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Post by William Swiger on Feb 19, 2019 22:40:03 GMT
Picked up a couple of the Ryujin Chinese swords for sale in the SBG Store. The first is the Yong Lo Sword. This is a well made sword and in my opinion, a great deal for the sale price. Scabbard and sword are very nice.  Since the Yong Lo was such a great deal, I bought the Giant Miao Dao. It arrived today well packaged with the sword in one of those old style Chinese sword boxes (LOL). The sword seems well made for the most part. Has a decent scabbard. I would not have a real complaint except for something being loose in the pommel area. Sounds like a screw or something rattling around. It also has China stamped on the blade if that is an issue for some people. Since I cannot take it apart unless I destroy at least the end cap and do not feel like mailing it back, it will be disposed of when I can figure out how.....I know Paul would take care of this if I wanted to send it back. The SBG Store has excellent customer service.  |
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,714
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Post by stormmaster on Feb 19, 2019 22:42:11 GMT
For the price that's awesome
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Post by William Swiger on Feb 19, 2019 22:51:23 GMT
For the price that's awesome I am really surprised the Yong Lo Swords have not sold out already. |
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stormmaster
Member
I like viking/migration era swords
Posts: 7,714
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Post by stormmaster on Feb 19, 2019 22:55:41 GMT
For the price that's awesome I am really surprised the Yong Lo Swords have not sold out already. i just thought it was too good to be true, and cause one of the first ones had some QC issues |
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Post by mrbadexample on Feb 19, 2019 22:58:59 GMT
How is the handling on the big one?
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Feb 19, 2019 23:02:59 GMT
Nice acquisitions, William! I actually like the Giant Miao Dao the better of the two, though the Yong Lo is also cool. Hopefully it's not something that's a pain to fix. The Chinese Swords section has never been real busy, but you could post there about it and maybe someone will have dealt with a similar issue and have some advice.
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Post by William Swiger on Feb 19, 2019 23:05:14 GMT
How is the handling on the big one? It handles well. Sort of like an O'Katana. It is solid but not knowing what is rattling around in the handle bothers me. Not sure if something came off in there or something was inadvertently left in there when assembled. |
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Post by mrbadexample on Feb 19, 2019 23:12:45 GMT
Those hollow caps can be full of mystery. LOL. Might be a chunk of hard epoxy too. I’d wager the grip to tang fit is of the drill big, glue lots school.
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Post by William Swiger on Feb 19, 2019 23:17:13 GMT
Nice acquisitions, William! I actually like the Giant Miao Dao the better of the two, though the Yong Lo is also cool. Hopefully it's not something that's a pain to fix. The Chinese Swords section has never been real busy, but you could post there about it and maybe someone will have dealt with a similar issue and have some advice. I took out the wooden pegs but the handle will not come off. Not sure how it is assembled on the front and end cap. Maybe tiny nails (tacks) and glue? Only way I can see getting in there is to mostly likely destroy the grip. Too much work given the price of the sword. Bet Driggers could make something cool with that blade. |
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Feb 19, 2019 23:28:27 GMT
I bet he could too, hahaha. That'd be a cool collaboration.
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on Feb 20, 2019 2:05:02 GMT
See, I saw the Yong Lo Sword and instantly thought of putting Nordic fittings on it...
My inner freak calling to me.
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Post by William Swiger on Feb 25, 2019 11:04:20 GMT
The blade on the Yong Lo is really nice. I could see it rehilted into something else as well....lol
Been too busy to take another look at the Giant Miao Dao. Do not think the rattle would affect using it but very curious what it is. Hate to destroy the grip to see what is going on. Also cannot see a way to get any expoxy into it either unless I drilled holes....
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Post by zabazagobo on Feb 25, 2019 17:22:43 GMT
Bummer about the miao dao, but about what I expected. At that price point, given the size and material cost, it can't be the most structurally sound. Shame because I really like the thought of owning one. Now if only they would up the build quality and adjust the prices to match.
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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Feb 25, 2019 17:58:56 GMT
The blade on the Yong Lo is really nice. I could see it rehilted into something else as well....lol Been too busy to take another look at the Giant Miao Dao. Do not think the rattle would affect using it but very curious what it is. Hate to destroy the grip to see what is going on. Also cannot see a way to get any expoxy into it either unless I drilled holes.... I had a Weapon Edge cutlass that developed a click that was driving me up the wall. I found a small hole, much too small to pour epoxy into, on one side of the blade immediately in front of the guard in which I poured Loctite 242. It worked. A word of caution if you want to go that route; the 242 is a blue liquid with low surface tension. I held the sword by the grip point up and had poured a surprising amount of Loctite in when I decided something was wrong due to the amount I was pouring in and stopped. When I removed my hand it was saturated with blue liquid as was the external grip. I grabbed some paper towels that easily cleaned both. I questioned whether the Loctite would work in my case as the grip’s core was wood but it did. |
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Post by kveldulf on Mar 22, 2019 23:44:49 GMT
I am really surprised the Yong Lo Swords have not sold out already. i just thought it was too good to be true, and cause one of the first ones had some QC issues Oh dear! I just came across this and wish I had replied two months ago. I believe Stormmaster was referring to me when he said "one of the first ones had some QC issues ". In the middle of a rave review I mentioned that the blade was shorter than advertised. I MEASURED IT WRONG!!!!!
I have ten swords; three antiques, two modern epees, and five reproductions (mostly Windlass). The Yong Lo sword is by far the standout of the lot. Even the decorative trim is built like a Sherman tank. By all means buy one; you will not be disappointed.
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Post by tommytx on Mar 26, 2019 16:29:00 GMT
I just picked up the Miao Dao. I was looking for a nice, functional but affordable sword for form practice. I don't plan to cut much at this time, but initial impressions are that this blade could take it. Mine, at this time, has no rattle in the handle or pommel. Everything feels very sturdy, and there are no clicks or looseness noted on gentle handling so far. Just got it yesterday so haven't yet taken it outside for some more powerful swings. Thus far I am very pleased with the quality and fit of everything. The fit in the scabbard is also extremely good. No wiggle noted. There is one small sharp protrusion on one of the metal scabbard decorations (which are all solid and not cheap feeling). It is almost the thickness of a nail brad. I plan to very carefully Dremel grind this sharp part flush with the rest with a pointed stone for precision.
There does not appear to be a brand or a maker noted on this sword. If there is, I am missing it. Does anyone have any additional information about this sword and it's manufacturer? I am new here, so I am still learning the ropes. Thanks for your patience!
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