Global gear's G-1000 Blood Red Katana
Aug 23, 2009 14:07:36 GMT
Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 14:07:36 GMT
Hi All. Been a long time lurker, but (finally) here's my first post: a review of Global Gear's G-1000 Blood Red Katana.
Introduction
About 8 months ago I finally had enough spare cash to get into sword collection, and I stumbled upon this wonderful site within a few Google searches. Coming from Oz, the logic place to start my collection was from Global Gear, and after reading the Chikara review from Paul, I fell in love with the G-Series.
Ebay is a wonderful service when you have sellers like Global Gear on it. My first sword ended up being a G-919V2 Culture Katana from an Ebay sale, and I was very impressed (considering I ended up with it for less then $300AUD).
Then a couple of months later, they started listing the G-1000 for sale on E-Bay, and I picked one up for $330AUD. Now here cometh the review....
Historical overview
It's a sword which appears to be a katana. But it's red. Or more like dark orange. Apparently it's got titanium mixed with high carbon steel. Not sure if the Japanese every made swords like this, but according to Global Gear "You haven’t seen this before". In my general searching, I did stumble on something like this on Ebay from one of those random Chinese forge resellers, but I've lost the link so we'll have to take Global Gear's word on it.
Initial Impressions
After all the Ebay formalities were completed, it took about 5 working days for the sword to arrive. To my horror, the tip of the blade on my new piece was about 3cm off center:
Global Gear were great on handling the return and, after a few pictures for proof, they sent a courier to pick up the damaged goods then promptly replaced it with the piece of equipment I'm using today.
The sword box was packed in basic cardboard, and contained what you have come to expect from a G Series sword:
The bits which really impressed me were the stand and sword bag:
First thing I noticed about the sword itself was it weighed less then the G-919V2 (by a few 100g). Once I'd rubbed off the packing grease and given it a good oil, I held something "very beautiful" (as described by my girlfriend) and quiet unique. It's hard to describe the colour, but it's not really red, yet very pleasing to the eye. A picture or 7 might help a bit:
Everyone who has seen this sword has been impressed by the colour, weight and general fittings.
Statistics
Note: I don't really have the equipment or expertise on these stats, so I've taken most of them from the Global Gear site - www.globalgear.com.au/prod2831.htm
Nagasa Length: ~29"
Tsuka Length: ~11"
Overall Length: ~40"
Tsuba Width: ~2"
POB (Point of Balance): (unsure, but feels balanced)
COP (Center of Percussion): (unsure)
Weight: ~1.4Kg
Components
I have been unable to take the sword apart, as I have been attempting with minimal force and nothing is moving. I guess this is a good thing. If I do manage to dismantle it, I'll post an update but it's not high on my todo list...
The Nagasa
It's orange-red, and feels quiet light. A little more weight towards the tip would help things a bit, and I get disturbed that when-ever I oil or polish the blade the cloth I'm using has a nasty reddish stain on it. I will be interesting to see if the colour holds over the next few years...
For the hamon, I think there is one there as I can see a black line between the cutting edge and the back of the blade, but you can't really see it in any photos as the sword is too shiny and the colour is that same on either side:
The blade geometry appears good, and cuts everything I've thrown at is (see the cutting tests below). It looks like it's equally sharp from tip to Tsuka, and the tip is nice and sharp as well.
The Tsuka
The wrap is nice and tight. I will assume it's rayskin under that. Nothing feels loose or rattles.
The Tsuba
I like it. It appears to be brass with a flower motive, and golden colouring on some of petals.
The Fuchi-Kashira
Nice and tight, with pretty flower motive. I assume it's made of brass.
The Saya
This is a slight negative as it doesn't feel as solid as the G-919V2 Saya. And the colour it not a polished black but more a dark mat grey with bumps.
Handling Characteristics
I can only compare this to the G-919V2, and it's so much lighter. When cutting with the G-919V2, I felt the need to put a bit of grunt into the swings. But this sword is effortless in comparison.
Test Cutting
Here is a bottle cutting vid from my 4th time taking it out for a spin:
I would not call it "razor" sharp, and I have no cutting form (having never had formal training), but it does the job and is fun to use.
I did take it to a mates place and both him and his wife had their first cutting experiences with it and loved it. Unfortunately, they managed to take some chunks out of the wooden table used for a cutting stand (but better the tables owner then the guest...):
After a good 100 bottles vanquished and at least one table sliced, the blade doesn't have a mark on it... I'm very impressed!
Conclusions
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
I like it and would be happy to recommend it to anyone who wants a katana which "breaks the mould". And Global Gear is a great store with wonderful staff who seem to stand by their products and make the customer happy.
Well, I hope you've all enjoyed this review. Any questions or if you want more details, let me know and I'll see what I can do.
