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Post by Hakumenhuku on Mar 17, 2015 3:25:18 GMT
Hello fellow sword enthusiasts,
The time when I will be able to purchase a sword is nearly upon us. So, do you think it'd be better to start with Ronin's Euro sword line, or the time tested Hanwei/Tinker line of medieval swords? I'm really torn, because the belt/suspension system and scabbard are epic on the RK Euro sword, but everyone says that the blades are awesome on the H/T swords. Anyone know if the RK Euro swords are comparable in construction to the H/T swords? Any advice or input is appreciated. Thanks all!
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Post by Caboose on Mar 17, 2015 3:44:36 GMT
Last I heard, RK Euros had a fairly major issue with the threaded portion of the tang snapping off (one case was attempting to cut a water bottle, another case during a destructive review). You can read more about it on the review section (both reviews were still on the 1st page, last I checked) but overall I would recommend staying away.
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Post by Afoo on Mar 17, 2015 3:52:14 GMT
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Post by Hakumenhuku on Mar 17, 2015 4:02:36 GMT
Sounds like I'd be better off sticking with the H/T line. Having a nice scabbard isn't worth having an unusable sword I suppose.
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Mar 17, 2015 4:11:24 GMT
H/T sword all the way. Time tested and GREAT swords for the money. Too many apparent issues with the new RL Euro line.
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Post by Afoo on Mar 17, 2015 4:32:56 GMT
Well - hold that thought a bit - it might depend on what you want to use it for. Display, dry handling, light cutting, or heavy duty hacking.
If you are like me and collect swords without the intent to actually cut stuff, then the Ronin line may not be too bad - especially if they come with a better scabbard.
Sorry, should have clarified that before we started off our rant about Ronin - the sword you want depends on what you want to do
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Mar 17, 2015 4:34:10 GMT
Well - hold that thought a bit - it might depend on what you want to use it for. Display, dry handling, light cutting, or heavy duty hacking. If you are like me and collect swords without the intent to actually cut stuff, then the Ronin line may not be too bad - especially if they come with a better scabbard. If you buy it not for use you can just get a stainless steal wallhanger that will cost a lot less, look cool, and not need to be oiled and cared for as much.
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Post by Afoo on Mar 17, 2015 4:49:20 GMT
Well - hold that thought a bit - it might depend on what you want to use it for. Display, dry handling, light cutting, or heavy duty hacking. If you are like me and collect swords without the intent to actually cut stuff, then the Ronin line may not be too bad - especially if they come with a better scabbard. If you buy it not for use you can just get a stainless steal wallhanger that will cost a lot less, look cool, and not need to be oiled and cared for as much. Buying for looks and simply not cutting are not necessarily the same thing. Yes, I don't cut, but I do fence, and have a general interest in swordsmanship. As such, I do appreciate the handling of the sword. Its like drinking. I don't get drunk, but I can still appreciate the qualities of a good alcoholic beverage. There is also the principle behind it - I want to buy a sword because it is a sword. I won't use it, but that doesn't matter - I still want a real sword. Same as buying a waterproof watch. I won't take it down to 100m below sea level, but I would want it to. Part of it is knowing that you can use it if you changed your mind, but a large factor is also the fact that I can appreciate the engineering and design that went into it, even though I do not use it. Same with a sword. You can hold one and wave it around and appreciate the work that went into it - the design of the hilt, the taper of the blade etc - and then you get into the history behind the design, how it evolved over time, and the role it played on both the battlefield and in society. Its almost like a piece of art. Yes, I could get a photocopy of a painting - its lower maintenance and looks the part, but its not quite the same. Long story short, there are multiple ways one can appreciate a real sword. One way involves cutting, one way does not. Both approaches are valid. I am sure you did not intend for this, but saying that you should buy a SLO because you don't intend to use it gets under my skin a bit, because it (to me at least) suggests that you cannot appreciate a sword otherwise. Especially since joining the sbg forums implies that we have a certain respect for the sword, both as a piece of engineering and a piece of history, and not because we want a cool looking pointy object to pose with. Again, I am sure you did not intend to imply anything of the sort, and what you say is good, practical, well-meaning advice. I just sometimes think its a bit of a misconception that should be addressed from time to time. EDIT: sorry to hijack thread. My original point was that we should have figured out what Hakumenhuku wanted out of their sword prior to providing advice. Hopefully the information we provided was appropriate for your planned use of the sword.
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Mar 17, 2015 6:23:17 GMT
It's completely fine IMO to buy a "real" sword and just hang it on the wall to admire. It's not necessary to use it to be able to appreciate the work and skill that went into creating it. However, as you say, even though you don't use it, you still want a sword you could possibly use for its intended purpose. I totally agree but I'd argue that the Ronin isn't a real sword, having twice failed where a real sword wouldn't have.
So if I was making the decision, I'd go with the H/T line in a heartbeat, even if I didn't want to use the sword.
