*new* Ninecircles Hybrid Shinken
Apr 29, 2017 8:50:46 GMT
Post by beholdclarity on Apr 29, 2017 8:50:46 GMT
Introduction
Hi everybody
I have once been a rather active member of many sword communities, but like so many others over time I found myself occupied with other interests. But a couple of months ago my love for the sword got ignited all over again.
In my days I had quite a rotation in my sword collection, constantly buying and selling occasionally even customizing some katana. Quite early I came across a company not known to many guys in the US that was located in the United Kingdom. Their name was Ninecircles and since I live in Europe, it was convenient for me to purchase from them. They were some kind of insider tip back then.
Historical overview
Since then, I have purchased a total of three Ninecircles Swords. A Kurin Shoden Shinken (Tameshigiri version, No BoHi), a Kurin Iaido Shinken (Iaito, with BoHi) and a Kurin Stainless Steel Iaito.
All of them were of outstanding quality and unique beauty. Yet, *my* sword was not among them.
Kurin, the brand behind the Ninecircles swords, also supplies (or at least used to, since they are unavailable) Kaneie. And all who have owned a Kanaie can report about their beauty and simply outstanding level of polish. Ninecircles has its own quality control in place and they only sell single swords that are listed in stock. They sell the blades with a unique set of Fuchi/Kashira, Tsuba and Ito. With the (now four) blades that I have from them, all of the fittings including the cotton maki were simply perfect. Rock solid. And at least one of these swords has been in use for 8 years regularly! Solid. As. A Rock!
But why was *my* sword no among them? The Iaito is very balanced and ridiculously light. I mean it’s just laser-thin. It sings (for those unfamiliar with the term; if you tap the blade the vibrations make the blade reverberate with an audible zzzzzing). I did perform tameshigiri with it (cautiously and only double mats) and it just felt like cheating. It is a sword meant for hours and hours of Iaido.
The tameshigiri version without a Hi is in my opinion the most beautiful sword they offer. Crisp shinogi line, I tell you. But to my dismay the sword is too heavy and balanced toward the tip for my taste. I have a knack for light and lively swords.
Imagine my surprise when I saw Ninecircles provided a HYBRID Shinken, with BoHi, but with a stronger geometry for cutting.
Full Disclosure
I was in no way encouraged to do this review. I am genuinely interested in sharing my experience with Ninecircles which was positive throughout.
Initial Impressions
The new Hybrid Shinken is smack in the middle between the Iaito and Batto/Tameshigiri Shinken from Kurin. It offers the same incredible level of polish and tight, rock solid and beautifully crafted fittings. It balances incredibly well and flies truly like a fine weapon.
Statistics
Blade/Nagasa Length: 720mm
Handle/Tsuka Length: 260mm
Weight: 950g
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
A geometrically well-crafted blade with nice sori. The thickness of the blade is similar to the Tameshigiri version but the precisely carved BoHi provide enough weight reduction. The polish is outstanding. It seems to be (as advertised) a genuine hadori polish which reveals the hamon and its activities along with hada-like activities on the blade. The blade is forged from a T10 toolsteel (not folded).
The Handle/Tsuka
A very thin but well-shaped Tsuka. Might be a bit small for large hands. Everything is tight and solid.
The Guard/Tsuba
You have a choice of different versions with different Tsuba. I’ve had three different Tsuba versions so far. Two of them are old enough to have their own (beautiful, mind you) patina from long time storage. They are crafted very well and compliment the beauty of the sword.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
My three older Kurin swords have very basic F/K. They seem to be made of some antiqued iron with a very nice texture. The new hybrid shinken offers much fancier F/K that are advertised as silver. The one I have is very delicate and beautiful.
The Scabbard/Saya
They are mass produced and were offered in Black and Brown ishime. However lately, only black seems to be available. The saya is not thick and not very thin. Just right I would say, perhaps on the thin side. The koiguchi, kurikata and the end cap are made of genuine buffalo horn. I verified that when I sanded down a saya for customization purposes. The fit on my older Ninecircles was ok, at least one required shimming but was then just fine. This time the fit was perfect right out of the box. Perhaps that is due to an improved QC?
Handling Characteristics
Acitve, lively blade. Ridicolously sharp. Well-balanced for Kata and Tameshigiri. This will be my go-to sword.
Test Cutting (if applicable)
This sword is intended to suit all my cutting needs which includes single and double mats and pool noodles. It will not be used on bamboo (I can’t find any, and if I can I will use my spring steel batter).
Conclusions
There is NO other supplier of sword that I know that offers this kind of quality in this price range. I paid 900€ for mine shipped to Germany incl. taxes. Show me another manufacturer that produces this kind of quality in the sub 1k€ area with hadori hand polish, rock solid fittings and ito.
