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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2010 19:12:35 GMT
Great review, Daniel! +1! I dig that green ito. Also like the sword bag, but is it really that pink, or is it just the camera? I'm not a fan of pink, but the bag looks nice. It looks more like magenta to me.
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Post by Darksword Armory on Feb 15, 2010 19:19:01 GMT
Hi Daniel, I only have one thing to say...........WOW....EXCELLENT review. In depth, honest, good accurate description of the pros' and cons. Thank you. YrX: Don't go nuts with the booklet. Obviously, we did not write it. I also had a good laugh over the "Best swords in the world" bit....The disclaimer is simply a legal way to cover their butts against ANY liability. We have a similar disclaimer on our site and I'm sure many other smiths do as well. Ours, placed in the order page states that: "By ordering, you acknowledge that you are not restricted under law of possessing or holding a sword. By placing an order, the buyer acknowledges that the products ordered will be used in a lawful manner and that the he/she is of legal age. Darksword Armory will not be held liable for the use, misuse or any injury caused by the use of any product purchased from us, or any of our distributors & dealers. By ordering, you agree that Darksword Armory and its distributors are in no way responsible for any injury, damage or death caused by the use or misused of any of our products. " Eyal Azerad Darksword Armory Inc. www.darksword-armory.comSee our Youtube video : See our FACEBOOK page: www.facebook.com/pages/Darksword-Armory/237809273238?ref=ts
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2010 23:03:48 GMT
Geeze, if I'd have known my innocent comment would have spawned all that, I'd never have said it. Fuchsia is still close enough to pink to earn a blah stamp in my book, lol.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2010 23:15:22 GMT
It's not pink. It's light red!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2010 23:20:33 GMT
Hyoujinsama: *coughcoughDoughnutcoughcough*
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2010 0:36:03 GMT
Cant say I agree with this "review".
Is no one seeing the massive amount of problems with these swords? Lets just look at the 2201 model. $289? Am I missing something? The finish on the koshirae is terrible. The sageo, tsuba, menuki, seppa are all cheap Chinese stock parts. I would comment on the habaki but it doesnt appear properly in any photos, here or on the dsa website.
The spiel on the DSA website isnt going to convince anyone other than those with zero knowledge. I really think you need to stretch definitions when your calling those tsuba "hand made". Who are they trying to fool.
The main problem I have with this review is that its from a staff reviewer. Why are such glaring problems not being addressed for a sword at this price point? Years ago this may have been an attractive proposition but now its not, far from it. I'm not going to list all of the many better alternatives on the market as they are fairly obvious to those that know. Why at a greater cost should these be recommended over others? They come with a few extras? They have a bit more color? Everyone knows those boxes and bags are junk. You want something that looks a little different? A can of krylon and a $13 ebay sageo will make a cheaper ppk look better .
Isnt this site meant to help prospective, predominantly new buyers? If so how is this review helping?
What this basically leads up to me saying is that I feel that this isn't so much a review as it is an advert. Im not entirely sure of the reviewers direct link to SBG but it seems like a massive conflict of interest when the sites connected store sells products from this vendor. Especially when said review omits apparent problems of an overpriced sword in a market thats already over saturated with identical products.
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Post by septofclansinclair on Feb 16, 2010 1:36:02 GMT
Cant say I agree with this "review". Is no one seeing the massive amount of problems with these swords? Lets just look at the 2201 model. $289? Am I missing something? The finish on the koshirae is terrible. The sageo, tsuba, menuki, seppa are all cheap Chinese stock parts. I would comment on the habaki but it doesnt appear properly in any photos, here or on the dsa website. The spiel on the DSA website isnt going to convince anyone other than those with zero knowledge. I really think you need to stretch definitions when your calling those tsuba "hand made". Who are they trying to fool. The main problem I have with this review is that its from a staff reviewer. Why are such glaring problems not being addressed for a sword at this price point? Years ago this may have been an attractive proposition but now its not, far from it. I'm not going to list all of the many better alternatives on the market as they are fairly obvious to those that know. Why at a greater cost should these be recommended over others? They come with a few extras? They have a bit more color? Everyone knows those boxes and bags are junk. You want something that looks a little different? A can of krylon and a $13 ebay sageo will make a cheaper ppk look better . Isnt this site meant to help prospective, predominantly new buyers? If so how is this review helping? What this basically leads up to me saying is that I feel that this isn't so much a review as it is an advert. Im not entirely sure of the reviewers direct link to SBG but it seems like a massive conflict of interest when the sites connected store sells products from this vendor. Especially when said review omits apparent problems of an overpriced sword in a market thats already over saturated with identical products. Thanks for the comments. I'll try and address as many of your concerns as I can... First of all, I don't get paid by SBG. I don't make money from their sales, and aside from getting to keep the occasional review sword like the rest of the review team, I don't directly benefit from how well SBG is doing (I'd like to point out that SBG doesn't sell the DSA katanas, at least they didn't last time I checked). Second, I'm certainly not trying to omit problems with these, otherwise I wouldn't have brought up the damaged tip and the fake rayskin. Could the fittings be better? Yup, which is why I didn't rave over them. I've seen better and worse on swords in the sub-300 price range, I'm sure we all have... I'm actually waiting on some info I requested about the fittings (including the tsubas) which I will update the review with once I hear back. I'll admit to not being the most knowledgeable person in the world, and I do miss things, which is why I'm open to correction or someone even just saying, "Hey, what about the...?" I guess just to finish, I don't usually conclude reviews with "I recommend this sword over others such as X, Y, etc."... so I didn't end this one like that either. I also don't end my reviews by pointing out all the better deals on other swords in this range, nor do most reviewers I've seen, otherwise for some people every sub-300 katana review would end with "In conclusion, buy a Dynasty Forge instead because they are the best." I don't think reviews are the place to give an overview of the entire katana market; that's why the rest of the site and forum exists, am I right? I'm just reviewing the sword in front of me as best I can, as unbiased as I can... it's MY opinion, not Gospel, and I never claim otherwise. I hope that clears some things up. I still have alot to learn, no denying that.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2010 2:47:58 GMT
Exceptional review. Great pix. Great details of the fittings and tsuka and saya--all the perspectives which serve to show the virtues of these swords. And, thorough coverage with a modicum of expression.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2010 7:21:44 GMT
Nice promo video on youtube Eyal! do like the "singing" of the hammer on the steel ... mixed with a "wee bit" of " William Wallace" in the background ... NICE !
