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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2011 21:42:03 GMT
So I've been thinking about getting a custom built Dao for a while. I've been using a practice sword for the Past few years and I think it's about time to start training with a live blade. The only problem is that I'm not very experienced in what makes a good Dao. I know I want a 27" blade, as was recommended by my sifu. But beyond that, what should I be asking for in terms of fittings, point of balance, etc?
I have a few katana and I love real hamons. Is this something that is practical for a Dao?
As of now, I'm thinking of going with Jin-shi or hunano. My price cap is around 400 - 500. Any other suggestions are welcome.
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Post by Anders on Nov 23, 2011 15:00:41 GMT
I've been trying to help a friend of mine get a hold of some good swords for a while now, specifically a jian and a dao. My impression is that this comes down to A) exactly what you have been trained in and B) how picky you are.
My friend is very picky about weight and balance, and his fighting style seems to use unusually light weapons with very low POBs, so he's been having trouble finding a sword that fits him. He's found a dao now, but for the jian it seems like he's going to have to go full-on custom - not even Jin-shi could help him. And his price cap was twice of yours, too.
Basically, in terms of weight and balance you should start by finding out what feels right for you when you practice, and also talk to your trainer about it. Things like fittings probably comes down to personal taste - I like bling on my swords, my friend likes them tasteful. Your milage may vary.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2011 0:08:15 GMT
Yesh, many Dao have real hamons. I can't really comment on your other questions though, looks like they're covered.
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Post by Ted on Dec 6, 2011 14:03:46 GMT
Hello, everyone. I'm the very picky friend Anders mentioned. :)
Regarding a dao, I'm currently looking into Zhisword. I have a dao on order from them, and will happily write a reveiw of it when it comes in. They have numerous different kinds there, of multiple lengths and blade styles. The one I've ordered is one of the shorter ones - for a dao, it's less that I'm looking for a 'light' blade and more that I'm looking for one that has a length of perhaps a touch over 2' - 25" or so, which is my teacher's reccomendation for what I'm learning. Different styles, different teachers, different blades. :) This, of course, does end up giving me a lighter dao than one with a blade length of 27" or greater.
A lot of places will give you the point of balance for the blade if you ask. The Dao I'm getting has a POB of about 4", apparently, likely due to its shorter length. Like Anders says, a lot of it is finding out what you're comfortable using and getting your teacher's thoughts.
And deciding how picky you are. ^_^
I've seen Dao with point of balance at 5" and others with a point of balance at 4". There are probably other options as well. Does you teacher have one you can hold and try out? Might be a good place to start!
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Post by HouShe on Dec 20, 2011 0:56:54 GMT
I am probably as picky as Ted, but in the opposite direction. I like my blades with more weight and presence. The ideal feel for me is a heavier antique. Similar to Linda's (chinese-swords-guide.com). I've handled it irl and my custom handles almost the same, if not better for me, which is ideal since it has a customised length and fittings for me.
If you don't know the specifics and your teacher hasn't given you any guidance beyond length, then go as close to antique specs as possible. Jin Shi has a very good reputation when it comes to their blades for a reason. Not sure of their prices these days, but a single blade with few added extras should be able to come in under $500
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