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Post by The BB of C on Apr 17, 2011 3:49:02 GMT
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Post by HouShe on Apr 17, 2011 5:25:14 GMT
Since I'm assuming that everything on said list is within the price range you've got. I put the Torino Rapier. A) Because swept hilts are gorgeous and b) The two rapiers look to be better quality than most (not all) of the others.
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Post by ChrisRiley93 on Apr 17, 2011 5:29:06 GMT
You may ask our opinion, bu the final decision is up to you. I would personally go with the Torino Rapier myself.
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SeanF
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Post by SeanF on Apr 17, 2011 5:53:21 GMT
Some of these are sharp blades and some are dull. Is there a correlation between the ones you would like sharp and the ones you don't?
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Post by The BB of C on Apr 17, 2011 6:08:21 GMT
Indeed it is. The idea was to get opinions from people who probably have more experience than me and try to narrow it down from there.
The last four options (stage steel and rapiers) would be used for stage combat and movies I'll be making both for my own fun and for school projects (sometimes both). The cane sword would be for hiking and self defense (hopefully not both). The others would be used for back yard cutting fun.
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Post by HouShe on Apr 17, 2011 7:46:58 GMT
Of the ones for cutting, I don't recall ever hearing of them. And they're a lot cheaper than the basic cutters I've heard of. I would suggest for safety reasons going with something like the PPK line for a cutter.
As for stage combat, again, swept hilt rapiers ftw.
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Post by Bogus on Apr 17, 2011 15:24:40 GMT
It's really a question of style and preference I would think...asking whether to buy a rapier/smallsword or katana is a bit like asking whether to watch a football game or soccer match, hugely different styles and applications. Unless of course you're like me and want to try them all once.  Anyway, I would go with the Torino. Looks incredible for the price, handles very well, and if you ever want a sharp rapier you can buy the blade for about $30 and change them out whenever you want. Just remember to be safe and wear decently protective clothing, even a fencing blade can do some damage. I would avoid the sword cane, *espeically* as a hiking aid...they're just not built for that kind of use, better to have a good solid stick plus a knife/gun/whatever stashed someplace handy. Can't speak on the katanas as they're not really my bag. |
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Post by Maynar on Apr 17, 2011 15:55:13 GMT
I can tell you what I wouldn't buy, the Zetsurin. I owned one briefly and was disappointed with it, big-time.
Just sayin'
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Post by Bogus on Apr 17, 2011 16:04:34 GMT
Something else to bear in mind with the Torino or Washington is price fluctuation: the Hanwei factory burned down a few weeks ago and I'm hearing it may be a few months before their production and distribution is back up to full speed. Prices have already spiked and will likely go up some more before things get back to normal. Bear this in mind if you were thinking about buying something else in the near future.
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Post by The BB of C on Apr 17, 2011 18:48:37 GMT
I've had brief experiences in both Kendo and Fencing and I loved the both.
In what way were you disappointed with the Zetsurin? If it's bad than I'll most likely strike it from the list. If that's the case I might also strike the Bushido Musashi with the transparent sheath. They're by the same maker for around the same price so I would assume they might have the same problem.
That's interesting. Just out of curiosity - how is the cane not functional as a walking aid? That struck me as funny since everywhere I look at it specifically says it's one of its functions. Also part of the reason I was attracted to it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2011 19:15:50 GMT
The cane might be ok used as a cane, but not as a hiking aid as Bogus stated. A walking stick used for hiking really needs to be longer to allow your grip on it to be approximately just below the level of your shoulder. A cane is typically held at the very top and is really only suitable for walking on a fairly level even surface, not for the type of terrain found hiking.
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Post by Elheru Aran on Apr 17, 2011 19:18:20 GMT
One thing to consider about sword canes is they've got iffy legality in many areas. They often count as 'concealed weapons'. Check your local codes or ask a cop before purchasing one.
The Musashi swords can be of variable quality; their best parts are the blades, which are usually sharp and of decent quality. The rest is just basically a bonus-- some people have been happy with what they get, some aren't. For the low prices they charge, you honestly can't expect much, though. The see-through saya on the Bushido seems a little silly to me, but if it's your thing, go for it. I would personally be dubious of the Zanpakuto from that website; if Trueswords or SwordNArmoury offer it, I'd get it from those sites.
I echo the people who are suggesting the rapiers; I think those are your best deals, plus you can't beat being able to get a sharp blade for under $40! The Hanwei Side Sword is also a decent deal if you want a bigger blade.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2011 19:25:49 GMT
I agree with Elheru on the cane. I might own one , but would not use it in public because of the chance it might be considered a concealed weapon.
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Sam H
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Post by Sam H on Apr 17, 2011 19:28:37 GMT
Despite the fact that I absolutely love katana I've also voted for the Torino rapier.
My reasoning:
While I love katana and would readily take a katana over a rapier any day this particular selection leaves one wanting... in the way of a good katana. If everything in this list is within your budget I would go with the Torino since its clearly of better quality than ANY of the other swords listed aside from the Washington rapier. The Washington Rapier is a quality sword in itself but I like the look of the Torino better.
Of the katana listed I'd go with the Zetsurin first then the Bushido then umm... well I'd just avoid the other katana - INCLUDING the stage katana and ninjato. If you're looking for a good stage weapon you're better off purchasing the Zetsurin or Bushido and just blunting them for stage use. Those stage swords you listed look like crap, even for the money. Crap mounting, crap hollow grind with a ricasso (imagine a ricasso on a katana or ninjato!), poorly made and shaped scabbards. Nope not worth the money for them really. Just because KoA sells'em doesn't mean they're good stuff.
