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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2006 18:48:52 GMT
The time has definitely come for a forum devoted to low-priced yet functional swords. I have learned many things and met many great folks on other forums (fora? ;D), but really solid, definitive answers about reasonably priced functional swords are often hard to come by. I am well aware of the high end swords available on the market and have, in fact, handled several of them (and, yes, they are beautiful and amazing); however, for various reasons, I am currently more interested in the types of swords we will be discussing on this forum, i.e. those in the $300 and less category. I have also handled (and owned) a number of these, and I can personally attest to the fact that you CAN get a decent piece of gear in this price range. There seems to be a sort of "disconnect" in the online sword community between the historically-minded collector or devoted swordsmanship practitioner and the casual collector or user. Too often, the former can't seem to understand why the latter would even want a "cheap" sword. They'll go on ad nauseum about minute historical details or with descriptions of intricate fencing moves requiring that the sword behave "just so", and claiming that a "cheap" sword could never adequately fulfill that role, etc. Believe me, I appreciate historical accuracy, fine craftsmanship, unswerving dedication to the various schools of swordsmanship, and the people who've dedicated themselves to these pursuits, but...there is another side to the world of swords. There are those who are just getting started and may not want to make a major investment until they are sure they will truly enjoy owning/collecting/using swords, those who, for whatever, reason, simply cannot (or do not wish to) spend a lot on a sword, but still want something that will hold up under actual use. One certainly needs to accept the reality that quality costs money. Manufactured goods that are made to the highest possible standards and use the best possible materials cost more than those that don't, it's that simple; however, this doesn't mean that one cannot get something of reasonable (or sometimes even better) quality at a reasonable price. As an example, I have a "no-name" VHS player that cost about $45 USD, brand new. Sure, it didn't have the bells and whistles of the more expensive units of the day, but it has been reliably playing my VHS tapes for more than 6 years. I think those who will be attracted to a forum like this will be looking for similar quality-to-cost performance in a sword. I don't believe that this is an unreasonable desire. I also know that it isn't some unattainable fantasy either. Such swords do exist, you just need to know where to look. So, good show to Paul for making this forum possible! Thanks, mate! Now, let the games begin!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2006 22:13:48 GMT
Finally, a sword forum that won't push $500+ swords. There are many good swords options out there for under $300. This forum can help people make informed descissions and share their experiance.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2006 1:14:57 GMT
Agreed!! Thank you Paul for giving the option without censorship.
Jason
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Post by jpfranco on Dec 5, 2006 12:59:14 GMT
Once again, Paul is giving the growing sword community a place to share our passion for the sword. On behalf of all of us who love swords and armours, THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2006 14:12:17 GMT
hi everybody and thanx paul for the forum. I would like to let u all know about some japanese style swords that I have bought on ebay lately and ask what u all think of them they are carbon steel machine made I suspect they are full tang but the handle is fiberglassed on very well. imatation same wrap cotten ito average fuchi kashira and tsuba saya is wood but heres the thing u can pick 1 up for about $50-$80 AUD not USD thats including postage I've bought 3 of theese and 2 of them seem good the other was a little dodgy with the tsuba so i decided to try to get the tsuka off to have a look at the tang just to be sure it was full tang after about 3 hours of bashing the tsuba with a hammer and drilling 4 holes in the tsuka totally distroying the tsuba and fuchi i finnaly got the tsuka off and it was full tang so for $50-$80 AUD I think theese swords are ok what do you all think u can see some at auction central or somtimes auction basment on ebay thanx
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2006 18:47:13 GMT
Do you have a link Fussion540. What is the length of blade and handle. I bought one from United Cultry for about $50 (US). It is a full tang, strong as anything. The handle and blade are a bit short which makes the handling a little awkward compared to my 40 inch Gen 2 Katana. Do you happen to know the exchange rate between US dollor and Aus Dollor?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2006 20:02:57 GMT
I am glad I found you site before make a big mistake on my first sword purchase. Thanks.
