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Post by ignatius on Mar 20, 2024 13:23:34 GMT
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Mar 25, 2024 18:15:53 GMT
Another nice review and yes, I do like the new format if you're open to notes on some issues with the sword, I'd be happy to mention them. keep up the great work!
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Post by ignatius on Mar 25, 2024 21:34:45 GMT
Thank you for checking it out! Always open to feedback and findings!
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Mar 26, 2024 4:38:12 GMT
Thank you for checking it out! Always open to feedback and findings! not a problem at all, you've got a fan here so I'll be checking them all out well, as you noted, there don't seem to be any hishigami used and while it may not seem like a big deal now and even though there are many other and worse issues with the wrap overall, this may become more of an issue as the ito relaxes, stretches and generally starts to loosen with use and over time. I can see as you were moving some of the maki, the ito was almost crossing over and overlapping the hishi. this will only continue to move further and further and can lead to it becoming undone or slipping/shifting along the tsuka ha and mune. even the thinnest card stock hishigami do something to help prevent this from happening or at least happening sooner than later. most brands offer hishigami as an option and while they should all come with hishigami in the first place, as it's an essential part of tsukamaki, it does still pay to get that option in most cases. The tsuba is on backwards. the side facing the blade should be facing the tsuka instead. this is mostly indicated by the design elements present. most of the "bling" on Japanese katana were meant to be visible to the public when worn in the obi, edge up on the left hip. this is also the way to display a sword on a kake, edge up blade to the right. since the swords were changed to this position of carry from tachi, which were hung from the waist, edge down, the omote side was a great place to show off the bling. more-so in the later eras, especially Edo, when samurai wanted to show their rank, wealth and status to all looking at them. this side of the katana became a great place to load up with ornamentation. the tsuka was also facing up and out so this is why you find most of the details worth seeing on the side facing the tsuka rather than the blade, which would have been much lower down and out of sight. in this case, if you notice the origami crane on the lower right side, under the kogai-hitsu (bean shaped hole), this decoration should have been positioned so you can see it easily when the sword is carried. also, in most cases, when the tsuba has both the kogai-hitsu( three lobed) and kozuka-hitsu (bean shaped), the kogai-hitsu would be on the right side, facing the tsuka. mounting tsuba backwards is unfortunately very common on swords in this price range from sellers like RS. another thing I noticed is that the tsuba seems to be slightly crooked. I believe this is because the seppa is overlapping the raised paper crane detail. I'm not sure if this could be fixed by correctly mounting the tsuba. if not, the choices could include to get smaller seppa, cut away part of the seppa or grind down that piece of the crane that obstructs it. I personally think there is a secondary bevel, at least a micro bevel since I couldn't help but notice the bright and steady reflection on the very edge in almost all views, including straight at the edge. this typically indicates a change in geometry. it shouldn't really affect the ability to cut that much but it's not "correct" for the geometry of a katana blade. lastly, and the least of the concerns or even what I could find to pick on overall, I'm not convinced these "horn" pieces are actually made of natural horn. I've never conducted a full test, which would be to drill or burn them to see if they melted like resin or plastic or if they burned like natural horn would, including the nasty smell of burning hair/nails. anyway, I hope this doesn't come off as bashing, I do understand these types of swords are generally not expected to be even close to perfect but I thought you might be interested in hearing these notes if just for your own personal knowledge. again, I really like your review style and the video was enjoyable to watch and I look forward to more.
