Razor
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Post by Razor on Oct 14, 2007 23:49:15 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2007 3:33:56 GMT
Hi everyone, My name is Garrett and I am in the process of researching/setting up an online retail front that will focus mainly on Chinese swords. My mission is to raise awareness and interest in Chinese swords especially for collectors and martial art practitioners. Prices will be under $300. Just for the record I am not a retailer yet. Just trying to see if anyone would be interested. (Japanese might be a possibility as a side offering, but honestly katanas don't really need my help.) Feedback from the sword enthusiast community would really help me with startup! So I thank you all for reading this! Here are some pics/details on the swords I can provide: Blade: 1095, through hardened, oil quenched, HRC 56/57 Furniture: will be pretty much exact replicas of existing antiques in lost wax/brass, only difference will be that scabbards will not have shark/ray skin on it...obviously to cut cost. Structural: tangs will be threaded and secured with a bolt. Pics: One difference is that my offerings won't be folded/laminated like the ones pictured. Some jian... and an antique dao that will be reproduced...I'll get an actual pic later... A BIG 'YES!' from me... esp. the likes of the 2 sample above.. keep me possted.. Thanks~
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2007 7:59:53 GMT
Wow that is a really spectacular jian guard mate and if the blade itself is the same quality then you might very well get a sale out of me. I am more into the chinese broadsword but the jian is a nice weapon to. Are you going to be releasing any training models (i.e. not sharp versions) because i think you might find a niche for good quality good looking training and competition weapons. Make the blades thicker please but not to thick, the hanwei blades are waaaay to thin.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2007 11:52:35 GMT
I've been looking at jian for a while now. I like that first one. very traditional look. when do you think you'll be up and running?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2007 16:12:38 GMT
Wow that is a really spectacular jian guard mate and if the blade itself is the same quality then you might very well get a sale out of me. I am more into the chinese broadsword but the jian is a nice weapon to. Are you going to be releasing any training models (i.e. not sharp versions) because i think you might find a niche for good quality good looking training and competition weapons. Make the blades thicker please but not to thick, the hanwei blades are waaaay to thin. Training blades are a definite interest for me as my aim is to popularize the use of historically accurate weapons in Chinese martial arts. As far as blade thickness is concerned, they will be made with reference to historical pieces so they won't be too thin or too thick. I just ordered 2 sample pieces from my supplier. When they come in I will take them apart and inspect the quality and post up more detailed pics. If they are acceptable I will go ahead and order a bunch of swords probably 2 or 3 models as a test run with promotional pricing. After that, things will be in full swing. I'm hoping to be in time for Christmas. I hope.
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Post by randomnobody on Oct 15, 2007 20:01:36 GMT
Awesome, anxious to see if these will be up to the level you're (we're) expecting. That dao really has my attention, and I'm waiting to see what yours will look like.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2007 20:20:14 GMT
just love it i was already doubting whether to buy the hanwei practical dao or the jian but now i defenitly going for a jian love to see what's goin to be in stock good luck to you
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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2007 3:00:24 GMT
Oh, hells-to-the-yeah.
I'm hanging on your every word. I'd also love to see some of the more eclectic styles of Chinese dao - goosewing perhaps?
