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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 20:13:30 GMT
Hello Everyone! I'm new to these forums, but I've been interested in swords (especially katanas) for a long time. Within the past few years I've developed a desire to own a sword of my own... so here I am. I recently found this website(like last week), and after reading many helpful posts by the community I felt that this is the right place for me to come. Anyways, I'm going to be Seventeen in April, and I have finally decided purchase a sword of my own... only problem is, I'm stuck on which one to purchase! I've pretty much lowered my choices down to, but not limited to, these three. -SGC Yamakami 9260 Spring Steel Katana sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/yamakami.htmlMy concerns: I really like the Yamakami, but due to the way the blade is shapped www.sword-buyers-guide.com/images/sgc_compare.jpg I'm worried it would look higher(taller?) then a normal blade. -9260 Differentially Hardened -"Kaze" sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/kaze.htmlMy concerns: Due to the Kaze being differently hardened like it is, I'm worried that it would be more fragile then the SGC sword... I have no clue, though, so if I'm wrong please point that out! I'd be glad to learn that it's stronger than I'd ever need it to be... plus a real hamon would be awesome! -9260 Spring Steel Katana - "Tenchi" sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/Tenchi.htmlMy concerns: I watched some tests and saw how strong this thing is! But since it's only $250 and all, I wasn't sure if it is as sharp as the Kaze and Yamakami. Here's what I'm looking for: -I'm only 5'5 or 5'6", but I don't really like smaller swords, so at least something with a blade length of 26-28 inches.-Something that can cut through filled water bottles & jugs, cardboard boxes, possibly rolled up newspapers, and maybe some twigs (no thicker then 1.5 inches).-A sword that is durable and won't get set or bent after a few bad swings, because I've never handled a sword before, so my form might be bad kinda in the start.. I know that a $160 Musashi katana could probably do most, if not all of this, but for some reason I want to spend at least $250 on my first sword while having it made of spring steel... I also just want to know that this thing really can cut if it needed to and isn't just for backyard use. If anyone has suggestions for me, then I'd really appreciate it. I've never owned a real sword before, so any advise on what I should buy or comments would be welcomed! I hope to become at least a small part of the community, so thanks for giving me the chance to post here, guys! ;D It will be real helpful having experienced sword owners helping me decide what to buy.
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Post by septofclansinclair on Mar 27, 2008 20:20:50 GMT
Shippo - if this is your first sword, I can't recommend the Tenchi enough. The Kaze's differentially tempered blade puts it at a higher risk for bending (not especially high, but higher than the others) than a mono-tempered sword - especially for a newcomer like yourself. I think the SGC is cool from what I've seen, but based on your size I would recommend the Tenchi with bo-hi - still long, handles great and has that great durability factor. It is the sharpest sword I own, if that helps.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 20:27:45 GMT
Shippo - if this is your first sword, I can't recommend the Tenchi enough. The Kaze's differentially tempered blade puts it at a higher risk for bending (not especially high, but higher than the others) than a mono-tempered sword - especially for a newcomer like yourself. I think the SGC is cool from what I've seen, but based on your size I would recommend the Tenchi with bo-hi - still long, handles great and has that great durability factor. It is the sharpest sword I own, if that helps. Wow! Thanks for the fast reply o.o That does help a lot... I do like how the Tenchi looks, even though I like the Kaze's appearance more.. I now know that it's sharp, which is good! For some reason in the videos it looks smoother edged than the other two.
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Post by septofclansinclair on Mar 27, 2008 20:32:32 GMT
I've never heard anything but great things about the Tenchi's cutting ability. And you may prefer the SGC just for the sheer bad-assery of it, but I enjoy the traditional look of the Tenchi a bit better. I don't know anyone who is disappointed with their SGC.
The Tenchi is on backorder right now but I think you can still reserve one through the SBG Sword Store - they should be shipping in the near future, I believe.
Welcome aboard!
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slav
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Post by slav on Mar 27, 2008 20:46:49 GMT
Dan is right, the Tenchi would be excellent. But Im gonna go ahead and throw "Kaze" into the mix. Despite being DH, I don't think that Kaze is much riskier at all to cut with than any of the others (considering the types of targets than you have suggested). It is quite a beefy blade, and can withstand a lot as long as you don't abuse it. Kaze shouldn't disappoint even a beginning cutter.
Lot's of people have been touting the fact that Kaze is "weaker" than the others because it is DH. In principle this is true...but in practice, I wonder how many people--even beginners--have found this to be a problem? Probably very, very few. I'm sure there is a difference, but I don't think that it is as significant as people think; and it only becomes a problem at the extreme "margins" of it's capabilities--which you should be staying away from with any blade you buy.
