Jin Shi Oxtail Dao
Aug 12, 2009 21:04:05 GMT
Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2009 21:04:05 GMT
JIN-SHI's Oxtail Dao (Production)
Introduction
I've been in the market for something that wasn't Japanese for a while now. Of course, the prime function of a sword I bought was to chop the hell out of things. My original interest was in a Cold Steel Gim, a safe choice that I knew would last me. However, when reading about Jin Shi, I had to try at least one of their swords. Under a closeout, the company provided some cheap production blades. The oxtail dao specifically popped out at me with its unique style. So, I placed an order, and after a good month of waiting, it finally arrived!
Historical Overview
Oxtails daos were never used in military application. Instead, they were made for civilians, providing an effective, broad chopping blade that didn't require much training to use.
Initial Impressions
The sword arrived in a red box with some neat hinges. Most swords I've purchased before have just come in basic cardboard. Definitely a nice change of pace.
When I got the box open, I took a look at the sword itself. Aesthetically, the sword is gorgeous as anticipated, with lustrous charcoals mixing with earthly browns. A gold flower adorns the handle, hollow to allow a lanyard.
Statistics
Blade Length: 27.5"
Handle Length: 7.75" fitting to fitting; 5.25" grip
Overall Length: 35.25"
Guard Width: 2.75"
Guard Length: 4"
Guard Thickness: .5" rim, indeterminate on the inside
Point of Balance: 6"
Center of Percussion: Didn't measure; around 2/3rd up the sword.
Weight: 2lbs .08oz
Components
The Blade
I love the geometry of the blade itself. It's broad, yet not fat. It's got a decent point to stab with unlike other daos I've seen, with a spine that flattens into a point on the last third of the blade. When the blade came to me, I didn't notice a drop of oil on it; that makes me slightly nervous as to its condition. The finish is pretty rough, scratched up a bit. There are a few brown streaks, but it's probably from friction created in the scabbard during shipping. The blade has a slight mirror polish.
The blade does feel very beefy, with a nice spine that looks like it could take so good abuse. I would trust it to hold up to many slashes.
However, t isn't that sharp. It failed the paper test, and it even had trouble cutting a bottle. Now, this could also be the geometry of the handle on mine, which I will cover in the following section.
The Handle
Looks great from a glance... but...
There is one thing I'd like to note. The handle is not in line with the blade's spine. That is to say, I don't feel the handle is straight with the rest of the blade. I'm guessing it's turned about ten degrees to the left of the spine. This means when I hold the handle straight, the blade is not alligned with it. I cannot get straight cuts.
I tried to take it apart, but I could only make it down two washers.
The wrench represents the blade's spine. If you look at the slot on the handle, you can tell it's not straight. My suspicions were true; it is definitely about ten degrees to the left. I couldn't turn the handle to correct it.
Another shot. The guard's apex is in line with the blade. The handle is not.
On the bright side, I like the golden flower ornament made for a lanyard. It fits well with the theme. The handle wrap is also very tight, with a few drips of epoxy visible on the wrap itself. I can't imagine this unraveling.
The Guard
Flimsy and lopsided, feels like light copper. I'd rather have the guard more sturdy, but I think it'd interfere with the great balance. I assume that shipping bent up the guard a bit. I would have liked something a little tougher, regardless.
The Pommel
It seems to be made of a flimsy copper. Mine is somewhat lopsided, unfortunately. The end isn't peened, but screws on. After extensive cutting, I assume it would loosen up, but it should be easily tightened again. I personally prefer the screw-on end because it allows me to check out what's under the hood.
The Scabbard:
The first thing I noticed on the scabbard was a large crack on the back. I was definitely disappointed with that. The middle fittings were also very loose, giving in to light pressure on the side. They were not close to the scabbard at all. The fittings are held on by some loose pins and epoxy. I get a feeling that these pins will not hold the fittings down...
The wood feels strong and hefty. I like the feeling of a non-light scabbard. There is a lot of bladeplay in the scabbard, but given the shape of the blade, it's not a total surprise.
EDIT: Apparently, the "crack" is not a crack, but failing glue. That's definitely preferable to a crack.
Handling Characteristics
I have limited knowledge of Chinese blades. Since there was no standard oxtail dao shape or size, it is a bit difficult to determine "proper" handling characteristics.
