__ Sword Buyers Guide - Review Template __
Sept 10, 2010 2:40:15 GMT
Post by Daniel Dacombe on Sept 10, 2010 2:40:15 GMT
Welcome to the New-and-Improved Review Template!
By popular request, we've been working to develop a better and more accurate system for sword reviewing. The previous "score from 1 to 5" system had its advantages, but due to the high influx of reviews from new members (who may not have the experience necessary to give the most accurate score) and the increasing popularity of the main site, and based on member feedback, we have decided to move to a different system of review. Reviews on the main site will be undergoing changes to have continuity with this new format, so please bear with us while we make the necessary changes!
The following is a new set of guidelines of how to submit an "Official SBG Review":
__________________________________________________________________________
Introduction
Everyone buys a particular sword for a reason. Give some reasons why you bought the sword - what attracted you to it, where you found it, what the price was. Tell us the story of looking for the sword, finding the sword, ordering the sword and finally, the arrival of the sword - it helps to draw people in and get their attention.
Historical overview
With a few exceptions, most swords are based on historical types or even true artifacts left over from the distant past. In this section, give an overview of your new sword's "pedigree" - what it is based on, what year, area of the world, etc. Talk briefly about how well this particular model lives up to the sword it is based on, to the best of your knowledge (and be honest about the things you aren't sure about). Whenever possible, show a picture of the historical sword being replicated.
Full Disclosure
In this section of the review, the reviewer states anything that would cause them to have “reviewer bias” – that is, a possibility (however slight or unintentional it may be) to slant the review in a positive or negative direction. This might be a connection to the manufacturer/vendor (e.g. Hanwei, the SBG Sword Store, Kult of Athena, etc), the fact that a sword was a discounted or free “review sword” (as sometimes happens), or even their inexperience as a collector that might cause them to miss things that more knowledgeable reviewers wouldn’t. The intention here is to increase the accuracy and transparency of our reviews; not to suggest that a review that has some bias is of no use – everything is biased to some extent – but to increase the information available to the reader in helping them make an informed decision. Examples of what might go in this section include:
“I received this sword as a review sword from Manufacturer X and did not pay full price for it,”
“I received this sword from Manufacturer Y, I own several of their works and am a close friend with the owner,”
“I am a backyard cutter and collector and while I love this style of sword I have not seen any examples of it for more than $300.”
Initial Impressions
Unpacking and initial dry handling impressions...include comments about what it looked like when it arrived. Include any comments (positive or negative) about ordering and/or shipping experiences, customer service, etc. What jumped out and grabbed you when you first unsheathed it?
Statistics
Give some hard data on the sword's specifications:
Blade/Nagasa Length:
Handle/Tsuka Length:
Overall Length:
Guard/Tsuba Width:
POB (Point of Balance):
COP (Center of Percussion):
Weight:
Components
These sections are pretty straightforward; just describe as best as possible (with lots of pictures) the different parts of the sword. Point out any areas that were especially good or bad, or just not as advertised.
The Blade/Nagasa
Describe the blade as well as possible...
The Handle/Tsuka
Describe the handle as well as possible...
The Guard/Tsuba
Describe the guard as well as possible...
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
Describe the other fittings as well as possible...
The Scabbard/Saya
Describe the scabbard as well as possible...
Handling Characteristics
Describe the handling of the sword as well as possible. Try and find out how a sword of this type is "supposed" to handle - does this replica handle like that? Worse? Is it especially lighter or heavier? Be sure to mention what size you are; a sword that feels light to one person might be too heavy for another. Find out as much as you can about the historical sword it is based on, that will help you figure out how it is supposed to feel in hand.
Test Cutting (if applicable)
If your sword has a sharp edge/point and you can do so safely, do some cutting with your new sword. Take videos with possible, and discuss how well your sword did and how the handling may have helped/hindered its performance. Some common targets include:
Plastic Bottles
Plastic 1-gallon Jugs
Tatami Mats
Cardboard
Be sure to keep all safety precautions and observe the laws of your area.
Conclusions
Here you can discuss the overall package of the sword, the things about it that disappointed you or surprised you with their quality. Also, you can talk about what you would like to see done differently if this model were to be revised - reduced weight, better fittings, anything that comes to mind. Let the reader know if you'd buy from this manufacturer or vendor again.
Next, to sum up you can list the:
Pros
Give a brief list of the aspects of the sword that you believed were the most positive, for example:
- nice leather grip
- weight is correct for this type
- beautiful blade with nice straight fuller
Cons
Give a brief list of the aspects of the sword that you believed were the most negative, for example:
- edge was not as sharp as advertised
- rust on pommel
- they used zinc alloy fittings, when brass or iron for slightly more would have been better
After that, you can move on to:
The Bottom Line
Would you recommend this sword? That is the basic question of every review. In The Bottom Line section, tell the reader if you would recommend this sword or not, and why. For example:
I would recommend this to a friend, the value for money on this sword is very high; or
I would recommend this to anyone who would like an inexpensive katana with a colourful design.
and on the negative side;
I would not recommend this to a friend, I found it to be not as advertised and much too heavy.
