katana1980 Spring steel Han Jian Review
Dec 7, 2013 5:40:37 GMT
Post by THE_SUPERWEIRDO on Dec 7, 2013 5:40:37 GMT
It arrived earlier than I expected it to be.
Since the topic of eBay Han Jian swords are a bit of a mystery, I hope this review would help give more info about the Han jian market below the $300 mark.
Anyway, here's my review on katana1980's Spring Steel Han Jian.
Disclosure
I bought this at eBay from the seller katana1980 at the price point of $207.00 with free shipping. The only experience I have is with some Euros and mostly Katanas. I'm still trying to find instructional video of Chinese swordmanship. :oops:
History of the Sword (Newb alert)
As the name of it suggests, the sword is modeled after Han Dynasty era swords. It is considered to be the "Gentleman of weapons" in China. Jian swords are generally straight, double edged, and single handed. Although it looks like it was specialized to only stab, it was can also cut as much as it can thrust.
First Impressions
The sword arrived on a tape wrapped 2-piece styrofoam package. I find it interesting since it's a first I had a sword arrive without any cardboard box to contain it. That alone just gave me an idea that this sword would be different from my expectations..
The styrofoam package left little pieces of foam all over the sword. Thankfully, the free sword bag, which was decent quality, covered the actual sword from annoying foam bits.
Even if there weren't no bag, the sword also came in with plastic coverings. The plastic gave good protection on the sword from shipping and was easy to remove, so they weren't that of a nuisance.
The first time holding the sword, it felt very solid and very hefty on weight. It gives that "feeling" from a sword that just says: "I'm functional!" But I'm still skeptical about functionality at that point
Statistics (I will update this section, since I somewhat forgot to list these down...)
Blade Length: 29" from the guard
Material: 9260 Spring steel? :?
Handle Length:
Overall Length: 41"
POB (Point of Balance):
Weight:
Components
The Blade
The blade was initially covered with plastic as well but after uncovering it, I didn't expect to see my own reflection on it so easily...
The blade was straight and even passed a mini flex test of mine where I flexed just a little and it flexed back to its original form. (I'm not that brave on doing a major flex test on any of my blades :mrgreen: )
The Handle
There's nothing that much to say about the handle... It's also my unfavorite part of the whole sword. :? The cord used for the wrap is not traditional as far as I know, and the wrapping itself is not that tight. The big knots on the handle near the guard can easily move after a couple swings.
Also, there's speculation about most production Han Jian swords having a hollow grip, so that also adds mystery to this strange little handle...
The Fittings
Upon first inspection, the fittings were not bad but not great either. They're very intricate and detailed and probably made of some alloy. With more detail, the guard wasn't EXACTLY align with the spine of the blade.
But those are small things. :lol: Overall, there were no loose fittings and looked nice.
The Scabbard
The look and finish of the scabbard is pretty attractive. The untraditional cord wrappings kinda ruin the look of it a little, but still looks cool.
The fit of the blade in the scabbard is okay. One side, the blade noticeably can't fit correctly and rattles a lot in the scabbard, but flipped on another, it has a more snug fit and has fewer rattles.
The only problem I see with the scabbard is when sheathed, the sword doesn't completely go in, like when the guard is touching the scabbard, and that the sword isn't flush with the scabbard, making the whole sword look awkward when it's sheathed.
Handling Characteristics
I forgot what the POB was exactly, but I remember how slightly farther it was from the guard, making the sword somewhat blade heavy. Although it had a bit of an issue on balance, it was still light and quick on the hand, but that was with two hands... :mrgreen:
(The farther POB gave me a thought: The handle may either be made of light wood or it's actually hollow. Either way, it encourages me to start thinking of making a new handle made of heavier wood.)
Doing some practice swings, the sword had a very audible tachi-kaze, pretty noticable that when I swung it the first time, I was surprised. There's also no loose parts when swinging it around, it seems like the whole sword construction is solid.
Test Cutting
The blade was also surprisingly sharp (This sword is just full of unexpected qualities). I would say that the sharpness was mainly due to the fact the blade profile is very slim and forms a sharper cutting angle.
(I'll be cutting with this soon and will try to get the results posted)
Conclusions
I would definitely say this buy wasn't a mistake. Despite it's problems, like the scabbard fit and the mystery behind the possibility of hollow handle, I fell in love with the sword by it's overall look and feel. Also being my first Chinese sword, this sword is going to be part of my favorite collection.
Pros
- Very nice mirror polish wth sharp edge on a spring steel blade
- Price is cheap for a functional Han Jian sword
- Nicely built/Solid constuction
Neutral: Unknown situation with whether the handle is hollow or not, but the fit is solid.
Cons
- Cord wrapping is not traditional
- Fit on the scabbard isn't that great
The Bottom Line
I would only recommend this sword to people who are basically desperate for a functional Han Jian sword, like me. :mrgreen: And those who definitely can't afford the nicer Han swords from companies like JinShi.
This is a great option for those who want to get into Chinese swords for a lower price.
Sorry if this review was a little rushed. :oops: I was a bit excited when the sword arrived and wanted to spent more time on the sword, just trying to know about how it moves. If you guys have any questions, I will try my best to answer most of them.
