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Post by Jayhawk on May 14, 2011 19:37:52 GMT
OK, I'm really leaning towards a dadao, so thanks for the advice in the other thread.
However, I'm torn between the Kris Cutlery Dadao and the Hanwei Military Dadao. Looks-wise, the Hanwei is my preference. I like the larger blade. Both seem to have solid tangs (and the KC's seems to have the ring not welded old). I know KC has a rock solid, if practical reputation.
Any opinions on which is a better cutter? Better balance? I'm a bit leary of the shorter blade on the KC version, but it's interesting they note it's based on an older historical model. I've read varying accounts saying versions of dadaos were used rather far back in history, but the ones similar to the Hanwei miltary dadao are more recent.
Anyone own both and have any thoughts on the two? Pros and cons of each?
Thanks,
Eric
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2011 20:24:56 GMT
I own a Hanwei Military Dadao.
It is very well built. I know some people have expressed concern over the welded on ring pommel. This isn't a small piece of threaded rod welded at a high stress area. It is a very wide and strong tang with the ring end (which is thick and strong) fitted into a slot welded on both sides. It isn't weak. Also given the balance of the sword you wouldn't hold it by the ring anyway, so it won't see that type of stress (though it wouldn't hurt it if you did).
It handles very well. As a matter of fact Tinker Pierce mentions in one of his podcasts how Hanwei really got this one right, that it handles like it should. He also mentioned how just about every other production dadao he had handled was poorly balanced. He seemed very impressed with Hanwei Military Dadao.
Probably the thing that some people would not like is the blade is not as sharp as it could be. Personally I find this a very minor issue easily corrected.
I think this is a very nice sword that is priced well under its worth. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
I wish I could give some input on the KC dadao, but I have never held one.
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on May 14, 2011 20:58:54 GMT
Been debating this myself. I like the look and size of the Hanwei Military Dadao better also... but I suspect the over all quality and craftsmenship is better on the KC DaDao... my experince with KC swords has been very good. So I'm not sure which one to get myself.
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Talon
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Post by Talon on May 15, 2011 4:52:29 GMT
the military dadao is on my want's list ,looks wise i prefer it to any other production dadao currently on sale,reviews have been very good toward's it,reputedly built like a tank,i dont have any concern's regarding the quality
actually considering how cheap it is,i dont know why i haven't gotten round to picking one up yet
it's not a finesse sword,but for a heavy duty cutter i dont think you can go wrong with it
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Greg
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Post by Greg on May 15, 2011 6:18:54 GMT
Well, here is my full review on the Hanwei: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2048You'll be glad to know that I busted up the handle so you can see her unmentionables.  I can't comment on the KC, but my Hanwei Dadao will always remain in my collection, that is how much I like it. Edit: Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. I have since put a proper edge on it. All I can say is that this blade can cut! Hell, in that video in my review, the out of box edge did a good enough cut on the 3rd try. I think the first 2 cuts I had been hitting it with the tip... which was dull as a river stone. But yes, just knock down that secondary bevel and get the edge nice and smooth and you'll have a sword you will love for years. |
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Post by chuckinohio on May 15, 2011 6:50:28 GMT
I dislike the Kris model merely because of its size, Kris Cutlery does make excellent products, this one just isn't for me.
The Hanwei millitary model is a brutal cutter, pure and simple.
Do not sweat the welded ring pommel, you would need a torch and hammer to get it to come apart. Do what Greg said, touch up the edge and commence to laying waste .
You could literally chop your way clean through a wood framed house with the Hanwei.
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Greg
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Post by Greg on May 15, 2011 7:27:21 GMT
If someone knocked on my door and said "Greg, grab a sword, the zombies are here." This is the one I'd probably grab.
Now when I cut bottles with it, the blade almost seems depressed afterwards. It's like "Greg... really? Why don't you suspend a pig from a hook like tho's guys do on the internet?"
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Post by Jayhawk on May 15, 2011 16:48:22 GMT
Greg - that's too funny. I have a nice Negrito bolo my uncle brought back from Vietnam that I currently plan on using for zombies (since my son took possession of my Sulewese WWII vintage katana). The dadao would be an upgrade (although that bolo is sharp and sturdy...).
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on May 15, 2011 19:18:43 GMT
Ya know... its not the size of the sword... :lol: I'm actually tempted more to get the KC now. Seems like no one has it, everyone got the Hanwei... so I'm wondering about it. Plus, I like to be different. 
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2011 19:30:40 GMT
Yeah. Can you imagine what it must have been like to have hundreds if not thousands of Chinese charging you each wielding one of these. The pucker factor would have been very high. :shock:
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Post by wnydel on May 15, 2011 21:01:09 GMT
Funny, I have been debating between these two too. I will probably eventually end up with both, considering they are relatively inexpensive. I am really starting to like KCs products, so I think I might grab that one first. But I do agree, the blade is a little short.
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Post by chuckinohio on May 15, 2011 21:31:27 GMT
I'd like to see someone get one of the KC models and review it, then I might change my mind and have to have one. I've been nothing but impressed with Kris Cutlery products, my only complaint with their Dao was its seemingly short blade. I'm trying to compensate  |
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Post by Thump on May 18, 2011 14:22:06 GMT
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Post by Jayhawk on May 18, 2011 22:53:41 GMT
Scott Rodell who designed the Hanwei cutting sword posted a message a while back on his message board that the Hanwei dadaos and the cutting sword he designed are the only two Hanwei swords appropriate for heavy cutting, and the Hanwei site says they're made for heavy cutting (they don't list other swords that way). I think they'd work fine for heavy cutting.
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Post by Pogo4321 on May 19, 2011 5:05:04 GMT
As far as the two Hanwei dadaos look at the blade thickness. I had one of the red ones and the blade is quite thin; going by measurements of blade thickness from KOA the Military dadao is twice as thick. The regular dadao did not inspire enough confidence in me to use it on anything heavier than water bottles. It may be capable of heavier targets but I'd get the Military dadao; CS is just over-priced.
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Post by Sir Tre on May 19, 2011 7:11:10 GMT
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on May 19, 2011 18:10:30 GMT
Well... the had one in their scratch and dent section... and I could not resist... so I spared a tiny portion of the hot tub cash for it. I'll let you know if its awesome or not when it arrives.
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Post by Jayhawk on May 19, 2011 23:09:55 GMT
Cool...let us know what you think. That's the one with the tempering a bit off or the sharpening, I can't recall which, right?
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Post by chuckinohio on May 19, 2011 23:14:40 GMT
Way to step up and get to the bottom of things. Soon the speculation will be laid to rest.
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Post by thana357 on Jun 4, 2011 21:14:03 GMT
sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... 806&page=2 The link of KC Da Dao from old SBG forum . I like Hanwie military version more because of the scabbard , it look authentic and functional and while the edge is not as sharp as Kris cutlery , you can touch up the edge with sand paper and get it cutting sharp plus the weight , lenght and feel of this Da Dao is close to mil spec
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