Traditional Filipino Weapons Chinese Jian
Jan 19, 2012 1:34:10 GMT
Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Jan 19, 2012 1:34:10 GMT
Traditional Filipino Weapons Chinese Jian
Sean O Stevens Grovetown GA
Introduction
A little while ago, I noticed that Traditional Filipino Weapons had put out a couple Chinese swords... a Jian and Dao at the time... later followed by a pair of Butterfly Swords. I was intrigued. I had owned a Cold Steel Gim, and a Kris Cutlery Gim, so I decided to pick up the TFW Jian sword and see how the new weapon compared to those other two.
traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/C ... 0Jian.html
Historical overview
There is a long and rich history for Chinese Martial Arts weapons like the Jian/Gim sword... sad to say, *I* know next to nothing about it. I did train in Kung Fu when I was younger... but never in weapons. Therefor I'm not even going to try and pretend any knowledge to the history of this weapon. Suffice to say that until the last few years it was somewhat difficult to find a functional Jian/Gim sword... as most such swords found were often very flimsy weapons made more for show/demo and forms... not for cutting. In the past few years tho we have seen a rise in options for a true cutting jian/Gim.
Full Disclosure
I bought this sword with my own money. I received no discount nor any compensation for this review.
Initial Impressions
The sword arrived quickly and without incident. I 'spoke' to Ron Kosakowski, owner of Traditional Filipino Weapons, a couple times via e-mail and he was very pleasant and helpful. The packaging was solid and protected the sword well.
Upon taking the sword in hand the first time my impression was that it was very stout. Not Heavy... but it felt more substantial then its slim profile suggests. Everything seemed well put together and solid.
Statistics
Weight: 2lbs 7oz
Overall Length: 39 & 1/2 inches
Blade Length: 31 inches
Grip Length: 5 & 11/16th inches
Blade Width (1 inch from guard): 1 & 6/16th inches
Bade Width (1 inch from tip): 1 inch
PoB: 5 inches
Components
The Blade
The Blade has a workmen like satin finish. It is not too ridged or too flexible... and is more flexible at its second half then its first. Its plenty sharp with one of the smallest, finest bevels I've ever seen. The fuller runs most of the length of the blade but only forms a little bit after the guard... and as the fuller ends a sharply defined spine continues to the tip of the blade.
The Grip
The grip is smooth wood with dark metal rings at each end. There is a bit more room then is comfortable for me... but this is normal for other Jian/Gim swords I have owned. The wood color is a bit darker then the wood of the scabbard... which is only a tiny bit annoying... but the assembly is solid and good.
The Guard
The guard is a darkened steel... and very well done in my opinion. I like the shape of it... and there is not rattle or looseness as I have seen with other types of these hollow guards on Chinese swords.
The Pommel
The pommel is the same dark steel... and the shape looks like a pagoda to me. Its very tightly fit... tho I am not sure how. I can find no evidence of a peen... it may be bolted on like Kris Cutlery does... but whatever it is it seems solid.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is wood with metal fittings and two rings for hanging the scabbard. Its of solid but no frills construction. The color is slightly lighter then that of the grip... would be nice if they matched a bit better. The fit is decent... but there is a bit of rattle and if turned upside down the sword will come out.
Handling Characteristics
Let me preference that I have no training with this style of sword or its use. My instinct in how to use it goes back and forth between treating it like a rapier or like an arming sword... but the fact of the mater is it is neither and is meant to be used in a fashion unlike either.
It feels a little bit weighty in hand. The blade is at the long side of what I like for single handed swords... and the PoB out a bit further then I like also. However... it handles similar to the other swords of its type I have used from Cold Steel and Kris Cutlery. The tip control is a bit better on this sword then on those others for me... tho I felt the Cold Steel Sword had a better feel in the cut. Over-all, when compared to other swords of its type... if felt solid and strong in hand. Not fast, not slow.
Test Cutting
As you can see... my cutting with this sword was not as good as with some others. In this I do not blame the sword... but my lack of understanding in how to use it. The Blade is sharp and well tempered... (Off Camera i whacked the crap out of my cutting stand and left no damage on the blade whatsoever. Very impressive.) but I'm not accustomed to the style of use this blade requires.
Also, at one point I caught the guard on my shirt... :lol:
I found it harder to get proper edge alignment with the smooth, more oval grip then I am used to. Also... the balance of this sword is different then what I'm used to. I enjoy thrusting with it a LOT tho... its not a rapier... but it likes to stab.
Conclusions
This sword is VERY solidly built and durable. I've the impression that of the swords of its type I've had, it likely is the toughest one. Its Also very affordable at only $220. I wish I had the skill to get more out of the sword... I feel as if the sword has more to give if I knew how to get it.
Pros
Affordable!
Good customer service from Ron at TFW.
A very durable real cutter, not a floppy wushu practice sword.
Sharp out of the box.
Cons
Very plain looking.
Scabbard and Grip color do not match.
The Bottom Line
The options for this style of sword in the market are getting better. There are at least 4 production options under 300 dollars, of which this is one. I think the TFW Jian offers a greater durability then the other options out there. The build of the sword feels very stout and the blade (as I discovered) is very resilient. At just over 200 bucks I think this is a great deal, and if the looks agree with you, its a GREAT option. Also... if one wanted a Dao to match, TFW makes one.