And then you're done!
__________________________________________________________________________
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Paul or Daniel. Happy reviewing!
By popular request, we've been working to develop a better and more accurate system for sword reviewing. The previous "score from 1 to 5" system had its advantages, but due to the high influx of reviews from new members (who may not have the experience necessary to give the most accurate score) and the increasing popularity of the main site, and based on member feedback, we have decided to move to a different system of review. Reviews on the main site will be undergoing changes to have continuity with this new format, so please bear with us while we make the necessary changes!
The following is a new set of guidelines of how to submit an "Official SBG Review":
__________________________________________________________________________
Introduction
Everyone buys a particular sword for a reason. Give some reasons why you bought the sword - what attracted you to it, where you found it, what the price was. Tell us the story of looking for the sword, finding the sword, ordering the sword and finally, the arrival of the sword - it helps to draw people in and get their attention.
Historical overview
With a few exceptions, most swords are based on historical types or even true artifacts left over from the distant past. In this section, give an overview of your new sword's "pedigree" - what it is based on, what year, area of the world, etc. Talk briefly about how well this particular model lives up to the sword it is based on, to the best of your knowledge (and be honest about the things you aren't sure about). Whenever possible, show a picture of the historical sword being replicated.
Full Disclosure
In this section of the review, the reviewer states anything that would cause them to have “reviewer bias” – that is, a possibility (however slight or unintentional it may be) to slant the review in a positive or negative direction. This might be a connection to the manufacturer/vendor (e.g. Hanwei, the SBG Sword Store, Kult of Athena, etc), the fact that a sword was a discounted or free “review sword” (as sometimes happens), or even their inexperience as a collector that might cause them to miss things that more knowledgeable reviewers wouldn’t. The intention here is to increase the accuracy and transparency of our reviews; not to suggest that a review that has some bias is of no use – everything is biased to some extent – but to increase the information available to the reader in helping them make an informed decision. Examples of what might go in this section include:
“I received this sword as a review sword from Manufacturer X and did not pay full price for it,”
“I received this sword from Manufacturer Y, I own several of their works and am a close friend with the owner,”
“I am a backyard cutter and collector and while I love this style of sword I have not seen any examples of it for more than $300.”
Initial Impressions
Unpacking and initial dry handling impressions...include comments about what it looked like when it arrived. Include any comments (positive or negative) about ordering and/or shipping experiences, customer service, etc. What jumped out and grabbed you when you first unsheathed it?
Statistics
Give some hard data on the sword's specifications:
Blade/Nagasa Length:
Handle/Tsuka Length:
Overall Length:
Guard/Tsuba Width:
POB (Point of Balance):
COP (Center of Percussion):
Weight:
Components
These sections are pretty straightforward; just describe as best as possible (with lots of pictures) the different parts of the sword. Point out any areas that were especially good or bad, or just not as advertised.
The Blade/Nagasa
Describe the blade as well as possible...
The Handle/Tsuka
Describe the handle as well as possible...
The Guard/Tsuba
Describe the guard as well as possible...
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
Describe the other fittings as well as possible...
The Scabbard/Saya
Describe the scabbard as well as possible...
Handling Characteristics
Describe the handling of the sword as well as possible. Try and find out how a sword of this type is "supposed" to handle - does this replica handle like that? Worse? Is it especially lighter or heavier? Be sure to mention what size you are; a sword that feels light to one person might be too heavy for another. Find out as much as you can about the historical sword it is based on, that will help you figure out how it is supposed to feel in hand.
Test Cutting (if applicable)
If your sword has a sharp edge/point and you can do so safely, do some cutting with your new sword. Take videos with possible, and discuss how well your sword did and how the handling may have helped/hindered its performance. Some common targets include:
Plastic Bottles
Plastic 1-gallon Jugs
Tatami Mats
Cardboard
Be sure to keep all safety precautions and observe the laws of your area.
Conclusions
Here you can discuss the overall package of the sword, the things about it that disappointed you or surprised you with their quality. Also, you can talk about what you would like to see done differently if this model were to be revised - reduced weight, better fittings, anything that comes to mind. Let the reader know if you'd buy from this manufacturer or vendor again.
Next, to sum up you can list the:
Pros
Give a brief list of the aspects of the sword that you believed were the most positive, for example:
- nice leather grip
- weight is correct for this type
- beautiful blade with nice straight fuller
Cons
Give a brief list of the aspects of the sword that you believed were the most negative, for example:
- edge was not as sharp as advertised
- rust on pommel
- they used zinc alloy fittings, when brass or iron for slightly more would have been better
After that, you can move on to:
The Bottom Line
Would you recommend this sword? That is the basic question of every review. In The Bottom Line section, tell the reader if you would recommend this sword or not, and why. For example:
I would recommend this to a friend, the value for money on this sword is very high; or
I would recommend this to anyone who would like an inexpensive katana with a colourful design.
and on the negative side;
I would not recommend this to a friend, I found it to be not as advertised and much too heavy.
And then you're done!
__________________________________________________________________________
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Paul or Daniel. Happy reviewing!