Two Handed Jian

Thanks Vincent for the reply. I thought I posted a reply earlier, but it didn't show up (New to the forum). I looked on the Cold Steel website, but didn't see an old catalog. But, if the two handed Gim is not in production anymore, that limits some options.

The Jin Shi Han Jian is my choice in swords. The style is exactly what I am looking for. However, I have a bit of paranoia regarding sword makers I am not familiar with. I own a Cold Steel, Carbon 5 Trail Master that I purchased way back. It has served above and beyond all expectations. I tend to compare the reliability of all bladed weapons/tools to that knife.

I have read two reviews of the Han Jian by Jin Shi. There are two videos I have seen of it as well. They appear impressive. However, I have certain requirements that go far beyond the more common bottle tests. I must explain so it is clear. I was rather rudely greeted by a wild boar while camping on the north shore of the island of Hawaii. The gulches between Waipio and Waimano valleys. All I had on me at the time was my Trail Master. Call it luck, but the boar lost and I gained dinner for a week. Since then, that is the only thing I think of when it comes to a bladed weapon. Will it handle a wild boar? The experience only proved that at some point, a person's life just may depend on it. I would most certainly not go looking to cleave a wild boar in two with a sword. But if the need existed, I would need to know that if I reached for the Han Jian... it would be there for me... and stay in one piece.

I really enjoy the design of the Han Jian. Not being familiar with Jin Shi's blades, I initially thought that if it came down to it, I could always replace the original Han Jian blade with a Cold Steel, two handed Gim blade. They appear similar enough.... with a bit of rework in my shop. Thus my wish to know the specs on both blades before making a purchase. I would rather not have to make such a change to the Han Jian, but lacking any information that proves its reliability in long term, heavy use... I am up in the air about it.

Has anyone used a Jin Shi Han Jian for a long period of time, under heavy use? What is the result? All I have seen are stress tests that happen right after the sword is received. What about a year of more down the road?

I don't mind paying more money for a good sword blade. Can anyone suggest the most appropriate steel and method of manufacture? If I purchase a custom Han Jian, I would want the blade to be the very best it can be.