If you prefer the look of the Kaze, go for it. It's tough, it's beefy, and it's still 9260 (which is innately more forgiving than other steels anyways)...it's got a lot going for it. As long as you are within Kaze's tolerances and treat it well, it will treat you well in return.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 20:52:32 GMT
I've never heard anything but great things about the Tenchi's cutting ability. And you may prefer the SGC just for the sheer bad-assery of it, but I enjoy the traditional look of the Tenchi a bit better. I don't know anyone who is disappointed with their SGC. The Tenchi is on backorder right now but I think you can still reserve one through the SBG Sword Store - they should be shipping in the near future, I believe. Welcome aboard! Thanks again! I gave you a karma thing. But yeah, that sounds good... I'm still leaning towards the Kaze, but I'd be kinda afraid of it bending on me.. Right now my preference is still Kaze first, Tenchi second, and SGC third due to it being so big.. I'm liking the Tenchi more and more after every time I look at it, though. Edit: Dan is right, the Tenchi would be excellent. But Im gonna go ahead and throw "Kaze" into the mix. Despite being DH, I don't think that Kaze is much riskier at all to cut with than any of the others (considering the types of targets than you have suggested). It is quite a beefy blade, and can withstand a lot as long as you don't abuse it. Kaze shouldn't disappoint even a beginning cutter. Lot's of people have been touting the fact that Kaze is "weaker" than the others because it is DH. In principle this is true...but in practice, I wonder how many people--even beginners--have found this to be a problem? Probably very, very few. I'm sure there is a difference, but I don't think that it is as significant as people think; and it only becomes a problem at the extreme "margins" of it's capabilities--which you should be staying away from with any blade you buy. If you prefer the look of the Kaze, go for it. It's tough, it's beefy, and it's still 9260 (which is innately more forgiving than other steels anyways)...it's got a lot going for it. As long as you are within Kaze's tolerances and treat it well, it will treat you well in return. Wow! Thanks for the reply. After reading that I'm even more confident in both the Kaze and the Tenchi... Now I'm REALLY thinking of buying the Kaze over the other two.. I'm pretty paranoid with the condition of my possessions, so I don't think I'd put the sword to it's extreme... I'm not going to try hitting a tree branch or swinging near walls or anything like that. ( +1 karma when it lets me give it.. says I got to wait an hour ;D )
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Post by septofclansinclair on Mar 27, 2008 21:07:02 GMT
Dan is right, the Tenchi would be excellent. But Im gonna go ahead and throw "Kaze" into the mix. Despite being DH, I don't think that Kaze is much riskier at all to cut with than any of the others (considering the types of targets than you have suggested). It is quite a beefy blade, and can withstand a lot as long as you don't abuse it. Kaze shouldn't disappoint even a beginning cutter. Lot's of people have been touting the fact that Kaze is "weaker" than the others because it is DH. In principle this is true...but in practice, I wonder how many people--even beginners--have found this to be a problem? Probably very, very few. I'm sure there is a difference, but I don't think that it is as significant as people think; and it only becomes a problem at the extreme "margins" of it's capabilities--which you should be staying away from with any blade you buy. If you prefer the look of the Kaze, go for it. It's tough, it's beefy, and it's still 9260 (which is innately more forgiving than other steels anyways)...it's got a lot going for it. As long as you are within Kaze's tolerances and treat it well, it will treat you well in return. You are quite right, Slavia! Still, my tendency is to err on the side of caution - Shippofox's comment "A sword that is durable and won't get set or bent after a few bad swings, because I've never handled a sword before" - causes me to lean in the Tenchi's direction a bit more. But you are right that perhaps it is in theory that this has been seen as a problem and not necessarily in practice. With the targets that he mentioned, it shouldn't be an issue. Shippofox - thanks for the Karma. And if light cutting is as far as you will go, pick the one that appeals to you the best. None of them will disappoint, I'm sure.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 21:15:06 GMT
My first katana was a Tenchi. And I didn't regret it Great sword and good quality.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 21:36:26 GMT
my first "real" katana was the SGC its great i kinda skimmed this post so i dont know if u said what u plan to use it for but i also didnt see this mentioned. here are my thoughts im still a noobie so listen if u want but anyway i think that if u plan to do kata (swinging it around) with little cutting i would get the tenchi with bo hi. if u plan to do lots of cutting with some kata every now and then tenchi without bohi. and if u are a big cutter like me (no not emo!) tameshigiri i think its spelled anywho i would recomend the SGC it is a bad ass at cutting (sorry for cursing but it was necessary) i can slice through anything and i mean that anything! well within reason, its heavier so if u dont mind training a lil bit it shouldnt matter. now from what i hear about the kaze and from what my friend who owns the kaze tells me that it can bend pretty easy on bad cuts. i think the kaze should be ur second sword if u ever get another. or the only way i can justify getting a kaze as a first sword is decoration and lots of cutting light targets. well those are my thoughts on this enjoy!
