Global Gear G-911 "Kill Bill" Bill's Sword Review
Aug 3, 2008 4:02:38 GMT
Post by Avery on Aug 3, 2008 4:02:38 GMT
Global Gear's G-series 911 Bill's Sword
Stats:
-Blade length - 29"
-Overall lenght - 41"
-Blade materail - 1075
-Blade hardness - 58 hrc
-Cutting edge hardness - 60 hrc
-Price range - Approx. $324 UaSD + SH
The package arrived as seen below in a well wrapped, well taped cardboard box. After little effort, I removed the burned case within. I have to say I was impressed.
*
The box itself had a few minor dings but nothing major. Bearing in mind that this was put on e-bay by Global Gear, I assumed there would be small cosmetic imperfections. I also really liked the clasp hardware and handle that accompanied it. So far, so good.
Then, after opening the box, I let out a long low whistle. The presentation was great which I had kind of expected after seeing Mr. Southern's review of the "Chikara" but seeing it in person was awesome.
*
Everyone who reconizes this sword knows the Mythology of Hattori Hanzo....to those who don't, rent "Kill Bill"...it can tell you the story of this sword alot better than I can.
Both designs on the saya were identical to the movie, I checked, and I really liked the devils head design. Then I began to examine the sword more thoroughly.
The box contained, as advertised, a cleaning kit, stand, and a certificate of authenticity with builder's signature and stats. I slowly removed the silk bag from the sword, and was immediately impressed with the ito. I put the stand together and took a moment to stand back and look at it's overall presentation.
*
The tsuba itself is a basic plain design with a fuchi that has sometype of leaf but I am not sure what kind. Now, to the ito, I knew from the pictures from G.G's website that the black leather, although keeping with the movie, would be slick if I handled it with sweaty or wet palms. But, as with any handle, grip is key. Also, I just like the way it looks. It was well wrapped, tight to the grip with no play or loose twists anywhere. The same underneath is genuine with no part of the tuska showing through. It also has what I think are two dragon menuki underneath the ito. The kashira is polished to a fine finish with the ito firmly knotted.
*
The saya is mirrored polished and as I've said before, has two patterns. One of Bill's devil and the other, well, I am not sure what that is. I know that it apprears on the Bride's saya also. If someone here knows please let me know. The sago is wide and functional tied just like in the movie. When the sword is sheathed and on the stand it drapes down in display nicely.
This is my favorite part, the blade. What first caught my eye aside from the hamon was the ingraving of the devil's face underneath the habaki. Quite frankly, it just looks cool. Then, as I pulled further, I saw the very beautiful and real notare hamon. I was, well, in love.
*
I released the blade from the saya and wiped off the packaging oil. Dry handling afterwards outside, I got a good feel for the balance which is, in my opinion, excellent. Being more comfortable handling Viking type and European swords, this one felt very nice in my hands. I noticed however, after removing the oil, there were small file marks on the blade and near the kissaki. Also, there seems to be some small pits near the tip of the blade. And even though I could see the hamon continue in to the tip, there are file marks there as well. In truth, I am one of those guys that actually don't mind small imperfections like this because it is hand made. And, as I have said, this was expected since it came off of auction.
*
Flex test
I know there has been some discussion on the forum about the video on G.G's website. The one where they bend their own and then bend a "cheap" blade. All I have to say is, this blade is tough and rigid! As the pictures below will show, I put a lot of force on the center of the blade and when released, it returned right back to true. I am positive that a cheaper blade would bend a lot further with not near as much pressure.
*
I had planned to make some ballistics gel for a cutting test video but ran out of time. So, I will just go with the old stand-by, water bottles. The first video is a 2 liter soft drink bottle which I hit with a lot more force than needed.
Bear in mind I was in a wreck and couldn't walk for three months. So my stance is a little akward.
Now, two 16 ounce bottles a the same time.
Lastly, the most fun to cut, for me, the milk jug. I enjoy these because you really get your moneys worth out of the multipule cuts.
Although I said earlier that I was concerned about the ito slipping, I didn't have a moments worry. The blade came pre-sharpened and even though it has a fine edge, I believe that after I take it down to my shop and do some work, it will be truely a devil. That's one great thing about differentially hardened blades, the edge retention is superb.
Accurate detail to the movie.
Genuine leather ito
Atractive and real hamon.
Iron tsuba.
I know I shouldn't do it, but I flexed the blade....I figured if the guys on the website do it to promote their sword, I'd hold'em to it..... the blade wouldn't take a set.
Uneven polish, with grind marks.
Strange yokote( at least on this one).
Tight tsuka.
The way the blade cut, thrust, and handled really felt natural in the hand. Plus the presentation upon arrival was something that blew me away. Aside from the grind marks on the blade and tip and the crooked mekugi, I have no complaints. Besides, it's cutting power more than makes up for these small short commings.
I would also like to say a few words about Global Gear itself. I live in central North Carolina, USA, half way around the world from these guys. It came off of e-bay on Sunday 7-27-08 and I had it in my hands on 7-30-08. Unbelievable!!! These guys were great to deal with and I look forward to dealing with them again.
