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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2012 3:29:14 GMT
Hi there! I'm a beginner both in this forum and in getting a real katana. I'm looking for something that can do forms as well as cutting. After DAYS of research, I've pretty much narrowed it down to either the Cheness or Dynasty Forge. I am also considering the SBG custom but it is a bit over my budget. Side note, not only am I 6'1", but I intend to use the katana for both Iaido and Chinese Miao Dao form, so it is important that I get a blade around 30" if not a tad longer with at least 12" of tsuka. I have looked at the Cheness Nagasa for the longest, but my only concern is quality control and blade sharpness. I have read some reviews that said it really isn't that sharp and there have been some other flaws. As for the Dynasty Forge spring steel O-Katana, I am worried about the tsuka cracking because I heard that is a big problem with their products. Read there is also a little bit of saya rattle, I don't like that. Also since I cannot afford to buy it directly from the manufacturer, I was planning to buy from here. Bottom of the page. www.thekeeneredge.com/hand-forge ... nas-2.html I can only hope that their batch isn't too old and uses newer better tsuka wood. I'd like to come to a conclusion soon though... which katana to get has really been on my mind for a while. @_@
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Post by johnwalter on Apr 4, 2012 4:08:55 GMT
In my mind,not even a question,Dynasty Forge all day long next to cheness. You may consider a Hanwei Raptor Nanbokucho also.Great,tough sword.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Apr 4, 2012 4:33:22 GMT
Howdy. Welcome to SBG. Those are both good swords, though as far as overall package goes I'd get the Dynasty Forge. Most production katanas bring with them a real danger of a split tsuka, either from bad QC, shipping damage or even just the change in climate from one place to another. Some rattle in the saya is also very common. I'd also urge you to consider the Ronin Katana Dojo Pro O Katana. It's about $20 more than the others, but I think that you should consider it as they have a much less chance of suffering from any of the maladies that you are weary of. It can be bought here at SBG or at Ronin Katana. sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/product155.htmlwww.roninkatana.com/
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2012 4:39:24 GMT
Thanks for the feedback. I really like both the Raptor and Ronin, but neither of them have a bo-hi.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Apr 4, 2012 4:48:39 GMT
Ah, I see. I'd say go for the DF. From what I've seen, the fit and finish is a little better than on a Cheness.
Now, I like Cheness, and have a Cheness Kaze, but for what they sell for they have a few small, but nagging, issues. Nothing that would lessen its performance really, but things that others who sell for cheaper have as stock. Things like the seppa being somewhat flimsy, the saya being slightly larger than what is normal, the ito does not alternate and the polish, especially on the kissaki, is often seen to be rougher than with other companies. However, the saya fit on my Kaze is superb, and the tsuka has held up super well.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2012 5:16:44 GMT
Did more reading and I found out that while the Ronin O Katana is indeed about half a pound heavier than the Dynasty Forge, its point of balance is about an inch and a half closer to the tsuba! Sounds like I might get better control over the blade regardless of the weight. Too bad it costs a lot more, but I might be willing to take the hit to the wallet.
I guess now I'm stuck between the Dynasty Forge or the Ronin.
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Apr 4, 2012 5:31:18 GMT
That's a tough choice. They're both good swords. And if your criteria includes 30"+ nagasa bo-hi blade and 12"+ tsuka for around $300, they're about the only game in town besides Huawei or Sinosword customs, I think. I haven't handled either of those specific models but based on having handled and customized other swords by those two makers (Cheness Mokko, Tenchi, Oniyuri, Kaze ko, O katana, and two Dynasty Forge 29" nagasa Bushi & one Musha), here's my opinion.
The main advantage of the Cheness 30" nagasa will probably be in the area of handling, especially for Iaido-like forms. The DF O kat, though lightened with a bo-hi, is roughly 4 oz. heavier and will feel considerably beefier which is good for cutting heavier targets, but at the cost of some speed & agility.