The Bottom Line
These blades are awesome and should be recommended to anyone interested
Hi everybody
I have once been a rather active member of many sword communities, but like so many others over time I found myself occupied with other interests. But a couple of months ago my love for the sword got ignited all over again.
In my days I had quite a rotation in my sword collection, constantly buying and selling occasionally even customizing some katana. Quite early I came across a company not known to many guys in the US that was located in the United Kingdom. Their name was Ninecircles and since I live in Europe, it was convenient for me to purchase from them. They were some kind of insider tip back then.
Historical overview
Since then, I have purchased a total of three Ninecircles Swords. A Kurin Shoden Shinken (Tameshigiri version, No BoHi), a Kurin Iaido Shinken (Iaito, with BoHi) and a Kurin Stainless Steel Iaito.
All of them were of outstanding quality and unique beauty. Yet, *my* sword was not among them.
Kurin, the brand behind the Ninecircles swords, also supplies (or at least used to, since they are unavailable) Kaneie. And all who have owned a Kanaie can report about their beauty and simply outstanding level of polish. Ninecircles has its own quality control in place and they only sell single swords that are listed in stock. They sell the blades with a unique set of Fuchi/Kashira, Tsuba and Ito. With the (now four) blades that I have from them, all of the fittings including the cotton maki were simply perfect. Rock solid. And at least one of these swords has been in use for 8 years regularly! Solid. As. A Rock!
But why was *my* sword no among them? The Iaito is very balanced and ridiculously light. I mean it’s just laser-thin. It sings (for those unfamiliar with the term; if you tap the blade the vibrations make the blade reverberate with an audible zzzzzing). I did perform tameshigiri with it (cautiously and only double mats) and it just felt like cheating. It is a sword meant for hours and hours of Iaido.
The tameshigiri version without a Hi is in my opinion the most beautiful sword they offer. Crisp shinogi line, I tell you. But to my dismay the sword is too heavy and balanced toward the tip for my taste. I have a knack for light and lively swords.
Imagine my surprise when I saw Ninecircles provided a HYBRID Shinken, with BoHi, but with a stronger geometry for cutting.
Full Disclosure
I was in no way encouraged to do this review. I am genuinely interested in sharing my experience with Ninecircles which was positive throughout.
Initial Impressions
The new Hybrid Shinken is smack in the middle between the Iaito and Batto/Tameshigiri Shinken from Kurin. It offers the same incredible level of polish and tight, rock solid and beautifully crafted fittings. It balances incredibly well and flies truly like a fine weapon.
Statistics
Blade/Nagasa Length: 720mm
Handle/Tsuka Length: 260mm
Weight: 950g
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
A geometrically well-crafted blade with nice sori. The thickness of the blade is similar to the Tameshigiri version but the precisely carved BoHi provide enough weight reduction. The polish is outstanding. It seems to be (as advertised) a genuine hadori polish which reveals the hamon and its activities along with hada-like activities on the blade. The blade is forged from a T10 toolsteel (not folded).
The Handle/Tsuka
A very thin but well-shaped Tsuka. Might be a bit small for large hands. Everything is tight and solid.
The Guard/Tsuba
You have a choice of different versions with different Tsuba. I’ve had three different Tsuba versions so far. Two of them are old enough to have their own (beautiful, mind you) patina from long time storage. They are crafted very well and compliment the beauty of the sword.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
My three older Kurin swords have very basic F/K. They seem to be made of some antiqued iron with a very nice texture. The new hybrid shinken offers much fancier F/K that are advertised as silver. The one I have is very delicate and beautiful.
The Scabbard/Saya
They are mass produced and were offered in Black and Brown ishime. However lately, only black seems to be available. The saya is not thick and not very thin. Just right I would say, perhaps on the thin side. The koiguchi, kurikata and the end cap are made of genuine buffalo horn. I verified that when I sanded down a saya for customization purposes. The fit on my older Ninecircles was ok, at least one required shimming but was then just fine. This time the fit was perfect right out of the box. Perhaps that is due to an improved QC?
Handling Characteristics
Acitve, lively blade. Ridicolously sharp. Well-balanced for Kata and Tameshigiri. This will be my go-to sword.
Test Cutting (if applicable)
This sword is intended to suit all my cutting needs which includes single and double mats and pool noodles. It will not be used on bamboo (I can’t find any, and if I can I will use my spring steel batter).
Conclusions
There is NO other supplier of sword that I know that offers this kind of quality in this price range. I paid 900€ for mine shipped to Germany incl. taxes. Show me another manufacturer that produces this kind of quality in the sub 1k€ area with hadori hand polish, rock solid fittings and ito.
The Bottom Line
These blades are awesome and should be recommended to anyone interested