The best Jian (Tai Chi Sword) Ever ?

Garrett also has access to a private collection of Antique jian and sabers to measure, weigh and examine as well. I always wonder how many of the forges in China have actually examined real antique swords.

I can second the custom jian from Zheng Wu. I have one through them. They outsourced the design for the fittings to Qing Zhong, while the blade was made at Zheng Wu.

I can say though that I am very happy with the result.

And at the time I commissioned it, a couple of years ago, $5000 would get you it...

I had Scott Rodell have a quick play with it while he was over here for the Sword Festival and his comments about its balance (which I trust more than my own, to me it feels perfect) were positive and that I should take it cutting.

My only problem with taking it cutting is a) I'm not confident in my own cutting abilities yet to risk a custom blade with poor technique. If you want to have a look at the workmanship: www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96108&highlight=Custom+Jian

Hi,

If you're looking for a sword to practice forms with (no cutting), I've enjoyed having this sword for a couple of years. Nicely made, cheap, and durable. The balance is great (right at the guard). It's very light as well. I've tried a number of different tai chi sword, and I prefer this one for forms.

kungfudirect.com/proddetail.asp?prod=020100105

Thanks,
jason

I suggest you buy two swords - spend $3000 ordering an antique from Seven Stars Trading Co and having Philip Tom restore it. Then see what you can get for cutting, etc from Zheng Wu, or go for the Royal Peony Gold sanmei from Huanuo. Since that comes in a little over $1000 unless you order it through Seven Stars (or me if you're in Oz), you may want to get a knock about cutter as well.

I'm new to the forum, and now beginning to collect Han Dynasty styled swords. Maybe I'm wrong but it appears that Garrett's swords are made by the Jkoo Sword factory in Longquan. I certainly hope they're good at the craft, since they're making a short Han jian for me.

I bought a Chris Zheng "Emperor Han" limited edition, anticipating a typical folded steel look. They claimed it was actually sandwiched steel and iron. When it came, the blade looked just like a tool-steel jobby-- absolutely no pattern visable. Nice polish job, though. I was shocked and disappointed.

Most companies are selling folded steel blades with crappy pot metal (zink alloy) fittings. I want brass or bronze, lost wax preferred.

Another company, GENS, is the one producing the low-cost Han at Kultofathena. I got one, and its gorgeous, well-crafted, but has a silly "registered" "R" etched into the blade. Collectors don't want registered trademarks, at least this one doesn't.

As far as I know, other than Paul Chen these companies are the best Chinese mfg, considering that Ryansword is an assembler of inferior parts. I think if the Chinese makers could get their act together, they'd find a decent serious collector market. But until they do, the whole thing appears to be everyman's gamble.