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Post by shadowhowler on Jan 4, 2009 0:45:45 GMT
Also, I think you're a little harsh on DSA (please don't be insulted, as i respect your opinion greatly). They aren't as bad handlers as many people think, and, though they aren't for everyone, they fill they're niche well, IMHO. Let me say first, I like DSA. I like Eyal and think he is an amazingly friendly person, easy to deal with and generous to a fault. I like DSA blades for what they are... currently own one, have owned three, and have handled a couple more. That said... when you say "they aren't as bad handlers as many people think" I have to ask... how many DSA blades have you cut with/handled?
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 4, 2009 0:51:17 GMT
none, I'm afraid. But, while they may not handle like Albions, I feel like people sometimes catagorize them a bit to close to the 'sharpened crowbar' group. I'm obviously no expert, so feel free to tell me that I don't know what I'm talking about. Just my $.02, you know?
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Post by shadowhowler on Jan 4, 2009 0:59:37 GMT
none, I'm afraid. But, while they may not handle like Albions, I feel like people sometimes catagorize them a bit to close to the 'sharpened crowbar' group. I'm obviously no expert, so feel free to tell me that I don't know what I'm talking about. Just my $.02, you know? The thing is... most of DSA blades ARE too heavy and proportioned in such a way as to make them handle pretty distinctly. Of the ones I have handled, only the Gothic Two Handed sword handled well. They were all, however, VERY durable solid swords that you could cut the crap out of something with. The size and shape and weight just makes them a bit slower in the hand and harder to control... and changes in direction and quick recoveries are VERY diffcult with them. You would never call a DSA blade 'flickable'. I really wanted to get my hands on the new sting sword from DSA... because I have never handled a shorter sword from them, and because it was VERY beautiful. Alas, those sold pretty quick. All I'm saying is... while DSA makes a very good product for the money... and I have bought swords from them and will buy from them again in the future becuase I love them... it's important to be clear on what they are, so those who grown interested in them know what they are getting. They ARE heavy and hard t handle well... and you would tire more quickly using them in a true combat situation.
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Marc Ridgeway
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"The best cost less when you buy it the first time." - Papabear
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Post by Marc Ridgeway on Jan 4, 2009 1:05:27 GMT
I'm aware that some people here have an almost pathological hatred of SFI because they feel it is snobby... go figure , getting snobby about snobbiness Anyway , here is a thread that deals with a couple of current discussions ... firstly, what people with lots of sword experience say about DSA and later commentary about the reviews here on SBG ...try to get past the back and forth with Glen on the first page... there's some good insight in this thread... I relize it will piss some of you off... but try to look at it dispassionately, and it is a good critique ... www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93192
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 4, 2009 1:06:32 GMT
For some of their swords, yes. But the newer ones are getting lighter and lighter, not to mention that the Squire handles within historical parameters; with a bit of room to spare! I think people are harsh on the newer models, just assuming that all their swords will replicate the admitted flaws of their older ones. Again, just my $.02.
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Jan 4, 2009 1:23:22 GMT
Hey Marc Ridgeway and Brissybeater, better hope your significant others don't take a peak in here to see what your up to (as I look both ways and try to hide the monitor as my wife walks through the room). Marc's scheme would implode and BB just called his wife "wide".....ouch!lol
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Post by YlliwCir on Jan 4, 2009 1:29:45 GMT
Sticking to swords I may actually one day be able to aquire. At the top of my list right now would be an Albion Crecy and an Arms and Armor Black Prince. Also that new signature model gladius from VA looks pretty good and of course the Albion gladii are sweet.
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Marc Ridgeway
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"The best cost less when you buy it the first time." - Papabear
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Post by Marc Ridgeway on Jan 4, 2009 1:38:17 GMT
Hey Marc Ridgeway and Brissybeater, better hope your significant others don't take a peak in here to see what your up to (as I look both ways and try to hide the monitor as my wife walks through the room). Marc's scheme would implode and BB just called his wife "wide".....ouch!lol Nah , no worries from my end... my girl would not check up on me like that... only about $$$$ LOL... If i was BB I'd change thet wide to wife quick!!!
