Yagoro
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Ikkyu in Kendo and Kenjutsu Practitioner
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Post by Yagoro on May 19, 2022 1:10:44 GMT
I have been thinking about this for a while: what model shinken would you say are the worst from big manufacturers like hanwei, dragon king, cold steel(lol), skyjiro, etc.
For hanwei I'm thinking their basic pk. It really hasn't aged well, and the price you pay for it is ridiculous, especially for what you get. I'm curious what you guys have to say though.
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Post by tancred on May 19, 2022 6:29:29 GMT
I bought a 1st Generation Hanwei Practical Katana way back when for $150. My first real katana or shinken, so to speak. The tsuka is large, and the sword is somewhat blade-heavy. Its still a wonderful katana, though. I love it. Think of it, though, only $150. That is massive bang for your buck. It was then, and still would be today. I think that's a huge factor when considering what may be the worst sword from a big manufacturer (or, what might be the best one). What did you pay for it? Was it a bargain, or did you pay out the nose? Just to add to that, I got a much later Generation PK brand new off Ebay for only $60. So, even if you personally think the Hanwei PK is the worst sword from a big company, would you still think the same if you got it for a steal like that? I wouldn't. I suppose this is my way of saying I (respectfully  ) disagree with your negative assessment of the Hanwei PK. I have two generations of them, both are very different from each other, and I have a high opinion of both. Most of my katana are Hanwei. I like some more then others, but have yet to have a lemon or one I was disappointed with or thought of returning. |
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Yagoro
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Posts: 1,643
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Post by Yagoro on May 19, 2022 6:37:02 GMT
I bought a 1st Generation Hanwei Practical Katana way back when for $150. My first real katana or shinken, so to speak. The tsuka is large, and the sword is somewhat blade-heavy. Its still a wonderful katana, though. I love it. Think of it, though, only $150. That is massive bang for your buck. It was then, and still would be today. I think that's a huge factor when considering what may be the worst sword from a big manufacturer (or, what might be the best one). What did you pay for it? Was it a bargain, or did you pay out the nose? Just to add to that, I got a much later Generation PK brand new off Ebay for only $60. So, even if you personally think the Hanwei PK is the worst sword from a big company, would you still think the same if you got it for a steal like that? I wouldn't. I suppose this is my way of saying I (respectfully ) disagree with your negative assessment of the Hanwei PK. I have two generations of them, both are very different from each other, and I have a high opinion of both. Most of my katana are Hanwei. I like some more then others, but have yet to have a lemon or one I was disappointed with or thought of returning. Moreso meant in the current year. Yes, the pk was a great value back when hanweis competition were all incompetent and it only cost 150. Now, however, it costs 250, and at that price range you can get a sword with real samegawa, and a tsuka that isnt glued in place. |
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Post by tancred on May 19, 2022 7:15:13 GMT
I should have said that yeah, Hanwei's prices have risen dramatically. You couldn't get a standard PK for close to $150 any more. So, I would be looking for better deals for sure.
The price you pay for whatever katana it might be will very much affect your opinion of the sword, be it positive or negative.
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AndiTheBarvarian
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"Lord of the Memes"
Bavarianbarbarian - Semper Semprini
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on May 19, 2022 10:17:11 GMT
 Cold Steel Two Handed Katana Machete! Ok, it isn't so bad as a tool and it was cheap. |
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Yagoro
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Ikkyu in Kendo and Kenjutsu Practitioner
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Post by Yagoro on May 19, 2022 19:36:59 GMT
Cold Steel Two Handed Katana Machete! Ok, it isn't so bad as a tool and it was cheap. Lol there's no way that's by cold steel. I've seen that posted on here multiple times and always assumed it was some Chinese ripoff |
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Post by RickDastardly on May 19, 2022 19:45:21 GMT
LOL - I have that Cold Steel one! Keep thinking of shortening the handle and wrapping it with something grippy. The way the garden's growing this year, it might be useful.
The Gladius machete is fun though!
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Post by treeslicer on May 19, 2022 20:46:18 GMT
I have been thinking about this for a while: what model shinken would you say are the worst from big manufacturers like hanwei, dragon king, cold steel(lol), skyjiro, etc. . Honestly, this has never been a major consideration for me. You might try not buying anything from anyone who seems to be spending more on their advertising than they do on their product.    |
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Post by Paul Muad’Dib on May 19, 2022 21:29:16 GMT
Cold Steel Two Handed Katana Machete! Ok, it isn't so bad as a tool and it was cheap. Lol there's no way that's by cold steel. I've seen that posted on here multiple times and always assumed it was some Chinese ripoff That is definitely Cold Steel. It was their first katana machete. I already had there newer one but still wanted to get this one. Finally got one and was so disappointed. Agree with Andi, it’s definitely the worst sword I own. |
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Post by Drunk Merchant on May 19, 2022 22:14:17 GMT
I honestly wonder if the fire at Hanwei really lead to shark jumping. People who bought before and after what’s your thought?
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Post by randomnobody on May 19, 2022 22:28:10 GMT
Hanwei's Practical Katana was the first "real sword" I ever bought, almost 20 years ago now. I paid about $200 for it at a booth at a local gun show. Between that or the $500 Cold Steel Warrior Katana, I easily preferred the PK. Its ito didn't last long but I beat the crap out of the thing so I can't fault it. It's still my nimblest katana, and my favorite overall. Granted, I only have two katana even in its class to compare: A Dynasty Forge Musha, customized before I bought it, and a SlavEdge Katsujinken I was sent you review before my life spun out of control and the brand died out. I still prefer the PK, overall, but the Katsujinken is a nice sword.
Worst I've ever bought from one of the good brands? Probably the old Hanwei William Marshall, with the thicker blade and hollow pommel. I understand they changed those at some point but haven't gotten to handle one. Not a katana, but my least-favorite sword by a wide margin.
I don't own many modern swords, but I'm very careful about which ones I buy.
Oh, and there's no doubt in my mind the fire did more damage to Hanwei than just burning the place...
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Post by tancred on May 20, 2022 6:20:34 GMT
I honestly wonder if the fire at Hanwei really lead to shark jumping. People who bought before and after what’s your thought? Yes, the fire at the Hanwei factory greatly affected their products. Most obviously, it affected their prices. The prices almost doubled on many products, and more than doubled on others. Whereas before, you could get some excellent bang for your buck with Hanwei swords, both Eastern and Western styles, after the fire, you could get equal or better swords for less elsewhere. Since the fire, I've never bought a new Hanwei at new price. Things could change if they come up with a design I'm crazy about, but for now, Hanwei's are only buy at less expensive used price for me. |
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) disagree with your negative assessment of the Hanwei PK. I have two generations of them, both are very different from each other, and I have a high opinion of both. 
