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Post by Valandur on May 28, 2013 2:12:12 GMT
Came across this listing... www.ebay.com/itm/CAS-Paul-Chen-H ... 2a2cba3115 It claims to be a CAS Hanwei Goldian Oriole. Now I've seen these swords made by others and being sold as cheaper versions. If its a real Paul Chen, it sells for 6-700. But if its a knock off it only sells for $3-400. I asked the seller if he could take some pics of tags and maybe the makers mark, but haven't heard back from them. Can anyone spot any obvious signs, or flaws that might indicate this is the cheaper model?
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Post by Dr. Whom on May 28, 2013 2:49:06 GMT
Looks legit to me as a two time owner of this sword
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Post by frankthebunny on May 28, 2013 2:52:23 GMT
I don't know this particular sword very well but the tsuba and kashira are different and there is no hi on this model so I would think it isn't legit.
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Post by Valandur on May 28, 2013 2:54:23 GMT
Wicked Dr. whom! Thanks for the reply Here are the images.. I was wondering about the Tsuba, it did look different then the Tsuba's I've seen on other Orioles. Hrmm. Here is the Tusba on the www.nihonzashi.com/shinken_golden_oriole.aspx Model. Oh o, I'm getting that itch! :?
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Post by uchiha998 on May 28, 2013 4:25:21 GMT
I'm also pretty sure it is not legit. I can't say for sure because it is possible hanwei made a different version of it in previous years, not unlike the way the first Budos were different than the current model. However that Tsuba just doesn't look right to me. This sword doesn't have a bo-hi either and everywhere I see the Golden Oriole being sold it does have a bo-hi. They could have produced models without the bo-hi I've just never seen one. I suppose I cannot say it is not the real thing, however I would need something more to go on before I spent $500 on it. You could pay an extra $150 and know your getting the real thing and it won't have that ugly Tsuba(just my opinion, forgive me). I do however love the look of the blade without the bo-hi. Buy with caution.
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Post by frankthebunny on May 28, 2013 4:53:21 GMT
Here's a video showing good detail and a lot of good pics from Hanwei's facebook pageIt is a little frustrating that Hanwei's own site description is inaccurate and has such poor picture selection. I saw on one site that the steel is listed as 1065 but I can't find this info on the official site, can anyone confirm this?
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Post by grmnsplx on May 28, 2013 5:21:05 GMT
It's legit. This is the original version of the sword.
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Marc
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Senior Forumite
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Post by Marc on May 28, 2013 11:05:03 GMT
Looks like the original design. Better overall looking IMHO.
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kaiyo
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Post by kaiyo on May 28, 2013 11:06:53 GMT
yes absolutely legit - its the older version of this model
IMO better blade, fittings are :?
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Post by uchiha998 on May 28, 2013 12:30:23 GMT
Well that was the one scenario I had been curious about. That Tsuba really threw me off though, It look so...wrong, idk. I guess because even though it looks more like a full thick iron tsuba the way I like them, it looks more like a knock off of something old rather than something actually old or based on an old Japanese tsuba. I do like the blade better as Kaiyo said.
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Post by stickem on May 28, 2013 13:12:44 GMT
I have the 1st generation Golden Oriole daishō. The katana does not have a bo hi in the original model. The fittings on mine look very similar to what you have pictured. The color of the saya and ito are a beautiful blue The tsuba on the 1st gen is made of copper. This is why it looks different than almost anything out there, including later models of this sword. It is really cool, actually. and looks like this: Here is the story which goes along with it: I would be happy to try and get someone to take a pic of me holding a 1st gen daishō if that would help you see one that is certified... though on 2nd thought, the words 'me' and 'certified' really go together in the same sentence too well for this to be of much help :shock: :lol: If the one on eBay is indeed in new condition, then indeed it is a steal Attachments:
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Post by Valandur on May 28, 2013 13:27:47 GMT
Well, for better or worse, despite a small skirmish with my wife, I Stole that Oriole! :lol:
I might have gotten suckered, but if its the real deal, on an unused, or even lightly used Paul Chen then it's way worth it to me. Usually I find swords selling at retail, I jumped on this one cause it was a good bit below retail. The seller is responsive and seems to know what he's talking about.
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kaiyo
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Post by kaiyo on May 28, 2013 13:42:23 GMT
good steal
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Post by stickem on May 28, 2013 14:07:44 GMT
This is a good question and one I have scratched my noggin about before... Hanwei always advertises it as ' high carbon steel' w/o further details. The Hanwei powered sugar hamon makes it difficult for my eyes to discern if it is 1095 or not. Back in the day they used to make stuff from that Manchurian rail steel... maybe it is made of 1065 now and used to be made of something else originally... you follow my train of thought :? Josh, maybe your new-found pull with Blake the Hanwei man can get us an answer
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Post by Valandur on May 28, 2013 14:30:55 GMT
I agree. I've poked around but haven't come across any info other then the "high carbon steel". With that said, I'm glad this blade comes with no Bohi, it will be stronger for cutting.
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