This review is also 85% complete. :?
Since the topic of eBay Han Jian swords are a bit of a mystery, I hope this review would help give more info about the Han jian market below the $300 mark.
Anyway, here's my review on katana1980's Spring Steel Han Jian.
Disclosure
I bought this at eBay from the seller katana1980 at the price point of $207.00 with free shipping. The only experience I have is with some Euros and mostly Katanas. I'm still trying to find instructional video of Chinese swordmanship. :oops:
History of the Sword (Newb alert)
As the name of it suggests, the sword is modeled after Han Dynasty era swords. It is considered to be the "Gentleman of weapons" in China. Jian swords are generally straight, double edged, and single handed. Although it looks like it was specialized to only stab, it was can also cut as much as it can thrust.
First Impressions
The sword arrived on a tape wrapped 2-piece styrofoam package. I find it interesting since it's a first I had a sword arrive without any cardboard box to contain it. That alone just gave me an idea that this sword would be different from my expectations..
The styrofoam package left little pieces of foam all over the sword. Thankfully, the free sword bag, which was decent quality, covered the actual sword from annoying foam bits.
Even if there weren't no bag, the sword also came in with plastic coverings. The plastic gave good protection on the sword from shipping and was easy to remove, so they weren't that of a nuisance.
The first time holding the sword, it felt very solid and very hefty on weight. It gives that "feeling" from a sword that just says: "I'm functional!" But I'm still skeptical about functionality at that point
Statistics (I will update this section, since I somewhat forgot to list these down...)
Blade Length: 29" from the guard
Material: 9260 Spring steel? :?
Handle Length:
Overall Length: 41"
POB (Point of Balance):
Weight:
Components
The Blade
The blade was initially covered with plastic as well but after uncovering it, I didn't expect to see my own reflection on it so easily...
The blade was straight and even passed a mini flex test of mine where I flexed just a little and it flexed back to its original form. (I'm not that brave on doing a major flex test on any of my blades :mrgreen: )
The Handle
There's nothing that much to say about the handle... It's also my unfavorite part of the whole sword. :? The cord used for the wrap is not traditional as far as I know, and the wrapping itself is not that tight. The big knots on the handle near the guard can easily move after a couple swings.
Also, there's speculation about most production Han Jian swords having a hollow grip, so that also adds mystery to this strange little handle...
The Fittings
Upon first inspection, the fittings were not bad but not great either. They're very intricate and detailed and probably made of some alloy. With more detail, the guard wasn't EXACTLY align with the spine of the blade.
But those are small things. :lol: Overall, there were no loose fittings and looked nice.
The Scabbard
The look and finish of the scabbard is pretty attractive. The untraditional cord wrappings kinda ruin the look of it a little, but still looks cool.
The fit of the blade in the scabbard is okay. One side, the blade noticeably can't fit correctly and rattles a lot in the scabbard, but flipped on another, it has a more snug fit and has fewer rattles.
The only problem I see with the scabbard is when sheathed, the sword doesn't completely go in, like when the guard is touching the scabbard, and that the sword isn't flush with the scabbard, making the whole sword look awkward when it's sheathed.
Handling Characteristics
I forgot what the POB was exactly, but I remember how slightly farther it was from the guard, making the sword somewhat blade heavy. Although it had a bit of an issue on balance, it was still light and quick on the hand, but that was with two hands... :mrgreen:
(The farther POB gave me a thought: The handle may either be made of light wood or it's actually hollow. Either way, it encourages me to start thinking of making a new handle made of heavier wood.)
Doing some practice swings, the sword had a very audible tachi-kaze, pretty noticable that when I swung it the first time, I was surprised. There's also no loose parts when swinging it around, it seems like the whole sword construction is solid.
Test Cutting
The blade was also surprisingly sharp (This sword is just full of unexpected qualities). I would say that the sharpness was mainly due to the fact the blade profile is very slim and forms a sharper cutting angle.
(I'll be cutting with this soon and will try to get the results posted)
Conclusions
I would definitely say this buy wasn't a mistake. Despite it's problems, like the scabbard fit and the mystery behind the possibility of hollow handle, I fell in love with the sword by it's overall look and feel. Also being my first Chinese sword, this sword is going to be part of my favorite collection.
Pros
- Very nice mirror polish wth sharp edge on a spring steel blade
- Price is cheap for a functional Han Jian sword
- Nicely built/Solid constuction
Neutral: Unknown situation with whether the handle is hollow or not, but the fit is solid.
Cons
- Cord wrapping is not traditional
- Fit on the scabbard isn't that great
The Bottom Line
I would only recommend this sword to people who are basically desperate for a functional Han Jian sword, like me. :mrgreen: And those who definitely can't afford the nicer Han swords from companies like JinShi.
This is a great option for those who want to get into Chinese swords for a lower price.
Sorry if this review was a little rushed. :oops: I was a bit excited when the sword arrived and wanted to spent more time on the sword, just trying to know about how it moves. If you guys have any questions, I will try my best to answer most of them.
This review is also 85% complete. :?