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2010 13:35:32 GMT
Thanks for responding. I shouldn't have singled out a single poster as many threads like this are on the first two pages. My general feeling is that any review that has any link to a seller or receiving of goods or money isnt a faithful review.
Ill first address the issue of payment. Keeping a sword that is reviewed is payment. Your not going to keep getting swords to review if your pointing out every problem to its full extent. If your not paying for the sword yourself there is no reason to. The second you are linked to the seller or manufacturer in any way you are no longer impartial.
I just commented on another review that was much in the same vain as this. It was for a product that is for sale on the SBG store and was sent to him directly by SBG to be reviewed. Although a thorough review it was overtly positive in the face of a clear and in my opinion dangerous problem. This wouldn't be the case if it was paid for by some ones own cash. Maybe this was just lack of foresight from the reviewer but I doubt it.
Maybe any reviews that aren't directly from a genuine end user should be kept in a different section.
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Post by Darksword Armory on Feb 16, 2010 15:15:12 GMT
I wonder how you would respond if the review would have been negative ? Reviews are just that; a person's opinion over a particular item. You don't have to agree with them, but your claim that "...those boxes and bags are junk" (as one example) prior to actually examining them is certainly not a fair review, right ? If should further be noted that reviews are not only for potential buyers and fans, but also for us merchants. These reviews allow us to tackle issues, (i.e. simulated ray skin on this model, as opposed to the other Hattori models). Daniel's assessment lead us to pounder over the issues brought forth by his review, which ultimately benefits not only the customer, but also the merchants. Eyal, Darksword Armory Inc. www.darksword-armory.comSee our Youtube video : See our FACEBOOK page: www.facebook.com/pages/Darksword-Armory/237809273238?ref=ts
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Major, Cory J.~
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"Who can separate a man from his sword? One is worth nothing without the other." -Kalebipoeg
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Post by Major, Cory J.~ on Feb 16, 2010 16:02:42 GMT
Thanks for responding. I shouldn't have singled out a single poster as many threads like this are on the first two pages. My general feeling is that any review that has any link to a seller or receiving of goods or money isnt a faithful review. Ill first address the issue of payment. Keeping a sword that is reviewed is payment. Your not going to keep getting swords to review if your pointing out every problem to its full extent. If your not paying for the sword yourself there is no reason to. The second you are linked to the seller or manufacturer in any way you are no longer impartial. I just commented on another review that was much in the same vain as this. It was for a product that is for sale on the SBG store and was sent to him directly by SBG to be reviewed. Although a thorough review it was overtly positive in the face of a clear and in my opinion dangerous problem. This wouldn't be the case if it was paid for by some ones own cash. Maybe this was just lack of foresight from the reviewer but I doubt it. Maybe any reviews that aren't directly from a genuine end user should be kept in a different section. Correct me if I am wrong, but aren't these swords ONLY available through the DSA Store? So, why not put a link that goes to their site or a site that offers that item (Like ALL SBG reviews on the Sword-Buyers-Guide.com review site.). Also, some of the reviewers don't get given these sword (unless they have earned enough review points to "cash" in, from what I understand.), they BUY them for themselves or the manufacturer sends them a sword and asks them to make judgments on their product. Which to me is just impressive, they want people to write honestly about their product, an "warn" people of any problems, then the manufacturer then goes and tries to fix the mistake, and then they get the *UPDATE* mark on their review which states whats fixed. And the winner is? The Forge- Getting more product moved and yes earning money, I'm sure they wouldn't really be doing it on large scale if they couldn't make some money... And the REALLY, REALLY winner? YOU-You get a better product in the end with knowledge of what you are getting prior to even paying for it. And you know if there is a flaw/mistake, then you should be able to trust your retailer or even the forge itself, to help you fix the problem or to fix it themselves (DSA is awesome for that as-well!). (Also way to go man.... Mock the free stuff they give with their swords (Case and carrying bag), perfect way to ruin it for the rest of us. Sure, sometimes they are not the BEST quality, but if they were up to "your" standards, then the sword would cost more, which you may never even get to hold one, let alone own one. IMO, next time think before you speak. Dan- Great review, don't think its anything but. you did your homework. We appreciate it. DSA- Thank you for all the hard work you do, I look forward to the next time I get to call and make an order with you. (I've been brushing up on my French too ) Cory J.~
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Post by shadowhowler on Feb 16, 2010 16:45:45 GMT
