Looking for Opinions, Advice, and Insights
Apr 26, 2011 23:34:46 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2011 23:34:46 GMT
First an introduction. This is my first post, but I have lurked these forms for quite some time. It has been an informative resource! I am planning on buying two Katanas and would appreciate any and all advice other forum members are willing to provide. I trust your collective experience!
Why Two Swords?
I am planning on purchasing two Katanas, one for myself and one for my wife. We have been married now for about a year and a half. We had discussed when we were getting married purchasing a set of Katanas as a wedding gift to each other, but at the time such a purchase was not feasible. Things are a bit more Katana friendly today and so the purchase is being seriously considered. The goal is a nice "his and her" set that is attractive and functional.
Desired Attributes of the Katanas
Both Katana should be attractive. We plan on displaying these on our upstairs mantel as a central focal point. Attractive fittings and a good fit and finish are desired. Both should have a nice hamon, my wife finds this to be an important feature that should be present from an aesthetic point of view. Neither sword should have a bo-hi.
Both Katana should be functional. We both plan on doing some backyard cutting with the swords. They should be able to take on light to medium targets with ease. The ability to take hard(er) targets would be a plus, particularly for my sword.
Both Katana should be reasonably durable. While both of us have some prior martial arts training, we are both new to cutting and expect some botched cuts. I realize that monosteel TH cutters excel in the quality, but aesthetics (and my wife) win out in this regard. Looking for something tough with a hamon. While the desire for no bo-hi is partially aesthetic, the increased strength and durability is also sought.
Each Katana should be unique. We don't want just two of the same sword, although we would like the swords to "pair" well.
Budget
We are looking at the $500 to $600 range for both swords, planting us firmly in the sub-three hundred dollar katana market.
Pairs of Swords Being Considered
Note that suggestions for other pairings are MOST welcome, just letting you know what we are currently considering.
Munetoshi Light Cutter
Munetoshi Usagi
++ Lowest total cost
++ Both appear to be exceptional for the price point
++ Appears to meet most, if not all, criteria for purchase
++ Tsuka appear nicely waisted/tapered
-- Price differential between swords is unequal
-- Tsubas rather plain, look "cut out"
Munetoshi Kill Bill Bride's Sword
Munetoshi Kill Bill Bill's Sword
++ Comfortably within desired price range
++ Have heard very good things about the Munetoshi series 6 line
++ Meets most, if not all, criteria for purchase
++ "Kill Bill" is one of my wife's favorite movies of all time. Ever.
++ Swords make a nice "set"
++ Tsuka appear nicely waisted/tapered
-- Tsubas rather plain, look "cut out"
-- Stigma of "movie swords"
-- Not exactly sure from the data on swordnarmory's site that they are identical swords with different "theming"
Hanwei Bamboo Mat
Hanwei Practical Plus Elite
++ Hanwei quality control
++ Quality of fittings
++ Antiqued Tsuba has highly desired aesthetic
++ Meets all criteria for purchase
++ Hanwei's reputation for quality
-- Axe handle Tsuka
-- Price differential between swords is unequal, but well suited for desired cutting goals.
-- Outside of budget constraints. As beautiful as these swords are, I have second thoughts about spending this much for something that will be used occasionally. We have other things we want and need, this pushes the balance a bit.
I welcome your thoughts and feedback! Thank you for your time.
Why Two Swords?
I am planning on purchasing two Katanas, one for myself and one for my wife. We have been married now for about a year and a half. We had discussed when we were getting married purchasing a set of Katanas as a wedding gift to each other, but at the time such a purchase was not feasible. Things are a bit more Katana friendly today and so the purchase is being seriously considered. The goal is a nice "his and her" set that is attractive and functional.
Desired Attributes of the Katanas
Both Katana should be attractive. We plan on displaying these on our upstairs mantel as a central focal point. Attractive fittings and a good fit and finish are desired. Both should have a nice hamon, my wife finds this to be an important feature that should be present from an aesthetic point of view. Neither sword should have a bo-hi.
Both Katana should be functional. We both plan on doing some backyard cutting with the swords. They should be able to take on light to medium targets with ease. The ability to take hard(er) targets would be a plus, particularly for my sword.
Both Katana should be reasonably durable. While both of us have some prior martial arts training, we are both new to cutting and expect some botched cuts. I realize that monosteel TH cutters excel in the quality, but aesthetics (and my wife) win out in this regard. Looking for something tough with a hamon. While the desire for no bo-hi is partially aesthetic, the increased strength and durability is also sought.
Each Katana should be unique. We don't want just two of the same sword, although we would like the swords to "pair" well.
Budget
We are looking at the $500 to $600 range for both swords, planting us firmly in the sub-three hundred dollar katana market.
Pairs of Swords Being Considered
Note that suggestions for other pairings are MOST welcome, just letting you know what we are currently considering.
Munetoshi Light Cutter
Munetoshi Usagi
++ Lowest total cost
++ Both appear to be exceptional for the price point
++ Appears to meet most, if not all, criteria for purchase
++ Tsuka appear nicely waisted/tapered
-- Price differential between swords is unequal
-- Tsubas rather plain, look "cut out"
Munetoshi Kill Bill Bride's Sword
Munetoshi Kill Bill Bill's Sword
++ Comfortably within desired price range
++ Have heard very good things about the Munetoshi series 6 line
++ Meets most, if not all, criteria for purchase
++ "Kill Bill" is one of my wife's favorite movies of all time. Ever.
++ Swords make a nice "set"
++ Tsuka appear nicely waisted/tapered
-- Tsubas rather plain, look "cut out"
-- Stigma of "movie swords"
-- Not exactly sure from the data on swordnarmory's site that they are identical swords with different "theming"
Hanwei Bamboo Mat
Hanwei Practical Plus Elite
++ Hanwei quality control
++ Quality of fittings
++ Antiqued Tsuba has highly desired aesthetic
++ Meets all criteria for purchase
++ Hanwei's reputation for quality
-- Axe handle Tsuka
-- Price differential between swords is unequal, but well suited for desired cutting goals.
-- Outside of budget constraints. As beautiful as these swords are, I have second thoughts about spending this much for something that will be used occasionally. We have other things we want and need, this pushes the balance a bit.
I welcome your thoughts and feedback! Thank you for your time.
But obviously if you cant you cant thats all good 
