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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 7:46:48 GMT
I had been interested in a dao while looking at jians, but after just watching House of Flying Daggers, I really want a dao. ;D Unfortunately there seem to be even fewer functional daos (or is dao the plural of dao along with the singular?) than there are jians. Do any of you know how the "Valiant Armoury Chinese Broadsword" is? Historical accuracy isn't extremely important to me, but I want a strong, sharp, able blade that's still light enough to be swift.
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Post by sicheah on Aug 23, 2009 15:22:43 GMT
Unfortunately, I haven't read a review of VA Chinese Broadsword. Nevertheless you could get quite some information by asking honest vendor such as KoA. Ask them to compare the basic specification (weight, handling and point of balance, etc) with another production Dao say Kris Cutlery Dao IV (Hanwei broadsword is blade is really sharp but blade is rather thin and it is very light too). Even though I have high regards for recent VA line of products when Sonny took over the company, I am slightly concerned about the handling of the VA Chinese broadsword which is produced before Sonny arrives to the scene. (Might wanna take it with a little grain of salt since I did not handle VA broadsword  ). As mentioned talking to KoA might yield some pretty good information.  Regarding functional Dao below $500, you could: 1) Get one custom made by Garrett at Jin-Shi (might need to wait a few months before getting it) 2) Get a more expensive Huanuo Dao from Scott Rodell at sevenstarstrading.com 3) If you don't care about aesthetics and want a good sword I recommend KC Dao IV (Personally I have not read any reviews about it here) 3) Wait for a functional Dao by Hanwei designed by Scott Rodell (not sure when the release date is ) |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 17:11:02 GMT
The VA Chinese Broadsword does have a thick heavy blade, and the edge will need a little touch up. The Hanwei blades usually come with a great edge and need no work out of the box. Hope that helps man.
Rich
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Post by shadowhowler on Aug 23, 2009 17:30:22 GMT
The Hanwei blades usually come with a great edge and need no work out of the box. Uhhh... really? I had a Practical Kung Fu sword (A Hanwei Dao) and the edge was as most Hanwei non-katana edges are... unimpresive. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 18:06:38 GMT
Really, I had the practical gong fu, and the dadao and the edges were fine, it was a few years back but I figured they would still be the same. Who knows.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 18:36:34 GMT
Hm, I'm getting some conflicting messages from people. And I am on a budget. I bought the Cold Steel Gim recently and it was over my budget, so I want to be a bit more conservative on this. I like the VA CB's aesthetics and price. But I do not know how to sharpen a sword and have read basic guides on here and it seems like a bit of an ordeal. And since I wouldn't use the sword for heavy cutting, a heavy blade isn't necessary. But nor do I want a light, flimsy blade. But there doesn't seem to be a weight rating for the VA CB on any site, just the lengths and grip/guard type. With this information, what would you recommend for me? I think I will email KoA about some more of the VA CB details either way.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 18:44:49 GMT
I had been interested in a dao while looking at jians, but after just watching House of Flying Daggers, I really want a dao. ;D Unfortunately there seem to be even fewer functional daos (or is dao the plural of dao along with the singular?) than there are jians. Do any of you know how the "Valiant Armoury Chinese Broadsword" is? Historical accuracy isn't extremely important to me, but I want a strong, sharp, able blade that's still light enough to be swift.  $275 - better quality blade than the one below  $490 - prettier than one above, very limited production |
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Post by sicheah on Aug 23, 2009 18:55:52 GMT
Ask KoA to compare between VA and KC Dao IV (Hanwei practical kungfu sword is a bit thin and light IMO). Personally I'll save a bit and go for KC Dao IV, its slightly lighter and longer but the scabbard look can be improved on. Another option could be Garrett Ox-tail dao there is a mixed review on Jin-Shi Ox-tail from the sword review, but Garrett's customer service is very good. jin-shi.com/production.htm |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 19:18:58 GMT
Ask KoA to compare between VA and KC Dao IV (Hanwei practical kungfu sword is a bit thin and light IMO). Personally I'll save a bit and go for KC Dao IV, its slightly lighter and longer but the scabbard look can be improved on. Another option could be Garrett Ox-tail dao there is a mixed review on Jin-Shi Ox-tail from the sword review, but Garrett's customer service is very good. jin-shi.com/production.htm Upon looking at the Kris Dao IV, I... don't actually care for it. It may be a superior sword, or it might not, but I don't really like it. Seems too long and slender. I just don't think it's for me. The plain look and higher price don't exactly help sell it for me, either. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 19:21:59 GMT
yeah that's KC for ya. their blades are hard to beat and fittings are extremely functional yet plain as can be. most practitioners prefer them though.
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Post by sicheah on Aug 23, 2009 21:31:58 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2009 4:19:19 GMT
Thank you, sicheah, for your continued help. You really seem to know a thing or two about Chinese armaments. Unfortunately it looks like Sword Nation only accepts PayPal and I'm not able to have a PayPal account right now. And I don't like that all sales are final on those sale items. Something could happen, and I'd have no chance at returning it. Also I'm not 100% sure yet. Not that the options are that numerous if considering a dao. And although the ox-tail wan't offered in any official military service, I simply prefer the style. I don't think there's any denying that it was a fine weapon in its own right.
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Post by sicheah on Aug 24, 2009 7:40:15 GMT
Lol I am no expert, I just read sources of Chinese weapons written by Philip Tom and Thomas Chen on various website. With google these days, learning is alot easier.
At this point, take your time and learn about VA Chinese Broadsword. Also discuss (via email or phone) regarding possible return policy with Richard at swordnation in case if you get a lemon. If you don't have a paypal try and discuss other payment options with "reputable lenders"
Getting a decent dao at below $200 leaves you with little options, spending more around $300 opens up to Jin-Shi dao and KC dao. With $400 or so you can get Huanuo monosteel daos.
Also might want to consider waiting a little (up to a year or less) for Hanwei cutting dao designed for Scott Rodell.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2009 16:50:08 GMT
sicheah have you ever bought from swordnation.com. They have a cold steel sword I really want. I just have never delt with them.
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Post by sicheah on Aug 24, 2009 17:01:28 GMT
No I have not bought anything from them, but I heard (from this forum) that Richard at swordnation is a pretty decent customer service. Also if you become a member of swordnation forum, you can get additional discount, just like with Marc at WSS: swordnation.proboards.com/Try contacting richard at swordnation regarding the CS product, return policy and discount at sales@swordnation.com Hope that helps |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2009 18:19:13 GMT
Thanks sicheah.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2009 5:05:24 GMT
Unfortunately it looks like Sword Nation only accepts PayPal and I'm not able to have a PayPal account right now. If you don't have a paypal account we are willing to accept a check or money order for payment. If you have any questions about this feel free to PM or email me any time. Richard |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2009 1:43:47 GMT
I got my reply on the details of the VA dao from Kult of Athena, albeit after I actually ordered the sword. Still, if you're interested, KoA put up the specs on the item's page here: kultofathena.com/product~item~VA1503.htm |
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Post by sicheah on Aug 30, 2009 2:01:34 GMT
Wow nice, more info on the VA Chinese Broadsword ;D. Hope you get a good one.
Also +1 for that extra info from KoA
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). As mentioned talking to KoA might yield some pretty good information. 
