My first katana purchase - would like recommendations!
Jun 29, 2012 23:20:23 GMT
Post by C Maxwell on Jun 29, 2012 23:20:23 GMT
By now I am sure that these sorts of topics are becoming somewhat tired and ubiquitous on these forums, but while many people asked what their first katana should be for dojo and backyard cutting, this request is somewhat different!
When it comes to owning swords, I am a rookie. I have one United Cutlery Narsil wall hanger that I bought years ago, but other than that I have no real experience in them. Recently though I have taken an interest in the katana and have decided to take the plunge into sword collecting. For almost a month I have been studying over these marvelous forums and read the reviews, the recommendations, and have narrowed down the list of potentials. However, choosing between them is difficult, hence why I am making this post!
I am not a student of swordplay. While I have watched videos of qualified teachers and students engaged in swordsmanship and kendo, I know that such videos are not enough to teach someone how to make a proper cut. I will not be taking this into the backyard to cut down trees limbs, tatami mats or even pool noodles. I highly doubt that I would even put this against filled water bottles. I may take it out and make practice swings at the air, but I doubt I would be cutting anything more. I don't want a sword that is built around the concept of being able to survive a session of maniacal laughter as I cleave my way through any tree limb that dares to stand in my way.
Then why would I not want a cheap, $50 wall hanger with all the fancy fittings and a blade that is meant for the purposes of decoration and possibly an occasional pool noodle? The answer is simple, I feel. I want a katana that not only looks nice, but one that I can hold in my hands and feel that it is a quality sword for the price that I pay. What I guess I want is a katana that looks nice, but could also be used should I one day learn how to use it properly. I want a katana that will look nice on a wall but be capable of being taken off the wall and used. Most of all, I want a sword that I can take care of – something that I can spend a little time on every week or so cleaning, maybe swinging at the air, and most of all something that looks good and can cut.
These are the swords I was considering, as well as my own thoughts and concerns on them. Perhaps someone might be able to make a recommendation on one of them, or possibly even send me to one that I haven't thought of yet!
The Hanwei Practical Plus Elite Katana:
I will be honest at the expense of sounding like a rookie. For some reason I love being able to clearly see the hamon, even if it is enhanced. To me, the Hanwei PPEK looks as though it could fit what I would like. It looks elegant in the pictures, and the reviewer seems to believe that it is a good cutting sword. I am not sure if the blade being on the fragile side would impact me, given I don't plan to cut hard targets, but I wouldn't want something that could chip easily. I also am a bit concerned about Hanwei's quality control, but being that I have never actually purchased a sword I can only go on second hand accounts.
The Cheness Tenchi:
From what I have read, the Cheness Tenchi is the AK-47 of the katana world – it's durability is insane at the cost of good looks. This was the first sword I was thinking of buying, and if the day comes when I can learn how to use a katana it will probably be the sword I buy to learn on. The fittings look to be a touch too plain in my eye, but I am keenly aware of my status as a first time buyer. This katana looks like a good "first sharp", even if it would be a little bland on the wall.
The Cheness Kaze:
This was the second katana I considered buying. I love the idea of having a differentially hardened blade with a natural hamon, even though the Kaze's hamon is very subtle. The fittings are a step up from the Tenchi's, but not quite as elegant as the PPE. I think this would be a good middleground between them.
The SBG Custom:
This would be my choice hands down. The katana's are absolutely lovely, and the ability to get a sword with my favorite green and black hilt along with my choice of tsuba would be what I would spend my money on in a heartbeat. The only thing that holds me back are the wait times. I don't know how long it would be from the time when I place my order to the time that I actually recieved it. The wait might kill me!
Anyway, these are my ideas for my first katana. If anyone has any ideas based on what I have said that I haven't listed here, I am more than open to suggestions! I would prefer something in the $150 - $300 range, but I can go a little over that for something which is quality. I thank you for taking the time to read this, and look forward to seeing peoples thoughts and suggestions!
~C Maxwell.
When it comes to owning swords, I am a rookie. I have one United Cutlery Narsil wall hanger that I bought years ago, but other than that I have no real experience in them. Recently though I have taken an interest in the katana and have decided to take the plunge into sword collecting. For almost a month I have been studying over these marvelous forums and read the reviews, the recommendations, and have narrowed down the list of potentials. However, choosing between them is difficult, hence why I am making this post!
I am not a student of swordplay. While I have watched videos of qualified teachers and students engaged in swordsmanship and kendo, I know that such videos are not enough to teach someone how to make a proper cut. I will not be taking this into the backyard to cut down trees limbs, tatami mats or even pool noodles. I highly doubt that I would even put this against filled water bottles. I may take it out and make practice swings at the air, but I doubt I would be cutting anything more. I don't want a sword that is built around the concept of being able to survive a session of maniacal laughter as I cleave my way through any tree limb that dares to stand in my way.
Then why would I not want a cheap, $50 wall hanger with all the fancy fittings and a blade that is meant for the purposes of decoration and possibly an occasional pool noodle? The answer is simple, I feel. I want a katana that not only looks nice, but one that I can hold in my hands and feel that it is a quality sword for the price that I pay. What I guess I want is a katana that looks nice, but could also be used should I one day learn how to use it properly. I want a katana that will look nice on a wall but be capable of being taken off the wall and used. Most of all, I want a sword that I can take care of – something that I can spend a little time on every week or so cleaning, maybe swinging at the air, and most of all something that looks good and can cut.
These are the swords I was considering, as well as my own thoughts and concerns on them. Perhaps someone might be able to make a recommendation on one of them, or possibly even send me to one that I haven't thought of yet!
The Hanwei Practical Plus Elite Katana:
I will be honest at the expense of sounding like a rookie. For some reason I love being able to clearly see the hamon, even if it is enhanced. To me, the Hanwei PPEK looks as though it could fit what I would like. It looks elegant in the pictures, and the reviewer seems to believe that it is a good cutting sword. I am not sure if the blade being on the fragile side would impact me, given I don't plan to cut hard targets, but I wouldn't want something that could chip easily. I also am a bit concerned about Hanwei's quality control, but being that I have never actually purchased a sword I can only go on second hand accounts.
The Cheness Tenchi:
From what I have read, the Cheness Tenchi is the AK-47 of the katana world – it's durability is insane at the cost of good looks. This was the first sword I was thinking of buying, and if the day comes when I can learn how to use a katana it will probably be the sword I buy to learn on. The fittings look to be a touch too plain in my eye, but I am keenly aware of my status as a first time buyer. This katana looks like a good "first sharp", even if it would be a little bland on the wall.
The Cheness Kaze:
This was the second katana I considered buying. I love the idea of having a differentially hardened blade with a natural hamon, even though the Kaze's hamon is very subtle. The fittings are a step up from the Tenchi's, but not quite as elegant as the PPE. I think this would be a good middleground between them.
The SBG Custom:
This would be my choice hands down. The katana's are absolutely lovely, and the ability to get a sword with my favorite green and black hilt along with my choice of tsuba would be what I would spend my money on in a heartbeat. The only thing that holds me back are the wait times. I don't know how long it would be from the time when I place my order to the time that I actually recieved it. The wait might kill me!
Anyway, these are my ideas for my first katana. If anyone has any ideas based on what I have said that I haven't listed here, I am more than open to suggestions! I would prefer something in the $150 - $300 range, but I can go a little over that for something which is quality. I thank you for taking the time to read this, and look forward to seeing peoples thoughts and suggestions!
~C Maxwell.