Chinese swords???

With the rockwell hardness being so low, I would imagine the swords are more like steel whips. If they are full tang I imagine they are functional for certain kinds of chores and combat. For test cutting I would find their use limited.

The question is are they functional to the kind of test cutting that is mostly done by forum members?

That really depends on the user. If you're looking at cutting for pure fun than any sharpened metal thing will do.

If you're cutting to practise your form and to see how actual swords perform on different mediums than no, it wouldn't suffice.

Garrettc: Any details on your sharp and shiny things?

Ahh, I see. I am looking forward to seeing your produce, especially your dao.

THE REASON CHINESE SWORDS ARE NOT CLASSIFIED AS CUTTERS...

cutting as we do it is not how these are designed. the jian is designed for more of a "stick and slice" kid of attack... like a rapier. a gentleman's weapon is not used to barbarically hack or decapitate.

When you say "Chinese swords are not cutters" I think you mean only the double-edge swords (jians). The single edge (daos) are designed to hack and slash just like a katana (katanas are cooler though ;D). Examples are miao (corn saber) dao, zhan-ma (cutting-horse) dao and da (big) dao.

Even a well made jians could easily hack an arm off, but you are right they are not primarily designed for hack and slash.

Technically there are so many types of Chinese swords (hammers, halberd, maces, spears, etc) specialized for different type of "killing" that using the term "Chinese swords" to refer to a jian is very misleading IMO.

The sword looks awesome but trueswords does not specify the weights, POB and all other details. Given the beefy size of the tsuka, it "looks" pretty unwieldy for a single hand and is seems it is designed for a two-handle sword. How does it handle compared to a single-hand jian?

If would be interesting if there is a review on this sword.

THE UNITED BLACK IKAZUCHI

I bought this sword, mainly for its constructio. However, the looks were totally great as well. I spent some time looking at different web sites, trying to find out more about it first. Finally, I went to United Cutlery’s site and downloaded a pdf file on it with the hrc rating and blade material info. Still not satisfied that I possessed enough knowledge to go ahead and buy one (broke too many SLO’s trying to work out with them), I contacted United and was informed that the tang was 3/4 tang. So I ordered one from (okay nobody laugh at me) BudK. (Lowest price)
I don’t think there is any true historic representation here, except a missing link between Chinese and Japanese swords.
My initial impression was one of “not another cardboard box!!!” but inside was a viagra moment to look upon. I knew the handle was leather wrapped over rayskin, but it was tight, really tight. Almost 6 months later and it still hasn’t loosened. The tribal style designs in the metal fittings a total eye-catcher. I had to cut something. So I cut the box...like a razor.
The blade is 30" and overall length 41.5" (math) the guard aprox 3" dia. POB about 3.5". No listing on COP. WEIGHT no listing have to weigh it myself, later.
The blade on this sword is very sharp. The hrc is 58. The polish, though not mirror, is well done. One or two blemishes, easily repaired with Never-Dull. The whole sword weight seems almost nonexistent due to balance.. Well not quite but enough to be great. It is a 1045 mono-steel, and mono-temper. For hamon fans that is not good. But I use it like a jian, so it doesn’t bother me. There is a fuller’s grove though, again with positive oon balance.
The handle is wrapped with black leather over white rayskin. 3/4 tang is what United states, but closer to full tang. Dual bamboo mekugi. Assembly is so tight that it is dificult to disassemble. That might be a negative, but I think it it a positive since it hasn’t loosened after much sparing and cutting... jugs and even up to 1" branches. Oh even through a 8" wide box of dirt.
The tsubais tight and is black colored brass. Nice designs in it... suposed to be “tribal”. The fuchi matches.
The saya is the only real complaint that I have. Looks outstanding, but since I keep the blade oiled, it slides too easily... cause a major FUBAR. Fell out of sheath while leaning forward to check around the corner and cut my ankle. Darned thing so sharp I barely felt it, but cost 7 stitches. Also is a little rattle of sword in sheath.
The greatest part about the Ikazuchi still has to be the balance. It is so responsive to the movements of your wrist that parrying is a breeze. Defeated my wife’s Musashi Bamboo katana many times and even nicked her blade. Switching swords usually changes the odds. Enough to tell that part of skill is how the sword responds. For the price, YES. If the price was more, YES. (But don’t let the sellers know that they might raise the price).