The DF O kat features steel fuchi/kashira and the more traditional alternating ito wrap. It's also devoid of a fake (rather well executed but still fake) hamon as on the Cheness, which I consider a plus. The downside is that QC is a concern with this model and you should ask your vendor if they'll disassemble the katana to check the tsuka core. My DF Musha purchased some 6 months or so ago had one of those infamous overly soft tsuka cores which was badly cracked. Since then, I've repaired, reshaped and rewrapped the tsuka.
Sword buying often requires patience. If you end up with problems, it'll require you to patiently go through the process of either returning it or fixing it. However, in the end, it'll all be worth it.
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George
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Post by George on Apr 4, 2012 5:35:55 GMT
Ronin all the way. Out of 12 different Katanas ive owned ( ranging from $70 to $600) the Ronin is my favourite.
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Post by Anders on Apr 4, 2012 15:00:37 GMT
I can't speak for the other swords but I've had my DF o-kat for two or three years now and it has held up perfectly fine all that time. It's a beautiful weapon packing crazy cutting power without being especially unwieldly at all. Still my best sword by far.
I cut water bottles with it for months before I actually took the tsuka off. Turns out there was a miniscule crack. I glued it together without even taking the ito off, and it has never opened up since, no matter how much I cut with it.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2012 16:37:34 GMT
Where did you buy it from? Also I am considering the Raptor. Does anyone know why the 30" model was discontinued? I found it for a good price here. www.heavenlyswords.com/product.p ... ctid=22393
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Apr 4, 2012 17:32:55 GMT
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Post by Jussi Ekholm on Apr 4, 2012 17:57:12 GMT
I believe the discontinuing of some Raptor models might have something to do with that fire.
How set are you on length, do you want 2 shaku 5 sun sword or 2 shaku 6 or 7 sun? As you are planning this for iaido I believe length will be important factor?
I've liked Dynasty Forges products for many years, and I think they are a fair bit above Cheness in quality. Although I've owned just one of their swords briefly I was pleasantly impressed by the shape and size of their tsuka and the overall quality in this pricerange.
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Post by johnwalter on Apr 4, 2012 19:01:53 GMT
I have two Raptor Nanbos,lovem.I believe the fire at Hanwei is to blame for the loss of a few current models.Good deal on one in the classifieds.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2012 0:18:40 GMT
Well I sent an email to thekeeneredge.com and asked if they would examine the tsuka before shipping if I bought it. Also emailed dynasty forge to see if they would do the same and also asked if they'd be willing to match thekeeneredge.com's price (it's $100 difference if you add shipping!).
I am pretty set on length. 30" feels just a tad too short for miao dao practice. and 33" might be too long for iaido. The 31.5" DF would be PERFECT in terms of length. +_+;;
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Apr 5, 2012 1:39:47 GMT
Sounds good. Let us know how it works out.
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Post by johnwalter on Apr 5, 2012 3:39:37 GMT
I doubt you will be disappointed with DF.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2012 21:51:09 GMT
Well Dynasty Forge got back to me. They said no they cannot disassemble and examine the tsuka nor can they match the price I showed them. At least they reassured me that their recent models all have new and improved tsuka. Still no word back from thekeeneredge.com. Edit: If this is possibly the only sword I will own for the next 10 years, would you still say go with Dynasty Forge? I'm not much of a collector, just a martial artist who wants a blade to live by.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Apr 5, 2012 23:01:05 GMT
I'd still personally go for a Ronin Katana Dojo Pro, but that is just me. Dynasty Forge makes a very quality product, and if the tsuka issues have been resolved then that's great.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2012 23:14:18 GMT
I really considered the Ronin, but after looking at the stats, I think it's just too heavy for me to use efficiently in forms. If it had a nice big bo-hi I'd get it.
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Apr 6, 2012 1:07:47 GMT
Yes. Absolutely. I'm sort of in awe of my 29" 1060 Musha. I love the crisp geometry and robust shape. I haven't cut with mine yet but I've heard nothing but good things about their performance and durability.
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