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Post by dchisenh on Jan 2, 2020 14:43:01 GMT
Congratulations! In less than 48 hours you've managed to annoy the majority of the members who have offered advice to help you improve your review skills.
I now have no interest in watching your videos since it is clear you lack the ability or desire to take criticism.
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Post by lioconvoy on Jan 2, 2020 15:35:29 GMT
Congratulations! In less than 48 hours you've managed to annoy the majority of the members who have offered advice to help you improve your review skills. 2 out of 5 isn’t a majority. You mean the one guy that repeats something I already said I put no value in, or the other guy that can’t answer basic questions? It’s amazing how many of you people think responding isn’t “taking criticism”. There has been plenty of other criticisms that I have zero issue with, and will help me tremendously in the future. Cherry-picking a few things that I pushed back against because they’re literally counter-initiative to my goal here is ‘t the same as not taking criticism. This is not a hard concept to understand.
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Post by MOK on Jan 2, 2020 16:09:06 GMT
EVERYONE, calm down and mind your manners. Being right is NOT an excuse to be impolite, nor is being wrong an offense. Now lioconvoy asked for critique, sure, but I think he's feeling just a little dogpiled right now. Ease up a bit, the rest of you - remember he's just one guy, and you are many. But also: I've explained this multiple times, so now I'll start getting ugly... DON'T.
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Post by MOK on Jan 2, 2020 16:17:22 GMT
We can all stay civil, yes? Let's just close our eyes... breathe in... relax our shoulders... breathe out... and try again from some way back. Good point; I didn't consider that. I was just worried because there wasn't really much packing stopping them from banging together in the box. Indeed, inadequate packaging is a common source of aggravation all around. It's especially bad with large, sharp objects! We have threads about some real horror stories on that theme... In particular, if your camera lets you adjust it, try increasing shutter speed when filming in ample lighting conditions. This should also decrease motion blur, and can help auto focus respond faster if you're using that. Cold Steel boast about everything, always. It's just SOP for them. Usually it's just annoying (like in this instance, IMO), but sometimes it gets uncomfortably close to actual false advertising. Well yeah, at least over here in Finland there's a short period mandated by law during which items bought online, through mail order or similar impersonal means can be returned for full money back for any or no reason, precisely because you can never know anything for sure before you actually have the thing in your hand. Not being as sharp as it could be, straight out of the box, just isn't the kind of thing I'd return (or avoid buying in the first place) a sword or knife for, though. It's easy to rectify and costs me nothing but a little time, while returns and refunds are a significant expense for retailers, potentially outright crippling for smaller ones. It certainly does bear mentioning in a review, however. PS. This might just be me, but I honestly expect a bit of DIY with cheap things. Not just swords, either! The way I see it, I can either pay more or put in a bit of work myself where the manufacturer cut some corners to keep their price down, and since my money is scarce but my time generally isn't, you can see how the math works out. And I feel it gives me a more personal connection with my stuff, you know? It's all semicustom. Touching up the sharpening and polish, smoothing out secondary bevels or central ridges where they don't belong, rewrapping or making new grips or scabbards from scratch etc. is all just part of the hobby for me.
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Post by lioconvoy on Jan 2, 2020 17:10:18 GMT
A bit too late, but I’ll try and stay civil going forward. We can all stay civil, yes? Let's just close our eyes... breathe in... relax our shoulders... breathe out... and try again from some way back Aight. I’ll have to check those threads out sometime. I’ll have to check the settings and fiddle with it a bit. Something to absolutely gauge for this month! Yeah, I’m afraid I’ve found that out the hard way. I really don’t want to think this is demonstrative of ALL their works, but it’s absolutely disappointing. I’m more of the “if it’s not working the way they say it’s supposed to, I’m not going to do the work FOR them” type, so back it goes from me. I’m not about to denigrate someone for their hard work. My only issue with touching the blade up before reviewing it is that my intent here to review them out of the box. I want the people watching to know 100% what they should expect (or not expect) from these companies. While you’re right that I could’ve commented how it could’ve been sharpened in the review, it’s honestly not something I even thought about. As far as DIY on cheap things, that’s just going to come down to personal values; I don’t personally see $300 as “cheap”. If we were talking about a $50 Musha/Musashi with a wire-brushed Harmon, then I’d probably agree. But that’s just going to be a preference thing. Either way, I REALLY appreciate the feedback! I plan on doing a full video this month on top of the regular review that explains in detail my mission statement here and why I do or don’t do things in these reviews.