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Post by ignatius on Mar 26, 2024 13:12:57 GMT
Thank you for checking it out! Always open to feedback and findings! not a problem at all, you've got a fan here so I'll be checking them all out well, as you noted, there don't seem to be any hishigami used and while it may not seem like a big deal now and even though there are many other and worse issues with the wrap overall, this may become more of an issue as the ito relaxes, stretches and generally starts to loosen with use and over time. I can see as you were moving some of the maki, the ito was almost crossing over and overlapping the hishi. this will only continue to move further and further and can lead to it becoming undone or slipping/shifting along the tsuka ha and mune. even the thinnest card stock hishigami do something to help prevent this from happening or at least happening sooner than later. most brands offer hishigami as an option and while they should all come with hishigami in the first place, as it's an essential part of tsukamaki, it does still pay to get that option in most cases. The tsuba is on backwards. the side facing the blade should be facing the tsuka instead. this is mostly indicated by the design elements present. most of the "bling" on Japanese katana were meant to be visible to the public when worn in the obi, edge up on the left hip. this is also the way to display a sword on a kake, edge up blade to the right. since the swords were changed to this position of carry from tachi, which were hung from the waist, edge down, the omote side was a great place to show off the bling. moreson in the later eras, especially Edo, when samurai wanted to show their rank, wealth and status to all looking at them. this side of the katana became a great place to load up with ornamentation. the tsuka was also facing up and out so this is why you find most of the details worth seeing on the side facing the tsuka rather than the blade, which would have been much lower down and out of sight. in this case, if you notice the origami crane on the lower right side, under the kogai-hitsu (bean shaped hole), this decoration should have been positioned so you can see it easily when the sword is carried. also, in most cases, when the tsuba has both the kogai-hitsu and kozuka-hitsu, the kogai-hitsu would be on the right side, facing the tsuka. mounting tsuba backwards is unfortunately very common on swords in this price range from sellers like RS. another thing I noticed is that the tsuba seems to be slightly crooked. I believe this is because the seppa is overlapping the raised paper crane detail. I'm not sure if this could be fixed by correctly mounting the tsuba. if not, the choices could include to get smaller seppa, cut away part of the seppa or grind down that piece of the crane that obstructs it. I personally think there is a secondary bevel, at least a micro bevel since I couldn't help but notice the bright and steady reflection on the very edge in almost all views, including straight at the edge. this typically indicates a change in geometry. it shouldn't really affect the ability to cut that much but it's not "correct" for the geometry of a katana blade. lastly, and the least of the concerns or even what I could find to pick on overall, I'm not convinced these "horn" pieces are actually made of natural horn. I've never conducted a full test, which would be to drill or burn them to see if they melted like resin or plastic or if they burned like natural horn would, including the nasty smell of burning hair/nails. anyway, I hope this doesn't come off as bashing, I do understand these types of swords are generally not expected to be even close to perfect but I thought you might be interested in hearing these notes if just for your own personal knowledge. again, I really like your review style and the video was enjoyable to watch and I look forward to more. Thank you so much for the support and feedback. I am by no means a professional sword analyst OR video editor OR Budoka! So all the feedback helps!
On Hishigami...I know this is your forte and you couldnt be more right. Without hishigami I feel this (and others like it) would be eventual re-wrap candidates. With all the issues I had with my JKOO custom order (still working on part two in that series) the hishigami they used was ROCK solid. If i could (and will) make a suggestion to RyanSword, it would be to learn to do that if they already do not, and offer it as an option.
On Tsuba orientation...right again! In fact, on my second Ryan1335 (currently filming) with different koshirae, they had it reversed as well. One way I always thought about it was, the side that faced the attacker was the serious side and the side that faced the public was the fun side..."Business up front and party in the back" I digress...because the reviewed sword had a planned second home, I did not modify it at all. I REALLY liked the nanakoji furniture but if I were to have kept it, i would have had to work the seppa to fit more appropriately as you mentioned. On my second sword, to have proper orientation, I did have to use needle files to fit the tsuba. Not a huge deal but something to consider of course.
On secondary bevel...that MIGHT have been a victim of dusk and my mobile light pod...if there was a secondary bevel it would have been the most micro of micro bevels. I couldnt pick it up with my eye or feel it on my fingers. In contrast, on the first JKOO I received, it had a prominent knife style secondary bevel you could see and feel. It also struggled to freely pass through paper. I did not have that issue with the reviewed RS1335. I will have to get a magnifying glass of sorts for future reviews. Could still be present though your eyes are more attune than mine.
