Kris Cutlery Jian27
Sept 14, 2012 1:57:53 GMT
Post by pinoyHerbalist on Sept 14, 2012 1:57:53 GMT
Introduction
I was looking for a new sword, I have always liked Chinese, European, and Filipino swords, (I only buy swords that I have training with, thus my collection still lacks any European swords), and I've bought swords from various manufacturers (TFW, Cold Steel, Hanwei, etc.) I've always been interested in trying a sword from Kris Cutlery, so this will be my first sword from KC. What attracted me to this sword was price, measurements as stated on website, and looks, with the hope that it will live up to be a sword that can be used for cutting as well as forms.
Historical Overview
I cannot be sure of how this sword measures against its historical counterpart as I've not handled any antiques.
Full Disclosure
I paid the price as stated on the website. I have no connections with the manufacturer.
Initial Impressions
Picked it up at the ups customer care center on the way to work (having aggravating problems with UPS in this area, but that's another topic). Box was dented but the sword seemed ok inside. One thing to my dismay was a rattling sound when I tilted or swung the sword. It turned out to be a loose blade collar. On the website, the floral motif looked well, like an out of fashion engraving. Up close, it looks just like that. Perhaps some people will really like it, but I would rather have gone without the engraving. After a few thrusts with decent fajing, the collar seems to stop rattling, I'm sure it's still loose, just stuck.
Statistics From the Manufacturer's Website
Blade Length: 27.5"
Handle Length: 5"
Overall Length: 36"
POB: 4.5" from Guard
Weight: 1.6 lbs
Components
Blade
Folded 9250 and 1060 steel. Diamond shaped profile, sharp but not hair shaving sharp.
Handle
Brown Wood
Guard
Antiqued Brass, engraved with motif.
Pommel
Threaded, comes with tassel
Scabbard
Brown Wood with antiqued brass fittings
Handling Characteristics
I promptly removed the nice looking tassel, as I don't practice with one.The blade stiffness is between the Paul Chen Practical Tai Chi Sword and Cold Steel Gim, being closer to the stiffness of the Gim. Balance feels good to me, I'm 5'6" 140lbs.
Test Cutting
I will upload when I get the chance.
Conclusion
Overall nice jian for presentation, forms, and perhaps light cutting... and if you like the floral motif then it makes good for show up close. Nice, but not exactly what I was looking for or hoping. I will have to handle this a few more days and try out some light to moderate cutting to see if this is a sword that will grow on me. Not exactly the kick-ass "buy this awesome sword" kind of review I was hoping to do as my first review.
Pros
Price is good, overall design is aesthetically pleasing. Balance feels right.
Folded steel.
Cons
Loose collar on arrival
engraved design looks very plain and even cheap
Bottom Line
Because of the loose collar, I have some worries about QC, and don't know if I would buy from there again or recommend to anyone... I had contacted the company to see what they recommend about a loose blade collar.
I was looking for a new sword, I have always liked Chinese, European, and Filipino swords, (I only buy swords that I have training with, thus my collection still lacks any European swords), and I've bought swords from various manufacturers (TFW, Cold Steel, Hanwei, etc.) I've always been interested in trying a sword from Kris Cutlery, so this will be my first sword from KC. What attracted me to this sword was price, measurements as stated on website, and looks, with the hope that it will live up to be a sword that can be used for cutting as well as forms.
Historical Overview
I cannot be sure of how this sword measures against its historical counterpart as I've not handled any antiques.
Full Disclosure
I paid the price as stated on the website. I have no connections with the manufacturer.
Initial Impressions
Picked it up at the ups customer care center on the way to work (having aggravating problems with UPS in this area, but that's another topic). Box was dented but the sword seemed ok inside. One thing to my dismay was a rattling sound when I tilted or swung the sword. It turned out to be a loose blade collar. On the website, the floral motif looked well, like an out of fashion engraving. Up close, it looks just like that. Perhaps some people will really like it, but I would rather have gone without the engraving. After a few thrusts with decent fajing, the collar seems to stop rattling, I'm sure it's still loose, just stuck.
Statistics From the Manufacturer's Website
Blade Length: 27.5"
Handle Length: 5"
Overall Length: 36"
POB: 4.5" from Guard
Weight: 1.6 lbs
Components
Blade
Folded 9250 and 1060 steel. Diamond shaped profile, sharp but not hair shaving sharp.
Handle
Brown Wood
Guard
Antiqued Brass, engraved with motif.
Pommel
Threaded, comes with tassel
Scabbard
Brown Wood with antiqued brass fittings
Handling Characteristics
I promptly removed the nice looking tassel, as I don't practice with one.The blade stiffness is between the Paul Chen Practical Tai Chi Sword and Cold Steel Gim, being closer to the stiffness of the Gim. Balance feels good to me, I'm 5'6" 140lbs.
Test Cutting
I will upload when I get the chance.
Conclusion
Overall nice jian for presentation, forms, and perhaps light cutting... and if you like the floral motif then it makes good for show up close. Nice, but not exactly what I was looking for or hoping. I will have to handle this a few more days and try out some light to moderate cutting to see if this is a sword that will grow on me. Not exactly the kick-ass "buy this awesome sword" kind of review I was hoping to do as my first review.
Pros
Price is good, overall design is aesthetically pleasing. Balance feels right.
Folded steel.
Cons
Loose collar on arrival
engraved design looks very plain and even cheap
Bottom Line
Because of the loose collar, I have some worries about QC, and don't know if I would buy from there again or recommend to anyone... I had contacted the company to see what they recommend about a loose blade collar.