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Post by shirayukihime on Jan 12, 2016 13:11:22 GMT
Hi! I'm a martial artist looking to buy her first battle-ready sword. I'm not new to swords, but I'm not too knowledgeable about swords in this context. I've been looking at some options and decided on the Hanwei Raptor series, so I wanted to know your thoughts on these three swords. UNOKUBI ZUKURI NANBOKUCHO SHINOGI ZUKURI I'm looking for something tough and practical that cuts and handles well. I'd like to know what really makes these swords different. Thanks!
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Post by plainsman on Jan 12, 2016 14:15:13 GMT
I'm a katana newb, and I know this doesn't answer your question anyway. ? Take my recommendation with that in mind. In your price range I think you should give serious thought to the Dynasty Forge Musha line. I own a Hanwei, but I think compared to the Raptor, with the Dynasty Forge you will get a better, more traditional Tsuka. The blade will also be great, and just as tough as the Raptor. I'm sure some other more experienced members will chime in soon. Best of luck in your search!
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Post by skane on Jan 12, 2016 16:31:59 GMT
All are tough workhorse cutters. I think choice would just depend on what you're looking for in how each of them balance/handle, size spec., and sugata/blade style. I have the unokubi, shinogi, and shobu models.
The shinogi is in a common 28/11 blade/tsuka package, the other models have 13" tsuka. I personally don't like tsuka over 11". I cut down the nakago and tsuka on my shobu, and will do the same for my unokubi.
The Nanbo is a "large" sword, if that's what you're looking for. I've never handled one; can't comment personally.
Unokubi is a nice handling sword imo. The shinogi and shobu feel like average med-heavy cutters, if that helps any, as handling and balance is all subjective to each user.
The fake suede type ito on the Raptors feels ok, but doesn't hold up well (fraying, loosening) to heavy usage, ime.
Raptors are among the most recommended production kats when anyone has toughness as a preference. Hard to go wrong with Raptors as first-time-buyer swords, although if your primary target will be mats, I think there are more suitable options in the same price point.
If you have any more specific questions about the models, post 'em up. Hope this helps, good luck w/your choice and purchase.
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Jan 13, 2016 0:28:01 GMT
Over the years, johnwalter has made many cutting/testing vids, including some with the Raptor series katanas... you can check them out here: John Walter Raptor Cutting VidsIf you have any other questions, you can always PM me as well. Good luck finding the sword that fits you best.
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Post by shirayukihime on Jan 13, 2016 6:44:41 GMT
Thanks for the advice everyone! It's really a tough decision.
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Mikeeman
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Post by Mikeeman on Jan 13, 2016 18:27:34 GMT
In all honesty, I think a lot of it is going to boil down to how tall and how strong you are.
The Nanbo is going to be long and heavy. Which is great if you're tall and strong. If you're 5'6 and 120 lbs, this probably isn't the sword for you.
The Shinogi and the Shobu are both slightly ligter. The Shobu is longer, so it's going to have a POB that is farther out than the shinogi. Likewise, the shinogi should feel less tip-heavy and handle a little better.
The Unokobi is the lightest of all 4. Probably the better option if you're a little smaller.
My recommendation, as always, is to buy a few cheaper swords to see what you like before buying something like this. Both the Musashi Shirakawa series blades and the Munetoshi Lion Dog/Water Dragon are differentially hardened 1060 blades for right around $100. They will be lighter, easier to handle, and save some in the bank. Will you be able to beat them to death like the Raptor series? No. But they are good swords for good money. And for even cheaper, Musashi has decent through hardened blades between $40-$60. If you wanna get your feet wet in the world of swords without spending a lot of money, I'd recommend those. They are all pretty good for your standard back-yard bottle slaying.
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Post by Croccifixio on Jan 14, 2016 3:59:18 GMT
Unokubi. Aside from it being my favorite design (akin to a two handed Sansibar), you aren't really gonna be facing heavily armored bottles or mats (unless that's your thing).
