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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 3:18:45 GMT
First of all I would like to say "Hello" to everyone. I am a ex Kendo student from Hawaii who has always wanted to buy a sword, but was always afraid of not knowing the what and where, and the why and from who. I have found this website and SBG in general to be very informative and very easy to use. Therefore I have decided to make a purchase from SBG, and I would like some informed opinions on a first sword purchase. Currently I am trying to decide between the Shinto Elite by Hanwei or the SBG Profesional Grade custom T-10 no-bohi for $499. If there are others that maybe better in the same price range I am all ears. Anyway, any and all help would be appreciated.
Thanks ;D
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Post by tajima on Jan 6, 2010 3:32:46 GMT
Hmm... I like the Shinto. I will direct you to: www.ausblade.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=345As it has more detailed photos than the terrible ones that Hanwei gives. The SBG custom, sure, support the forum, but I think you're better off with a Shinto. It looks tacky in the photos, as you can see from my comment on the link, but in real life it's really quite understated. I guess it's all up to you, though. I like the Shinto. Thanks, -Brett
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Jan 6, 2010 5:29:36 GMT
I have held and inspected a Shinto Elite and it was a seriously beautiful sword.
I have no idea how the SBG Pro stands up to it but I can say that it has big boots to fill.
off the top of my head the differences and concerns I would have are:
Hanwei still does that annoying over-etched hamon (not too hard to polish out but it is still extra work for you)
Hanwei shinto elite will have a real geometric yokote while the SBG pro doesn't (Paul did say it doesn't right?)
there has been some concerns and instances of Hanwei Elite and especially XL swords getting chips and edge damage from the necks of plastic bottles while it is my understanding the SBG pro has more traditional edge geometry and would likely be less of a concern in that regardes.
Paul says the fit, finish, and fittings on the SBG are top notch and I believe him but I've never seen one and I KNOW the fit, finish, and fittings on the Hanwei shinto elite are better than anything I have ever seen for $600 or less.
you have narrowed this down to two very fine swords, one we know a little more about, but still the question is going to come down to your preferences I think.
if you like the all-black theme of the Kuromono then go with the SBG, if you want a real yokote go Hanwei.
if you are going to cut mostly bottles then I think you should consider the Kuromono to be better suited (not an absolute here though as I'm sure with care the shinto will be fine), if you intend to cut tatami then the Shinto will be better more likely.
good luck I hope we've helped some. whatever you get please post a review and best of all some cutting video. I love to see people cutting and who knows maybe you'll get a really cool cut and I'll stick it in the coolest cuts archive for the entire community to love.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 6:15:35 GMT
I liked the shinto elite´s fitting quite well...and a geometric yokote is a big plus, but I just don´t like the hanwei geometry. But for the 500 range...humm kinda stumped.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 6:37:43 GMT
Thanks for the help so far guys.. Do any of you know if I will be able to disasemble the shinto elite..change out the tsuba, sageo, fittings etc.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 7:26:52 GMT
Yes you can.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 7:59:10 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 9:46:28 GMT
i would go with the sbg custom sword as the handle is suppose to be thinner and more tapered than most hanwei blades. I have held hanwei blades at ren faires including the shinto as well as traditional high end nihonto (around the 5,000 dollar range). If you want a blade to do kata and cutting go with the sbg kuromono it is much closer to what a nihonto is suppose to be as far as fittings are concerned. Also, factor in that there will always be accidents even when under proper supervision, hanwei blades may not be such a good idea then as their blades are more fragile as they can be extremely thin thus more pron to chipping and such and from what paul has shown us of the kuromono, it is a much better investment as the blade is more resilient to accidents and the usual wear and tear. As as side not I have not cut with either blades or handled the kuromono.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2010 16:50:41 GMT
I think your decision rests on what you're going to use the sword for, and which you would prefer to look at. I enjoy looking at my swords as well as cutting with them. Do you plan on cutting a lot and if so what type of targets? Anyway, both swords will do just about whatever you want them to in a similar way. Did you say you were looking at the custom? or just the kuramono? If you're talking about the custom vs. the shinto, personally I would go with the custom and make it uniquely mine rather than get what everyone else has and will get. that's me though. I'm sure you'll be happy either way as you're deciding between a great sword and great sword with a few personalization options.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2010 2:57:35 GMT
Thanks for the help so far guys.. Do any of you know if I will be able to disasemble the shinto elite..change out the tsuba, sageo, fittings etc. Be aware that tsuba are not a one-size-fits-all. adjustments will need to be made to make it fit such as peening or filing. Different seppa may be needed to account for thickness differences. Some may require cutting back the tsuka if they are very thick. I would also not get hung up on the geometric yokote issue much. The Chinese production market is driven by sales with the result that they exaggerate the yokote geometry at times because it sells. While a proper kissaki is desirable, it is really unimportant compared to other qualities the blade may have in the long run. As Tom said, the edge geometry is a key issue depending on what you are cutting. The "performance" Hanwei series are made for mats and will (can) chip.
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