|
|
Post by wnydel on Mar 9, 2011 16:42:32 GMT
I realize this is a very open ended question. I love swords and recently started purchasing them, I need to add to my wish list. I like all types, so feel free to throw at me whatever suggestions you have. I am curious what your opinions are of who are the best manufacturers? What are the best performance vs. value swords in the sub $300 market? Even sub $200 market would be great. Thanks for your help and advice.
|
|
Sean (Shadowhowler)
VIP Reviewer
Retired Moderator
No matter where you go, there you are.
Posts: 8,828
|
Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Mar 9, 2011 17:51:46 GMT
Hanwei/Tinker line swords... best line of swords in the sub 300 market I know of. They were a STUPID good deal not too long ago when you could get any sword in the line for 130 or less... but they are still a good deal now.
As far as Katana go under 300... I like Kris Cutlery, Dynasty Forge, and again, Hanwei.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elheru Aran on Mar 9, 2011 18:32:07 GMT
Hanwei/Tinker as before mentioned, and if you're willing to go up a little bit, Valiant's Atrim Practical line. Not sure about kats but Kris is overall quite well recommended; Cheness is iffy, Musashi are a bit on the light side, DF okay. Ebay stores like Huawei are iffy quality-wise. Hanwei Raptors are a pretty good line of budget katana, though.
|
|
Sean (Shadowhowler)
VIP Reviewer
Retired Moderator
No matter where you go, there you are.
Posts: 8,828
|
Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Mar 9, 2011 18:34:44 GMT
Gah... Yes, I should have mentioned the VA Practical line as well... also awesome in the Sub 300 price range for sure.  |
|
|
|
Post by Sneakypete on Mar 9, 2011 18:41:42 GMT
Yeah, as far as Euros go, most of us would probably agree that the H/T's and the VA Practicals are driving the market. It's causing other manufacturers to step up though, I know Darksword is tweaking their line, it's been breathed that Windlass is as well. So Wyndel, you might have a few more options than you think!
|
|
ecovolo
Senior Forumite
Retired Moderator
Posts: 2,074
|
Post by ecovolo on Mar 9, 2011 18:47:41 GMT
My advice? Definitely check out the Reviews section, both here and at the old site. Also, if you're interested in buying now, there's the site's store: sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-gui ... index.html --Edward |
|
|
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Mar 9, 2011 18:54:55 GMT
For katana, don't forget the Munetoshi line from SwordnArmory. FANTASTIC swords; I'm working on a review of one right now, and let me tell you... I am IMPRESSED.  I also like Hanwei Raptors, Hanwei Practicals, anything from Dynasty Forge or KC, as Sean said. But still, nothing I've handled has impressed me as much as Munetoshi for the price. I tend to stay away from Musashi, Cheness, Ryansword (and other 'ebay' makers with a few notable exceptions). For euros, H/T's are good... VA's are better, IMO, but both are good. There are a few, select Gen2 swords I like, but not many. I tend to stay away from DSA; despite recent 'improvements', I'm not too impressed. Cold Steel is hit-or-miss; some good models, some not so much. Windlass is the same, but they're 80% crap, 15% okay-good, and 5% great. Chinese swords... the Cold Steel Gim is cool, and I've heard good things about Hanwei's Cutting Jian. Kris Cutlery also has a lot of good ones. If you want a specific list of good individual swords I've handled, let me know and I can make one for you. -Slayer |
|
|
|
Post by wnydel on Mar 9, 2011 23:10:38 GMT
Slayer, a list would be great, no rush, whenever you have the time. Thanks, I really appreciate it.
Also, question for everyone, I am confused. I thought Cheness was a good name and that the 9260 models were supposed to be great? Actually my next planed purchase was going to be the 9260 Tenchi Katana. Should I opt for the Hanwei Raptor? I think my next purchase will be a Katana because I don't own one yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on Mar 9, 2011 23:21:23 GMT
Yeah, Paul likes Cheness a lot, and that's okay... his opinion. However, POPULAR opinion is that they simply are NOT worth the asking price. They were the absolute 'name of the game' brand years ago, but then the market progressed... a lot... and Cheness hasn't changed at all. There was a recent 'what price would make Cheness worth it?' thread... Let me see if I can dig it up... AHA! viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3098 That should show you what I think of Cheness.  Go with the Raptor... it's far and away better than anything Cheness has to offer.  I'll get on that list later tonight.  -Slayer |
|
|
|
Post by wnydel on Mar 9, 2011 23:39:03 GMT
Great read. Thanks for the link. That helps a lot.
|
|
