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Post by adamthedrummer on Dec 30, 2014 17:50:51 GMT
Would love to see one of these with a real art polish. So much activity would come out in that hamon I bet. Nice purchase for sure.
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Post by Shirayuki on Dec 30, 2014 22:26:37 GMT
I'm interested in ordering one from Huawei too. It's a close call between Huawei, Sinoswords and Yari No Hanzo for a custom job early in the new year. They've all showed great promise for my budget. Is there in general any 'selling point' which would make someone choose Huawei over the other two? Like, is their polish nicer? Offer more options, etc.? I'm trying to get a good picture of what I can expect from who and make my decision based on that.
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Dec 30, 2014 22:50:02 GMT
I personally find Huawei to be just a few steps ahead of some in regards to a few of the smaller details and many steps ahead of others who want to sell you junk. Things like better polish, especially on the kissaki, more unique hamon, and better quality tsukamaki and tsuka shape keep me from going with others. There is still somewhat of a risk when buying from any ebay or direct-from-China seller and it rises when dealing with a custom ordered piece but if you have realistic expectations, ask for something within their abilities and ask for it the right way and use correct terminology, you can cut the risk down a bit. Supplying pictures can help a lot.
When looking through the many swords offered by these sellers, try and spot the red flags such as non-alternating tsukamaki, roughly polished kissaki, poor overall blade polish, common hamon or hamon that fade in and out, ill fitting habaki and other fittings and any over the top claims of complex lamination or those who charge extra for trivial things like hishigami or alternating ito.
Your best bet is to first read as many threads regarding these sellers on this forum to get an idea of who offers what.
-Josh
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Post by Jussi Ekholm on Dec 30, 2014 23:30:36 GMT
Here you can see custom from YarinoHanzo and my customized HuaWei side by side (Higo & Tensho). I would say pros of YarinoHanzo are it's easy to buy, as they have very good customization options by just clicking. For European customers they are great as they do not have any taxes you have to pay. Their fittings are also of good quality, and they have quite wide selection to choose from (apart from menuki). YarinoHanzo often has discounts if you buy within a certain time period you get a lot sweeter deal, so it will be good value for the money. The neutrals, you must remember to type in shinken to additional details field in order to get a sharp sword. You could also try typing in alternating tsukamaki as on my custom it does not alternate. Cons would include that their nakago does not have curvature. It does not matter on that custom katateuchi as they had short straight nakago but it has been holding back me purchasing another custom from them. As I would want a tachi with strongly curved nakago (similar to that HuaWei), I haven't dared to order a custom from them again yet. Also YarinoHanzo swords I've seen often had a dull spot at yokote. Maybe they have fixed that for new ones. Others can fill you in on details with HuaWei as I've never purchased directly from them. I've only changed mails with Sinosword so I can't really comment on them. I would say HuaWei + blade shape + tsuka shape + blade YarinoHanzo + easiness + fittings + safety (I feel lot more confident in ordering from Francesco than I would be when dealing with HuaWei)
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Post by schoolofmonkey on Dec 30, 2014 23:58:48 GMT
Jacky (HuaWei) have a 100% rating on ebay at the moment, and I was quiet surprised how quickly they god back to me and how accommodating they are. Due to Christmas I couldn't pay for the sword until yesterday, but prior to purchase I asked Jacky if that was ok, and he was fine with it. Posted the sword out the same day I paid as well. When I was inquiring about the first sword I posted Frank the Bunny mentioned the types of polish, again Jacky was more than happy to polish the swords anyway I wanted. A lot do have a selection of Tsuba's etc which can be swapped on purchase, but the sword I got didn't officially offer that being a one off, but I'm sure Jacky would of swapped them around if I asked.
This is my first impressions dealing with HuaWei, now its up to the quality of the sword when it gets here. I will post some higher quality pictures when it turns up (thanks to the wife being a photographer.lol)
The one thing I noticed HuaWei doesn't flood their ebay store with a stack of swords, so I'm guessing they do a few runs of some, and a couple of one off's. Yes they are still a Chinese sword maker, but this could be an indication of the time they put into making each sword too.
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Post by Robert in California on Dec 31, 2014 16:28:57 GMT
I have two Huawei, one a katana and one a wakizashi. I also have two Katana1980 katanas and two Wang-katana2011 katanas. The Huawei swords are a step up in fit and finish. Is Huawei the equivalent of the big dog of Chinese production swords...Hanwei? I can not say as I have no Hanwei swords. Also I have not done comparative cutting tests. RinC
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Post by adamthedrummer on Jan 1, 2015 15:36:35 GMT
I have a huawei 9260 and a hanwei raptor... I actually prefer the huawei. Handles nice... The ito on the hanwei is much tighter but not as neat... So its really tough to call... Hanwei does have the advantage of a custom fitted habaki... Pricewise huawei is way better value.
