|
Post by TrueNewB on Sept 7, 2012 15:00:37 GMT
I am currently very close to buying my first sword. I decided seven months ago that I would be purchasing my first sword, and started researching. I quickly found this to be my best resource, so I thought I would tap the considerable knowledge of the members in helping me shore up my decision. I eventually decided that I am going to start with a katana about 3 months ago. I am trying to stay under the $200 price point, and I won't be subjecting it to heavy abuse. I then basically settled on a Ronin "Okinawa" Dojo Katana and have been waiting patiently (sigh) for it to become avaiable so I could snap one up. Of course, while I'm waiting, I'm going to continue to look online. I've recently seen something on the Reliks website that piqued my interest. They are offering two swords (which are here www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=2961 and here www.reliks.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=2770) for around the same price point as the sword I am planning to buy on here. The pictures look decent enough too my amateur eyes, but there seems to be no information about who manufactures them. Am I overlooking something? Why can't I find out where these swords were made? Does anyone have experience with either model? Should I buy one of these or wait for the Ronin? I would greatly appreciate the wisdom of more knowledgable members (which would be basically everyone on this forum). Lastly, I am also open to any opinions of any additional sub $200 swords that could serve my purposes of being able to do some light cutting. I am not terribly concerned with the tsuba style or other pieces I know I can replace later. I am just looking for a solidly constructed sword with a good blade in my price range. I'm hoping you will be able to guide me to the right purchase. The main thing I'm trying to avoid is paying good money on my first sword and ending up disappointed. Thanks in advance for your help.
|
|
|
Post by bladeright on Sept 7, 2012 16:05:57 GMT
ive never held a ronin, but i dont think i have heard anything bad about them. if you want to wait and afford, do it
1045 steel, i would stay away from, its most likely too mild of steel to hold an edge good. also if they dont say what type of steel, like on the second link damascus, i would stay away from
you should be able to get a good blade from hanwei on ebay. many people here dont have many problems with them, and you can get a blade pretty cheap, easily around the 200 marker
|
|
|
Post by TrueNewB on Sept 7, 2012 23:04:33 GMT
Thanks. Unless someone on here can give me a compelling reason to purchase either of the Reliks swords, I imagine I'll just stay away. I have been looking at the Cheness "Maru" but everything I've seen online has led me to believe I'd probably be happier with a Ronin Dojo sword. If anyone wants to try and convince me the Maru is a good purchase, I'm all ears.
I made an inquiry as to when more will come in to the SBG store, and if it's going to be a while I may just buy a a Musashi bamboo and be able to save some more money up before they come in.
|
|
|
Post by bladeright on Sept 7, 2012 23:58:54 GMT
again being 1045 steel, id stay away, even the description says, will need more sharpening and polishing, but they would be better than the others from the first links. www.ebay.com/sch/huawei-sword/m. ... 8f&_sop=15 these are the guys i was saying, you can see reviews here and not much bad has been said. they have a few easily in your range
|
|
Sam H
Member
Posts: 1,099
|
Post by Sam H on Sept 8, 2012 1:18:22 GMT
I've got slightly used but paper cutting sharp Hanwei Practical Special Katana (SH2376) that you can have for $150 shipped to anywhere in the continental USA if you're interested.
Otherwise I'd suggest buying the Musashi Bamboo and saving money for your Ronin Katana.
|
|
|
Post by Adrian Jordan on Sept 8, 2012 3:38:34 GMT
I have one of the Ronin Dojo katanas, a model very similar to the Okinawa, in 1045. It is very sturdy and a blast to cut with. For under $200, you can also look at Munetoshi, which is had at Swordnarmory. I've had two Munetoshi's, and I liked them both. They have numerous models to choose from in your price range.
|
|
Kuya
Registered
Posts: 1,396
|
Post by Kuya on Sept 8, 2012 4:39:51 GMT
Hua Wei is broken. They just give too good a sword for under $200, that it's unfair.
|
|
|
Post by chrisperoni on Sept 8, 2012 5:47:51 GMT
don't buy that poop from Reliks. Sorry but they are overpriced- those are probably $50 swords. I wish Reliks did offer better prices but they just don't have the ability to compete. I wish I could buy from a local seller but it's just not worth it by too much.
