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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2010 5:56:45 GMT
I don't remember where I came across it, but I recently found a link to www.sinosword.com while looking for production Chinese swords that aren't Hanwei. They have a good range of Japanese and Chinese styled blades, but the ones I'm interested in at the moment are the Plain Fittings Chinese Broadsword/Willow Leaf, Long Quan Jian, and Chinese Jian, though I will admit that several of their Carved Fittings blades look pretty sweet. I've seen two of the reviews on their katana from reviewers who were mostly happy with them, aside from a few things such as their customer service, which worries me. Does anyone have any other experiences with them? Particularly their Chinese swords? I'm curious to know the important factors: blade strength, fittings quality, how well the fittings stay attached, any other customer service tales, approximate shipping time, and, of course, the price range. Any info on these would be greatly appreciated. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2010 4:12:45 GMT
I'm another collector/user who's discovered Jkoo. They do a lot of custom work, one of the few Longquan forges that will oblige a customer gladly. This is a big plus. Their swords are not as "fancy" as Hanwai but they appear to be historically accurate. At the moment, they are forging a custom Han Dynasty model for me. But the other day, I found two of their plain fittings Han swords being sold by an outfit called the Dingsheng Hardware Co., Ltd. I was interested in the accompanying scabbards, straight-tapered without the inward flare at the lower section. This is an early type, like Warring States. So I ordered DSBJ004, plain tempered steel ground to 8 sides, for $266 plus shipping. A longer model, 100cm, folded steel with a double fuller, sells for less than $100 more. Jkoo is relatively new, established in 2005 I believe. Customer service and communicating is naturally difficult. Luckily, we have Garrett who (I'm reasonably sure) deals with them on a regular basis. So it's up to you which form you take in communicating with this Longquan company.  |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2010 10:14:19 GMT
I'm another collector/user who's discovered Jkoo. They do a lot of custom work, one of the few Longquan forges that will oblige a customer gladly. This is a big plus. Their swords are not as "fancy" as Hanwai but they appear to be historically accurate. At the moment, they are forging a custom Han Dynasty model for me. But the other day, I found two of their plain fittings Han swords being sold by an outfit called the Dingsheng Hardware Co., Ltd. I was interested in the accompanying scabbards, straight-tapered without the inward flare at the lower section. This is an early type, like Warring States. So I ordered DSBJ004, plain tempered steel ground to 8 sides, for $266 plus shipping. A longer model, 100cm, folded steel with a double fuller, sells for less than $100 more. Jkoo is relatively new, established in 2005 I believe. Customer service and communicating is naturally difficult. Luckily, we have Garrett who (I'm reasonably sure) deals with them on a regular basis. So it's up to you which form you take in communicating with this Longquan company. Thanks for the info, Alanus; have a karma on me. I look forward to hearing your opinion on your sword. I also can't help but think that, while their plain fitting swords aren't as fancy as Hanwei (though I think some of their carved fitting ones could give them a run for their money), they certainly seem much more functional. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 7:13:16 GMT
You're welcome. And good luck. I guess most of us on this thread know that the 8-sided octagonal is the closest thing to the original Han-era blades. But I'll mention it (again), just in case.  |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 7:51:04 GMT
This may sound like a noobish question but is Sinosword and JKoo the same company or factory? Then again it is China and everyone is copying everyone else...  |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 8:07:03 GMT
This may sound like a noobish question but is Sinosword and JKoo the same company or factory? Then again it is China and everyone is copying everyone else... They're the same, I think. I don't really know. With that said, after reading a review of how a pair of their blades came rusted and with crappy customer service, I've decided to place this seller on my "do not buy from" list. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 9:19:00 GMT
I would like to reitterate and reendorse Garrett Chan. A lot of these styles that companies like Jkoo and Sinosword produce are pretty standard in their respective communities. Garrett Lives in Canada, not China, he provides EXCELLENT customer service and if you see a sword style you want on one of these other sites, snag the picture, email it to garrett and see if his people can make it for you. Garrett is a member of our forums here also, and I have personally bought from him. Great customer service, great prices. Yeah. I'll stop lavishing him with praise now lol.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 10:26:08 GMT
I would like to reitterate and reendorse Garrett Chan. A lot of these styles that companies like Jkoo and Sinosword produce are pretty standard in their respective communities. Garrett Lives in Canada, not China, he provides EXCELLENT customer service and if you see a sword style you want on one of these other sites, snag the picture, email it to garrett and see if his people can make it for you. Garrett is a member of our forums here also, and I have personally bought from him. Great customer service, great prices. Yeah. I'll stop lavishing him with praise now lol. Well, I'm assuming you're meaning Garrett of Jin-Shi? If so, then there's no real need to stop, since all I've heard of him is near universal praise, so the praise is well deserved. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 16:59:52 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2010 17:53:45 GMT
Eff, that's the review I mentioned that put me off the idea of buying from Jkoo. Their unacceptable level is of epic fail proportions. |
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