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Post by lioconvoy on Jan 2, 2020 18:54:34 GMT
I have made long posts about this in the past but generally in my opinion I think that sharpness out of the box should be held in a higher regard. The reason that a lot of production swords are not delivered as sharp as they should be is because of the passive attitude so many seem to have toward it. They will say things similar to what is in the thread so far or say something a long the lines of "sword sharp" is "sharp enough",etc. You will see this kind of stuff parroted in one flavor or another..just change the words around. I am of the opinion that it is actually a sign of quality,value and care to deliver a sword that would be sharp enough to cut some tatami out of the box. To argue anything else is strange to me UNLESS it is actually a blunt sword or this is explained in the advertising in some way. This. This is exactly what I’m thinking, and why I’m doing it the way I do.
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pgandy
Moderator
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Post by pgandy on Jan 2, 2020 19:02:38 GMT
kultofathena.com/sharp.htmlVery Sharp Very sharp edges are the type that will cut you if you are not careful. This is still not quite paper cutting sharp but is usually pretty close. This is best for test cutting. If you add our sharpening service to an item, this will be the result on most blade types. This is a typical level for katana. One more for clarification Razor Sharp Razor sharp is not a term we use, so you will not find any blades we carry listed as such. This is the type of edge that would be needed to cut paper and shave hair. Some people incorrectly expect anything “sharp” to be at this level, but that is not realistic. Almost no production swords will ever ship this sharp, despite other places using the term indiscriminately. Truthfully, this is too sharp for a sword and will result in a very thin, fragile edge that will chip, roll and dull itself quickly.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jan 2, 2020 19:38:51 GMT
kultofathena.com/sharp.htmlVery Sharp Very sharp edges are the type that will cut you if you are not careful. This is still not quite paper cutting sharp but is usually pretty close. This is best for test cutting. If you add our sharpening service to an item, this will be the result on most blade types. This is a typical level for katana. I don't agree with this. At least not the way it's written. If the edge apex is in proper alignment it should be able to easily cut through paper. This is almost irregardless of geometry. Wrong person there Brother. This is from KoA, the vendor telling how they classify the sharpness of the swords that they sell. If you think KoA isn’t properly stating how they determine the edges of the swords that they sell tell them they don’t know what they are talking about, not me. As I have stated in reviews and my impressions of swords from that company I have no connection with them other than being a full paying happy customer.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jan 2, 2020 20:56:06 GMT
Wrong person there Brother. This is from KoA, the vendor telling how they classify the sharpness of the swords that they sell. If you think KoA isn’t properly stating how they determine the edges of the swords that they sell tell them they don’t know what they are talking about, not me. As I have stated in reviews and my impressions of swords from that company I have no connection with them other than being a full paying happy customer. Yes I understand but you do agree with my post or no? I agree with the way KoA wrote it for the audience that is written for.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jan 3, 2020 1:45:41 GMT
I agree with the way KoA wrote it for the audience that is written for. Elaborate please? KoA has classified sharpness into seven categories that they feel appropriate plus one not so appropriate but is there for clarification. All describe to their clientele whom may very well be the most rank novice in terms they will understand and should expect with the sword they order. This is in clear everyday language such as made for stage, tip rounded off, will offer no cutting ability, will have a thin flat edge, will not really cut without great force, etc. Anybody should understand those terms. If KoA replaced those terms with “edge apex”, “proper alignment”, “geometry” they are going to confuse a lot of people and no doubt lose sales. Not saying you are in error, just saying that I prefer KoA definitions in defining sharpness to a potential sword for a buyer.