What I do know is that the sword feels solid in hand, and no rattling can be heard. As stated above, the point of balance is around 6 inches from the guard, and with a weight of 2 pounds, .08 ounces, the blade feels very lively without sacrificing cutting potential. I do enjoy the handling a lot.
Test Cutting
Now let me start by saying I do have experience cutting with katanas and straight bladed European swords.
The blade came a bit dull, though it had a beveled edge. Now, this may sound a bit pathetic, but I could not cut a basic water bottle. This is probably due to the dullness of the blade, or the awkward handle. However, even trying to accommodate the handle's position, the sword still did not feel sufficiently sharp. Since I lack a sword sharpening kit, I don't really know what else I can do here.
Conclusions
After reading all the rave reviews regarding Garret's jians, I was pretty disappointed with the dao I received. Given all the base fittings, a crack in the scabbard, an unshiftable handle, and a dulled blade, I don't think I can recommend anyone to buy the sword if mine is any indication. However, if it were shipped sharper, and some of the fitting/handle issues were sorted out, it may have a chance.
Pros:
-Feels great in hand
-Aesthetically pleasing
-Blade is beefy and feels sturdy
-The sword itself is sturdily constructed
Cons
-Misallinged handle
-Scabbard split due to failing glue
-Loose scabbard fittings
-Came scuffed up and dull, with no oil on blade
-Slightly deformed pommel and guard
The Bottom Line
While I do respect what Garrett is trying to get into, I'm a bit worried. During our correspondence, he said he'd find the "best" of his oxtails to ship to me. If this represents the best, then I'm not impressed. Given the condition of all the fittings I received: the crack in the scabbard, the large scuffs over the blade and fittings, and the offcenter handle, I would not order it again.
I can only hope that what he gave me is a fluke, even though he can be quoted saying "best". Or, even more hopefully, it was damaged greatly in shipping. I'll let the buyer decide whether or not to continue with a Jin-Shi production sword purchase. Thanks for reading the review, and hopefully you guys have better luck than me.
EDIT: After contacting Garret, I'd like to correct a few issues.
The scabbard apparently didn't crack, but the glue holding it together failed. The handle was a small oversight that I do not blame him for. He has offered either an exchange, or a full refund. The sword community is very lucky to have this type of customer service, and I cannot offer enough thanks.
Introduction
I've been in the market for something that wasn't Japanese for a while now. Of course, the prime function of a sword I bought was to chop the hell out of things. My original interest was in a Cold Steel Gim, a safe choice that I knew would last me. However, when reading about Jin Shi, I had to try at least one of their swords. Under a closeout, the company provided some cheap production blades. The oxtail dao specifically popped out at me with its unique style. So, I placed an order, and after a good month of waiting, it finally arrived!
Historical Overview
Oxtails daos were never used in military application. Instead, they were made for civilians, providing an effective, broad chopping blade that didn't require much training to use.
Initial Impressions
The sword arrived in a red box with some neat hinges. Most swords I've purchased before have just come in basic cardboard. Definitely a nice change of pace.
When I got the box open, I took a look at the sword itself. Aesthetically, the sword is gorgeous as anticipated, with lustrous charcoals mixing with earthly browns. A gold flower adorns the handle, hollow to allow a lanyard.
Statistics
Blade Length: 27.5"
Handle Length: 7.75" fitting to fitting; 5.25" grip
Overall Length: 35.25"
Guard Width: 2.75"
Guard Length: 4"
Guard Thickness: .5" rim, indeterminate on the inside
Point of Balance: 6"
Center of Percussion: Didn't measure; around 2/3rd up the sword.
Weight: 2lbs .08oz
Components
The Blade
I love the geometry of the blade itself. It's broad, yet not fat. It's got a decent point to stab with unlike other daos I've seen, with a spine that flattens into a point on the last third of the blade. When the blade came to me, I didn't notice a drop of oil on it; that makes me slightly nervous as to its condition. The finish is pretty rough, scratched up a bit. There are a few brown streaks, but it's probably from friction created in the scabbard during shipping. The blade has a slight mirror polish.
The blade does feel very beefy, with a nice spine that looks like it could take so good abuse. I would trust it to hold up to many slashes.
However, t isn't that sharp. It failed the paper test, and it even had trouble cutting a bottle. Now, this could also be the geometry of the handle on mine, which I will cover in the following section.
The Handle
Looks great from a glance... but...