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Post by Jeff K. ( Jak) on Jan 4, 2009 1:44:28 GMT
@ BrissyBeater, if you ever end up getting the VA Kriegschwert, I'd be most interested in a review. Ever since I saw one on Christian Fletchers site I really liked the look of it.
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Post by septofclansinclair on Jan 4, 2009 1:54:06 GMT
I'm aware that some people here have an almost pathological hatred of SFI because they feel it is snobby... go figure , getting snobby about snobbiness Anyway , here is a thread that deals with a couple of current discussions ... firstly, what people with lots of sword experience say about DSA and later commentary about the reviews here on SBG ...try to get past the back and forth with Glen on the first page... there's some good insight in this thread... I relize it will piss some of you off... but try to look at it dispassionately, and it is a good critique ... www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93192Well, the critique on SFI was... I'll be generous and say accurate in some cases. I've seen a few reviews here and there on this forum of swords that I own, and thought, "That seems a little enthusiastic to me..." One of the downsides with having people brand new to the sword collecting is that EVERY sword seems awesome, and the reviews can be slanted as a result. I look back at my first review over a year and a half ago and shudder in shame... but again, that's part of the trade off for being a place that is geared towards helping people who are starting out in this kind of collecting. Hopefully as people stick around and learn more their reviews become a bit more refined. I have never really liked the "numbers" of the reviews, ie. the handling, value scores etc., just because it's so tough to have them match up from one reviewer to another. I tend to plug whatever numbers in that suit my fancy, and try to be objective, but I can admit that it's tough to do (what does a "3" mean when compared to a "4" in handling? In fit and finish?) If it were a 1000$ Albion my Windlass ST. Michaels sword would get failing grades, but as a 175$ sword from Windlass I actually quite like the weird little thing... the most important (and telling) numbers are always: weight, POB, COP, and the like. And a good review will express those. I haven't seen any swords from DSA from before a year ago. I own 4 of their swords, a Norman, a Black Knight, a 10th Century and a 100-years war sword. I can definitely say that the Norman is heavier than my windlass or Hanwei models of comparable size, but their newer ones - the Black Knight and 10-th Century in particular - are quite a bit lighter and more maneuverable. I think they like most other sub-300 manufacturers have been trying hard to shed some of the "sharpened crowbar" criticism that was (quite rightly in some cases) leveled against them in the past. Bottom line, I like them but will always review them honestly, and I trust *most* of the other reviewers here will do the same. Same thing with Cheness. It fits a niche, and does it well, and if that's all you can afford then no one should look down on you for it. They seem to be quite popular with dojos and JSA practitioners... but when compared with a high end production or custom blade, sure, they aren't in the same category. There's 2 or 3 Cheness on my list, even though over the years my tastes have become more "refined" and my list now includes many more expensive swords as well. I don't think that it's wrong for Slayer to fill his list with sub-300$ swords (though I do raise an eyebrow at some of the choices, but only because of my preferences). Two or three years ago mine would have looked much the same - and part of the reason that I stuck around an learned more was that I made good friends here who encouraged me and taught me more... and didn't just write off my picks as crap... Not really a criticism, just an observation. You kids are playing nice, don't worry.
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jan 4, 2009 1:57:57 GMT
Hey, Daniel! Just out of curiosity, (and so that i can learn) which of my pics would get rid of? Thanks, I appreciate your input
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2009 2:38:10 GMT
These are coming in next week, already ordered:
Dynasty Forge Musha Shobu Dynasty Forge Bushi 1095
These I will get soon enough:
Hanwei Tori XL (will be getting this in 2 weeks or so from wiwingti) MAS shirayuri, or better yet custom MAS (will be getting this in 1-2 years)
Swords I would love to have but never will:
Howard Clark L6 (costs around 5k +) Nihonto from one of the 6 master smiths left in japan (..but I need a car..)
