Global Gear G-901V2 Upgraded Chikara
Sept 22, 2010 2:56:04 GMT
Post by avery on Sept 22, 2010 2:56:04 GMT
Global Gears G-901V2 Upgraded Chikara
By Avery Pierce
Harmony, N.C. U.S.A.
Stats.
Blade length 29"
Blade material 1075
Weight 2Lbs 11oz
Oeverall length 40"
HRC-edge 60
HRC-spine 58
Price
As of yet, unknown.
History
The history of a katana is to large to go into......and I'm certainly not the one to ask.
I do know that the history of this sword is already becoming legendary.....Since
Pauls initial review of this sword its' popularity has skyrocketted.... The history of it can be found here.
www.sword-buyers-guide.com/japanese-swords.html
First impressions:
After waiting 6 months, The upgraded version of the Chikara finally arrived. It came via U.P.S., in a well taped cardboard box.
After opening the outer packaging I found a different style of wooden box than I am accustomed to with Global Gear. No
hinges or closure, really a lower quality box than before.
The box contains the usual staple I've come to expect from G.G.
A stand, certificate, cleaning kit and the sword itself held within its bag.
The first thing that struck me was that the sword
bag is a higher quality than I've seen before. No loose strands or fringe to be seen. The certificate, though, is smaller than my
others, and has very little english translation. The cleaning kit is a lower quality as well, and it appears that the bottle of oil
broke and its content leaked out. The funny thing is there is no stains in the box or the lining of the larger box, hmmmmm.
In the end this is window dressing for what its really all about. The Chikara.
Fit and finish.
As you've probaly already seen, this tsuba is really unique, and part of what I love about the fittings. Paul covered this well so
I'll move on. The fuchi carries on the theme of the reeds present in the tsuba, as does the kashira.
l cant really tell what the mekugi is. It could be a dragon or it could be a clump of weeds, I haven't a clue.
The ito is wrapped in what G.G.
boasted as a battle style. I've seen it before, but don't know the technical term. It's billed as part of the upgrade and l personally
like it .The ito is wrapped very tight, with no play or twist. There is also no play in the tsuka or tsuba. The sageo is wrapped and
knotted tightly to the kurikata. Its the same suede material as the ito, and for some reason I'm not to sure if l like it.
The saya isn't powder coated as I expected. Instead it's the same glossy laquered finish that is basic and standard. However,
the kurikata (what the sageo is tied to) the kojiri (saya end cap) and the koiguichi (saya mouth) have all been upgraded to genuine
horn, A horn of what kind l'm not sure, but they are a horn of some variety.
Flex test
This blade is as stiff as the other G-9 series blade I own. All I can say is the blade feels like it can take a serious beating.
Blade
After I unsheathed this baby and wiped off the packing grease I was blown away. Pictures do not do this blade justice. The hamon
of course is a toran that continues all the way to the kissaki (tip). The tip is also polished as per the upgrade. The blade is polished
to a high mirror shine with no blemish to be found anywhere. The bohi (fuller) is even and clean with no marks at all. l'll let the
pictures speak for themselves.
The edge came sharp. Sharp enough to cut paper!
Cutting test
Here at S.B.G. we've cut all manner of things for our tests. From milk jugs to tree limbs, we've seen and cut a variety of targets.
However to my knowledge, no one has used ballistics gel. Ballistics gel, if you don't know, has the same density and resistance
as human flesh. It's used by the Military and Law Enforcement to test the effectiveness of different types of ammuition. So, first
a few bottles and then the gel!! We had to cut quickly due to the failing light. That coupled with my poor form caused the bottles to fly off the stand, but believe me when I say the sword itself performs great.
First, some 2 litres, than on to gatorade bottles, and last a milk jug.
This is the first piece of gel. It was supposed to be a hand shape, but the mold didn't work out well.
This last piece of gel was made using a large plastic cup as the mold.
Pros.
Absolutly beautiful hamon.
Great track record.
Unique and attractive fittings.
Nice polish.
Sharp out of the box.
(again, I know I shouldn't do it) Positive flex test.
Cons.
The new "battle wrapped" ito may be a turn off to some.
Maintence kit and storage box is a lower value than previous ones.
Quite frankly, at this price point, I can't really find any more negatives.
Conclusion
All the upgrades on the ito wrap and saya aside, this is still the same great performing blade that Paul reviewed. As I said the
saya not being powdercoated, the box and the cleaning kit is a little disapointing. The sword itself is a solid build, with no loose
parts. The blade handles well with a balance that l am very pleased with. Honestly I would recommend this sword to anyone
who is looking for a unique hamon and tsuba that is not only a great conversation peice but is also 100% fully functional.