There is one thing I'd like to note. The handle is not in line with the blade's spine. That is to say, I don't feel the handle is straight with the rest of the blade. I'm guessing it's turned about ten degrees to the left of the spine. This means when I hold the handle straight, the blade is not alligned with it. I cannot get straight cuts.
I tried to take it apart, but I could only make it down two washers.
The wrench represents the blade's spine. If you look at the slot on the handle, you can tell it's not straight. My suspicions were true; it is definitely about ten degrees to the left. I couldn't turn the handle to correct it.
Another shot. The guard's apex is in line with the blade. The handle is not.
On the bright side, I like the golden flower ornament made for a lanyard. It fits well with the theme. The handle wrap is also very tight, with a few drips of epoxy visible on the wrap itself. I can't imagine this unraveling.
The Guard
Flimsy and lopsided, feels like light copper. I'd rather have the guard more sturdy, but I think it'd interfere with the great balance. I assume that shipping bent up the guard a bit. I would have liked something a little tougher, regardless.
The Pommel
It seems to be made of a flimsy copper. Mine is somewhat lopsided, unfortunately. The end isn't peened, but screws on. After extensive cutting, I assume it would loosen up, but it should be easily tightened again. I personally prefer the screw-on end because it allows me to check out what's under the hood.
The Scabbard:
The first thing I noticed on the scabbard was a large crack on the back. I was definitely disappointed with that. The middle fittings were also very loose, giving in to light pressure on the side. They were not close to the scabbard at all. The fittings are held on by some loose pins and epoxy. I get a feeling that these pins will not hold the fittings down...
The wood feels strong and hefty. I like the feeling of a non-light scabbard. There is a lot of bladeplay in the scabbard, but given the shape of the blade, it's not a total surprise.
EDIT: Apparently, the "crack" is not a crack, but failing glue. That's definitely preferable to a crack.
Handling Characteristics
I have limited knowledge of Chinese blades. Since there was no standard oxtail dao shape or size, it is a bit difficult to determine "proper" handling characteristics.
What I do know is that the sword feels solid in hand, and no rattling can be heard. As stated above, the point of balance is around 6 inches from the guard, and with a weight of 2 pounds, .08 ounces, the blade feels very lively without sacrificing cutting potential. I do enjoy the handling a lot.
Test Cutting
Now let me start by saying I do have experience cutting with katanas and straight bladed European swords.
The blade came a bit dull, though it had a beveled edge. Now, this may sound a bit pathetic, but I could not cut a basic water bottle. This is probably due to the dullness of the blade, or the awkward handle. However, even trying to accommodate the handle's position, the sword still did not feel sufficiently sharp. Since I lack a sword sharpening kit, I don't really know what else I can do here.
Conclusions
After reading all the rave reviews regarding Garret's jians, I was pretty disappointed with the dao I received. Given all the base fittings, a crack in the scabbard, an unshiftable handle, and a dulled blade, I don't think I can recommend anyone to buy the sword if mine is any indication. However, if it were shipped sharper, and some of the fitting/handle issues were sorted out, it may have a chance.
Pros:
-Feels great in hand
-Aesthetically pleasing
-Blade is beefy and feels sturdy
-The sword itself is sturdily constructed
Cons
-Misallinged handle
-Scabbard split due to failing glue
-Loose scabbard fittings
-Came scuffed up and dull, with no oil on blade
-Slightly deformed pommel and guard
The Bottom Line
While I do respect what Garrett is trying to get into, I'm a bit worried. During our correspondence, he said he'd find the "best" of his oxtails to ship to me. If this represents the best, then I'm not impressed. Given the condition of all the fittings I received: the crack in the scabbard, the large scuffs over the blade and fittings, and the offcenter handle, I would not order it again.
I can only hope that what he gave me is a fluke, even though he can be quoted saying "best". Or, even more hopefully, it was damaged greatly in shipping. I'll let the buyer decide whether or not to continue with a Jin-Shi production sword purchase. Thanks for reading the review, and hopefully you guys have better luck than me.
EDIT: After contacting Garret, I'd like to correct a few issues.
The scabbard apparently didn't crack, but the glue holding it together failed. The handle was a small oversight that I do not blame him for. He has offered either an exchange, or a full refund. The sword community is very lucky to have this type of customer service, and I cannot offer enough thanks.