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Jan 3, 2015 4:28:46 GMT
A very basic rundown off the top of my head comparing Hanwei to Huawei (in my opinion):
Huawei - interesting and vibrant hamon and decent overall polish
Hanwei - small details seldom seen on other production blades such as the foundation for what seems like where they would place nagashi (rougher polish on the mune at the kissaki)
Huawei - the ability to customize the blade as well as the koshirae
Hanwei - much better quality as well as original and exclusive fittings
Huawei - lower prices pretty much across the board
Hanwei - more attention paid to the finishing of the nakago, although still without much sori
Huawei - sori flows from blade into nakago
Hanwei - over frosting of hamon
Huawei - silly erasing of hamon using their "hazuya polish"
Hanwei - decent quality non silk ito, tsukamaki is passable
Huawei - better tsukamaki but too much cheap synthetic silk ito used
Hanwei - excellent quality saya and lacquer work. Other than Citadel which are much more expensive on average, the quality of work and materials used for Hanwei's saya, are far better than any other production swords sold today.
Huawei - very well polished geometric kissaki on most of their higher end blades
Hanwei - well thought out themes encompassing fittings, sugata, koshirae and overall balance and purpose as opposed to the typical slapped together with available parts kind of look
Huawei - generally well shaped and comfortable tsuka
Hanwei - infamous chunky axe handle tsuka (and soooo many that are very long)
Huawei - risk involved with buying from ebay and directly from China
Hanwei - when purchased through SBG, KOA, (among others) or direct from their website, the confidence in knowing you will receive excellent cs
There's a lot more but I'm tired now and will add to the list when I think of them
-Josh
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Post by schoolofmonkey on Jan 3, 2015 10:05:15 GMT
A very basic rundown off the top of my head comparing Hanwei to Huawei (in my opinion): ............ There's a lot more but I'm tired now and will add to the list when I think of them -Josh Ouch should I be worried, Huawei did send me a China Post tracking number haven't tried to check it yet.. Does the "one off" I ordered fit into that rundown or they put more effort into it, though it kinda makes me feel like I picked the wrong sword now.. One question, can someone explain how a Choji Hamon like the one on the Katana I got is formed, I can't find any info on Choji Hamon's.
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Greg E
Member
little bit of this... and a whole lot of that
Posts: 1,338
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Post by Greg E on Jan 3, 2015 17:14:51 GMT
Don't worry about your sword. I am sure it will be good.
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Jan 3, 2015 18:23:05 GMT
Ouch should I be worried, Huawei did send me a China Post tracking number haven't tried to check it yet.. Does the "one off" I ordered fit into that rundown or they put more effort into it, though it kinda makes me feel like I picked the wrong sword now.. I guess the list can be interpreted many ways depending on who's reading it. Even though I'm not sure exactly what you were expecting, I can tell you that I've felt that every sword I've ordered from them has been worth at least, if not more, than I've paid. I would choose Huawei first for a custom order or when I'm looking for best value for the money. This is my opinion however and everyone will have their own opinion of the product value and experience in dealing with them. -Josh
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Post by schoolofmonkey on Jan 3, 2015 23:27:23 GMT
I guess the list can be interpreted many ways depending on who's reading it. Even though I'm not sure exactly what you were expecting, I can tell you that I've felt that every sword I've ordered from them has been worth at least, if not more, than I've paid. I would choose Huawei first for a custom order or when I'm looking for best value for the money. This is my opinion however and everyone will have their own opinion of the product value and experience in dealing with them. -Josh Don't worry man all good, I was joking. (never translates on the net very well though). Honestly I was thinking when you pointed out the sword I bought how it was impressive over their usual stuff, that they are doing better work of late, time will tell, when it arrives I'll defiantly get some good closeups in the sun and you guys can tell me what you think. It has to be better than the $200au 47 Ronin Replica..lol. For some like yourself who has bought from bought places you can compare much better than I, and I found it quiet interesting. It's easy to pickup Hanwei swords locally and interstate, they are everywhere, but man the stores charge through the nose. The Practical Elite Katana is pushing $450 (plus shipping), the Practical Plus Katana is $600 (plus shipping). Where I'm hoping the $550 Katana from If Huawei matchs the $600 Practical Plus Katana in blade quality. Comparing the swords made from each company it seems they both have equal amounts of pros & cons, the bigger pro for Hanwei is they are sold everywhere, where Huawei is direct from the China forge and risk of loosing your money. Paypal kinda eliminates a lot of that risk though, not to say its completely risk free, but I've had more positive experiences dealing with places in China on Ebay than local sellers, though that was electronics..lol.. If Huawei start getting more popular we may start seeing them in local stores, might have to take mine into the local store and give them a look see..lol. Thanks again for laying out a good comparison list, that will help people decide where to buy.
