SeanF
Member
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by SeanF on Mar 20, 2011 0:55:57 GMT
I've primarily been interested in 2h swords up to this point, but now it is time to sate the need for a fast 1h weapon to do cool cuts with. The obvious choice seems to be a medieval arming sword, only problem is I've yet to see one that I like the look of (other than super expensive customs).
I really don't know much about anything other than Japanese and medieval European swords, so I was wondering what your thoughts on good, reasonably priced ($200-$300) 1h swords are out there. Also, is it feasible to have a wakizashi as a 1h weapon? Or was is it's purpose mainly as a shorter katana substitute? (I know you can technically use anything with one hand, as my 1h H/T:GSoW practice shows)
|
|
|
|
Post by Bogus on Mar 20, 2011 1:04:37 GMT
Dunno if its your style but have a look at sideswords--Hanwei has a decent one and I believe someone else does too. Some lighter jians might do the job, too, and there are several good ones in your price range. And then of course there's sabers if you want something more modern.
|
|
|
|
Post by chrisperoni on Mar 20, 2011 1:33:42 GMT
some wakizashi tsukas (grips) are only big enough for one hand- gotta mean that's the way to swing 'em
|
|
|
|
Post by Lonely Wolf Forge on Mar 20, 2011 2:00:25 GMT
what you need son, is a KODACHI...i LOVE my kodachi. katana length handle, slightly longer than wakizashi length. its crazy fast
|
|
|
|
Post by whitefeathers on Mar 20, 2011 2:20:48 GMT
Zero, I had to read the Whole thread before i realized 1h and 2h meant one/two hands. wow im slow today.
Saito please tone down the language = family forum, and what is your signature supposed to mean?
|
|
|
|
Post by LittleJP on Mar 20, 2011 2:24:15 GMT
Never was able to find a kodachi around online.
If you're willing to fork over a little more, the guys over at Tried and True have a bunch of nice arming swords for commission.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lonely Wolf Forge on Mar 20, 2011 2:36:08 GMT
more often than not kodachi are advertised as "Ko Katana" do a search for that and youl probally find some
|
|
SeanF
Member
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by SeanF on Mar 20, 2011 9:02:09 GMT
Looks like my video game heritage is showing through :lol:
Ok, now some more specific questions:
Wakizashi - there isn't a whole lot of information out there about them. Am I correct to assume that the wakizashi version will be similar in properties to it's katana counterpart?
Hanwei Chinese Cutting Sword - SH2429 - Anyone have any experience with this? I saw a review on the old boards, and on of the things it noted was it was too heavy and the handle was a little too long. (A little larger than necessary for two hands.) Seeing as I am looking for a one handed sword these seem like drawbacks, but the specs seem nice. Anyone have any experience with on of these?
Hanwei Side Sword - SH2203 - The SBG review for this identifies this as a great sword, however not a lot of cutting was done with it. Anyone have any information as to it's durability? I tend to be brutal on my swords. Also, the review sword came razor sharp, but on KoA they have it listed as Blunt. Is this a different version they are stocking, or was the review one pre-sharpened? (I sharpened my first sword tonight I can safely say it it is as unpleasant as I thought it would be, something I will be avoiding in the future at all costs). Also I hear that non Tinker Hanwei Euro swords have notoriously bad handling. Is this something to be concerned about?
|
|
|
|
Post by LittleJP on Mar 20, 2011 11:22:08 GMT
For the sidesword.
They have a blunt and a sharp version.
It's very difficult to cut with, the pommel and furniture is very heavy, leading to a very close POB, which means while it's quick and easy to move, there isn't really sufficient blade presence for a cut unless you have near perfect edge alignment.
Don't know about the durability, I passed it on before I did anything heavy with it.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2011 11:39:14 GMT
People always recommend either the H/T EMSHS or the VA 303s for these types of things. Both seem like good bets. Dunno personally though there are quite a few reviews/comparisons on here.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lonely Wolf Forge on Mar 20, 2011 11:55:46 GMT
a wakizashi is just a short 1 handed sword that looks just like a katana. generally has an 18-20 inch blade and a handle big enough for just 1 hand to grip.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elheru Aran on Mar 21, 2011 12:00:53 GMT
The EMSHS and VA 303s are both good swords; the EMSHS in particular is more likely to have a good edge on it than the rest of the Hanwei/Tinker line.
I wouldn't cut with the Hanwei Sidesword: it's more of a thrusting weapon with a broader blade than most rapiers. Honestly I think the main attraction of that sword is a.) it's pretty b.) it's bextwit-and-between regular swords and rapiers, which is something you don't often see, and c.) it's pretty. Honestly, its hilt furniture is quite good looking and pretty well done on average. It's still my first sword.
It's also easier to sharpen than the Hanwei/Tinkers; not sure if that's because it's softer or because the edges are just done better overall to start with. You just have to note that the lower half of the blade is going to be fairly blunt, but turns out that this is historically accurate. Who would've thought.
And yes, the regular CAS/Hanwei swords aren't particularly liked for the most part. You get some good ones, you get some kludges, but overall the main problem most people have with them is their lack of historical accuracy-- they all have a flattened ricasso section, which isn't particularly attractive with the lines Hanwei gave them. They're cheap and they work okay once you sharpen them up, but you can do better.
As I understand it, wakis should be basically like a katana handling-wise, perhaps a little more blade-heavy for their size as there's less tang to counterbalance the blade...
|
|
SeanF
Member
Posts: 1,293
|
Post by SeanF on Mar 21, 2011 12:38:21 GMT
How does a VA 303 handle in comparison to the HT EMSHS? I've had the opportunity to hold the EMSHS and it really felt slow and unwieldy in my hand. The non-fullered bastard felt considerably quicker when used with one hand. (I didn't have an chance to swing either of them) Thanks for the input on the sidesword. Funny thing is I don't even think it looks all that attractive, so cross that off the list for sure.  |
|
|
|
Post by Elheru Aran on Mar 21, 2011 13:16:53 GMT
They're both decent cutting blades so they *are* going to feel a little blade-heavy. The VA is lighter than the EMSHS, IIRC, and a number of people have actually commented that it feels 'too light' for them, so it may be just the thing for you. It's definitely going to be sharper out of the box as well, probably-- VA does a good job on that, plus it's an Atrim-designed blade. EMSHS is marginally cheaper for whatever that's worth and I think everybody should know how to sharpen, plus I like its looks a little better, but since I haven't handled either I'll leave it at that and let people who actually have answer your question more specifically... I spend too much time here, how's that for an explanation of how I know  have a nice day! |
|
|
|
Post by frankthebunny on Mar 21, 2011 18:56:35 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Bogus on Mar 22, 2011 4:10:01 GMT
I have both of these, but very limited cutting experience due to living in an apartment in a cold state. Anyway, the Rodell jian is a fair bit heavier than I was expecting, it seems to handle pretty well though I can see the complaint about the handle (its long enough for two-handed use but performs horribly as such). Based on the handling I bet it helps if you've got some training in the traditional forms, which I definitely do not. The sidesword is a light, agile blade designed with the sword-and-buckler enthusiast in mind. Exceptional looks for the price, assuming you dig the Renaissance complex-hilt thing.
As expected with a Hanwei product, neither has a particularly sharp factory edge--should be fine for slicing up water bottles and stuff but you're not gonna be chopping through 900 mats in a row without a little help. Both are very attractive and would look good on a wall rack or display case. That said, if all you're interested in is cutting and aren't too worried about style, I would go with the 303 for that price range.
|
|
have a nice day!