Review by: A.Pierce
Stats:
-Blade length - 29"
-Overall lenght - 41"
-Blade materail - 1075
-Blade hardness - 58 hrc
-Cutting edge hardness - 60 hrc
-Price range - Approx. $324 UaSD + SH
Initial Impression
The package arrived as seen below in a well wrapped, well taped cardboard box. After little effort, I removed the burned case within. I have to say I was impressed.
*
The box itself had a few minor dings but nothing major. Bearing in mind that this was put on e-bay by Global Gear, I assumed there would be small cosmetic imperfections. I also really liked the clasp hardware and handle that accompanied it. So far, so good.
Then, after opening the box, I let out a long low whistle. The presentation was great which I had kind of expected after seeing Mr. Southern's review of the "Chikara" but seeing it in person was awesome.
*
History
Everyone who reconizes this sword knows the Mythology of Hattori Hanzo....to those who don't, rent "Kill Bill"...it can tell you the story of this sword alot better than I can.
Both designs on the saya were identical to the movie, I checked, and I really liked the devils head design. Then I began to examine the sword more thoroughly.
The box contained, as advertised, a cleaning kit, stand, and a certificate of authenticity with builder's signature and stats. I slowly removed the silk bag from the sword, and was immediately impressed with the ito. I put the stand together and took a moment to stand back and look at it's overall presentation.
*
Fittings
The tsuba itself is a basic plain design with a fuchi that has sometype of leaf but I am not sure what kind. Now, to the ito, I knew from the pictures from G.G's website that the black leather, although keeping with the movie, would be slick if I handled it with sweaty or wet palms. But, as with any handle, grip is key. Also, I just like the way it looks. It was well wrapped, tight to the grip with no play or loose twists anywhere. The same underneath is genuine with no part of the tuska showing through. It also has what I think are two dragon menuki underneath the ito. The kashira is polished to a fine finish with the ito firmly knotted.
*
The saya is mirrored polished and as I've said before, has two patterns. One of Bill's devil and the other, well, I am not sure what that is. I know that it apprears on the Bride's saya also. If someone here knows please let me know. The sago is wide and functional tied just like in the movie. When the sword is sheathed and on the stand it drapes down in display nicely.
Blade
This is my favorite part, the blade. What first caught my eye aside from the hamon was the ingraving of the devil's face underneath the habaki. Quite frankly, it just looks cool. Then, as I pulled further, I saw the very beautiful and real notare hamon. I was, well, in love.
*
I released the blade from the saya and wiped off the packaging oil. Dry handling afterwards outside, I got a good feel for the balance which is, in my opinion, excellent. Being more comfortable handling Viking type and European swords, this one felt very nice in my hands. I noticed however, after removing the oil, there were small file marks on the blade and near the kissaki. Also, there seems to be some small pits near the tip of the blade. And even though I could see the hamon continue in to the tip, there are file marks there as well. In truth, I am one of those guys that actually don't mind small imperfections like this because it is hand made. And, as I have said, this was expected since it came off of auction.
*
Flex test
I know there has been some discussion on the forum about the video on G.G's website. The one where they bend their own and then bend a "cheap" blade. All I have to say is, this blade is tough and rigid! As the pictures below will show, I put a lot of force on the center of the blade and when released, it returned right back to true. I am positive that a cheaper blade would bend a lot further with not near as much pressure.
*
Cutting test
I had planned to make some ballistics gel for a cutting test video but ran out of time. So, I will just go with the old stand-by, water bottles. The first video is a 2 liter soft drink bottle which I hit with a lot more force than needed.
Bear in mind I was in a wreck and couldn't walk for three months. So my stance is a little akward.
Now, two 16 ounce bottles a the same time.
Lastly, the most fun to cut, for me, the milk jug. I enjoy these because you really get your moneys worth out of the multipule cuts.
Although I said earlier that I was concerned about the ito slipping, I didn't have a moments worry. The blade came pre-sharpened and even though it has a fine edge, I believe that after I take it down to my shop and do some work, it will be truely a devil. That's one great thing about differentially hardened blades, the edge retention is superb.
Pros.
Accurate detail to the movie.
Genuine leather ito
Atractive and real hamon.
Iron tsuba.
I know I shouldn't do it, but I flexed the blade....I figured if the guys on the website do it to promote their sword, I'd hold'em to it..... the blade wouldn't take a set.
Cons.
Uneven polish, with grind marks.
Strange yokote( at least on this one).
Tight tsuka.
Conclusion
The way the blade cut, thrust, and handled really felt natural in the hand. Plus the presentation upon arrival was something that blew me away. Aside from the grind marks on the blade and tip and the crooked mekugi, I have no complaints. Besides, it's cutting power more than makes up for these small short commings.
I would also like to say a few words about Global Gear itself. I live in central North Carolina, USA, half way around the world from these guys. It came off of e-bay on Sunday 7-27-08 and I had it in my hands on 7-30-08. Unbelievable!!! These guys were great to deal with and I look forward to dealing with them again.
Review by: A.Pierce