Keep us posted, I'll be sure to check regularly.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2007 0:45:40 GMT
I love the top pictured Jian with the yellow tassle and especially the antigue dao with curved blade. I hope you start offering these very soon. Please keep me in mind.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2007 2:07:15 GMT
please bring this store. i want to buy good chinese swords.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2007 5:23:30 GMT
I find it hard to come across Chinese weapons that are ornate but not gaudy. Do you know their weights? What about the points of balance?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2007 7:05:57 GMT
I'm really glad to see everyone's interest! I find it hard to come across Chinese weapons that are ornate but not gaudy. Do you know their weights? What about the points of balance? I know what you mean about ornate but not gaudy. All swords will be produced to my specifications and of course I'll be listening to everyone's input and so you could say to a certain extent they are made to your specifications as well! but keep in mind my main goal is historical accuracy. That being said, if anyone finds any particular antique sword that interests them, bring them to my attention and I will be more than happy to see if I can have it reproduced. As far as weight and PoB are concerned, for the typical Qing dynasty single handed dao and jian, the weight will probably be somewhere just under 2 lbs and PoB will be 4 - 5 inches. With jian occupying the lower limits and the dao the upper limits. This will also vary with the style of the blade. As I said earlier, I just ordered a jian and a dao sample from my supplier and they had to forge them to order so when I get them in I will post more accurate specs and detailed photos. Also if anyone wants to keep updated on this, PM me your email address and I will send along any major updates! P.S. if anyone learning Chinese martial arts knows of any tournaments or events that I can sponsor in the future please PM me.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2007 4:14:31 GMT
The other issue is quality control. This may well be their achilles' heel. Making a beautiful sample piece for show is one thing but keeping the quality up in production run is a totally different ball game.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2007 4:39:44 GMT
The other issue is quality control. This may well be their achilles' heel. Making a beautiful sample piece for show is one thing but keeping the quality up in production run is a totally different ball game. Thanks for your concern and I'll keep it in mind. However, I don't go blind with choosing suppliers. I have previous dealings with them and am confident in their ability.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2007 16:46:07 GMT
Hi everyone, I'm going to revive this thread and give an update. The sample dao and jian I had commissioned back in October are still in production and I am still waiting on that. They are trying to get the fittings perfect. That's the downside with handcarved fittings...they do take time but it's well worth it. ...especially on the jian. However I do have some eyecandy for everyone. I know we have a few da dao fans on the forum and here's a chance to take a look at what a da dao should look like. A da dao was recently completed with reference to a WW2 specimen on hand and I must say it is quite good. For those unfamiliar with the da dao it's basically a Chinese falchion or grosse messer and was made famous in use against the Japanese in WW2. It also translates to big knife just like the German does. The specs for this particular piece (my stuff won't be done like this): 10 000 layer san-mai lamination blade, 1045 & 1060 steel for the folded steel, and 1065 for the core steel. Estimated hardness at edge: 60 HRC. Guard is in cast and blackened iron. given an semi-antique finish. Handle in wood, tang secured by two wooden pegs. Handle is wrapped in glued cotton cord for optimal grip. This is one wrap that won't untangle. The sheath design is based on a WW2 sheath. Material is thick leather, sewn with strong thick cord. This cord is the kind of cord they use for shoes, and is extremely durable. I will of course use monosteel through hardened for the blades as stated earlier in the thread. The only thing it needs is a leather strap for the sheath so it can be carried to battle. size reference: More pictures to come when the samples are complete. I'm expecting a lot and hope the time involved = the end product. Talk to you guys then.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2007 21:10:38 GMT
WooHoo! If you can get yours made with the same accurate style (in monosteel, of course), they'll be absolutely killer! The shape and size of the ring "pommel" and crossguard are dead on from the WWII examples I've seen (on the internet, not in person, unfortunately ), as is the distal taper from super fat at the hilt to very thin at the tip. Nice! WHat are you looking at in the way of thickness (at hilt and tip) when you start having your own dadao made?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2007 1:47:15 GMT
Sign me up - I'm on board as soon as they hit production!
I knew I was holding off on one of these for a reason. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2007 21:37:55 GMT
WooHoo! If you can get yours made with the same accurate style (in monosteel, of course), they'll be absolutely killer! The shape and size of the ring "pommel" and crossguard are dead on from the WWII examples I've seen (on the internet, not in person, unfortunately ), as is the distal taper from super fat at the hilt to very thin at the tip. Nice! WHat are you looking at in the way of thickness (at hilt and tip) when you start having your own dadao made? ha ha I'd hope they resemble WWII examples seeing as they were made with reference to an antique on hand. It would be pretty sad if we couldn't get it right with the real thing right beside it! I'm expecting to be able to start production in January. I will probably take pre-orders at the same time with discounts. I'll get back to you on the exact specs...
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Razor
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Today is tomorrow but not yet yesterday
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Post by Razor on Dec 2, 2007 7:12:24 GMT
Love the da dao Garrett!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2007 5:29:10 GMT
ha ha I'd hope they resemble WWII examples seeing as they were made with reference to an antique on hand. It would be pretty sad if we couldn't get it right with the real thing right beside it! Well, I guess you've got a point there. As far as numbers, my Hanwei is a bout 3/16 at the hilt down to 1/16 at the tip. I'd like to see something closer to 5/16 or so at the hilt. 7.5 to 8mm (.30-.32) would be nice.
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