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Mar 17, 2015 14:33:35 GMT
However... if you do buy a 'Real' sword... you want it to function as one... and if it has welded rods in the tang prone to failure... as the RK swords have shown... you would have been just as well of to buy a wall hanger as the RK, because both look like a real sword but will not perform like one. Hence... get the H/T.
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Post by Afoo on Mar 17, 2015 15:06:18 GMT
Fair enough. What about the Windlass offerings? Are you dead set on a nut pommel? The HT line seems nice, but I always found them a bit plain
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Post by Gunnar Wolfgard on Mar 17, 2015 17:10:28 GMT
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Post by Hakumenhuku on Mar 17, 2015 20:11:25 GMT
Yeah, I'm looking for something I can take out and cut stuff with. I'm also hoping that it's not gonna dent if I hit the wooden stand. Is H/T gonna do the trick? Also, where do I buy Valiant Armoury swords? It seems to me like KoA and SBG no longer have them. And the VA website isn't working properly on my computer so I can't really see the prices on them :P Forgive me if I'm wrong, but VA models are gonna be more in the $350-$500 range right?
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Post by Gunnar Wolfgard on Mar 17, 2015 20:21:22 GMT
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Post by Afoo on Mar 18, 2015 1:36:42 GMT
Are you sure you don't want a Windlass? They are still available at KoA, and they are decently built for the price. I have not owned any of their medieval stuff myself, but their XVI and the classic medieval sword seem to be quite popular. In general, they are a good line of swords for beginners. I had a Hanwei Henry V until recently. Its a nice sword - the build quality is more precise, in that they appear to use computer guided mills rather than having them hand forged, but they look a bit plain. The computer controlled mills also make the piece look too perfect - almost neurotically so. I know you said either Hanwei or Ronin, but just providing extra options. There is also the SBG classified, which I believe features some second hand VA's and DSA stuff - not sure if thats sold yet or not EDIT: Useful review? Comparisom of H/T and Valiant. sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/post/307502/thread
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ChrisA
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Post by ChrisA on Mar 18, 2015 11:33:51 GMT
I have an RK and a few of the H/T's and I have to agree that the H/T's are a better buy. Although my RK's tang has not failed the reported 2 failures are a point of concern. Also, in my opinion, the H/T bastard feels better balanced, being that both swords are of similar size, weight and proportions.
The potential problem with the H/T's is that the grips are a bit on the small side. Nothing horrible, but something that needs to be mentioned. I wrapped my grip in twine then in leather to make it the perfect size for my hands. The process is not at all hard to do. The RK grip is quite comfortable to me.
Also, some H/T's come with a less than sharp edge and require sharpening (all of mine required sharpening). The RK has a similar problem.
The belt that came with my RK is useless to anybody with a waist over 25 inches in diameter.
Windlass makes fine stuff but I think the H/T's are superior in performance. It's the little things Windlass is missing, like distal taper, that make the difference.
H/T's are plain, yes, but very functional and an excellent value for the money.
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Post by Gunnar Wolfgard on Mar 18, 2015 13:06:47 GMT
I agree with that review which says the Valiant Armory is a far better sword of the two and that was the old model VA. The new ones are more like custom swords and are made one at a time with options available. Hanwei makes some great Japanese swords but have always been so so with Euro swords.
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Post by Hakumenhuku on Mar 19, 2015 14:57:43 GMT
I'd love a Valiant, but I'm not sure I can shell out over $400 on one. I'll keep checking the classifieds. Maybe I'll just set me sights a bit higher and wait longer. VA's look like infinitely better in every aspect.
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Post by Croccifixio on Mar 19, 2015 16:23:56 GMT
Those of you who own both, correct me if I'm wrong, but I've been made to understood that HTs generally handle better than even VAs, but in fit and finish, VAs are miles above anything until you hit ATrim/A&A pricing (and even then I'd argue that VA leatherwork/scabbardwork and polishing are custom-sword level).
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Sean (Shadowhowler)
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Post by Sean (Shadowhowler) on Mar 19, 2015 17:01:26 GMT
Those of you who own both, correct me if I'm wrong, but I've been made to understood that HTs generally handle better than even VAs, but in fit and finish, VAs are miles above anything until you hit ATrim/A&A pricing (and even then I'd argue that VA leatherwork/scabbardwork and polishing are custom-sword level). I've owned a TON of both VA and H/T swords. I wouldn't say that the H/T swords handle better then the VA's... but the VA's doe have better fit and finish and more options. They also cost more. Both swords are comparable to me for the most part as far as function... it really breaks down like this... H/T line is very affordable and an excellent sword, but very plain Jane. For a user sword on a budget, this is the go to. It also is the sword of choice for (pardon the pun) tinker's who like to customize their swords... because they are easy to work on and affordable. VA swords are also very excellent swords... they are better finished with a better grip and scabbard. They tend to cost more then the H/T counterparts. VA's are a great choice for someone who has no plans to alter/modify their sword, wants a good user sword, but wants something with a bit better fit and finish or more 'flare'.
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