Thanks for reading!
Sean O Stevens Grovetown GA
Introduction
A little while ago, I noticed that Traditional Filipino Weapons had put out a couple Chinese swords... a Jian and Dao at the time... later followed by a pair of Butterfly Swords. I was intrigued. I had owned a Cold Steel Gim, and a Kris Cutlery Gim, so I decided to pick up the TFW Jian sword and see how the new weapon compared to those other two.
traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/C ... 0Jian.html
Historical overview
There is a long and rich history for Chinese Martial Arts weapons like the Jian/Gim sword... sad to say, *I* know next to nothing about it. I did train in Kung Fu when I was younger... but never in weapons. Therefor I'm not even going to try and pretend any knowledge to the history of this weapon. Suffice to say that until the last few years it was somewhat difficult to find a functional Jian/Gim sword... as most such swords found were often very flimsy weapons made more for show/demo and forms... not for cutting. In the past few years tho we have seen a rise in options for a true cutting jian/Gim.
Full Disclosure
I bought this sword with my own money. I received no discount nor any compensation for this review.
Initial Impressions
The sword arrived quickly and without incident. I 'spoke' to Ron Kosakowski, owner of Traditional Filipino Weapons, a couple times via e-mail and he was very pleasant and helpful. The packaging was solid and protected the sword well.
Upon taking the sword in hand the first time my impression was that it was very stout. Not Heavy... but it felt more substantial then its slim profile suggests. Everything seemed well put together and solid.
Statistics
Weight: 2lbs 7oz
Overall Length: 39 & 1/2 inches
Blade Length: 31 inches
Grip Length: 5 & 11/16th inches
Blade Width (1 inch from guard): 1 & 6/16th inches
Bade Width (1 inch from tip): 1 inch
PoB: 5 inches
Components
The Blade
The Blade has a workmen like satin finish. It is not too ridged or too flexible... and is more flexible at its second half then its first. Its plenty sharp with one of the smallest, finest bevels I've ever seen. The fuller runs most of the length of the blade but only forms a little bit after the guard... and as the fuller ends a sharply defined spine continues to the tip of the blade.
The Grip
The grip is smooth wood with dark metal rings at each end. There is a bit more room then is comfortable for me... but this is normal for other Jian/Gim swords I have owned. The wood color is a bit darker then the wood of the scabbard... which is only a tiny bit annoying... but the assembly is solid and good.
The Guard
The guard is a darkened steel... and very well done in my opinion. I like the shape of it... and there is not rattle or looseness as I have seen with other types of these hollow guards on Chinese swords.
The Pommel
The pommel is the same dark steel... and the shape looks like a pagoda to me. Its very tightly fit... tho I am not sure how. I can find no evidence of a peen... it may be bolted on like Kris Cutlery does... but whatever it is it seems solid.
The Scabbard
The scabbard is wood with metal fittings and two rings for hanging the scabbard. Its of solid but no frills construction. The color is slightly lighter then that of the grip... would be nice if they matched a bit better. The fit is decent... but there is a bit of rattle and if turned upside down the sword will come out.
Handling Characteristics
Let me preference that I have no training with this style of sword or its use. My instinct in how to use it goes back and forth between treating it like a rapier or like an arming sword... but the fact of the mater is it is neither and is meant to be used in a fashion unlike either.
It feels a little bit weighty in hand. The blade is at the long side of what I like for single handed swords... and the PoB out a bit further then I like also. However... it handles similar to the other swords of its type I have used from Cold Steel and Kris Cutlery. The tip control is a bit better on this sword then on those others for me... tho I felt the Cold Steel Sword had a better feel in the cut. Over-all, when compared to other swords of its type... if felt solid and strong in hand. Not fast, not slow.
Test Cutting
As you can see... my cutting with this sword was not as good as with some others. In this I do not blame the sword... but my lack of understanding in how to use it. The Blade is sharp and well tempered... (Off Camera i whacked the crap out of my cutting stand and left no damage on the blade whatsoever. Very impressive.) but I'm not accustomed to the style of use this blade requires.
Also, at one point I caught the guard on my shirt... :lol:
I found it harder to get proper edge alignment with the smooth, more oval grip then I am used to. Also... the balance of this sword is different then what I'm used to. I enjoy thrusting with it a LOT tho... its not a rapier... but it likes to stab.
Conclusions
This sword is VERY solidly built and durable. I've the impression that of the swords of its type I've had, it likely is the toughest one. Its Also very affordable at only $220. I wish I had the skill to get more out of the sword... I feel as if the sword has more to give if I knew how to get it.
Pros
Affordable!
Good customer service from Ron at TFW.
A very durable real cutter, not a floppy wushu practice sword.
Sharp out of the box.
Cons
Very plain looking.
Scabbard and Grip color do not match.
The Bottom Line
The options for this style of sword in the market are getting better. There are at least 4 production options under 300 dollars, of which this is one. I think the TFW Jian offers a greater durability then the other options out there. The build of the sword feels very stout and the blade (as I discovered) is very resilient. At just over 200 bucks I think this is a great deal, and if the looks agree with you, its a GREAT option. Also... if one wanted a Dao to match, TFW makes one.
Thanks for reading!