As for the CS cane sword - nothing against it but in many states its illegal. Its also not exactly the most functional weapon and if you really feel the need to carry a cane as a walking aide and as a weapon for self defense you're better off carrying a real cane. Its NOT illegal to carry a real cane and is still a VERY effective weapon despite not being edged. I'd feel better carrying a real cane than a sword cane in today's day and age.
So all that said - I'd get the Torino rapier. For around $40-$50 more you can get a functional sharp blade for it. Its a gorgeous sword that comes with the blunted blade for fencing and stage combat. If you want something that can cut and thrust just buy the functional blade and swap it in!
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Post by Elheru Aran on Apr 17, 2011 19:39:27 GMT
Trueswords and Kult of Athena, we have to remember, are first and foremost a business. They do have a good reputation as far as customer service and everything goes, for the most part. However, their objective is ultimately to make money. As far as this goes, this means that they'll sell whatever they can move. They will be up front with you about whether it's functional or not, especially if you ask via their emails, but if you express interest in something they'll still try to sell it to you. For example, say you see a Highlander knockoff katana for sale on their site and you write them to ask, "hey, is this functional". They might reply like, "no, sorry, we do not consider it 'battle ready'-- but it's still a beautiful sword and a great display!". They're not in this business to be picky about the swords they sell; they're in it to make money. It's the buyer's (our) responsibility to make sure that the swords we choose can perform like we want them to. Hence, why we have this site in the first place |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2011 19:47:19 GMT
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Post by Bogus on Apr 17, 2011 19:51:20 GMT
Indeed. As far as Musashi goes, again I'm not an Eastern sword enthusiast but my understanding is they're functional but you basically get your 80 dollars' worth and that's it. For a good solid cutter I'd be looking along the lines of the Raptor or somethign else in that $150-$300 range from the more specialized manufacturers.
The Hanwei sidesword is another excellent choice for cut-and-thrust, like the rapier it comes in sharp or blunt blade but I don't think KOA sells replacement blades for it. Some people complain about the handle being a bit wobbly but that can be fixed with some putty or epoxy--mine came that way courtesy of the previous owner.
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Post by The BB of C on Apr 17, 2011 20:59:43 GMT
Trueswords had a "full tang and battle ready" Hyourinmaru replica here. Reviewers like it but something about the price annerves me. Reviewers said a few parts were lose but I know I can fix that if it should happen. They have a "full tang high carbon steel" replica of Typhoon Swell (my other favorite cartoon sword besides Tensa Zangetsu and Benihime) and they said it wouldn't be good. That was around that price too. I'll have to call them tomorrow some time and ask them about the carbon content and if its been heat treated. For a stage combat katana that doesn't cost over $300, you guys seem to be pushing me towards the Musashi 1060 line. I've been looking at this page and they're definitely nicer looking than stage steel and for a much lower price. The question that would raise is what kind of maintenance and durability problems should I expect to run into if I go that route? I've learned from this site that 1060 is a good medium between the "too hard" of 1085-95 and the "too soft" of 1045 and lower. Yes? Dulling those swords for stage combat would be easy. I was into the Zetursin and Bushido Musashi for back yard cutting. Also they looked pretty to me. I'm silly like that. Plain looking swords don't do it for me (see previous paragraph for an example). I have a penchant for different looking swords like that. But if they're not going to stand up against medium traditional targets than forget about it. I'm probably going to cut out the cane sword. I'm still not 100% sure though. I liked the concept of it. It appealed to me because of the hard aluminum shaft and the sword was nice to have. It would have been primarily used in cases of hiking stick/machete combo or "my foot is broken and I'm not sure about the neighborhood for the thing I have to go to tonight," or "check this out, isn't this awesome?" I'm also not worried about legality because I live in Florida where I'm pretty sure it's okay here. But if it's not good for at least two of those reasons listed above then I might as well strike that too. The overwhelming support is for the Torino Rapier. I love Rapiers. I had a couple buddies of mine give me crash courses in Kenjutsu and fencing when I was in high school and I loved them both. If I get a rapier, it would be for and stage combat and maybe one day to pick up fencing again. So no, I most certainly do not want a live bladed rapier for cutting and thrusting. That would be disastrous and you'd end up seeing me on the news and that would really mess up everything for everyone :lol: |
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Post by Elheru Aran on Apr 18, 2011 1:07:36 GMT
The Cold Steel Heavy sword-cane is quite robust and can actually be used reliably as a cane. It's funny though, CS is based in California yet they have to sell it through their Arizona office because it's illegal in CA... go figure. The biggest factors that we here on the board get picky about regarding sword-canes is that a.) most of them aren't particularly functional as a sword and/or cane; CS's Heavy is, but then b.) legality is iffy in most areas. So that's about it.
If you want katana for stage combat, I agree, get a through-hardened Musashi blade and file off the edge. You'll still be able to do some damage if you're careless, but for a stage sword it'll do just fine and look nice enough. The Torino Rapier with a practical blade will do fine as well; we're suggesting live blades because they're easily enough changed out (twist off the pommel, pull fittings off, insert onto new blade and twist pommel back on) in case you ever want to actually cut. They're cheap enough that it's a case of "eh, why not".
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Post by The BB of C on Apr 18, 2011 1:47:57 GMT
Oh I see. So it would be a matter of getting a live blade and dulling it down so I could replace it if it breaks? I take it I wouldn't be able to replace it if it was a stage combat blade?
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