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Post by johnwalter on Jan 17, 2016 15:23:59 GMT
Hello and welcome to the forum. You have gotten some good answers already.One word in your original post stood out to me,practical.So I would say of the Raptor series the basic shinogi zukuri will likely serve you best.The Nambo is a large sword,tho very well balanced,with Okissake.This slightly affects no to,calling for a slight adjustment,nothing major but it's there.The tsuka is a tad over"13,so unless your RyuHa calls for a long tsuka this will also affect technique and mechanics. The Unokubi is a completely different design that will call for a different "touch"in technique specific styles.The mune style and the "hump"on the mune near the kissake make it awkward with most no to styles.If You want this sword I would suggest discussing it with your instructor and make sure He is aware of the differences in blade style. As has been said,the Raptor tsukais kinda fat and flat.Which I'm guessing is done for a certain reason.These swords were design for beginner's as well as experienced cutters.Imo,this tsuka shape makes it just a little b t easier for a beginner to find good edge alignment to the target.Just my opinion.The Dynasty Forge Musha will have a nicer more waisted tsuka,but I wouldn't say more traditional since there are more than one traditional tsuka shape.And while being very tough blades,in my experience the Raptor blades have the edge(no pun intended). Will this sword be used for cutting or mostly Iai kata?If a combination of both,I would recommend looking for a Hanwei Renshu series.Also 5160 TH spring steel,but not as thick and beefy as Raptor shinogi zukuri,it's lighter with a nicer balance for Iai kata and has a slightly more waisted,smaller tsuka.Price is also good enough to justify having the tsuka rewrapped if preferred. I could recommend others but I'm guessing you have a specific reason for choosing Hanwei and Raptor series?I've owned them all and they are great swords for inexperienced cutters. Once your choice is made I would discuss it with Sensei first and make sure it meets his requirements.Some schools are very specific on blades Hope this helps.Good luck.
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Post by shirayukihime on Jan 18, 2016 6:41:34 GMT
The Renshu series is interesting, but is it better to have a thicker or thinner blade for cutting?
I chose the Raptor series because I saw it on Kult of Athena in the ~300 USD range, and they seemed to have a good reputation, but I'm open to others that are similar.
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Mikeeman
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Post by Mikeeman on Jan 18, 2016 7:28:59 GMT
The Renshu series is interesting, but is it better to have a thicker or thinner blade for cutting? Well, that is completely dependent on what you are cutting. If you're cutting hard stuff like wood or dried bamboo, a thicker blade with heavier niku would be preferable. If you're cutting single/double mats or soda bottles in the back yard, then a thinner blade with a more flat profile would be better.
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Post by shirayukihime on Jan 18, 2016 12:32:40 GMT
How about something similar to flesh (like maybe ballistics gel or meat)? What about clothes?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2016 17:27:15 GMT
You are a girl? Need to know your physical features to recommend a sword. Some of the swords mentioned above (over 2.5 pounds)are heavy. I would start off with a light sword like a Kaneie Budo IV, or the Ronin DojoPro model 12 at KOA which is on sale now. Most all swords will do the same on flesh and clothes in my opinion.
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Post by shirayukihime on Jan 18, 2016 17:43:32 GMT
Yes I'm about 5'6" and 50 kg.
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Post by skane on Jan 18, 2016 23:13:13 GMT
If you're in formal training, check with Sensei and senior students. They could help with sizing and options. The Raptors, with exception of the unokubi and moroha, are on the heavy and larger side of things.
Also check out Hanwei Renshu, Hanwei Practicals, Feilong, Munetoshi, Musashi, and Huawei for lighter shorter blades that can still hold up well.
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Post by Croccifixio on Jan 19, 2016 3:12:25 GMT
In that case, I stand by the Unokubi. Its geometry and bevels lighten it considerably. However, I would also advise looking at other, shorter swords. I think a Kris Cutlery 26v would be just the right size and handling for you. I'm much taller but still prefer this length and weight.
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Post by johnwalter on Jan 19, 2016 14:23:23 GMT
What Ryu Ha do you study?
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Mikeeman
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Post by Mikeeman on Jan 19, 2016 20:09:42 GMT
Yes I'm about 5'6" and 50 kg. Dang. You need a sammich. Or ten sammiches.
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Post by Kiyoshi on Jan 20, 2016 0:09:56 GMT
Dang. You need a sammich. Or ten sammiches. I find this especially funny since I just ate 3 sandwiches with my bowl of soup for lunch. For your size, to prevent rsi, I would recommend a light katana with a hi until you build up your swordsmanship muscles a little. I think most of the munetoshi line are pretty light. Their 1060 spring mizu katana is only 2lbs 3oz. Are you cutting, doing iai? What's your intended use?
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Post by aussie-rabbit on Jan 20, 2016 14:09:16 GMT
Yes I'm about 5'6" and 50 kg. Choose smaller and lighter to begin with, otherwise you will tire quickly and get disappointed.
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