oh almost forgot important things to get would be some oil (this is very important) and i think this one is less important but if ur cutting cardboard and water bottles alot ur gunna need some 3000 grit sand paper to buff those lil buggers out if ur interested i can give u the site where i get mine from
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 22:00:15 GMT
my first "real" katana was the SGC its great i kinda skimmed this post so i dont know if u said what u plan to use it for but i also didnt see this mentioned. here are my thoughts im still a noobie so listen if u want but anyway i think that if u plan to do kata (swinging it around) with little cutting i would get the tenchi with bo hi. if u plan to do lots of cutting with some kata every now and then tenchi without bohi. and if u are a big cutter like me (no not emo!) tameshigiri i think its spelled anywho i would recomend the SGC it is a bad ass at cutting (sorry for cursing but it was necessary) i can slice through anything and i mean that anything! well within reason, its heavier so if u dont mind training a lil bit it shouldnt matter. now from what i hear about the kaze and from what my friend who owns the kaze tells me that it can bend pretty easy on bad cuts. i think the kaze should be ur second sword if u ever get another. or the only way i can justify getting a kaze as a first sword is decoration and lots of cutting light targets. well those are my thoughts on this enjoy! oh almost forgot important things to get would be some oil (this is very important) and i think this one is less important but if ur cutting cardboard and water bottles alot ur gunna need some 3000 grit sand paper to buff those lil buggers out if ur interested i can give u the site where i get mine from Thanks for posting about the SGC! After that I think all 3 are in consideration of buying. You said you friend's Kaze bends easily on bad cuts, so that concerns me.. I'm still really mixed up on what to get, so right now I'm just thinking of going for whatever gets more recommendations and stuff. I do like the styles of all of them, it's just the SGC looks a bit strange since the blade is so different. Edit: I just read this review on the Kaze www.sword-buyers-guide.com/everything-i-expected-and-more.html and it pretty much backed up what was said about the Kaze. "You will not know the durability difference between these swords unless you do things that are not meant to be done with ANY katana. =)" So I'm leaning back towards the Kaze again. And I'll give you a karma when it lets me, darkslyde. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 22:16:03 GMT
well this was on an 8 inch soaked roll of news paper and the stand fell over twisting the sword as it fell. i like my SGC if u have any specific questions about it id be glad to help!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 22:40:48 GMT
Well against those targets even the musashi $60 1045 swords don't have issues so any cheness should work just fine. I say just get what looks the best to you. I personally love how the kaze blade looks (not a big fan of the fittings, but the blade I like).
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 22:56:59 GMT
The Kaze will do just fine as long as you're not going to do some really hardcore things. I'd say, read that short guide to sword training Paul posted on SBG site lately and don't go for the tatami as your first targets and it'll be fine. Best, practice a bit first and after that go for cutting something ( this may also help you determine what cuts you're best at, myself i like side cuts the most ). Here's the link: www.sword-buyers-guide.com/japanese-sword-training.html
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slav
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Post by slav on Mar 27, 2008 23:02:39 GMT
well this was on an 8 inch soaked roll of news paper and the stand fell over twisting the sword as it fell. 'Nuff said. Don't do stupid things like using a flimsy stand, or chopping logs, and the Kaze will be golden!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 23:12:47 GMT
Oh yeah, some advice on cutting. Be wary around kitchen knives -.- Today i managed to get my thumb cut with one, was using it for my small cutting session preparations. These little things are sometimes more terrifying than a katana ;D
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 23:24:03 GMT
I feel your pain bytheway I cut my point finger today with a spackle scrape. First I didn't even notice it but after a few seconds it started bleeding really bad, and the cut was about 4mm at the deepest place. But the cut was so fine that it stopped bleeding pretty fast.
So be careful when using spackle scrapes :E.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 23:28:11 GMT
If you are looking for maximum durability and the fittings on the Tenchi are what are turning you away (and I can sympathise, I'm not a fan of the tsuba at all) then you might try to find a Shura from a dealer that hasn't sold out of them yet. In my opinion, a much better looking sword than the Tenchi, with the exact same blade. While Cheness has discontinued them, it was only a couple of weeks ago (I was lucky enough to get one of the last) so you might be lucky. The main Cheness site no longer links to the model, but the page is still there in limbo www.chenessinc.com/shura.htm
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 23:31:42 GMT
ok your seventeen and you never handled a sword but you want to cut bottles/roll newspaper/twigs/etc... go with a musashi 50.00 sword its sharp and durable for a starter sword the move up to a pro series musashi or a tenchi save your money and get good with it first then by the more expensive sword that way if something happens it only 50.00- 160.00 your losing
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 23:36:41 GMT
just remember a stainless steel wallhanger can cut or kill if you wanted it to in terms of your sword being able to cut when you need it
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2008 23:40:58 GMT
Thanks for all the fast replies, guys. I'm kinda having a hard time keeping up with them all. After reading over the thread again, I'm pretty sure I'm going with the Kaze now. I'll consider the Tenchi, but the Kaze is the more attractive one (to me). I'm not going to abuse it, I'd never even try to cut through a 2" diameter twigs or anything like that, let alone 8 inches of a mat... so I'm pretty sure I won't mess it up. I'll give Karma to everyone who posted helpful replys ;D and I won't be buying the sword for maybe another few days or a week, so more suggestions are welcome. Edit: It says the Kaze is on backorder until late April, that's fine with me, but does that mean I'll have one my May?.. Or could it be backordered again, and I won't get it until 2 shipments from now. May is fine with me, but if it wouldn't come till June or July that's kinda pushing it.
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