Does this exist? Is it possible? First sword question...
Dec 7, 2012 2:23:51 GMT
Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2012 2:23:51 GMT
Alright... forgive me for being the squeeky wheel with the whole, "I'm new here, I want an amazing sword for $200," but I believe my actual expectations can be met.
First, I want to give some up-front information around the history before my first purchase. I am buying two swords. They can be different. One is for me and one is for my brother-in-law who practices different forms of martial arts. He has no idea I'm getting him a sword and I want him to light up on Christmas day (and I want him to light up because he knows that I bought him something that is at least quality - he wouldn't expect a $3000 custom-made Japanese piece of artwork - so please don't go there, as well as the common, "Well, you're not going to get, X, Y, Z with $300. I know this. I'm just trying to get the best for me that I can at $300. There are no unreal expectations for the price range here).
Requirements:
1. I want both swords to be cutters (mats, pool-noodles and watermelons, and maybe a zombie if we ever get there). We are both new, but we will take it seriously and I believe will advance from novice to intermediate quite quickly. I research a lot, and learn before doing.
2. $350 or below for each sword (I could probably hit $400, but I'm buying two). If it absolutely DEMANDS $400, then tell me why in detail. (I could go $300 for his, and $400 for mine as well. $700 total I suppose.)
3. I want to "invest" in a blade that would be worth upgrading if possible. This is a tall order, I understand that. So, blade more important than fittings, etc...
3.5 I prefer durability and cutting performance rather than overall looks and decor, as long as it's not loose and falling apart. These will hang on the wall most of the time, but when we use them, I expect that they could (I repeat, COULD) take some abuse - think zombie apocalypse, worst case scenario. I want to get into a martial art that utilizes the sword.
4. I am really interested in the spring steel like 9260 or 5160 because of the appeal of durability. I'm really interested in the HWS-1S that Hanwei offers on the Lion Dog. (I'm actually really interested in this sword and would move up in class if it's worth it.)
4.5.I would really like a folded steel with layers that you can see. This is for me, not necessarily his sword. I would like them to be legititmate folds with layering that is visible that I can be proud of. I don't want etching or after-forging fake lines that are added. If it is by lamination or folding, I don't mind as long as it's visible, durable and authentic.
So far, I've seen recommendations for Hanwei (Raptor Shobu Zukuri), Kris Cutlery (Katana 28), Dynasty Forge (Bushi on sale/used) and Bugei Musha or entry-level line. I would prefer a 27-29" full katana, with a handle 11-13" long and I'm indifferent about the bo-hi as I have no experience (but probably no bo-hi from what I've read). I really like the idea of the Cheness Tenchi and Kaze, but I've heard bad things on here about Cheness. Is there anything similar to these from the other three manufacturers that I've mentioned above? Differentially hardened like the Kaze (with hamon), and then a through hardened like the Tenchi?
After thought questions...
Can you expound on thoughts of the Raptor Shobu Zukuri? I can get one on hanweikatanaswords.com for $200. What is this sword about, and how is it different than the Practical series that is more often recommended?
As for the Lion Dog, any thoughts about this sword? I would actually consider the $700 asking price. And in that range, what else would you consider if it is a LOT better than the $300 class? And, why is it such as better sword than a $300 sword? Is it ornamental or is it functional differences? Is it worth it to go up to $500-700? What do you get for the added cost?
Lastly, please be specific as possible and thorough. I don't have a lot of time, so answering parts of questions without answering the rest isn't as helpful.
My sincere thanks in advance...
-Ryan Cleary
First, I want to give some up-front information around the history before my first purchase. I am buying two swords. They can be different. One is for me and one is for my brother-in-law who practices different forms of martial arts. He has no idea I'm getting him a sword and I want him to light up on Christmas day (and I want him to light up because he knows that I bought him something that is at least quality - he wouldn't expect a $3000 custom-made Japanese piece of artwork - so please don't go there, as well as the common, "Well, you're not going to get, X, Y, Z with $300. I know this. I'm just trying to get the best for me that I can at $300. There are no unreal expectations for the price range here).
Requirements:
1. I want both swords to be cutters (mats, pool-noodles and watermelons, and maybe a zombie if we ever get there). We are both new, but we will take it seriously and I believe will advance from novice to intermediate quite quickly. I research a lot, and learn before doing.
2. $350 or below for each sword (I could probably hit $400, but I'm buying two). If it absolutely DEMANDS $400, then tell me why in detail. (I could go $300 for his, and $400 for mine as well. $700 total I suppose.)
3. I want to "invest" in a blade that would be worth upgrading if possible. This is a tall order, I understand that. So, blade more important than fittings, etc...
3.5 I prefer durability and cutting performance rather than overall looks and decor, as long as it's not loose and falling apart. These will hang on the wall most of the time, but when we use them, I expect that they could (I repeat, COULD) take some abuse - think zombie apocalypse, worst case scenario. I want to get into a martial art that utilizes the sword.
4. I am really interested in the spring steel like 9260 or 5160 because of the appeal of durability. I'm really interested in the HWS-1S that Hanwei offers on the Lion Dog. (I'm actually really interested in this sword and would move up in class if it's worth it.)
4.5.I would really like a folded steel with layers that you can see. This is for me, not necessarily his sword. I would like them to be legititmate folds with layering that is visible that I can be proud of. I don't want etching or after-forging fake lines that are added. If it is by lamination or folding, I don't mind as long as it's visible, durable and authentic.
So far, I've seen recommendations for Hanwei (Raptor Shobu Zukuri), Kris Cutlery (Katana 28), Dynasty Forge (Bushi on sale/used) and Bugei Musha or entry-level line. I would prefer a 27-29" full katana, with a handle 11-13" long and I'm indifferent about the bo-hi as I have no experience (but probably no bo-hi from what I've read). I really like the idea of the Cheness Tenchi and Kaze, but I've heard bad things on here about Cheness. Is there anything similar to these from the other three manufacturers that I've mentioned above? Differentially hardened like the Kaze (with hamon), and then a through hardened like the Tenchi?
After thought questions...
Can you expound on thoughts of the Raptor Shobu Zukuri? I can get one on hanweikatanaswords.com for $200. What is this sword about, and how is it different than the Practical series that is more often recommended?
As for the Lion Dog, any thoughts about this sword? I would actually consider the $700 asking price. And in that range, what else would you consider if it is a LOT better than the $300 class? And, why is it such as better sword than a $300 sword? Is it ornamental or is it functional differences? Is it worth it to go up to $500-700? What do you get for the added cost?
Lastly, please be specific as possible and thorough. I don't have a lot of time, so answering parts of questions without answering the rest isn't as helpful.
My sincere thanks in advance...
-Ryan Cleary