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Post by Mr.Wallace on Jun 23, 2011 21:07:43 GMT
Hello SBG!
It's great to find a forum like this. I'd like to thank you all, I've been surfing for a long time, and I've learned a lot about blades. I've all ways had an open disdain for stainless steel, but outside of thay it's all you sbg.
I feel like I'm ready to actually purchase my first sword, and I have to admit that I feel like a kid in a candy store. I've decided against a claymore for now, mostly because I feel it would be better to start cutting with something more manageable. That said, I've narrowed it down to these swords that by their very nature scream "for the novice collector." Here is my list:
1. Hanwei Military Dadao
2. Hanwei Practical Kung Fu Sword
3. Cold Steel Grosse Messer (the only sword they offer that I like, really)
4. Cheness O-Katana
Thats my list at the moment. Excluding the Kung Fu sword, they should all be suited for heavy cutting according to a few reviews I've read. The okat may seem out of place, but I can't say I wasn't drawn in by katana in the first place. I wish it had a real hamon, but I think that is a feature you appreciate more after owning a few blades.
Any way, I'm just wondering if any one has a personal preference? So far as I can tell they are all on a similar playing field, so iw won't ask which is "best."
I'd be more than happy if any one has another suggestion as well.
Thanks,
Mr.Wallace
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Post by dylanholderman on Jun 23, 2011 21:19:17 GMT
im a bit of a newb but from what i know the hanwei military dadao will probably be your best bet because its easier to keep edge alinement with a shorter blade cheers!
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Talon
Member
Senior Forumite
Posts: 2,554
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Post by Talon on Jun 23, 2011 21:50:32 GMT
i second the military dadao,its a blade i've been meaning to get for some time,as tough as a tank and for me a very attractive sword  as for other suggestion's,well that would depend on your'e prefered style of sword  out of the list you have though,i would say the milatary dadao,it seems to be a very heavy duty cutter (i really should pick one up) |
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Post by Mr.Wallace on Jun 23, 2011 22:12:19 GMT
I have to admit, at this point my taste in swords is a little unrefined. More than 12" and sharp, all thoug I like something about all of these. The kung fu swords sound on impact, the o katanas tachi haze, the dadao's simplistic beauty, and the Grosse Messers similarity to my favourite bowie. It makes it really tough to pick one.
That said, I think the dadao would be a good (and cheap) starter sword. I have the feeling I'll own all of these sooner than later any way.
Edit: I found it on kult of athena for an all most unfair price. It's looking more and more like a must have Talon. Not to pressure you, but I can use all of the cutting advice available haha.
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Jun 23, 2011 22:27:59 GMT
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Jun 23, 2011 23:07:48 GMT
I was going to elect the Cheness O-Katana, as I have very little interest in the other styles, but after reading that review that Lobster linked...oh, man. That dadao is an absolute monster. The Cheness O-Katana is a great sword from all I have heard, so I'd have to say one of those two would be best.
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Post by Mr.Wallace on Jun 23, 2011 23:12:24 GMT
I had actually missed Greg's review, its nice to see under the hood. It seems to be inline with the review I read for the most part.. I wonder if I could redo the hilt with some purple heart.
I'm going to rewatch Tom's sharpening video, I think the dadao would be perfect practice. I'm just afraid of creating a secondary bevel, or otherwise messing up the edge.
I do love the o katana, and its on sale...if only I hadn't spent money on food, I could get both.
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ecovolo
Senior Forumite
Retired Moderator
Posts: 2,074
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Post by ecovolo on Jun 23, 2011 23:26:48 GMT
I own a Cheness O-katana. Speaking from experience, it can take a beating and *still* function. My O-katana has not experienced any problems (read: bending, warping, handle splitting, or furniture coming off).
I should also mention that I bought my O-katana a few years ago; I do not know if the more modern ones are up to the standards that I have with mine.
--Edward
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Post by wnydel on Jun 23, 2011 23:44:58 GMT
I actually own all of these except the Hanwei dadao. And even then, I do own a dadao, just not that particular one. You have great taste and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. I will say that the Practical Kung Fu Sword might be the weak link of the group. I want to stress that it is not bad at all, I like mine very much, just slightly less than the others.
From the reviews that I have read, and from my experience with my dadao (I love the style) and for the price, that is the one I would go with.
