Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2011 1:33:49 GMT
Hi guys, I've been in love with weapons but more specifically Katanas for the last 5 years but I've never owned a Katana that was greater than ornamental quality (440 crap, of which I have heaps) since I never felt the need to spend more on a functional quality Katana but now I'm really wanting do buy 1 (or maybe 2) and practice cutting through that Tatami stuff (I'd have to learn a bit more first but I figure a quality Katana is a good place to start) So anyway, here are the 5 I'm looking at. Hattori 'Functional Art Folded Katana' Model 2202Ronin Dojo Budget Katana "Red Phoenix"Ronin Dojo Pro Katana "Shinshi" - Model 13Cheness 9260 Spring Steel Katana - "Tenchi" with Bo-hiCheness 9260 Differentially Hardened - "Kaze" KatanaI read the reviews for the Ronin Dojo Pro models 2 & 5, Cheness Tenchi w/out Bo-hi and Cheness Kaze and they all sound like they're very much worth the cost but I was most interested in the other two, the Hattori and Ronin "Red Phoenix" as these two were the beautiful of that selection, neither of which I could find a review for. I'm hesitant to buy those two because the Red Phoenix is quite cheaper and made from 1045 rather than 1060 and I have no idea what the Hattori is made from. Would either of these be up to cutting through full Tatami mats? I assume they're good swords since Mr. Southern is offering them on his store but I'd like some help if possible. I'm thinking of buying 2 of the 5 and leaning towards the either the Hattori or Red Phoenix (but probably not both) plus one other (maybe the Tenchi with Bo-hi but I'm worried that it won't be as durable due to the Bo-hi). Also, does anyone know if the Hattori's wooden display box, felt lined sword stand, silk sword bag and cleaning kit are avaliable outside of the US (I'm in Australia) Any opinions would be appreciated and sorry if this is asking a bit much.
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SeanF
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Post by SeanF on Sept 22, 2011 1:49:09 GMT
I wouldn't worry about Bo-Hi weakening any of those blades, durability won't become an issue until you are well beyond reasonable sword use.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Sept 22, 2011 2:16:05 GMT
Of the 5, I'd have to say that the Ronin Dojo Pro is the best. Between blade durability and craftsmanship, it has the best of all worlds. I have a Dojo Budget, and while it has a great blade, the rest left a bit to be desired. It has served me very well as a cutter despite being a 1045 blade. I also have the Kaze, which is very well made and has a very attractive blade.
As for the Hattori, all extras should be delivered anywhere.
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Post by frankthebunny on Sept 22, 2011 2:31:53 GMT
with all that I've read, I would go with the Ronin dojo pro. the Hattori looks attractive enough but I don't know much about them.
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jhart06
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Slowly coming back from the depths...
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Post by jhart06 on Sept 22, 2011 2:46:46 GMT
I've got a soft spot for folded steel, so I'd say the hattori, but i've seen nothing on them and a lot of good reviews on the RD pro.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2011 1:49:18 GMT
Thanks for the input guys. I'll definitely get the Ronin Dojo Pro and I think I'll grab the Red Phoenix with it and maybe save the Hattori to be a christmas present, I found a topic where someone had lots of issues with it but Darksword Armories sorted it out well enough.
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ecovolo
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Post by ecovolo on Sept 23, 2011 4:13:50 GMT
Ronin Dojo Pro-- good choice. If you get a chance, please write up a review? We want to hear about your experience with your blade.
--Edward
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2011 9:46:54 GMT
I really don't think it would be worth doing or reading since I have no experience with a true sword at all, I have no training, no skill, nothing.
I don't mean to be rude or disrespectful but I just don't have what's required to write a good, objective review.
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Post by TattooMagic on Sept 23, 2011 11:10:44 GMT
not ture. you may not know all the details of a sword but i that would help the review in a way it would tell the ones that are like you that dont know much and are buying there first sword something to look at from another first time buyer something they can relate to. im about to buy my first sword from Ronins dojo line aswell im doing a full review and a noobs first look on youtube.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2011 0:47:29 GMT
^ I suppose I could give it a try then.
Anyway, I just made my order but I completely forgot to sign in with my account :x . Is this a bad thing or should it not matter?
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Post by jarmory19 on Sept 25, 2011 18:48:52 GMT
I have a Ronin Dojo Pro, the "Ochou". I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Iron tight ito even folded in the alternating traditional way, tsuba, tsuka, everything. It's extremely durable and hasn't loosened up not even a bit. The craftsmanship is superb in my book. Especially for the price.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2011 12:24:39 GMT
^good to hear, hopefully mine will arrive soon. Very saddening to hear but I got an email from the SBG Sword Store saying " unfortunatley the Hattori Katana is out of stock and cannot easily be shipped to Australia so I will have to cancel and refund this part of the order." That was the one I was loking forward to the most.
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Post by Vestri on Oct 6, 2011 10:34:50 GMT
I emailed Paul and I had the exact same problem. You can still get the sword, just be prepared to pay $175 in shipping costs.
What I learned is that: US international mail can ship the swords unless they are less than 42" and that means if you get a Katana thats in its box US international mail dont ship it and therefore you have to use a Courier service. You get the sword in a couple of days so its fast but you pay almost double the shipping.
I wanted that sword too - Im waitng for December to order the Restock Dojo Pro models AND the Red pheonix for good measure, and if shipping works out to be reasonable, I'll also ask Paul to get me the Hattori. You, just like me, have the same tastes in swords. Because later, I plan on getting the Kaze and Tenchi as well.