Have fun and stay safe
- Wooferdog
Introduction
About 8 months ago I finally had enough spare cash to get into sword collection, and I stumbled upon this wonderful site within a few Google searches. Coming from Oz, the logic place to start my collection was from Global Gear, and after reading the Chikara review from Paul, I fell in love with the G-Series.
Ebay is a wonderful service when you have sellers like Global Gear on it. My first sword ended up being a G-919V2 Culture Katana from an Ebay sale, and I was very impressed (considering I ended up with it for less then $300AUD).
Then a couple of months later, they started listing the G-1000 for sale on E-Bay, and I picked one up for $330AUD. Now here cometh the review....
Historical overview
It's a sword which appears to be a katana. But it's red. Or more like dark orange. Apparently it's got titanium mixed with high carbon steel. Not sure if the Japanese every made swords like this, but according to Global Gear "You haven’t seen this before". In my general searching, I did stumble on something like this on Ebay from one of those random Chinese forge resellers, but I've lost the link so we'll have to take Global Gear's word on it.
Initial Impressions
After all the Ebay formalities were completed, it took about 5 working days for the sword to arrive. To my horror, the tip of the blade on my new piece was about 3cm off center:
Global Gear were great on handling the return and, after a few pictures for proof, they sent a courier to pick up the damaged goods then promptly replaced it with the piece of equipment I'm using today.
The sword box was packed in basic cardboard, and contained what you have come to expect from a G Series sword:
The bits which really impressed me were the stand and sword bag:
First thing I noticed about the sword itself was it weighed less then the G-919V2 (by a few 100g). Once I'd rubbed off the packing grease and given it a good oil, I held something "very beautiful" (as described by my girlfriend) and quiet unique. It's hard to describe the colour, but it's not really red, yet very pleasing to the eye. A picture or 7 might help a bit:
Everyone who has seen this sword has been impressed by the colour, weight and general fittings.
Statistics
Note: I don't really have the equipment or expertise on these stats, so I've taken most of them from the Global Gear site - www.globalgear.com.au/prod2831.htm
Nagasa Length: ~29"
Tsuka Length: ~11"
Overall Length: ~40"
Tsuba Width: ~2"
POB (Point of Balance): (unsure, but feels balanced)
COP (Center of Percussion): (unsure)
Weight: ~1.4Kg
Components
I have been unable to take the sword apart, as I have been attempting with minimal force and nothing is moving. I guess this is a good thing. If I do manage to dismantle it, I'll post an update but it's not high on my todo list...
The Nagasa
It's orange-red, and feels quiet light. A little more weight towards the tip would help things a bit, and I get disturbed that when-ever I oil or polish the blade the cloth I'm using has a nasty reddish stain on it. I will be interesting to see if the colour holds over the next few years...
For the hamon, I think there is one there as I can see a black line between the cutting edge and the back of the blade, but you can't really see it in any photos as the sword is too shiny and the colour is that same on either side:
The blade geometry appears good, and cuts everything I've thrown at is (see the cutting tests below). It looks like it's equally sharp from tip to Tsuka, and the tip is nice and sharp as well.
The Tsuka
The wrap is nice and tight. I will assume it's rayskin under that. Nothing feels loose or rattles.
The Tsuba
I like it. It appears to be brass with a flower motive, and golden colouring on some of petals.
The Fuchi-Kashira
Nice and tight, with pretty flower motive. I assume it's made of brass.
The Saya
This is a slight negative as it doesn't feel as solid as the G-919V2 Saya. And the colour it not a polished black but more a dark mat grey with bumps.
Handling Characteristics
I can only compare this to the G-919V2, and it's so much lighter. When cutting with the G-919V2, I felt the need to put a bit of grunt into the swings. But this sword is effortless in comparison.
Test Cutting
Here is a bottle cutting vid from my 4th time taking it out for a spin:
I would not call it "razor" sharp, and I have no cutting form (having never had formal training), but it does the job and is fun to use.
I did take it to a mates place and both him and his wife had their first cutting experiences with it and loved it. Unfortunately, they managed to take some chunks out of the wooden table used for a cutting stand (but better the tables owner then the guest...):
After a good 100 bottles vanquished and at least one table sliced, the blade doesn't have a mark on it... I'm very impressed!
Conclusions
Pros
- Light, fast and good for cutting soft targets
- Unique colour/creation
- Love the fittings and the flowery motive
- Great price on Ebay auction
- Over-all package worth every penny
- Blade seems to be fairly scratch resistant
Cons
- A little too light at the tip
- The colour seems to come off whenever I rub it with any type of liquid
- Pansy Saya
- Titanium has been used in the blade. A bit of research has revealed that this is not a good thing for blade strength. I guess time and use will tell....
The Bottom Line
I like it and would be happy to recommend it to anyone who wants a katana which "breaks the mould". And Global Gear is a great store with wonderful staff who seem to stand by their products and make the customer happy.
Well, I hope you've all enjoyed this review. Any questions or if you want more details, let me know and I'll see what I can do.
Have fun and stay safe
- Wooferdog