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Post by wnydel on Jun 23, 2011 23:50:50 GMT
Trust me, you will. It's definitely an addiction lol. I got my first real sword this past March and I am up to 9 already. My wish list has grown instead of shrunk. Now I am starting to really look upmarket a bit. I have the quantity and want to grab a few quality (unfortunately more expensive) ones.
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Post by Mr.Wallace on Jun 24, 2011 0:31:23 GMT
Tell me about it. I haven't purchased a sword yet, and I'm all ready looking in to customs.
I think i'll pick up the dadao first for sure. How do you like the Grosse Messer? I've heard that originally it had some defects, but I havent found what those where.
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Jun 24, 2011 2:45:05 GMT
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Post by wnydel on Jun 24, 2011 15:23:31 GMT
Personally, I have had no problems with it and love it, but from that thread, it sounds like the quality varies?
Keep us posted, I am curious what you think of that dadao. I have that one on my list at the moment and am trying to decide what I might get next. I keep going back and forth. There are 2-3 more reasonably priced swords (that is one of them)that I can pick up for the price of one of the higher priced ones I am looking at. I keep thinking, would I rather have several lower priced ones or one of the higher priced ones? I am getting very indecisive with it.
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Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
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Post by Makoto Pat on Jun 25, 2011 0:09:54 GMT
I have a friend who has the Gross Messer...it is really cool, but its lost its edge really fast. I am a Cold Steel fan...I just got a Trail Master and love it as well as few others (no swords). For coolness I liked it, but for cutting it was a little disappointing to me, but I had really high expectations from CS and at the time I was a complete novice. Plus I really like wakis and l katana.
I agree they are all winners, just wanted to let you know. I do not intend to 'nay-say'. In the future I will own a few of the swords you listed...the messer is one and the O-katana.
I hope I helped...as a new prospective sword owner all choices are good because YOU WILL BUY MORE...you won't be able to stop.
Be safe, be well, and have fun.
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Post by Mr.Wallace on Jun 25, 2011 2:18:10 GMT
At the moment I would go for quantity, just to determine what I like best. Plus a variety of styles appeals to me, personally. On the other hand I'm sure you have a better idea of what would feel best in your hands, so one expensive piece might be better than the 4 cheaper swords. My experience from my other hobbies at least. I'm planning on doing a lot of cutting with the Messer, and I suppose a monthly sharpening wouldn't be that big a deal. I've heard nothing but good things about the o katana, so that should be a sound investment for both of us pat. That bamboo won't know what hit it haha. Oh, and I found this www.kultofathena.com/product.asp ... r+Nodachi# I think it might have a place in my own list, but I'm not sure. So much stuff to buy... |
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Makoto Pat
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Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
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Post by Makoto Pat on Jun 27, 2011 1:38:24 GMT
I hear that...here is my thought...I buy these in no particular order.:
Cheness Goza Cutter-Ronin 'Torso Cutter'-a European short sword-23" Kriss waki/katana thing-and a Kriss blade for my new hilt and handle design..it will grow and change constantly...Oh yeah, the Cheness O-katana.
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Post by Mr.Wallace on Jul 1, 2011 3:25:24 GMT
To make matters worse, I just found Himalayan Imports and the Naychez Bowie in SK-5. Fortunatly I bought the Dadao first, review after it arrives. I'll be well armed for the werewolf apocalypse any way...
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Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
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Post by Makoto Pat on Jul 1, 2011 14:24:33 GMT
The werewolf apocalypse is something I am nearly totally under prepared for....where, if you don't mind me asking, did you find that Bowie and are there more.
Next CS Bowie I get I want the 'apple seed' geometry of of the San Mai II billet design for bamboo cutting. Plus then I can dual wield.
I can't wait for the review.....keep cutting.
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Post by Mr.Wallace on Jul 2, 2011 1:19:50 GMT
The Natchez is actually available on Kult of Athena for $165, still a preorder though. Cold Steel is releasing it some time this month I believe. I've all ways wanted one, and finally they released it for a reasonable price. I've never been a fan of the san mai III, or the incredible price hike that goes with it. Then i'm investing in a 20" Ang Khola. Then an O-kat...then a Messer...so on and so forth.
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out of the list you have though,i would say the milatary dadao,it seems to be a very heavy duty cutter (i really should pick one up)