Besides that the others posting here have offered better options. Are you located in Ontario or Canada? I am in Windsor and can tell you KOA will almost always be better than Reliks for prices even after shipping and customs.
|
|
|
Post by TrueNewB on Sept 9, 2012 15:55:27 GMT
Thanks to everyone. Paul has informed me it will be January before the Okinawa will be available. I ha e been looking at the options you all gave me and really appreciate it. Sam, I'd be interested in seeing some pics of your Practical Special, but I do live in Canada so that may make shipping a problem. I'm also wondering how huwaei can sell these swords so cheap. Are there any drawbacks at all?
|
|
|
Post by DavidW on Sept 9, 2012 18:41:12 GMT
well from what I know, Huawei's shipping is like $48, cause it's international, so that's a drawback per se. Also, if you do a custom order, they may mix up minor things like the color of the fittings or something, as english isn't their first language and mixups in general. I believe the general consensus is that if you buy a stock item they have, it'll be great.
|
|
Kuya
Registered
Posts: 1,396
|
Post by Kuya on Sept 9, 2012 19:19:35 GMT
Good point about the shipping. Hua Wei regularly adds quite a bit of shipping cost, and the listings with "free shipping" are generally even more than the $48 they charge on the listings without "free" shipping. So... taking into account of shipping costs, I found this neat little thing from forum member Rob's favorite eBay blader Swordsmith668. $213 - $48 = $175. Folded pattern with a hamon, and a choice in handle fittings... I'm getting one now just to try out. Expect a review within the next few weeks!
|
|
Sébastien
Senior Forumite
Retired Moderator
Posts: 2,967
|
Post by Sébastien on Sept 10, 2012 3:42:52 GMT
Hello TrueNewb Welcome to SBG ! Don't worry too much about having your shipping box crossing the border. I too live in Canada and i never had any problem with shipping. The only bad part is that we have to pay more shipping fees than our american mates (expect 20 to 40$ for shipping, plus some taxes based on the value of your package). The best way to save some bucks through shipping is to have Fed-Ex or USPS do the job. UPS often charges a very hefty extra lump of cash. As to 1045 steel, it is a functionnal blade material. I have two 1045 katanas and they cut fine. They loose their edge after a few cutting sessions, but cut fine after a quick resharpening and stay functionnal as long as you don't do stupid things. I wouldn't worry about owning a 1045 steel katana. As long as you know that it is a well-made blade, built by a reliable maker, 1045 blades can fulfill most of a backyard cutter's needs. Happy shopping and see ya on the forum
|
|
Sam H
Member
Posts: 1,099
|
Post by Sam H on Sept 10, 2012 22:33:05 GMT
Truenewb, I'll post pics as soon as I can get a decent camera. However cost of shipping to Canada is going to raise the price a bit (not much) and you might have to jump through some hoops to get your sword.
In all honesty though I'd suggest just saving up.
|
|
|
Post by frankthebunny on Sept 10, 2012 23:25:00 GMT
not for nothing but I do offer good beginner level musashi warrior swords with custom wrapped handles within your price range. they are 1060 carbon steel with a very good rep and are available with hi or no hi and a bunch of different fittings to choose from. you can see more at the bottom of this pagenot being pushy, just sayin -Josh
|
|
Kuya
Registered
Posts: 1,396
|
Post by Kuya on Sept 11, 2012 6:19:27 GMT
If you go with Frankthebunny's sword (which is a good idea, just for the handle work alone), get the Bamboo version. Those koshirae fittings aren't very easy to find for such a low price.
|
|