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admin
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Post by admin on Dec 5, 2006 21:47:06 GMT
No problem guys, my pleasure! ;D It's just great to have such a cool bunch of people here, I really hope you'll all enjoy your stay! Now, with regards to the Japanese swords on ebay - Fusion540, I know the ones you mean. I've put down my own thoughts on these sword and others like them here but to cut a long story short, they are probably ok for the money paid, but quality control is pretty iffy and unreliable even within the same batch as most are machine made at the rate of 10,000+ per sword a month... (Now that's churning them out!) And Tsafa, one aussie dollar is currently around US$0.78, so we are talking about US$39 to $62 here. As an aussie dealing with US prices quite a bit, this little tool comes in pretty handy! www.xe.com/ucc/
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2006 22:03:15 GMT
here are some links to some of the cheap swords btw u can not cut with theese swords as they are blunt and would only be ok for training cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200053957626&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=010Ceremonial / ornamental katana sword Blade thickness 6mm - 1mm (tip is <1mm) Blade length (from tip to hand guard) approx. 70cm Handle length (approx.) 30cm Scabbard length (approx.) 74cm Sword length (fully assembled) approx. 104cm Carbon steel blade Blood grooves & simulated hamon (temper line) is promanent etched Cotton braid sageo cord Wooden saya (scabbard) Full encapsulated tang construction (The blade is a single piece from the tip to the end of the handle. The handle is molded around the 'tang') This item has an unsharpened blade and may be used as a training and demonstration sword, only if approved by your instructor. ( Approval to use a blade of any sort in any sword school, is required before it can be used, for safety reasons. Only those suitably trained and under the direction of a qualified instructor, should consider using a sword of any kind. Wooden display stand included (Valued at $14.99) RRP (Rec. Retail Price) $129.99 Warranty/returns: Damaged on arrival replacement warranty only. Warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse or improper disassembly/assembly by the buyer. Please read our terms and conditions for more information.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2006 22:13:52 GMT
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Post by rammstein on Dec 5, 2006 22:44:02 GMT
Heck ya! Thanks Paul, yu have my gratitude. While I find my self gravitating towards higher end swords (getting my albion ritter in a month XD) these cheap, decent quality swords keep calling for me. While of course, they are no albion or gus trim, they certainly have their own special auras about them. So no matter how expensive I buy swords, Windlass and gen2 will always have a special place in my heart!
Thanks Paul!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2006 6:23:05 GMT
Great to see the forums up and running. What I like about Pauls site is it give me great info on swords that I can actually afford.
I recently bought a higo katana on Pauls recommendation. I remember when I was a young guy growing up in Adelaide and a stainless steel wall hanger was around AU$350 and to buy a real sword was next to impossible for less than $1k. Personally I am not that fussy if the sword looks good and is real I would rather get the beater for $300 than one I'm too afraid to use for much more.I want an ok looking sword I can put on my desk/wall etc but then can run outside and destroy those peskiy milk containers that keep challenging me to duels. And now I have a place to look for just these types of items:)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2006 15:32:53 GMT
HEAR HEAR!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2006 3:46:56 GMT
;D Thanks for the forum, Paul! And congratulations on doing such a great job with SBG!
Peace, Mike
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2006 4:57:53 GMT
I agree with all of the above! It's a real service Paul's providing here. He's providing us with a comprehensive guide for beginners on buying new swords, an e-zine which is interesting and fun to read, a shop we can peruse for all of the hottest deals, and now this forum where we can discuss our love with others. Personally, I am a member of www.swordforum.com also, I know some of you might have seen or will see me there (I know Paul has), and I know a lot of you guys probably avoid those fora. I understand that it's not really a place for the beginning sword enthusiast, as they can be a bit aggressive in their defense of sword terminology, dealers, etc. But it is also true that they are probably the most "elitist" sword forum on the internet and that sort of thing is to be expected. When I went to buy my first sword (a Cheness Oniyuri which Paul recommended at the time) I asked around about the Chen name on those fora. Naturally I was told my money was better spent somewhere like Bugei, or on a custom piece. Now I'm like a lot of you guys. Why the hell would I spend $2,000 USD (that's 2,543.60 AUD to you Paul) on my first sword? I got the Oniyuri off Mr. Chen of Cheness.com and I have been very pleased with it. What's wrong with telling someone outright that you aren't making a bad move by going with cheness.com for their first sword? Why do you need to impress upon them that a custom piece is better? This is overall why I am so pleased to see that SBG now has these fora. Now I know a little tiny bit more about swords and I feel more confident in the world of blades in general. I only wish I had this forum around when I was first coming into it. These fora are also excellent for those of us who continue to look into the world of "beater" blades. Sure I'm more confident with my blade and I am looking into more expensive blades for myself, but it's also nice to be able to check out the hot deals here! So thanks Paul! I hope these guys know just how lucky they are! L. (BTW, I wasn't trying to berate swordforum.com. I go both there and here (now) and I like both fora a lot!)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2006 6:13:28 GMT
If its not nihonto it isnt even worth a mention ................Just kidding! Good work Paul,this forum is bound to be a sucess. My first sword (other than SS wallhangers) was a PPK and I still have it even tho I do have several high end production peices, nihonto and customs. The snobs can berate the beaters all they like but when you just want to cut some stuff (effigys of the boss, evil pool noodles ,invading cardboard tubes ect) I dont want to risk a $2k blade, $2k is just way to hard to find! All the best Paul and again well done!
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Post by handforgedkatanas on Dec 9, 2006 6:28:45 GMT
Just want to repeat some of the above,great site,first time for me on a forum,looked at lots but this one seems to make sense and lots of interesting stuff.As i am in the uk looks like some late nights coming up to get a good chat.Well done SBG.
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