Lastly on the horn...I cannot speak to the sword I no longer hand...but the second RS1335 I have in a DIY configuration came with black horn components. Upon buffing those with a polish wheel, a super awesome smell ensued. So those were at least authentic...The only thing I was REALLY suspect about was the menuki...as claimed to have been copper, they just feel 100% plastic to me through the ito, but I have no real way on confirming or denying that. Someone would need to take apart a tsuka (hint hint)
I would never take the above dialogue as bashing, there is a difference between speaking simply to prove your knowledge level over someone else and speaking to share knowledge with someone else and the later is ALWAYS welcome. Thank you again for your kind words about my reviews and editing and I only hope to learn more as I handle more blades and come more accustomed to my editing software!
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Post by Cottontail Customs on Mar 26, 2024 14:21:01 GMT
The reason I take time to point these things out is so others can learn about them. When I was starting out with katana in general and production swords in particular I found there to be little information out there and I also quickly felt let down by those that did offer info but were mostly just trying to sell something. I always hoped there would be more info available. I didn’t set out to sell anything although I do now, my own custom work and customizing for others and yes, one brand that I only sell because I was very impressed and wanted to help offer it to my fellow enthusiasts here in the states. It’s definitely not a means to make a living but I don’t deny I sell swords.
I started my website and fb page and fb group more as a means to offer up free info. I’ve never denied someone answers or charged for answers when asked about anything prod kat related. I think we’re stronger as a community when more are informed. It also increases the overall quality of available products when customers know what to ask for and what needs fixing.
I’ve learned it’s much harder to share this info than I thought it would be since so many seem resistant and even offended when I do. I’d think it was just me or how I come off but lately I’ve seen others having the same difficulties. Then there’s those that say they’re offering good info but turns out they’re just looking for followers and views. I know not everyone wants to hear what I have to say but I feel that those that do walk away with at least something they may not have known before and hopefully that makes them want to find out more and will ultimately make their decisions easier and they’ll be happier overall with their purchases. Again. I hope this also helps raise the quality level in the industry a bit as well since it seems that most sellers will have no problem selling us what they think we want and will make those changes upon request. When we don’t ask, many don’t seem too motivated to make any changes.
Sheesh, sorry for going on and on in your review post. Once again, great job and I especially appreciate your honesty and open minded views.
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Post by ignatius on Mar 26, 2024 15:00:01 GMT
The reason I take time to point these things out is so others can learn about them. When I was starting out with katana in general and production swords in particular I found there to be little information out there and I also quickly felt let down by those that did offer info but were mostly just trying to sell something. I always hoped there would be more info available. I didn’t set out to sell anything although I do now, my own custom work and customizing for others and yes, one brand that I only sell because I was very impressed and wanted to help offer it to my fellow enthusiasts here in the states. It’s definitely not a means to make a living but I don’t deny I sell swords. I started my website and fb page and fb group more as a means to offer up free info. I’ve never denied someone answers or charged for answers when asked about anything prod kat related. I think we’re stronger as a community when more are informed. It also increases the overall quality of available products when customers know what to ask for and what needs fixing. I’ve learned it’s much harder to share this info than I thought it would be since so many seem resistant and even offended when I do. I’d think it was just me or how I come off but lately I’ve seen others having the same difficulties. Then there’s those that say they’re offering good info but turns out they’re just looking for followers and views. I know not everyone wants to hear what I have to say but I feel that those that do walk away with at least something they may not have known before and hopefully that makes them want to find out more and will ultimately make their decisions easier and they’ll be happier overall with their purchases. Again. I hope this also helps raise the quality level in the industry a bit as well since it seems that most sellers will have no problem selling us what they think we want and will make those changes upon request. When we don’t ask, many don’t seem too motivated to make any changes. Sheesh, sorry for going on and on in your review post. Once again, great job and I especially appreciate your honesty and open minded views. I couldnt agree with you more on all of that-Whereas I am new to the sword world, I occupy the same space as you in the Firearms industry and frequently come up with the same issues.
