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Post by darkhorse on Aug 21, 2024 15:55:47 GMT
I'm looking at potentially buying the full-length version of this sword. I have some options. I could get it from KOA for $398 plus $8-$5 shipping, assuming they have the sharp version in the steel I want. Alternatively, I could buy it directly from the LK Chen website for $345 plus $70 shipping, and I think $5 handling/packing. Which option would be better?
My options for steel are either folded pattern steel made of 1060 and T8, or GB 60Si2MnA high carbon manganese spring steel. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to metallurgy. What are the differences in performance between those steel options? I'm leaning towards the mono steel, but I'd really like to be sure of what I'd be getting.
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Post by mrstabby on Aug 21, 2024 17:28:13 GMT
Most distinctive features for the steels should be relatively similar (in the realms of measurable but not observable in daily use), except the 60Si2MnA should be more resistant to bending and breaking. Since LK Chen has a good forge delamination seems relatively unlikely, but you still look for cold shuts and cracks when you get it. Also when you cut with and sharpen the sword you will scratch the surface, the 60Si you can just polish up with some 1500-2000 grit sandpaper or other polishing implements (like abrasive pads, though I don't know what grit you need to get the same finish there), with the pattern welded you will not be able to do that and you remove the pattern with abrasives and polishing.
As to where to buy, there is another thread already talking about this. |
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Post by darkhorse on Aug 21, 2024 19:30:12 GMT
Most distinctive features for the steels should be relatively similar (in the realms of measurable but not observable in daily use), except the 60Si2MnA should be more resistant to bending and breaking. Since LK Chen has a good forge delamination seems relatively unlikely, but you still look for cold shuts and cracks when you get it. Also when you cut with and sharpen the sword you will scratch the surface, the 60Si you can just polish up with some 1500-2000 grit sandpaper or other polishing implements (like abrasive pads, though I don't know what grit you need to get the same finish there), with the pattern welded you will not be able to do that and you remove the pattern with abrasives and polishing.
As to where to buy, there is another thread already talking about this. Thanks. That's what I figured about the steels. I'd only be doing some occasional light cutting with it, but I still like the functionality of the mono steel. I might go with KOA for the shipping time, if what they have is the mono steel version. And that's if I choose to buy the Scarlet Sunrise (or perhaps the Tang Zhan Ma Dao). I still haven't fully decided yet on a sword. |
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Post by darkhorse on Aug 21, 2024 19:35:04 GMT
Hmm...the description on KOA says 65 Mn steel. I'm not sure how that's different from GB 60Si2MnA. Maybe I can find out with a bit of research.
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Post by mrstabby on Aug 21, 2024 19:37:31 GMT
Different steel, but LK Chen doesn't use 65Mn only 60Si. Probably KoA made a mistake.
Correction, they do use 65MMn for their sparring versions of the White Arc for example. Weird.
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Post by darkhorse on Aug 21, 2024 19:48:25 GMT
Different steel, but LK Chen doesn't use 65Mn only 60Si. Probably KoA made a mistake.
Correction, they do use 65MMn for their sparring versions of the White Arc for example. Weird.
That is weird. From what little I could find, it seems like GB 60Si2MnA is better steel. |
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Post by mrstabby on Aug 21, 2024 19:52:47 GMT
Yeah, 60Si should be around 30% more resistant to deformation and breaking.
It could be a custom blade someone ordered but never took, or it could be a mistake from KoA. Maybe you could write KoA?
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Post by darkhorse on Aug 22, 2024 8:34:46 GMT
I did. I'll see what they say. If I do decide to buy the Scarlet Sunrise, I'd rather buy it direct from the manufacturer and wait longer if that means getting a blade made of better steel.
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Post by darkhorse on Aug 26, 2024 17:17:31 GMT
KOA didn't get back with me via email. I might call them. If the blade of their Scarlet Sunrise is indeed made of 65 Mn steel or if I can't get a straight answer, I'll either get one directly from LK Chen or get something else.
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Post by darkhorse on Sept 12, 2024 20:33:25 GMT
I'll probably be ordering direct from LK Chen if I do. I'm kind of torn between the two blade length options for the Scarlet Sunrise. I like the lightness and proportions of the compact one, but I also like the look of the original, plus the extra weight and reach. Does anyone have any opinions about the pros and cons of each?
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eastman
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Post by eastman on Sept 13, 2024 0:54:18 GMT
buy both and keep the one you like better (or keep both if you like both equally)
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Post by mrstabby on Sept 13, 2024 8:32:55 GMT
I mean it depends for what. For me personally 90cm is too long to train with, the 75cm of the "short" is much better (since it is a single handed sword - if a light cutting sword is it's primary use I'd take the "long" Long Quan @80cm). With 90cm you have to be careful that you don't strike the ground or something when you are accustomed to "normal" sized arming swords, less so if you come from rapiers where 90cm isn't unheard of. Due to the low weight and blade geometry I imagine the longer one to cut better - still like a rapier - if the short has the same basic geometry that is (10x3mm at the tip).
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Post by darkhorse on Sept 13, 2024 18:50:31 GMT
I mean it depends for what. For me personally 90cm is too long to train with, the 75cm of the "short" is much better (since it is a single handed sword - if a light cutting sword is it's primary use I'd take the "long" Long Quan @80cm). With 90cm you have to be careful that you don't strike the ground or something when you are accustomed to "normal" sized arming swords, less so if you come from rapiers where 90cm isn't unheard of. Due to the low weight and blade geometry I imagine the longer one to cut better - still like a rapier - if the short has the same basic geometry that is (10x3mm at the tip).
The more forward balance makes the sword cut better than a rapier. I'm inexperienced, so I'm not used to training or cutting with any specific sword type. I'm open to learning. I've seen that video, and it has a lot of good information. Here is one of the sword cutting tatami: That actually looks like the compact version if I'm not mistaken. It takes some oomph on the swings, but it works. I probably wouldn't be using it on tatami very often. I think the original is something like half a pound heavier with only a few extra inches of length, so the blade is probably beefier in terms of cross section as well. That version is still extremely light. Decisions, decisions. |
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Post by mrstabby on Sept 13, 2024 19:54:37 GMT
Yeah, that's the thing with light blades, you need to use a lot of speed.
You have to find your "perfect length" yourself, but only very few will find a 90cm sword perfect that's what I meant (It's about body dimensions, previous use of shorter swords just makes it more likely that something happens). I mean it's mostly about having fun, right?
The grip on the Compact is also a bit shorter, I don't think the edge geometry is much different, it might be a few millimeter wider, but thickness looks the same. Of course they could be thinner or thicker now since LK changes the design constantly.
From my experience unless you are tall with long arms the Compact will generally be the better fit (it might be you like it longer, again very personal, 75-80cm is generally a safe bet though, would also depend if you plan on a specific chinese martial art or not, 1000s of factors....). You can always sell it and get another.
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