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Jan 4, 2015 0:01:34 GMT
I think the average price for an exceptional production piece these days is closer to sub $500 than it is to sub $300. The Hanwei beginner offerings, or basic standards, such as the PK line are great for what you get imho. I would personally stay with the PK Classic because I would just replace the tsuka and fittings anyway and the blade itself is outstanding for the price. For me, it doesn't pay to upgrade the materials to what comes on the elite or pro because I still wouldn't keep them anyway and the blade really isn't much better if at all. Getting closer to the $400-$500 mark I find there isn't much to be had (buying new and retail) from Hanwei that you can't best with a Hauwei. I would still replace some of the fittings and of course redo the tsukamaki but a blade like the one you bought just can't be found anywhere in Hanwei's lineup for any amount of money. Honestly, it's one of the nicest looking blades I've ever seen them make and I am very jealous. I'm also very tempted to have them make me one in shirasaya. You also happened to get lucky and have that awesome blade come in some very simple and decent koshirae instead of some of their more um... ostentatious choices. Black on black tsuka with a nicely understated brown ishime saya, tasteful iron tsuba and decorated but not over the top habaki, that also seems extremely well fitted. I'm almost tempted to offer you a discount on my tsukamaki service just so I can see that beauty up close I hope you will offer up a review once you get her in hand -Josh
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Post by schoolofmonkey on Jan 4, 2015 2:25:48 GMT
..... You also happened to get lucky and have that awesome blade come in some very simple and decent koshirae instead of some of their more um... ostentatious choices. Black on black tsuka with a nicely understated brown ishime saya, tasteful iron tsuba and decorated but not over the top habaki, that also seems extremely well fitted. I'm almost tempted to offer you a discount on my tsukamaki service just so I can see that beauty up close I hope you will offer up a review once you get her in hand -Josh The one thing I like is a simple Katana, technically Katana's were simple, armies weren't fitted out 1 sword every 6 months with elaborate designs, as they moved up the ranks yes they became more elaborate and more time was taken, Lords, Emperor etc. I will try my best to review the sword to the best of my knowledge, Some high quality pictures will help you guys too, I found in direct sunlight shows up any scratch or defect in a blade. If you were closer I would definitely show you the sword, wife would probably hit me with it if I send it away to anyone..lol...
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Post by Maynar on Jan 4, 2015 6:25:57 GMT
Agreed.
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Post by schoolofmonkey on Jan 5, 2015 11:46:25 GMT
Well according to the tracking info the Katana will be here tomorrow (It's 9:45pm Monday Night here). That's 7 days including a weekend, I'm impressed. Will have some pictures up soon after that, or when the wife's ready..lol.. The one thing I did notice though going through the ebay feedback, Jacky has produced 2 of these Katana's previously one in October and November, plus the one I bought in December (all different listings, listed a different times), no more has been listed previously or since. Guess it takes more time to get the Choji Hamon. Don't know if you guys saw this listing: Own steelmaking Tahamagane Shinogi Zukuri Hishi-Gami Choji Wenge Saya Katana ($899US) www.ebay.com.au/itm/Own-steelmaking-Tahamagane-Shinogi-Zukuri-Hishi-Gami-Choji-Wenge-Saya-Katana-/271205841507?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f2520ba63
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Post by Aurélien on Jan 5, 2015 12:39:06 GMT
Ask Jacky to forge the same sword in t10 instead of tamahagane - you'll save $500 and get a better sword. Chinese tamahagane is a joke.
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Post by schoolofmonkey on Jan 5, 2015 13:11:56 GMT
Ask Jacky to forge the same sword in t10 instead of tamahagane - you'll save $500 and get a better sword. Chinese tamahagane is a joke. Yeah, I wasn't buying it, just thought you'd find it interesting. Won't be buy another one for a while (as the wife says)..lol.
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Post by adamthedrummer on Jan 5, 2015 13:26:03 GMT
Actually chinese tamahagane is produced the same as any. Iron sand and charcoal. Only Japanese can truly be called tamahagane but its made essentially the same way worldwide. Even Walter Sorrels makes his own. Its not even a remarkable metal in modern standards. Bit alot of hours to make a sword out of it translate into big prices.
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Post by schoolofmonkey on Jan 5, 2015 22:01:39 GMT
Actually chinese tamahagane is produced the same as any. Iron sand and charcoal. Only Japanese can truly be called tamahagane but its made essentially the same way worldwide. Even Walter Sorrels makes his own. Its not even a remarkable metal in modern standards. Bit alot of hours to make a sword out of it translate into big prices. I actually found this lastnight by sheer luck, a couple of blacksmiths from the US making Tamahagane: Japanese Sword: Tamahagane Smelting with Bladesmiths Walter Sorrells and Jesus Hernandez Don't get me wrong there's a lot of tradition behind traditional Japanese sword making, but China also has a lot of tradition as well in their own sword making, quiet liked the look of the Chinese straight sword. But yes with poor working conditions, and the need for some form of income "production line" sword making (amount other things) pop up, but if you were to find a proper forge, I'm sure the blacksmith would put as much effort and love into hand making a sword as any Japanese blacksmith would. From what I see Jacky does put a lot of effort into forging the more expensive blades, but just like Japanese blacksmiths they don't get the final say in fittings etc.
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