One thing I will say, is that you will never hear me bash a customer segment online or in my reviews. I hear a lot about the "mall ninjas" and the disdain in words spoken about them and the products they buy...I would reckon that without the so called "mall ninjas" and "mail order catalog people" this industry would look entirely different. Everyone matters because everyone's purchases go to keeping a company afloat. Its the same in the Firearms world-"Fuds" bash "Tactical Toms", "tactical Toms" bash "Fuds" "Boogaloo Bois" bash "Tactical Toms" and "Fuds" and everyone bashes the Hi-Point or Taurus owner...the fact is, if everyone could see that everyone contributes to t he success of the industry, the world would be a much better place. So my Instagram and my YouTube will always be a place for all products and all peoples and that will no doubt dictate my audience, but I am not worried about that
Also the point of a review is to start dialogue...maybe it begins with the product mentioned...but truly that's an icebreaker to form relationships and conversation...and to quote Katsumoto "I have enjoyed our conversations"
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Post by blairbob on Mar 27, 2024 14:15:02 GMT
I liked it!
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Post by ignatius on Mar 27, 2024 14:24:49 GMT
Thank you for checking out another! Got two more in the works...
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Post by blairbob on Mar 27, 2024 14:32:43 GMT
I think you mentioned it did not come with hishigami nor did I see that possibility in customization on the website. Not the end of the world if they don't.
I don't recall if you mentioned whether the rayskin was inlaid into the tsuka in channels or on top of the wood without channels.
I'm screwing around with my Raptor right now and I don't think there is any hishigami though channels are carved into the tsuka.
tbh, I don't remember if the Hanwei iaito have hishigami or channels in the tsuka (the bamboo mat does have hishigami and so likely at that price point their swords have hishigami and inlaid rayskin, such as it is). A trip of 100 miles would likely answer that question to my buddy's (I go there from time to time throughout the year anyways).
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Post by ignatius on Mar 27, 2024 15:15:28 GMT
I think you mentioned it did not come with hishigami nor did I see that possibility in customization on the website. Not the end of the world if they don't. I don't recall if you mentioned whether the rayskin was inlaid into the tsuka in channels or on top of the wood without channels. I'm screwing around with my Raptor right now and I don't think there is any hishigami though channels are carved into the tsuka. tbh, I don't remember if the Hanwei iaito have hishigami or channels in the tsuka (the bamboo mat does have hishigami and so likely at that price point their swords have hishigami and inlaid rayskin, such as it is). A trip of 100 miles would likely answer that question to my buddy's (I go there from time to time throughout the year anyways). I apologize if I overlooked those details! As far as Hishigami...it is not a selectable option...I am going to have a conversation with them about that however---there are things they can do that are not listed...I have a sword on order right now and I will enquire about it. The majority of their swords are panel samegawa. The Ryan1335 is a full wrap however with impressive nodules for the price. In the above review I did not have any reference photos of the tsuka pre wrap, but for the review of my second Ryan1335 (I had two) I actually have a great reference photo of the unwrapped tsuka and samegawa quality. I do believe through their semi-custom options, if the blade you liked had panels and you wanted a full wrap, it would be an option and only take about a week.
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Post by blairbob on Mar 27, 2024 15:25:38 GMT
yeah, i figured they offer a full wrap but never even thought to consider whether they used hishigami.
tbh, this isn't exactly a dealbreaker. I've read some tsukamaki styles do not use hishigami at all (there is another version of katatemaki that barely has triangles at all and another whose name I don't remember that basically looks like a cord wrapped tsuka)
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Post by ignatius on Mar 27, 2024 20:54:19 GMT
yeah, i figured they offer a full wrap but never even thought to consider whether they used hishigami. tbh, this isn't exactly a dealbreaker. I've read some tsukamaki styles do not use hishigami at all (there is another version of katatemaki that barely has triangles at all and another whose name I don't remember that basically looks like a cord wrapped tsuka) It wasn't a deal breaker for me either, although if it was a purchasable option, I think I would always select it. RyanSwords excellent communication skills and flexibility are really what do it for me. I think they are priced right for what they are, but the customer service is in a tier above what would be expected at this price point.
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Post by Robert in California on Apr 1, 2024 4:14:08 GMT
Excellent review! Thanks!
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Post by ignatius on Apr 1, 2024 13:16:19 GMT
Can confirm, hishigami is an available option that is not listed on their website. I currently have a sword in production and I sent a message to add hishigami so we will see it in the review for that item.
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