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Post by kidcasanova on Jan 4, 2009 2:41:29 GMT
Hmmm....A list of swords I would want if I had the cash? There aren't too many, to be honest. I'd say less than ten and I'd be satisfied.
I'd like an AT1315 as a performance cutter. I really like Rick's piece, in particular. As far as Albion's go, I'd like the Oakeshott, the Templar and perhaps a Senlac or a Hospitaller. They would all get a scabbard from Brian, if the option were available. I'd like a custom piece made by Brenno of the design I'd been working on (the one I mentioned in the SB Euro/Fantasy thread).
Hmm, I can't actually think of what else I'd like to own. Just a few swords that encompass my interests and that's about it, I guess.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2009 2:51:31 GMT
To SlayerofDarkness, I would not get all those swords. I would get one or two of those maybe, and then move on to saving more and waiting longer and getting better swords. Of course I would have a musashi or two that I can use as a beater sword. Btw get your musashi's from Sam I Am on this forum, he has good prices. I'd get one or two of those low prices hanwei's, and that's it. And a cheness as a beater sword as well. The rest save up for the good stuff.
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Post by septofclansinclair on Jan 4, 2009 3:02:38 GMT
Hey, Daniel! Just out of curiosity, (and so that i can learn) which of my pics would get rid of? Thanks, I appreciate your input Well, keep in mind that what you're going to get from me (and most people here) are our opinions. However, some of these opinions are based on experiences of particular swords and brands that have had issues, or not, or proved to be remarkable value for the price. So when someone tosses out a "don't buy that, it's crap," you should try and learn all you can from them about why they say that - folks like Marc and Cold Napalm have been doing this for a while, and can give you lots of pointers about what they look for in a "good" sword. Sometimes, though, people write off certain swords without having any knowledge of them whatsoever - so make sure you ask them where they are getting their info. That being said, it really depends on what you're looking for. You've said in a previous post that you value "durability over handling" - my question to you would be why? Some people value historical accuracy more, others just want something that they can do "backyard cutting" with - which I really recommend getting training for (/hypocrite). It really does come down to what you want to use them for, because I don't know a person here who'd recommend an Albion for backyard beating that would likely result in a busted sword (although most of those same people would also suggest not doing ANYTHING to a sword that is likely to break it except in very special circumstances - and I'd be one of those people...) As for me, I like having sword that are functional, and within reasonable historical accuracy, but that aren't going to break the bank. Depending on what I'm looking for, I may want a sword that could be used reasonably close to a historical sword - "munitions grade," I think someone used that phrase here. Or I might just like the looks of something and pick it up as a display peice, knowing that it could be used "in a pinch" as a weapon, though not something I'd take on a long campaign (i.e. a Musashi or a Strongblade - I've seen some 70$ Musashi that I'd buy just because they looked interesting, knowing that even if it isn't as good as a Hanwei or even a Cheness it looks nice and is semi-functional). I think that what most of the people here are saying is, if you're planning on spending $30K on swords, don't make them all sub-300 models - because while there are great finds to be had, even half of 30K will buy some great high end swords. As far as my personal list goes, there are maybe a half dozen sub-300 swords I'd buy - a Cheness, the new windlass viking with the crazy scabbard, a DSA, a couple of the new VA signatures, and a lower end Hanwei. After that, there are about a dozen production swords above $300 that I'd go for, including the new Del Tins at Kult of Athena, a couple of Albions, and a smattering of upper-end production katanas that I'd have to spend a day or two deciding on. But if I had unlimited funds to spend on swords - antiques and nihonto all the way. Everything else is just reaching for the historical ideal.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2009 3:46:57 GMT
