G-101 Katana from Global Gear
Aug 24, 2007 13:28:28 GMT
Post by Brendan Olszowy on Aug 24, 2007 13:28:28 GMT
Review by Brendan. O, Perth Western Australia.
I bought this sword as my first functional katana. Having owned a SLO since age 13 which I bought on the roadside in Java for $10. Also note that my main interest now lies in Medieval and Fantasy swords, so this was to be an interesting experience. I practiced Eastern Martial Arts as a teen but have since lost interest. Still I've tried to use the proper terminology where I can, to respect the purists.
I bought this one from Global Gear via ebay. This model is listed as the G-101. I trust Global Gear as a vendor and know that they do carry a lot of serious cutlery, as well as the wallhanger junk. As always they are fast and professional in their service. They carry on like this is an awesome sword, but really it is just as well made as you can expect for $75 (ebay auction price). It’s not junk at all, just not perfect. However they ask $369 for it on their website. *Ahem*, Cheness anyone? PPK?
Upon freeing it from its pretty box I felt a sword that has a well fitted scabbard, pleasant finish to the blade, and was fairly light and neutrally balanced to wield. The handle is long, but allows a relaxed and variable two handed grip. Great for my large hands.
Accessories included in the package are: sword bag, maintenence kit, single stand, and a certificate from the maker.
Statistics:
Blade length: 28 1/4” (720mm)
Hilt length: 15” (390mm)
Overall: 43 ½” (1105mm)
POB (point of balance): 4” (100mm)
COP : Approx 18” from Guard. (550mm)
Blade Width: 1 ¼” (32mm) At Guard
Weight: 2lb 7oz (1100g)
Design Fit and Finish
The Blade
The polish is nice and even. The Bo Hi is very nicely done, straight and even. The edge razor sharp. However I find the metal a little softer than the 'claimed' 58 HRC 1060 Carbon steel. It chips, scratches and dents quite easily, mainly at the Kissaki from me thrusting it in the ground between cuts. It also sharpens a little too easily on the fine stone. It dulls slightly from a tough session, but never badly.
The blade will flex and return nicely, but I’m scared to flex it far.
The Hamon is obviously acid etched, as it is a perfect sine. I have polished it to a very faint state, but heres a shot to try and show it.
This blade is obviously a single bevel job. It came plenty sharp from the manufacturer. It has handled some poor cuts but has bent very slightly a couple of times.
Below is an example of a really bad cut - I was miles off and fully struck the pine pole I cut on. The blade was unaffected by this encounter.
The Tsuba, Habaki etc
The Tsuba is obviously very Gaudy and roughly cast in brass. I don’t take it too seriously. The whole assemble felt firm when new, but after a few cuts the Habaki has become quite rattly – that is the only part though. I like the bamboo like texture on the metal fuchi and the cap at the end of the Tsuka (forget the name).
The Tsuka
Once I removed the Menuki (bamboo) and tried to force the handle off by hand, but it was very tight so I just put the Mekugi back in. Its obviously full tang. The wrap on the Handle is fairly firm – enough, but it can be moved about.
The Menuki are little Praying Mantis'.
The Same is where I got a disappointment. It's real, but on one side they have used two pieces of very obiviously different texture, and one is too narrow, showing the wood. I can arrange the wrap so its nice, but soon looks crappy again after some use.
The Scabbard
Nicely painted and sculpted with a nice rounded kurikata. The Sageo is tied beautifully and has never come loose. It grips the sword well, it can be a little catchy when drawn.
Cutting
Being my first functional katana, and after having only cut with European style swords I was so stoked when I first cut with this. I thought “lightsaber”.
On my first cutting session I took a double ply box and opened it out, and rolled it up so there was seven layers of cardboard (14 total). With a good serve of gusto I could decapitate that sucker right off. (Second Blow)
I wanted to illustrate this review so I took a box, flattened it out and rolled it up tight, and taped it together to create a make shift tatami.
First cut went 3/4 of the way through.
Second cut I really powered and as you can see it cleanly cut through 16 layers of cardboard.
Upon initial post of these pictures, one forum member pondered: "how did you find the blade cutting after the cardboard? It can be pretty harsh on a blade and a good test of its edge retention abilities."
The Answer:
I’ve cut >1” tree branches (hardwood) with no trouble. The lilies in the back paddock offer it no resistance even mowing a full arc at the thickest part just above ground level (about 2 ½ meter arc)
I find it very accurate at precision cutting too, feeling light, well balanced and easy to handle. Only once or twice fouling that long handle on my body. (when the form gets a bit loose.) I actually find that long handle really relaxed and comfortable. I’ve never used upper end katanas so I have little to compare it to, but from my experience I find it a very proficient cutter.
Rating
Historical Accuracy: 1/5
Fit and Finish: 3/5
Handling: 3.5/5
Structural Integrity: 3.5/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5 (at ebay auction price - at full retail Id give 0.5)
Overall 3.1/5
I can’t complain about it for the money. It’s holding up to Moderate / Heavy use, very forgiving to a learner, and I’m extracting every cents worth of value from it.
