and sturdy sheath
good weight and balance
Cons:
handle is kind of thick, slick and a little awkward at first
Brass ferrule and guard are a bit lackluster compared to the rest of the detailed work
above mentioned fittings might loosen after time and use
can not be disassembled
polish needs some refining if that matters to you
Bottom line
you really can't go wrong for the currently advertised price of $150.
considering it comes with a wood sheath!
Historical Accuracy: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 3/5 (at first, then maybe 4/5)
Structural Integrity: 5/5 (blade is solid in handle and no rattling in sheath)
Value for Money: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
I will try to get a review up of the Kris Cutlery Pinuti soon.
Thanks
Quick personal backround-
I have been training in Filipino and Malaysian martial arts for many years now in addition to many other forms of mma. I was exposed to imo, some of the most fascinating and unique fighting styles and was lucky enough to work with a Sifu who trained directly under Sifu/Guru Dan Inosanto.
I have also trained in the stick fighting style of Dog Brothers Martial Arts and really took a liking to using two equal length weapons at the same time. In addition to the Pinuti I am reviewing here I also own a KC version.
I was looking for a sturdy well made blade and there weren't too many choices of manufacturers to choose from (as far as I knew)
I purchased the KC one, which is very basic, before the Valiant so I was looking for a little more detail and aesthetics for my 2nd.
Historical backround-
The Pinuti is a Filipino sword from the Visayas and was used primarily as a farm implement originally.
The word Pinuti is Cebuano for "whitened". After daily use over a period of time it would take on a dark patina from contact with plant and animal fluids and when it was sharpened the edges became shimmering white, hence the name.(Wiki.)
The exaggerated pommels are mostly representative of the native birds such as cockatoos. Some similar swords are depicting alligators with open mouths as well as other indigenous animals.
Historical and otherwise important people were also honored by representing their heads on the handles such as on this Pinuti.(don't know who's head this is)
Purchase & delivery-
The first look at Valiant's handmade weapons was very impressive and intriguing. Very rich in detail.
I think I paid around $120-$130USD + shipping and it soon arrived in a well bubble wrapped simple cardboard box.
There was a good amount of oil on the blade so no rust, and the horn handle was wrapped with newspaper.(no pics)
Initial impression-
I noticed that the there was a little difference in detail from the one pictured on the website to mine, but still looked great. It had decent weight and balance and the blade though not the best polish was very sharp as was the "false edge".
Statistics-
blade: 19 3/4" hand-forged spring steel, sharpened and hardened O.A.: 26 1/4"
handle: 6 1/2" buffalo horn, fine carving, brass guard and ferrule
sheath: Ironwood, moderate carving
O.A. length w/sheath: 28"
weight in gr.: 800 w/sheath: 1.05kg.
P.O.B.: 3 1/2"
C.O.P.: approx. 9 1/2" from guard
handle pinned and epoxied
Components-
The handle
I was impressed with the work that went into the carvings on the horn handle and even though I don't know the history of the person depicted. it's still very cool.
after using it at first, I found that the grip is a little too thick and round with a slickness when sweaty(can't talk about swords without the occasional Freudian slip)
the ferrule has since become loose enough to spin and the guard has a tiny bit of play, this does not effect the blade in the least.
The sheath-
again, I like the extra carving detail in the Ironwood and it feels substantial without being too heavy or bulky.
the blade fits in well and will not slip out when upside down without shaking it.
sort of a birds head at the tip.
The blade-
very sharp out of the box. it could definitely use some polishing to even it out a bit but if your intention is to cause seriously nasty slicing forward and backhand cuts, no work needed.
it has a nice belly and slight turn back as most swords of this type.
Most Pinuti also have a pretty dull false edge where this one even though listed as semi-sharp, is just as sharp as the front. nice!
I now use a dab of resin on the grip to prevent slipping and use this sword in my weaker(left) hand
after all these years I have grown accustomed to the weight and balance difference from the KC and at this point it feels very natural.
my hands are medium build but with long fingers and this sword might not be the right fit for those with smaller features as the grip at it's fattest is 1 3/8" wide.
I have cut many many targets from bottles to boxes to produce but unfortunately I have no video or pictures as I was not expecting to post them anywhere. If I do any more target practice, I will be sure post it.
Conclusion
overall I have grown to like this Pinuti quite a bit over the years but it might not be the best one to start out with.
I would recommend it for a second sword and I would recommend the company as well. my favorite is still the KC but it is very plain and to the point so if you like the details you would probably choose the Valiantco.
Pros:
nice detailing in handle
strong, very sharp blade and false edge
lightweight and sturdy sheath
good weight and balance
Cons:
handle is kind of thick, slick and a little awkward at first
Brass ferrule and guard are a bit lackluster compared to the rest of the detailed work
above mentioned fittings might loosen after time and use
can not be disassembled
polish needs some refining if that matters to you
Bottom line
you really can't go wrong for the currently advertised price of $150.
considering it comes with a wood sheath!
Historical Accuracy: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 3/5 (at first, then maybe 4/5)
Structural Integrity: 5/5 (blade is solid in handle and no rattling in sheath)
Value for Money: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
I will try to get a review up of the Kris Cutlery Pinuti soon.
Thanks