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Post by Dioxide on Jan 4, 2013 20:17:52 GMT
Im looking for a Ko Katana or similar sized blade (not necessarily Japanese).
I want the TOUGHEST blade I can get for around $300 (maybe $400 if its a big difference in quality) I want to know what will survive non-typical use, slicing through branches, bottles, hitting metal (I don't intend to do this), etc. something that can withstand heavy use without breaking the blade.
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Lunaman
Senior Forumite
Posts: 3,974
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Post by Lunaman on Jan 5, 2013 2:28:32 GMT
If you want something for non-typical use, get an axe or a hammer. Any good sword will break if misused. Swords should not be used for branches and brushwork or for striking metal. *SIGH* that being said, you sound like a swamprat or zombietools customer. Have a looksee: www.swampratknifeworks.com/company.htmlzombietools.net/tools/
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Jan 5, 2013 3:05:20 GMT
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Post by johnwalter on Jan 5, 2013 13:46:40 GMT
Have you seen the Hanwei Banshee?
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Post by Dioxide on Jan 5, 2013 22:29:06 GMT
Thanks for the info guys.
So far It seems the Rat Rucki is closest to what I'm looking for due to it's durability. Im not sure though how you can say a sword would break from that kind of use if it was made in a similar fashion (the Kaze Ko-Katana seems to withstand equal usage).
However, Ideally what I'm looking for now that I have a better idea is someone who can craft blades of that quality and resilience at a price point between $100-$300. Are there any small Blade crafters that generally do custom work? perhaps people that frequent here who have a good reputation for making custom blades out of Tool Steel or Spring steel(this seems to be key in the resilience of the piece from what I've seen)
Thanks again for the help
PS. Im assuming that sigh was due to Zombie nuts being frowned upon here, I am not one(and could never bring myself to purchase and "zombie" labeled product, In the Gun communities I'm with we can't stand that semprini either). I have studied Medieval Sword fighting in the past and have a small collection of non-decorative swords and I respect a good traditional blade build. That's just not what I'm looking for right now, I'm working on a custom project with my company and am doing research while looking for someone who can craft a custom blade.
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Lunaman
Senior Forumite
Posts: 3,974
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Post by Lunaman on Jan 5, 2013 23:20:44 GMT
A sword will break if you use it like an axe. Maybe not the first time, maybe not the tenth, but it won't be fun when it happens. Swords are made for cutting people or materials of similar density and weight to flesh. They will not survive if struck against unyielding targets, especially not in the hands of the inexperienced. If they are built to withstand that kind of treatment, they will not retain the handling characteristics and historical appropriateness that defined them as swords in the first place. You end up with sword-shaped objects that have more in common with axes or edged clubs. Chris over at Scorpion Knives has a reputation for making simple custom "beaters," and he's a nice guy. traditionalarcherybows.com/There is a limit to the quality you can get for that kind of money. Real custom swords that don't make any compromise on quality are much more expensive. Check out Fableblades for example, also run by a forumites and all-around excellent people. And Odinblades. www.fableblades.com/Swords.htmlwww.odinblades.com/No problem. Naw, man we get as many zombie nuts as any over here, and the people at Zombietools actually do make good blades. I like the ones I've handled: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=15000The sigh was for the simple fact ( that has more to do with me than you, by the way, you seem like a solid dude) that I am very tired of hearing people say they want a sword and then demand that it be indestructible in ways a sword cannot be. If you want to chop wood, get an axe. If you want a sword, get a sword. But don't ask for a sword that will chop wood. Paul does destructive tests on the main site to show the limits of what budget reproduction swords can take, and to draw in visitors, because lets face it, destructive tests look cool. But they're not what swords are for, and not what swords are about. It's a very common newbie request. "I want the TOUGHEST, most DURABLE, most BADASS sword, and I just heard about TOOL STEEL, can anybody tell me why people even bother making swords out of 1045 when supersteels like 9260 and T-10 exist??? And I don't have much of a budget, can anybody recommend a sword that's perfect in every way to my specifications but won't be over $150? I'm not picky about specifics, but I will shoot down any suggestions you guys offer to something that doesn't match it exactly."Etc. Etc. Etc. It is never a person's fault for not yet having all the information. And I get it, I really do. The common sword myths are attractive. Blades that don't rust. Edges that are super hard and sharp and never are damaged. Blocking an opponents blade edge to edge, slinging sparks, stabbing through armor. Cutting through chain mail. Requiring no maintenance. Making you powerful. Ready for the apocalypse. None of these are true. Like people, in many ways swords are more fragile than you'd expect. They are damaged by rash confrontation. They break under extreme pressure. They can wither away if neglected. They lose their sharpness over time. Even at their best, the things they can take on are far fewer than the things they are no match for. They are imperfect. They are real. But again like people, when focused on a task they are suited to, they excel. They can surprise you. They are tremendously agile. They can dance. They can sing. They can subvert your expectations. They can teach you about your assumptions. They can show you your weaknesses and play up your strengths. They can be more impressive than you'd given them credit for. They can affect the way you stand, the way you think. They can be capable of great evil or of acts of great courage. They can protect and they can defend, and they have for thousands of years. They can do all this, made even more impressive by the fact that they are not invincible. That the dangers associated with them are real. That they are not perfect, but they are perfectly suited for what they do. Who cares if they can't chop down tree branches?
