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Post by Polarclaw on Jan 10, 2011 4:02:59 GMT
So I'm going to be buying my first sword this summer, and I want it to be a really good sword. I'm pretty much sold on Garret's blades, I've only heard the best from his pieces. But I'm wondering just how customizable are his swords? Does anybody have experience with Jin-shi where they had a specific Idea in mind? For the fittings, does he have a catalogue that you choose from or do you offer him a design? Because I just discovered Zhiswords today and I really like their fittings (example www.zhisword.com/index.php?main_ ... cts_id=584) I'm just wondering how to go about ordering a sword from Jin-Shi. Thanks in advance. |
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Post by Student of Sword on Jan 10, 2011 6:05:27 GMT
Another company you will love is Zheng Wu ( www.zheng-wu.com/ ). Here is a picture of their Tang Jian. I have no idea how much, but I want it. Zheng Wu has better reputation than Zhi Sword. There were negative comments on Zhi Sword on the old SBG Forum on their Japanese sword. |
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Post by Polarclaw on Jan 10, 2011 12:08:56 GMT
Yeah I've heard from them, I'm not interested in buying from other companies, more like, I'm looking a the kinds of swords other people make so that I can give that picture to Garrett and see what he can make for me. My greatest concern is for a strong blade that will last. In fact that is an absolute must. If my sword can't cut through something without coming out with a ding in it, I'm not interested. I want this sword to last me, and I just haven't heard enough positive revues from Zheng-wu.
But in their defence they do make beautiful swords. So definitely something to look at so I can show the models to Garrett and see what he can put together for me.
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Post by Student of Sword on Jan 11, 2011 3:04:40 GMT
According to this response on the Sword Manufacturing Guide, Garrett himself said that he bought sword from Qing-Zhong (another name for Zheng Wu): www.sword-manufacturers-guide.co ... words.html |
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Post by Glaciersteel on Jan 12, 2011 17:37:26 GMT
Why not simply put your question directly to Garrett? Makes more sense to me to get it from the horse's mouth, than to depend on what people have "heard" or read elsewhere. That is what I would do. His new website is much improved and your questions may be answered there: www.jin-shi.com/index.html. Good luck! -- Richard NOTE: I own a Jin-shi sword and am extremely pleased with it. |
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Post by Polarclaw on Jan 12, 2011 19:40:05 GMT
already done I posted my original post at the same time as an email to Garrett. I know he's really busy and that it would take some time to get an answer. So I figured that I would ask on here as well.
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Post by Polarclaw on Jan 12, 2011 19:40:38 GMT
Also if you don't mind me asking which sword did you get? does it handle well?
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Post by Glaciersteel on Jan 12, 2011 21:10:39 GMT
I have a Dragon Jian in ebony (scabbard & handle). 29" blade. In short, I love it! It handles like a dream and cuts like a demon. I bought this back in 2008. I had posted a couple of times on it, but that was on the old site and I am unable to resurrect that. It might be done, but danged if I know how. But, here's some pics, etc.:   Note the blade is the previous diamond profile vs the lenticular which he favors now. I own an SBG AT1315, a Cold Steel old-style zwei-hander and the High Elven King sword in addition to this one. They are all excellent weapons, but this Jin-Shi Dragon Jian is my absolute favorite. This one you'd have to pry out of my cold, dead fingers. The others I could be persuaded to part with if offered enough silver coin. Wellll, maybe not the zwei-hander. That's my wife's by default and she'd likely kill me if I was so foolish as to sell it. Ah! I found the original post I made back then (thank you, Google!): tinyurl.com/4fjjgwnCheers! |
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Post by Polarclaw on Jan 12, 2011 23:27:01 GMT
Very nice work. I'm glad to know that he'll provide a nice piece. Thanks a bunch for the help.
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Post by bloodwraith on Jan 17, 2011 23:55:39 GMT
To provide both ends of the spectrum and probably the only person who has a bad experience with Garrett. My experience with the man himself was excellent, the blade I ordered was attrocious. I ordered a single twist core han jian with specific requirements in length of handle and blade. The requirements were not met, the blade was laddered and marred by a power tool. The fitting on the scabbard had paint on them and were held on only by the paint in some places. The scabbard was painted not lacquered, the colour was completely wrong compared to what I had ordered. When I swung it, I felt movement in the handle. The blade was beautifully light an extremely well balanced which just annoyed me all the more. My experience with Garrett was excellent, he went above and beyond in refunding my money and paying for shipment back to him. This may not seem like a big deal but I live in Australia and shipping is exhorbitant. The other aspect of this transaction that was unusual is that it was not sent through Garrett for his quality control but shipped straight to me to save me some money. He went above and beyond and I have nothing but good will towards him and his company and would order from him again with a few different choices next time around so that the same thing doesn't happen. You can't go wrong with Garrett, just make sure that it goes through him for the QC.
Hope this helps 
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Post by Polarclaw on Jan 18, 2011 13:00:47 GMT
Thanks man. Sorry to hear about all that trouble. I'm already in contact with him now, and I'm working something out for this summer. He's a great guy.
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