I bought this sword as my first functional katana. Having owned a SLO since age 13 which I bought on the roadside in Java for $10. Also note that my main interest now lies in Medieval and Fantasy swords, so this was to be an interesting experience. I practiced Eastern Martial Arts as a teen but have since lost interest. Still I've tried to use the proper terminology where I can, to respect the purists.
I bought this one from Global Gear via ebay. This model is listed as the G-101. I trust Global Gear as a vendor and know that they do carry a lot of serious cutlery, as well as the wallhanger junk. As always they are fast and professional in their service. They carry on like this is an awesome sword, but really it is just as well made as you can expect for $75 (ebay auction price). It’s not junk at all, just not perfect. However they ask $369 for it on their website. *Ahem*, Cheness anyone? PPK?
Upon freeing it from its pretty box I felt a sword that has a well fitted scabbard, pleasant finish to the blade, and was fairly light and neutrally balanced to wield. The handle is long, but allows a relaxed and variable two handed grip. Great for my large hands.
Accessories included in the package are: sword bag, maintenence kit, single stand, and a certificate from the maker.
Statistics:
Blade length: 28 1/4” (720mm)
Hilt length: 15” (390mm)
Overall: 43 ½” (1105mm)
POB (point of balance): 4” (100mm)
COP : Approx 18” from Guard. (550mm)
Blade Width: 1 ¼” (32mm) At Guard
Weight: 2lb 7oz (1100g)
Design Fit and Finish
The Blade
The polish is nice and even. The Bo Hi is very nicely done, straight and even. The edge razor sharp. However I find the metal a little softer than the 'claimed' 58 HRC 1060 Carbon steel. It chips, scratches and dents quite easily, mainly at the Kissaki from me thrusting it in the ground between cuts. It also sharpens a little too easily on the fine stone. It dulls slightly from a tough session, but never badly.
The blade will flex and return nicely, but I’m scared to flex it far.
The Hamon is obviously acid etched, as it is a perfect sine. I have polished it to a very faint state, but heres a shot to try and show it.
This blade is obviously a single bevel job. It came plenty sharp from the manufacturer. It has handled some poor cuts but has bent very slightly a couple of times.
Below is an example of a really bad cut - I was miles off and fully struck the pine pole I cut on. The blade was unaffected by this encounter.
The Tsuba, Habaki etc
The Tsuba is obviously very Gaudy and roughly cast in brass. I don’t take it too seriously. The whole assemble felt firm when new, but after a few cuts the Habaki has become quite rattly – that is the only part though. I like the bamboo like texture on the metal fuchi and the cap at the end of the Tsuka (forget the name).
The Tsuka
Once I removed the Menuki (bamboo) and tried to force the handle off by hand, but it was very tight so I just put the Mekugi back in. Its obviously full tang. The wrap on the Handle is fairly firm – enough, but it can be moved about.
The Menuki are little Praying Mantis'.
The Same is where I got a disappointment. It's real, but on one side they have used two pieces of very obiviously different texture, and one is too narrow, showing the wood. I can arrange the wrap so its nice, but soon looks crappy again after some use.
The Scabbard
Nicely painted and sculpted with a nice rounded kurikata. The Sageo is tied beautifully and has never come loose. It grips the sword well, it can be a little catchy when drawn.
Cutting
Being my first functional katana, and after having only cut with European style swords I was so stoked when I first cut with this. I thought “lightsaber”.
On my first cutting session I took a double ply box and opened it out, and rolled it up so there was seven layers of cardboard (14 total). With a good serve of gusto I could decapitate that sucker right off. (Second Blow)
I wanted to illustrate this review so I took a box, flattened it out and rolled it up tight, and taped it together to create a make shift tatami.
First cut went 3/4 of the way through.
Second cut I really powered and as you can see it cleanly cut through 16 layers of cardboard.
Upon initial post of these pictures, one forum member pondered: "how did you find the blade cutting after the cardboard? It can be pretty harsh on a blade and a good test of its edge retention abilities."
The Answer:
I’ve cut >1” tree branches (hardwood) with no trouble. The lilies in the back paddock offer it no resistance even mowing a full arc at the thickest part just above ground level (about 2 ½ meter arc)
I find it very accurate at precision cutting too, feeling light, well balanced and easy to handle. Only once or twice fouling that long handle on my body. (when the form gets a bit loose.) I actually find that long handle really relaxed and comfortable. I’ve never used upper end katanas so I have little to compare it to, but from my experience I find it a very proficient cutter.
Rating
Historical Accuracy: 1/5
Fit and Finish: 3/5
Handling: 3.5/5
Structural Integrity: 3.5/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5 (at ebay auction price - at full retail Id give 0.5)
Overall 3.1/5
I can’t complain about it for the money. It’s holding up to Moderate / Heavy use, very forgiving to a learner, and I’m extracting every cents worth of value from it.