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Jan 5, 2013 23:44:40 GMT
^^ pure poetry, brother
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Post by stickem on Jan 6, 2013 1:10:04 GMT
But I saw it in a cartoon and I think I can do it!!! Hey, watch this...
famous last words :shock:
Preach on, brother Lunatic. Well said :lol:
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Post by Stromlo_Swords_USA on Jan 6, 2013 2:49:07 GMT
Mod's can we give Luna a solid round of applause and then stick his post above on the main page of the site for eternity! Dioxide, I take it the sword you want is something a bit more forgiving, stick around and there will be plenty more suggestions. I would get something like a through hardened (TH) 5160 Hanwei Tinker (Euro swords) and Raptor (Japanese) sword ranges, they are tough, flexible, forgiving and yet still sword like. The Tak Wak is another idea, cashanwei.com/product/tactical-wakizashi/sh2432 is also pretty decent, tough and only $200. ymmv
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Jan 6, 2013 3:07:23 GMT
So true, if you wish to clear vines or jungle, machete, chop wood, axe, kindling, hatchet - all of these things have evolved over thousands of years to do the task they are designed for, notice the design of the axe has not changed for a thousand years, while there are variations between countries the basic design remains the same.
Not so the sword, the dynamics changed between countries, defence, offence and protection.
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Post by Dioxide on Jan 6, 2013 14:13:32 GMT
I agree, amazingly well said Luna. Thank you.
And yes, Im not looking for a mythical super blade of the gods, I can get those on Ebay for only $59.95 plus $675.00 S&H (Invincibility guaranteed). I'm Just looking for something that can withstand some abuse, and so far there have been some outstanding suggestions.
I do think anyone else looking at this though as a way to find themselves a sword should pay attention to what the community is saying here. DO NOT purchase any of these blades and try to chop everything you see in half, you will likely be seriously injured, even if these blades can withstand great abuse, they do not magically make you a professional badass. You or somebody else WILL be hurt if you don't respect the weapon your using (no matter what the label on it says wether it be Show piece, traditional, tactical, battle ready, magical, etc., etc.).
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Post by stickem on Jan 6, 2013 15:51:24 GMT
With that said, there are some swords you probably can go lumberjack with, though the cost of 'em is in the thousands. I got my axe for $25 at Lowe's, the handle is hickory, and it does the job better than a sword would So it is one of those things where if you spend thousands of bucks to have someone like Clark make you one out of L6 or Keffeler make you one from CMP3V, it doesn't seem like in good conscience you would subject it to this sort of abuse, banging it full force on your work bench or cutting down trees in your yard ... at least I wouldn't. Maybe you would, but it's sort of like using an elephant gun to kill a cockroach... that's what they make Black Flag for, you big dummy :lol: Another thing which amuses me is how often people get hung up on their sword being "razor sharp." So I got something from Gillette to shave with... is it important really that I be able to shave with my sword? Are you really sitting around on your couch making confetti out of notebook paper with your swords all day? Me neither... Maybe my katana can slice tomatoes... but I got a kitchen knife for that. It's made in Japan too and is a nice one... and it slices and dices fruits and vegetables and I make sandwiches... but I guess you could dress like a Shaolin monk and go ape$hit on your fruit with a katana... but why would you bother? As Lunaman alluded to, use the right tool for the job, and so on...
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Post by chrisperoni on Jan 6, 2013 16:13:51 GMT
probably the single most karma-worthy thing I've seen on the forum... all year
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Lunaman
Senior Forumite
Posts: 3,974
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Post by Lunaman on Jan 6, 2013 22:36:08 GMT
Thanks, guys, Also, Dioxide, I stumbled across the fact that there's a Wiwingti Sword Supply Ko Katana still hiding out in the classifieds. A very rare, very beautiful, almost legendary through-hardened ko-kat of which less than 50 were made. I'm debating buying it myself, even though Japanese blades aren't my area. :lol: viewtopic.php?f=36&t=14522&start=10Review: zenblades.proboards.com/index.cg ... &thread=36
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Post by Dioxide on Jan 6, 2013 23:40:18 GMT
Beautiful sword, I sent him a Pm. well see where it goes
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Lunaman
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Posts: 3,974
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Post by Lunaman on Jan 7, 2013 0:27:41 GMT
Hahaha, cool. Cool cool cool.
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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No matter where you go, there you are.
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Jan 7, 2013 0:38:13 GMT
That WSS Ko Kt is a very unique and attractive sword... but it will not hold up to the abuse you are looking for... and I would cry a little if one of the few left was busted on a tree branch. The two Luna suggested... Zombie Tools and SwampRat... those would be my suggestions as well.
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Lunaman
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Posts: 3,974
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Post by Lunaman on Jan 7, 2013 1:07:39 GMT
I meant it as a sign of good faith that at this point he wouldn't abuse it in the manner of his original post, but yea, if it hasn't been made clear yet, don't go tree clipping with a sword like the WSS Ko Kat. Or any sword.
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Post by Dioxide on Jan 7, 2013 2:49:21 GMT
No way, The WSS would be a collection piece for me(maybe the occasional cutting if/when I'm up to the task). Im not looking to abuse a piece of art like the WSS. If Im abusing a blade it will be a SwampRat, production piece, or a custom blade designed for that purpose.
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Jan 7, 2013 3:53:13 GMT
Also for a few extra dollars Swamp Rat will happily alter his work to suit your wishes.
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