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seth
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Post by seth on Jan 5, 2020 14:32:52 GMT
Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing the video review.
Maybe a kendo mask would meet your anonymity needs and complement your wardrobe?
Despite Cold Steel's marketing, I have a soft spot in my heart for their products.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jan 5, 2020 17:51:32 GMT
Seth’s idea using a kendo mask will go with you kimono. Another and less expensive idea would be to wrap ninja style requiring only a stripe of black cloth. An example is below. It’s been some years since I’ve done that and am a bit out of practice but with a little practice you should be able to do better. A third idea that would cost you nothing; set up the camera angle not to record your face. I know of a man, a master with shurikens, who has made numerous videos that clearly show his technique, range, types of shuikens, target, in short all details save his face. And nothing is lost.
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Post by MOK on Jan 5, 2020 19:36:59 GMT
Strip of cloth? Pfft. Real ninjas use a plain old black T-shirt, so as not to stand out.
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Post by lioconvoy on Jan 6, 2020 2:39:31 GMT
Strip of cloth? Pfft. Real ninjas use a plain old black T-shirt, so as not to stand out. Holy crap that takes me back. As far as using a Kendo Men helmet; I considered it, but I also plan to sell my two pairs of Kendo bogu, so it won't really work long-term. While I appreciate the feedback concerning the headwear....it's really not that big of a deal to me for now.
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Post by lioconvoy on Jan 6, 2020 2:45:42 GMT
Despite Cold Steel's marketing, I have a soft spot in my heart for their products. Wanted to touch on this real quick. I'm not quite done with Cold Steel yet. Did the first sword here preform in an optimum way? No. It's highly possible I got a bad sword, and the rest from that line are incredible. I plan on doing their Nodachi this month, and am hoping to cover their Gold Lion Katana in the future! If they have any swords you think I'd like, by all means; let me know!
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reptaronice1
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Tell Me... Friend... When Did Saruman The Wise Abandon Reason For Madness?!
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Post by reptaronice1 on Jan 6, 2020 15:24:14 GMT
So touching up the edge a little was not an option? In my opinion,recommending to stay away from a sword because it is not quite sharp enough seems harsh. Excluding razors,I have never bought any blade that I considered sharp enough,and if they did not need a stone I have always ran a steel or diamond hone over the edge. Always. Expecting any production katana to come sharp enough for tameshigiri would be unreasonable. All of my katana have come very sharp personally.
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reptaronice1
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Tell Me... Friend... When Did Saruman The Wise Abandon Reason For Madness?!
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Post by reptaronice1 on Jan 6, 2020 15:50:10 GMT
My personal opinion on this whole matter is not what to change about your review, but to tell you to be ok with your review. You can ask for criticism, but if others do not like the review even if you feel it is accurate who cares? As long as you feel like you portrayed the sword accurately, then there is no problem in my mind. People will form their own decisions on a product even before they buy it. Personally I agree, I suck at sharpening and therefore want my blades sharp when they arrive because I can not sharpen them myself. There is nothing wrong with expecting a good sharp blade. On to kult of athenas “sharpness standards” it is totally off like Nathaniel said, their katanas can easily cut paper and be used to shave no matter what they say as I own several. As for form, tell the viewers in the video if you do not have any kenjutsu or iaido training etc. If you let them know you do not have training they will be a lot easier on you and understand a few messed up cuts. Do not try to act like a master swordsman if you are not and have not taken any classes. I have made a few sword reviews for the fun of it and always explain I’m not an expert in the least on cuts. It is all about showing how it performed for you and maybe how it would perform for a newer user with not a lot of experience. For instance if I was dealing with a sword I thought was dull I would say something to the matter or “it feels dull and hard to cut with to me BUT that could be my lack of training” no one will expect you to be a good cutter if you tell them your not. Just my 2 sense. Others can agree or disagree with me.