I agree with a few of your critisisms, although I'm not sure why you'd call the grosse messar crap. I've already ditched the musashi wind. As for many of the others, I think it may just be personal preferance. I'd prefer durabilty over handling (to a point! lol) any day, and as for certain blades (the Windlass 1860 Light Cavalry Saber comes to mind), I'm not a huge fan of the type, but I'd like at least one in my collection, so I'm getting the cheapest decent cutter that I can find. See where I'm coming from? Also, I think you're a little harsh on DSA (please don't be insulted, as i respect your opinion greatly). They aren't as bad handlers as many people think, and, though they aren't for everyone, they fill they're niche well, IMHO. Thanks for the input, you probably just saved me a couple hundred bucks . Okay the grosse messer is crap because even assuming you get one where the pommel doesn't fall off or have horrible fitting, the design is BAD. It's WAY to poorly balanced to be a sword of any use. Some DSA can be handled okayish...but did you see the weight on the guardian model and PoB...no matter what, this is a gonna be a very bad handling sword. But as a fantasy sword, it's less of an issue. I mean even the Albion Conan swords are handle grossly inappropriately after all . That is why I said, okay if you like the way it looks a lot.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2009 3:56:52 GMT
I agree with Daniel, in that, the folks such as Marc, Cold Napalm, and several other fellow forumites here, in my opinion, their opinions have been a very valuable learning tool to me. I don't post often here, my experience with swords is, well, I'm learning! And the folks here who have been at it for awhile, while their posts have not been directed at me (I am more of a reader than a poster) I have learned a great deal from them here. I am extremely greatful to them for their insight, it has saved me from many blunders, and at times, if it weren't for this forum and these folks....I would have thrown my money away on more than one occasion. Words cannot express my gratitude to the wise gentlemen here.
It is only with their guidance, and opinions, that I have over some time, mind you, formed my "to do - list" of sword owning endeavors.
I have already on order a bushi series blade from ronin swords. Happily waiting still, I haven't once experienced "buyers remorse" over this purchase. Through some heavy customization it really borders more on Brian's "Diamyo" section....and I am very excited for it's arrival. So happy in fact, that I care not how long I wait, because Brian's reputation for quality work seems unparalleled for the price range. Next, I am considering Golden Oriole, but have yet to be certain of that choice. Next summer I plan to commission (financials allowing of course) a custom blade from James Raw. I have found his hamons to be captivating. I would also like to own a Bamboo from Bugei (I seem to be partial to Bamboo themes:). And somewhere along the line I am going to fit in a Hanwei Wind and Thunder, and a Tori XL.
After my katana addiction is sated I want to move into some Euros as well, which I have yet to explore enough to specify (After all I am learning, and focusing on katanas for now, I have found that there is such a wealth of information I must master already...) The cheaper swords, yes sir, I will buy them (already own several). Those that I listed specifically will be my bigger purchases, but the cheaper ones that get alot of attention, I consider them "filler swords" that I will order while waiting for the more expensive ones....to cure the itch:) What a wonderful hobby. I have not been bored since the day I dived in, and nearly every dollar I earn, now has a place.
My boyfriend chastises me for my new found passion. After ordering my Bushi from ronin swords, ( and I quote him here..) "Why did you spend that much? After you get it you will only want another...!?" To which I replied smiling "What part of the word "collection" do you not understand?"
The true beauty of SBG is that, even when there's an argument, you get to see all sides - and from that there is valuable information to learned. Thank you to all you guys here, your words extend farther than you know, as I have learned alot even if you didn't know I was reading.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2009 4:07:59 GMT
well put mparish.
you can have a karma for the use of collection.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2009 5:06:42 GMT
My list is small this year (I hope ) 1.Jin shi trading co. ( Garret's ) production Da Dao 2.Pc Practical plus katana 3.Jin shi trading co. Custom Da dao with leather scabbard and strap 4.Cheness Ko katana from SBG store
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2009 5:29:09 GMT
These are coming in next week, already ordered: Dynasty Forge Musha Shobu Dynasty Forge Bushi 1095 Niiice!!! Dynasty Forge shobus looks awesome. which bushi 1095 did you get? the tameshigiri geometry one?
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