Dadaochen's Hira-Zukuri Ko-katana
Sept 30, 2011 15:17:50 GMT
Post by Derleth on Sept 30, 2011 15:17:50 GMT
So after much comparison shopping, reading of posts here on the forums, and deliberation, I found myself keenly interested in Dadaochen's Hira-Zukuri Ko-katana. I'll admit, price was a strong motivating factor, along with my personal compulsion to support smaller businesses, but I was also pleased by another review of his product here on the board. I sent a request for additional information fairly late in the evening last Friday, and was surprised to get a response just a couple hours later. Dadaochen was very easy to deal with, and promptly answered all of my questions. The following evening I placed an order for what I'm told is the last Hira they'll have in stock for a couple months, and late yesterday afternoon I found a rather abused looking box sitting outside my front door. As I understand is the norm I found my sword sheathed in a nice quality black cloth bag, but was dismayed to discover upon pulling it from the bag that there were a couple cracks in the saya (please refer to the "abused looking box" part above, damn post office,) that I am happy to say were easily mended with the appropriate application of good adhesives and sustained pressure. Well, almost proper, there WAS a brief moment when my fingertip was glued to the saya, but let's not dwell on that... Post repairs the sword fits snugly into the saya, there's no rattle, and while it doesn't fall free on its own, it is very easily drawn. Rather than a traditional ito wrap, the tsuka is covered in a non-slip, shock absorbent foam material, and if you're less concerned about a traditional look i have to recommend it. The material is both comfortable and very reassuring, there is no way this thing is slipping out of your hand unless you just let go. I may strip it down later and have it re-wrapped, but right now I enjoy the confidence of knowing that as I swing it's not going anywhere on me.
Sadly it was well after dark before I was able to get out back and take my first real swings with it, but what I did discover was that it was well balanced, light, and very quick. Before I talk about my first cut with the Hira I should detail my cutting experience up to now... I have none. I spent a few years as an SCA heavy weapons fighter a few years ago before transitioning to SCA rapier fighting, so while I've got some of the basic mechanics down, this is my first REAL foray into the exciting world of live steel. Not wanting to get too involved last night, but still anxious to test out my new acquisition, I perched an Aquafina bottle perilously on the corner of a small TV table and let fly with a nice 45 degree downward swing. Had it not been for the sound of water splashing and the top half of the bottle flying free of the bottom I'd have not known I'd actually hit it, there was zero resistance when the blade met the bottle, and recovering the halves revealed a very clean cut which I must in all honesty attribute to the blade itself rather than any actual ability on my part.
I work all weekend, but am off Monday and Tuesday, and shall hopefully be able to update with tales of slain pool noodles and every plastic bottle I can put my hands on between now and then.
In the mean time I can't say enough good about Dadaochen's customer service, and my experience with the sword thus far.
Sadly it was well after dark before I was able to get out back and take my first real swings with it, but what I did discover was that it was well balanced, light, and very quick. Before I talk about my first cut with the Hira I should detail my cutting experience up to now... I have none. I spent a few years as an SCA heavy weapons fighter a few years ago before transitioning to SCA rapier fighting, so while I've got some of the basic mechanics down, this is my first REAL foray into the exciting world of live steel. Not wanting to get too involved last night, but still anxious to test out my new acquisition, I perched an Aquafina bottle perilously on the corner of a small TV table and let fly with a nice 45 degree downward swing. Had it not been for the sound of water splashing and the top half of the bottle flying free of the bottom I'd have not known I'd actually hit it, there was zero resistance when the blade met the bottle, and recovering the halves revealed a very clean cut which I must in all honesty attribute to the blade itself rather than any actual ability on my part.
I work all weekend, but am off Monday and Tuesday, and shall hopefully be able to update with tales of slain pool noodles and every plastic bottle I can put my hands on between now and then.
In the mean time I can't say enough good about Dadaochen's customer service, and my experience with the sword thus far.