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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2012 0:36:36 GMT
First off, hello all! I'm a newbie to the forum and not quite a newbie to swords, but certainly not an experienced expert or anything. I have a few years of martial arts training (1st dan tkd, about 1.5 years Bujinkan, some other weapons training), but not a whole of of sword-specific training. I'm giving some thought to purchasing a blade from Ryan Swords. I understand that they aren't top-notch quality, but I'm not looking for top-notch. The fact that you can customize the parts of the katana is a big attraction to me as I very much want a personalized appearance. Also, I don't need it to be battlefield quality, but if the zombie apocalypse or something occurs, I want something better than your average wall-hanger to strap on before I wander out into the wilds (along with my shotgun, ). I was considering ordering a cheapo from Ryan Swords, then upgrading the blade with something from Musashi or someone else later. If I'm crazy, just tell me, but give me another suggestion when you do.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Aug 15, 2012 0:46:33 GMT
Ryansword has a very spotty and somewhat poor history, though there has been a favorable review posted fairly recently. I still would not go with them, though. Musashi has their Shirakawa line, which is pretty good. Respected forum member and awesome customizer frankthebunny is selling swords from the Shirakawa line that have been custom wrapped by him for $175. You can see the base models at the bottom of this page. cottontailcustoms.com/AboutAlso in that bracket(sub-$100) is Swordnarmory's new Jubei line. Fit and finish are on par with the Shirakawa line, but with a stronger blade. What is your maximum budget?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2012 1:23:04 GMT
If you spend your money on something cheap right now, it'll be that much longer until you can get something good. I can't imagine that Ryansword is THAT much cheaper, is it?
If you want something quick and can't afford something like the $175 cottontail Musashi, that new Jubei line Adiran mentioned looks pretty tempting...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2012 2:23:16 GMT
Those Jubei ARE very nice...pretty hamon. Tempting.
The main thing I like about Ryan Sword's stuff is everything EXCEPT the blade. They have a particular tsuba with matching menuki and kashira that I like, along with a nice saya (it's a matching set of a snake pattern...I happen to have been born in the year of the snake).
I really don't want to spend more than $200 if I can avoid it.
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Post by chrisperoni on Aug 15, 2012 2:35:12 GMT
so get a huawei. They have all kinds of customization options and if you don't see what you want then send them pics of what you want and I bet they can get it. Their blades and better and more consistent in quality then ryansword crap. www.ebay.com/sch/huawei-sword/m.htmlWhen you see a sword you like, or one that is close- send them a message about it and what exactly you want- Jacky will take care of you
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2012 2:42:26 GMT
Thanks for the suggestion, Chris. I'll look into it :-)
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Kuya
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Post by Kuya on Aug 15, 2012 3:10:38 GMT
Most of Huawei's swords are over $200 save for the incredibly basic TH 9260s they have. If you can spring for the price Huawei charges (the average is $250-300 after shipping), that opens up a monstrous amount of options, as there are several quality brands in that price range. Under $200, though... I USED TO point people in the direction of the Munetoshi Mokko ( see my review here), but after I reviewed one, I stopped. There's a chance that the one given to me was a dud, but I can't in good conscience suggest the sword. Right now, the only game in town I can think of for under $200 is the $175 one from Cottontail Customs, but you're paying more for the excellent handle and assurance of a good fit on the "blade furniture" than the blade itself. I haven't had a chance to review one, but as of yet, I have seen not a single complaint about anything coming from Cottontail Customs. And believe me, a properly fit handle and tsuba make a whole world of difference. I have a Kris Cutlery 29-II in the mail coming back from Cottontail Customs (USPC Parcel Post from opposite coasts is going to take a while, though), so I'll be able to review the handle and worksmanship soon. Anyway, as for your RyanSword that you're interested in, if it has the fittings you want already assembled and fit to it, I suggest you get it. It's what you want and in your price range. Just whatever you do, DO NOT get a RyanSword with a bo-hi groove. Theirs are cheap and ugly looking. Huawei bo-hi grooves are seriously on another level of quality. Huawei sources their fittings from the same place as RyanSword, so if you can spare the extra money (eat out three or four times less this month, and you'll have the extra money needed), just "ask a question" via eBay and link them to the RyanSword with the fittings you want, and ask them if they can make a sword with those fittings for you.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2012 3:12:47 GMT
Huawei is quickly sounding like the proper solution...
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Aug 15, 2012 3:37:37 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2012 2:47:27 GMT
I second the Huawei stuff.
I recently got one. I don't have much experience with this stuff, but I do have an eye for quality and have always worked with my hands on metal and wood.
its not perfect, but it is pretty good for the price for sure. its friggin sharp too, so be careful.
there are a few knicks/scuffs/dings here and there, but nothing show stopping by any means.
The hada is very subtle and fine. the Hamon has lots of genuine movement and liveliness and follows all the way out to the tip. It does not fall off the blade anywhere.
there is some gluing cheapness,(partial same wrap on the saya) and there are some spots that the woodworking is a little bit off, but again, no showstoppers.
the tsukamaki is a slight bit loose, not bad, but slighly loose. and if I hold it in a traditional grip, and try to bend it in the "banana" direction, it has some slight movement. you can hear it, but not really see it.
the tsuba, habaki etc are all at least as good as anything in that price range.
one thing I really didn't like is that it took for EVER to get... they said it was because they ran out of the kind of wood I ordered for the saya(wenge), but cmon, it was 3-4 months...
the balance is nice, it seems to move well, and it is absolutely for sure a real weapon! I have cut a few things I shouldn't have(apple tree branches, etc) and it has absolutely no noticable damage, and is still friggin too sharp almost. Its sharper than my ceramic kitchen knives by a noticable margin.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2012 2:55:49 GMT
oh and it has a real geometric yokote, not a counter polish.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2012 3:33:41 GMT
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Kuya
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Post by Kuya on Aug 16, 2012 3:42:53 GMT
LOL! Huawei wins! I think this might be the best new $100 sword out there at the moment. Swordsmith668 looks like another subsidiary of RyanSwords. Their bo-hi end cheap, and the styles and fittings all look similar. Huawei uses the same fittings usually also, but their blades stand out compared to the other sellers.
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Post by zentesukenVII on Aug 16, 2012 5:55:30 GMT
Custom swords that are any good usually cost a bit more, closer to 200-300$ and wayyyy up after that. Huawei however has a good reputation on this forum, you can go much wrong with them. I will highly recommend Musashi swords as well. They are outstanding quality for the price. I have owned 4, three shirakawa line (the 1060 Deferentially hardened), and one of the lower priced TH models, the specific sword is the Shirasaya, costs about 50$. As far as the 1060 DH ones they were exceptional. My bamboo is still one of my favorite cutters and handlers. The edge does not stay too great after a lot of cutting, but two passes with 1000 grit over the edge and it is razor sharp again. The shirasaya was not as good quality, but the blade can cut mats and bottles fine. I'd recommend the Musashi 1060 line or this: www.ebay.com/itm/HANDFORGED-RAZO ... 181wt_1186 Hauwei is bit more expensive, but their TH line (9260) looks pretty wicked. I may be getting one very soon.
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