Why Do we Accept Sub standard stuff
Jul 23, 2008 22:54:35 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2008 22:54:35 GMT
Jul 23, 2008 17:10:06 GMT @adamsharp said:
Not to derail the discussion but... I couldn't let this be...That's a good example of quality swords in this range standing up to use and abuse that would destroy even your $2,000- ?!?! range swords.
The above was in reference to Paul's destructive test of Cheness O-Katana.
I suggest that before statements like that are made that the OP kindly handle or experience swords in the $2000+ Range. They are not delicate instruments. At the least, these swords are AS DURABLE as the TOUGHEST of swords in our market, in addition to having greater attention to aesthetic detail, better and more competent control over harmonics and balance issues, and in many cases historical qualities.
Having purchased some somewhat more expensive swords lately(nothing even close to $1000, but still above $300... All those little things that were off and didn't really bother me before are really starting to. I mean, I am and was not any stranger to high quality blades - I just saw a lot of our market as 'good enough'.
This is no longer the case - Sub $300 swords are great for what they are - but what they are is less than I deserve. And it's simple economics that I'm not gonna get what I deserve by paying $300 if what I deserve is $500+ swords.
I think that the materials that the newer less expensive blades are being made with are in many ways supperior to Tamahagane or multi-piece blade construction. There is no way in hell I could flex my 400 year old Hizen sword 90 degrees and expect anthing more than a really expensive bent sword. While some of the $300 blades can do that and return to true and cut reasonably well. The fitting are semprini but you dont cut with fittings. If you want an art sword buy a a $3k koshirae set and mount a blade.
I would think that with a $2k sword you are going to get better balance, geometry and fittings. But the blade will be no more durable than some of the $300 pruning blades out there.