As far as putting a link to the maker/distributer of the sword in your review goes... I do not feel doing so makes you biased. I have done likewise in almost every review I've done, I belive... and I had paid for every sword I have reviewed out of my own pocket. Sbg has never given me a free sword to review. I put the link in there so that, if the reader is interested, they can check out the makers site, and see more about the sword. Thats all. My experience with Dan is that he is a pretty honest guy... and, like me, he reviews swords from his perspective. Neither Dan or I are trained in JSA or WMA... now are we sword makers or sword experince. We are both collectors/hobbyists who have been lucky enough to own and use a pretty good number of swords... and our reviews are written from that perspective. Other SBG forumites and review team members have different prespectives... some have trained in JSA, some in WMA, some are sword makers themselves... some... like Shootermike... have owned, cut with and experienced a HUGE number of high end swords... some have owned and handled only a handful. For review team members and the like, we most of us have a profile you can look over to see what our experience with swords might be... and then you can weigh our opinions in the context of how informed you believe we are. Hope that helps clear some things up a bit...
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2010 18:40:15 GMT
I have to agree with Shadow and stick up for Daniel, here. I believe he wrote his review with the best information available to him, knowledge based on his experiences and no obvious biases toward the vendor. Pretty much every reviewer that I have read multiple reviews from lists a vendor that they procured their sword from. I'm not saying it would be shady if they didn't, but I know I'd be wondering where they got the sword from if they didn't list a source of some sort.
Also as Shadow said, we all have different backgrounds and experiences, so we will all come away with a different experience, even if we all reviewed the exact same sword. I think it may be good to go over our profiles just for this reason.
Daniel is an honest and good guy, and I don't believe he would ever write a biased review, but that's my $0.02.
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Post by shadowhowler on Feb 16, 2010 21:37:23 GMT
Also as Shadow said, we all have different backgrounds and experiences, so we will all come away with a different experience, even if we all reviewed the exact same sword. I think it may be good to go over our profiles just for this reason. Just a small sidetrack, but thats what I like about Jason's (of AoV) idea with the 'Sword Review Tour' of the two swords. You will see many VERY different perspectives on the same two swords, thus gaining a wealth of opinion. Everyone should find someone on the tour who is most like them in experince and perspective.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2010 22:18:01 GMT
i hope to see some test cut soon ;D im in canada too so i know about the weather in here but for sword maniacs it wouldn't be a problem (i hope to have mine soon more like model 2206)
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2010 23:39:32 GMT
This isnt an attack on the reviewer. No one should be acting like it is. I'm simply pointing out that there has been a recent spat of reviews that are more like viral adverts.
To DSA: My response was to the fact that the review wasn't critical enough. Lets be honest here, you know what these swords are. The dont have hand made tsuba and your advertising spews a lot of BS. We know how Chinese production works. You can tag these swords with "japanese grade" as much as you want it wont change what they really are. Your price is also too high. I could ignore some of my points if these were realistically priced or offered anything over the competition. They don't.
Those boxes and "silk" bags that you ship the swords in are exactly the same as every other one Ive seen and the ones I have owned. So yes I can confidently confirm that they are badly made crap.
You dont have to answer this but how did you select this particular reviewer to send the swords to? Was it simply a random selection?
I understand you need to promote your products and that this is a great place to do it. Just don't expect everyone to think your product is good.
For shadow. I dont have a problem with vip reviews and the like just the context in which they received the swords. If anyone buys the sword them self then thats fine.
I truly feel that the best reviews come from those that have scrimped and saved every penny for a sword.
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Post by Darksword Armory on Feb 16, 2010 23:42:11 GMT
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Avery
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"It's alright little brother... There are more!!!
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Post by Avery on Feb 17, 2010 0:18:13 GMT
This isnt an attack on the reviewer. No one should be acting like it is. I'm simply pointing out that there has been a recent spat of reviews that are more like viral adverts. Perhaps this is a topic best posted in the general discussion board then. I would like to hear what reviews you think of as "viral adverts". And discuss it in a non-flamatory manner. Quite frankly I think Dan showed great restraint in his first post responding to you and clarified himself very well. Any further discussion of this in this thread is hijacking in a negative way. Maybe not intended to, but thats how its turning out. C'mon fellas, lets get out of Dans thread and talk about this over a beer somewhere else.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2010 1:19:16 GMT
Yeah I agree you you avery. This could do with its own thread.
My definition of a viral review: Any review where there is a conflict of interest.
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