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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2009 2:17:48 GMT
I was looking into getting an ox tail dao, but was wondering where I could get a functional one for cheap. I was hoping to pay under 150 USD for one that I could use for some light cutting. Is this possible, and if so, any suggestions?
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Post by sicheah on Aug 4, 2009 3:01:12 GMT
The problem is that a functional and historically accurate ox-tail dao is not cheap. Paul did a review on Hanwei practical kung-fu sword, which include shipping is slightly less than $150. The bad thing is that the the scabbard is cheaply made (according to Paul) and pretty light compared to an authentic ox-tail. A much better option is to buy an oxtail dao from Jin-Shi at jin-shi.com/production.htm. Unfortunately it is slightly below $200 shipped (remember to ask Garrett for 5 percent discount). It is historically accurate and well worth the extra $50 IMO. Both swords are worth your money, but personally I strictly prefer a reproduction that is historically more accurate...even if it means forking out a little extra cash and digging myself deeper in debt in this sucky economy. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2009 3:15:02 GMT
That's kind of what I thought, but I was hopeful haha.
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Post by sicheah on Aug 4, 2009 3:22:51 GMT
Yeah unlike the Japanese European sword market, a decent Chinese sword repro usually cost an arm and a leg due to its small and less competitive market. Personally I am dying to handle Jin-Shi oxtail dao (as well as his other reproduction weapons) but don't have the cash to own it at this point.  |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2009 3:25:24 GMT
I was actually looking at the Jin-Shi oxtail, but I'm a little poor, and I don't know if I'll have the money before they're sold out, cuz they're getting rid of their production swords.
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Post by sicheah on Aug 4, 2009 3:35:42 GMT
To my knowledge (well I could be wrong) the oxtail dao will be there for quite awhile. You could try contacting Garrett at jin-shi to reserve one for you until you have the money to pick one up.
Monkeybear might be doing a review on the oxtail dao pretty soon.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2009 5:49:15 GMT
I get it in the mail tomorrow so expect it in the next few days. My teacher gave my jian his approval, as a sword but not for my use, so I am expecting great things from the dao.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2009 10:54:47 GMT
While I would personally hold out to save up for the Jin-Shi. Kult of Athena has the VA1503 Chinese Broadsword in stock for $150. It's not the most historically accurate blade but it should be suitable for cutting practice, and if you have any problems KoA and Valiant have great customer service (Many members of this forum have been rescued from damaged blades by Sonny Shuttles of VA). www.kultofathena.com/product~item~VA1503~name~Valiant+Armoury+Chinese+Broadsword.htmThe Jin-Shi custom I keep talking about my trying to save up for happens to be an Ox-tail with custom fittings. But as for historical accuracy, if you want military weapons the Goose-Quill, Willow-Leaf, and Zhan Ma Dao were used. The Ox-tail was a civillian weapon. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2009 22:58:14 GMT
I have Hanwei's practical dao. I enjoy it, and it is a pretty good cutter.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2009 0:44:14 GMT
The KOA is a decent looking sword. I just don't like the plain brown scabbard. Still waiting on a reply from Jin-Shi on a wood choice. I think he said the blades he just got in were in need of some clean-up and sharpening so not sure how long it will be until they're ready to ship.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2009 4:02:03 GMT
I was actually looking at the Jin-Shi oxtail, but I'm a little poor, and I don't know if I'll have the money before they're sold out, cuz they're getting rid of their production swords. Guess we're both SOL! ;D Just heard from Garrett yesterday and the base price of the Oxtail went up $50, and this is before any custom work. Still a nice sword even at that price but with me out of work I'm gonna have to pass.  |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2009 2:39:27 GMT
I don't suppose anyone happened to review this one while I was gone, by any chance? I kinda like the looks of it myself. |
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Post by sicheah on Aug 19, 2009 1:31:11 GMT
I don't suppose anyone happened to review this one while I was gone, by any chance? I kinda like the looks of it myself. To my knowledge, no one has posted a review this sword. Might be interesting to hear what Sonny from VA would think about this product. Another production sword that hasn't been review (to my knowledge) is Kris Cutlery Dao IV: cultofathena.com/product~item~KRSDAOIV~name~Kris+Cutlery+Dao+IV.htmIt's a bit more expensive but it is 5160 DH. Interestingly even though KC dao is slightly longer than VA broadsword, VA broadsword is also heavier... |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2009 1:57:44 GMT
Too bad there're no reviews of the VA yet. I remember a much earlier review on another VA Chinese sword that wasn't very flattering.  I know, however, that Sonny is always striving to improve the various VA lines, so you never know. I like the "saber-ish" blade on that Kris. Very nice. |
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Post by sicheah on Aug 19, 2009 2:12:32 GMT
I think that was a review of the Han dynasty sword (VA 1505). If I am not mistaken, the VA Chinese broadsword (VA 1503) was also manufactured about the same time (before Sonny took over). Since I have not handle the sword, I won't comment on it. Furthermore given Sonny reputation for great customer service, in my opinion, I am sure he would be the best person to consult regarding this product. In certain occasion, I've asked KOA on their product before purchasing it because I trust their honesty in their opinions. I wish I had some extra money around because there are plenty of Kris Cutlery Chinese blade that has not been reviewed. Although personally I am not too fond of KC Gim II but KC jian III and KC dao IV seems like a decent well made 5160 sword. Personally I am drooling over KC folded dao but at $500, something I could not afford at the moment . |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2009 2:24:21 GMT
Yes, thanks for jogging the old memory. It was jayferron's review of the Han that I was thinking of (I just couldn't remember it at the time of my last post).  I agree with you on the Kris stuff. If I had some "extra" money, there are several items from them I'd add to my collection. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2009 23:13:59 GMT
Anyone have this Dao? It's not exactly what I was looking for, and not as nice as a Jin-Shi, but I might actually be able to afford this one!  |
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Post by sicheah on Aug 19, 2009 23:16:10 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2009 23:26:08 GMT
Hey, thanx sicheah. I didn't know he carried that one.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2009 0:43:00 GMT
Oh well, apparently he's not carrying that one anymore. I'd still like to know if anyone has one and what they think of it. AoV still has it. |
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I know, however, that Sonny is always striving to improve the various VA lines, so you never know. 