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Post by Rifleman Lizard on Oct 6, 2011 10:53:58 GMT
I was looking at ordering a few blades from the store for custom projects. Has SBG had any customers from the UK? My main concern is dealing with customs. When you're new to the world of swordsmanship it's easy to get caught up in all the options available. From what I heard of the Ronin DP you can't go wrong for the price. The fittings are nice and tight which is a big thumbs up when you're learning your way around a sword; what's good and what isn't. It'll be worth the wait, December is only round the corner.
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Post by Vestri on Oct 6, 2011 12:07:13 GMT
When rifling through the Aussie rules on sword imports - the UK has a ban on them. They have been banned recently because a lot of youths were using them for robberies, so any kind of blade HAS to have a licence AND you have to talk to your customs to get an importing licence as well.
If I were you, Id call your customs Head office AND give the police station a visit to collect the necessary forms you need. From what I know, if its sharpened, it will get seized, and you can get fined - you need to have a form that says you are allowed to have them, so when it does get stopped at customs, you go to the police station to collect it - if thats what I remember - I still recomend you calling customs and visit your local police so they can print you out the forms and the laws.
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Post by Rifleman Lizard on Oct 6, 2011 17:24:18 GMT
That's incorrect, mate. I know what the law is on blades here after the latest legislation but in practice the law isn't applied to the letter. Many customs agents don't know the law to the extent they should and certain illegal blades get through while lawful swords do not. The ban literally only applies to wallhangers, as everything else legal is either used by registered martial artists, is an antique, used for educational purposes, or is made through traditional means. I know because they're properly forged I'm legally within my rights to order one, however, if no SBG sword has crossed UK mainland then it's fair game for the overzealous agents to steal after they can't find info on the logistics database.
I'll follow that advice and place an enquiry though. Then I guess the best thing to do is to test the waters and see if it arrives. If it does then it seals the deal for other potential SBG customers in the UK. Confidence in the law? Not at all :?
I had a policeman invade my home earlier this year when they somehow "found out" (as if I wouldn't have just told them) I'm an avid sword enthusiast. Being a serving soldier they still wanted to seize my property and have me in court under the offensive weapons act. It was only after I told them how to correctly do their jobs, explaining I wasn't breaking any laws, they buggered off after failing to secure their warrant. Alas, I'm allowed to keep .44 carbines and shotguns but it's a constant fight to defend our interests on this side of the pond.
FREEDOM! :lol:
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Post by Vestri on Oct 6, 2011 18:04:31 GMT
Well thats what I was talking about in the first place - the law says you cant have them unless (insert legal reason here.) Just like In Australia, in Victoria they are 100% banned unless you belong to a martial arts club and they can vouch for you etc bla bla bla.
Thats why its best to get the cops involved AFTER you called the customs office so then everyone knows that: a) you and they know the letter of the law b) you know your rights c) they dont chase you because they didnt do their homework.
When I called my Aussie customs office, they knew more about the banned weapons act here in Australia. When I contacted the police to ask what the legislations here was, they told me that because a Katana was in a "sheath" it was a concealed weapon and therefore banned (concealed weapons are banned here - we have a small knife problem lol)
I asked them then, if I walked around with an unprotected Katana if that was ok, and they said... umm, er, wha... aahhh....
So I gave my local police station a copy of my customs act, my address and my order of the Katana I was buying and told them that as long as my sword stays on my property and I dont go walking with it in public, they cant arrest me. But I can keep it in the car so long as its for transport purposes only and not on my way to a robbery lol.
Customs officers should be able to help you because if the lowly officer doesnt know, ask higher up, and have their website open infront of you as they should have a computer too, and discuss where the laws are listed in the customs website and make sure they quote the text not just say "oh well, they banned mate cause its a sword haw haw haw" cause I got that a few times when I bought a cheap wallhanger in China town and took it on the train back home with me, and the coppers stopped me, even though I showed them the recipt and I obviously wasnt concealing it cause it was in a display box. Had to follow them to the local police station at the next train stop while they processed my item and then 2 hopurs later gave it back to me, and luckilly a ride home in a cop car. The look on my mum's face when the car pulled in to the drive way.
Win some, you lose some
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2011 3:21:15 GMT
Damn, that's quite a bit more than I'm prepared to pay for shipping. Shame too cause I absolutely loved the fittings.
As for the whole customs import thing, down here I just sent an e-mail to the weapons department of customs with a picture and the specs of the sword and my location and they responded quickly with the details. I'd suggest doing the same.
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Post by Stromlo_Swords_USA on Oct 7, 2011 6:13:13 GMT
As I have mentioned to others, like Vestri, I might be able to help you out with shipping. Some of the others will be able to chime in support but an average katana package (like 46inx 6inch x 4in box weighing 4-5lbs) would be about $85-90 delivered to your door via DHL or Fedex. Even cheaper if you want to wait for more boxes that need sending and combine.
Aussies need to work together to avoid unwanted fornication by shipping charge!
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Post by Vue on Oct 7, 2011 6:24:54 GMT
I can vouch for Rob services, he has helped me many times with shipping and the rates are more than reasonable.
FYI Rob is doing this as a huge favor to us Aussie collectors who has to deal with the extortionist shipping rates. He's the man to go to for all your shipping needs.
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