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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2008 15:37:25 GMT
Hi guys,firstly im new when it comes to chinese swords as my current collection contains Katana and medieval swords.That being said im looking at a function chinese piece to add to my collection,any cutting will be done in my back yard as a past time.Iv seen these 3 at kultofathena ,any thoughts as to which would make a better functional and display piece?
Cold Steel Gim Sword
Hanwei Damascus Tai Chi Jian
Hanwei Tang Jian
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2008 16:48:58 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2008 18:24:17 GMT
I own the Hanwei Damascus Tai Chi Jian, and if you're only going to practice thrusting, it'll probably work. However, you can't disassemble it, which leaves the actual construction in question. I wouldn't recommend it for any cutting unless someone can expound on the construction.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2008 8:09:28 GMT
The cold steel gim is a very nice sword, but its weight is a bit awkward. It seems a bit heavy compared to most other gims I've handled. Also, most gims aren't meant for cutting; they're primarily thrusting weapons. If you want to cut, I suggest a dao (the paul chen one is particularily nice) or dadao.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2008 4:23:11 GMT
As someone who practices Chinese sword forms, I have to point out that the Jian (gim), is not primarily a thrusting weapon. True, the thrust is a main attack, but the weapon is used for cutting as well. Therefore, a Jian that can't cut is not a true representation of the weapon.
Of the three that you (aragon13) listed, I'd go with the Cold Steel Gim if you want to be able to cut with it. The Hanwei one's are too suspect; the company has even admitted that none of it's jian are made for cutting practice. The Cold Steel Gim is made for that, however, mavericklancer is right when he says it's weight is a little off. Then again, just about all Cold Steel weapons are on the hefty side, so it's par the course. Plus, weight can sometimes be a subjective thing anyway.
I would also consider checking out some of the swords from Qing Zhong or Zheng Wu forges... they have been known to make decent functional swords. Also Jin Shi, a company started by a forum guy here, is specializing in well made functional jian that are also affordable, so you might to look that up as well.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 15, 2008 0:44:56 GMT
If you want functional with practical weight, you really have to pay for it. Like swordsage, I'd recommend zheng wu as well, or huanuo. I just recently got my hands on a huanuo jian, and it's good, but you might as well go all-out and pick up a zheng wu once you've stepped into that price range. The cold steel jian is solid, but not really designed with a practitioner in mind. It'll keep itself during cuts though if you don't want to spend a lot of money and aren't too concerned with form. I hate it because I know it'll be useless for finding an opponent's sword and sticking to it.
Styles that utilize a jian do use cuts, slices, and chops just the same as a dao. The only difference is the depth of extension on the forward weight is a little less distinct in jian swordplay. Don't buy or approach a jian like it's an italian rapier. Similarly, I have yet to see a dao form that doesn't have at least one or two types of thrusting involved.
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