On G.G.'s web site it says N/A under the price, so I'm not sure how far over the $300.00 mark its going to be. Frankly its worth
saving up for.
By Avery Pierce
Harmony, N.C. U.S.A.
Stats.
Blade length 29"
Blade material 1075
Weight 2Lbs 11oz
Oeverall length 40"
HRC-edge 60
HRC-spine 58
Price
As of yet, unknown.
History
The history of a katana is to large to go into......and I'm certainly not the one to ask.
I do know that the history of this sword is already becoming legendary.....Since
Pauls initial review of this sword its' popularity has skyrocketted.... The history of it can be found here.
www.sword-buyers-guide.com/japanese-swords.html
First impressions:
After waiting 6 months, The upgraded version of the Chikara finally arrived. It came via U.P.S., in a well taped cardboard box.
After opening the outer packaging I found a different style of wooden box than I am accustomed to with Global Gear. No
hinges or closure, really a lower quality box than before.
The box contains the usual staple I've come to expect from G.G.
A stand, certificate, cleaning kit and the sword itself held within its bag.
The first thing that struck me was that the sword
bag is a higher quality than I've seen before. No loose strands or fringe to be seen. The certificate, though, is smaller than my
others, and has very little english translation. The cleaning kit is a lower quality as well, and it appears that the bottle of oil
broke and its content leaked out. The funny thing is there is no stains in the box or the lining of the larger box, hmmmmm.
In the end this is window dressing for what its really all about. The Chikara.
Fit and finish.
As you've probaly already seen, this tsuba is really unique, and part of what I love about the fittings. Paul covered this well so
I'll move on. The fuchi carries on the theme of the reeds present in the tsuba, as does the kashira.
l cant really tell what the mekugi is. It could be a dragon or it could be a clump of weeds, I haven't a clue.
The ito is wrapped in what G.G.
boasted as a battle style. I've seen it before, but don't know the technical term. It's billed as part of the upgrade and l personally
like it .The ito is wrapped very tight, with no play or twist. There is also no play in the tsuka or tsuba. The sageo is wrapped and
knotted tightly to the kurikata. Its the same suede material as the ito, and for some reason I'm not to sure if l like it.
The saya isn't powder coated as I expected. Instead it's the same glossy laquered finish that is basic and standard. However,
the kurikata (what the sageo is tied to) the kojiri (saya end cap) and the koiguichi (saya mouth) have all been upgraded to genuine
horn, A horn of what kind l'm not sure, but they are a horn of some variety.
Flex test
This blade is as stiff as the other G-9 series blade I own. All I can say is the blade feels like it can take a serious beating.
Blade
After I unsheathed this baby and wiped off the packing grease I was blown away. Pictures do not do this blade justice. The hamon
of course is a toran that continues all the way to the kissaki (tip). The tip is also polished as per the upgrade. The blade is polished
to a high mirror shine with no blemish to be found anywhere. The bohi (fuller) is even and clean with no marks at all. l'll let the
pictures speak for themselves.
The edge came sharp. Sharp enough to cut paper!
Cutting test
Here at S.B.G. we've cut all manner of things for our tests. From milk jugs to tree limbs, we've seen and cut a variety of targets.
However to my knowledge, no one has used ballistics gel. Ballistics gel, if you don't know, has the same density and resistance
as human flesh. It's used by the Military and Law Enforcement to test the effectiveness of different types of ammuition. So, first
a few bottles and then the gel!! We had to cut quickly due to the failing light. That coupled with my poor form caused the bottles to fly off the stand, but believe me when I say the sword itself performs great.
First, some 2 litres, than on to gatorade bottles, and last a milk jug.
This is the first piece of gel. It was supposed to be a hand shape, but the mold didn't work out well.
This last piece of gel was made using a large plastic cup as the mold.
Pros.
Absolutly beautiful hamon.
Great track record.
Unique and attractive fittings.
Nice polish.
Sharp out of the box.
(again, I know I shouldn't do it) Positive flex test.
Cons.
The new "battle wrapped" ito may be a turn off to some.
Maintence kit and storage box is a lower value than previous ones.
Quite frankly, at this price point, I can't really find any more negatives.
Conclusion
All the upgrades on the ito wrap and saya aside, this is still the same great performing blade that Paul reviewed. As I said the
saya not being powdercoated, the box and the cleaning kit is a little disapointing. The sword itself is a solid build, with no loose
parts. The blade handles well with a balance that l am very pleased with. Honestly I would recommend this sword to anyone
who is looking for a unique hamon and tsuba that is not only a great conversation peice but is also 100% fully functional.
On G.G.'s web site it says N/A under the price, so I'm not sure how far over the $300.00 mark its going to be. Frankly its worth
saving up for.