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reptaronice1
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Tell Me... Friend... When Did Saruman The Wise Abandon Reason For Madness?!
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Post by reptaronice1 on Jan 6, 2020 15:56:49 GMT
Congratulations! In less than 48 hours you've managed to annoy the majority of the members who have offered advice to help you improve your review skills. I now have no interest in watching your videos since it is clear you lack the ability or desire to take criticism. I do not think he means to, he asked for advice and bit off more than he could chew. People here have very very strong opinions on certain sword matters and it can get ugly quick when 2 people disagree on here. The OP doesn’t agree with some people’s opinions which kinda set off a bombshell on both parties sides. At the end of the day no big deal imo. Agree to disagree.
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reptaronice1
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Tell Me... Friend... When Did Saruman The Wise Abandon Reason For Madness?!
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Post by reptaronice1 on Jan 6, 2020 16:01:16 GMT
Responding =/= arguing. Please learn the difference. Yet you can't expound to me on HOW. Incredible. I've explained this multiple times, so now I'll start getting ugly so that you can know the difference in the future: I told you no less than three times what I'm going for and where I stand. If you struggle with understand that so much, I recommend you learn how to read. Maybe get tested. Yet you can't/won't link to a reviewer. Nor will you tell me HOW it's somehow "what good reviewers do". Learn to formulate better than a 10 year old next time, ok champ? No, I'm pretty sure you think it's "crappy" because it doesn't cater to your personal preference on how you THINK a sword should be reviewed. You've failed to explain HOW my technique is "crappy". You've failed to explain WHY someone should "touch up the edge". You've failed to understand the concept I'm working on here in favor of just throwing a fit that I don't do a review in the personal ways you value. That's a pretty stupid amount of nonsense to put forth while simultaneously calling someone a novice. Maybe you should learn how to read as well as expound on a thought instead of just getting super upsetti spaghetti that someone disagrees with your personal value system? Maybe? Just.....maybe? I recommend Hooked on Phonics. LOL. You asked for critique and I gave it. Simple. Look for skallagrim for reviews as an example. Your technique is actually very poor. Bouncing before cuts? WTF is that? Your footwork is all over the place and you are swinging that sword like a crowbar. I said enough on sharpening. Throw a fit??? LOLOL. Also never said you are a novice, just that your review and technique are crappy. You asked for opinions and those are my opinions. This isn't an anime or cartoon review,it is a sword review that you wanted critiqued. I critiqued it with my opinions nicely at first and then you questioned those with an argumentative intent and I responded with how I honestly feel about your review. I have said my last here. Edit: First link that came up for skallagrim videos Go to 5:00 and look at what he does lol. Skallagrim does good reviews, only thing about him is I feel like he has an ego to him. People who know lots about stuff and the history of it tend to get arrogant sometimes. He has ripped on people who know false info about katanas and such and it is kinda odd in my mind. Why rip on people who are new to something and don’t know what they are talking about? In the end what makes any one of us better than a newer sword hobbyist? We all had to learn and did not know at some point. Just dumb to rip on others or come across as a know it all.
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seth
Member
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Post by seth on Jan 6, 2020 17:45:06 GMT
Despite Cold Steel's marketing, I have a soft spot in my heart for their products. Wanted to touch on this real quick. I'm not quite done with Cold Steel yet. Did the first sword here preform in an optimum way? No. It's highly possible I got a bad sword, and the rest from that line are incredible. I plan on doing their Nodachi this month, and am hoping to cover their Gold Lion Katana in the future! If they have any swords you think I'd like, by all means; let me know! Well I really like their 1796 light cav saber, but I am really a fan of their hawks, axes and machetes.
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