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Post by Arwyn on May 6, 2014 18:12:10 GMT
After talking to Ruan at Lyue Sword, I have gone ahead an ordered one of their Han Jian for testing and review. According to Ruan, the grip is solid wood, and not hollow, which is an issue with most commercial Han Jian. Should see the sword in the next three to four weeks. Here is the sword in question; www.ebay.com/itm/261330287146 |
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Post by Arwyn on May 30, 2014 6:33:16 GMT
Sword arrived today, and I have to say, I am pretty impressed. For the price, this was far more sword than what I paid for it. Sword came in the usual Longquan yellow taped wrapped styrofoam box. Sword was in a very nice sword back, inside a plastic sleeve. Another plus, the forge wrapped the lower scabbard in newspaper, and tape wrapped the newspaper to protect the scabbard. Not something I have seen done before, but very nice!
BIG positive for this transaction was the communication. Communication with Ruan was excellent. Very prompt, explained what they were doing, explained the timeline and answered my questions promptly. Much much better than my other dealings with direct to China-forge deals.
Solid wood grip (normally a problem with Han Jian) very tight wrap. Cast fittings have been aged, but the casting is bright, crisp and clear. Wood on the scabbard is very good, good grain, evenly stained, no blemishes. The scabbard is tight, fittings are well mounted, tight, and well aligned. A bit of rattle at the end, but that is typical for Han Jian. Scabbard has FELT pads in the throat! NOT something I expected to see in a sword in this price range! The cord wrap holding the belt loop is tight, but can be moved a bit, the only negative thing I can find with the scabbard.
The blade is clearly hand forged, there are waves visible when held up to the light, but very very well done. Double fullers are deep, even and symmetrical. The pattern of the folded steel is very evident in the fullers. The fullers run down to the point, well terminated. A hair (literally, its barely there) asymmetrical where it meets the point. Point is solid, and tapers well, symmetrical, but one small imperfection one on side.
Sword is sharp, not hair splitting sharp, but has a good edge. WICKED thruster, very stiff blade. Polish is excellent, not quite mirror, but close, I rather like it. Handles well, sword is definitely blade forward, but far from dead in one hand. In two hands, this a fast sword! Rings when the pommel is struck, nice harmonics, and a loud and distinct tachi kaze.
I will have a more complete review up with pictures soon, but my overall impression is VERY positive. Sub-300 price point, and with features that swords that are double the amount, lack. I did not know much about this company, but I must say, so far, my impressions are very positive, I will order from them again.
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Post by Turok on May 30, 2014 8:14:48 GMT
Congrats! Pictures please and I can't wait for the complete review!
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Post by plantguy90 on Jun 19, 2014 17:07:14 GMT
Ooooh, glad I finally checked out the Chinese sword section of the forum!!! That blade looks nice!  |
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Post by Arthur Dayne on Aug 12, 2014 3:31:14 GMT
When you say a bit of rattle at the end, you mean like creaking steel rubbing against wood or literally "Rattle, Rattle" like something is hitting the wood?
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Post by Arwyn on Aug 12, 2014 15:30:13 GMT
For a lot of these jian, and most budget swords for that matter, they dont fit the scabbards as tight as they could. So, if you give the bottom of the scabbard a solid bump, you can hear the blade make contact with the scabbard. It isnt horrible, its pretty common. All things considered, for the dollars, this sword is a good deal for the money. I still need to take down the hilt and see if the grip really is solid like they advertise though. I will say that scabbard is still the best deal for the money on low end jian that I have seen so far. The overall quality is excellent for the money, and the throat fit is superb. Added plus is that the sword comes well oiled, so the felt pads inside the throat are pretty saturated with oil as well, so you oil the sword drawing and sheathing it.  |
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Post by Arthur Dayne on Aug 12, 2014 16:56:03 GMT
Oh I see. So the rattle is with the scabbard, not the handle/hilt of the sword. You had me worried there Arwyn, I had thought it was a rattle sound in the hilt which would be really unfortunate.
However, a bit of rattle in the scabbard is a trifle really, easily remedied and not something that can compromise a knight's good health. How about the hilt assembly, does it feel dense and solid- like steel and hardwood bound together as one?
Good Day and thanks for the clarification.
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Post by Arwyn on Aug 12, 2014 19:42:05 GMT
The hilt assembly is very tight on the one I have. No rattle or shifting at all. Its actually pinned at the end cap (which is good) but until its taken apart, I can verify that their claims are in fact accurate. Based on the quality so far, I am hopeful though.
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Post by ChenTJQDenver on Sept 10, 2014 3:55:46 GMT
Thank you for this review. I might have to pick it up. Kind of worried about its robustness under stress.
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Post by Arwyn on Sept 10, 2014 15:21:00 GMT
Cant speak to that yet. May finally get a chance to do some cutting next month when I do some vacation time.
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Post by Suho on Sept 23, 2014 21:10:33 GMT
Looks nice- I too am looking forward to your complete review. Although I did notice the link you posted said they wouldn't ship to the US.  |
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Post by Arwyn on Sept 24, 2014 18:04:44 GMT
That was a Australian post of the sword. The US ebay link has gone walkabout apparently, but they still manufacture it.
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