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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 8:15:50 GMT
Hi sword fans While I've been a reader of SBG for a long time, I just discovered this forum and I joined it to be able to talk to other sword fans. Here's some info about me: My name is Lukas and I from Germany. I am member in a fencing club where we also do some sparring with longswords. I spent half a year in Sheboygan, Wisconsin for an exchange and I really enjoyed my time there. It was also there, where I discovered the SBG- page. Due to the good reviews I bought a Tenchi Ko- Katana from Cheness and I absolutely love this little sword. Except for the Tenchi, I own one other sword from an unknown maker. So you see, my collection is really small. But I hope I can add some other swords soon. And that's what I wanted to ask: I'm looking for a good, but not too pricey hand and a half for some test- cutting and I figured, you could give me some tipps. Since the Tenchi is nearly indestructible, no matter how bad my cuts are, I was thinking about something just as solid as this beater. I considered the Black Prince from Gen2 but then I read about their soft steel. Darkswords, though everybody says there tough, seem to be to heavy to practice with them. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you, I'm glad to be in this forum Lukas
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 9:34:15 GMT
Hey ChenessFan, welcome to SBG! It is great to have you. Personally, I've handled some Windlass hand and a halfs that handle and feel wonderful. For something not to pricey, Atrims from Christian Fletcher may not be too bad (some go for $450), and you should deffienately go to our Review Forum section and look at the reviews there.
Most, I believe, will tell you, if Shootermike approves, then you will probably have a hard time going wrong. I've ordered the Practical Hand and a Half from Valiant armoury, and they have impressed me before the sword has even come (expecting it this monday).
Read reviews, and look at what's on sale at the SBG store. Paul has a pretty good idea of what is good and he sells what he likes. The Buyers Guide is a great place to look too, looking at vendors and sites that can help you find that perfect sword.
I'm no expert, bu that just seems to make sense to me.
Good luck, Fan!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 10:19:08 GMT
thanks Crocket, for your quick answer. I've read all the reviews on SBG. Yeah, the VA practical stuff looks really good, but I have an aversion against threated pommels. Probably I'm wrong, but I think a peened hilt construction is better. The Hanwei Albrecht II looks pretty good, I think. I know, there are some issues with pommels falling of and blunt blades. I hope, shootermike can tell me more about the durability of the Albrechts hilt construction. The round peen on his does look pretty small to me, way smaller than the one of the practical hand and a half. I hope, shootermike reads this and can help me Thanks
Crocket, I'm looking forward to hear from your Practical from VA. I hope, you'll be happy with it.
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Post by YlliwCir on Apr 25, 2009 13:30:38 GMT
Welcome to the forum, Lucas. I've had a Hanwei Albrecht II for some time now. I too had concerns with the peen and also issues with the dull edge. It also has a hollow pommel, tho it is "feels" quite thick. I've put mine thu it's paces and have had no issues with it regarding failure. You'll have to work on the edge some if you want it to cut decently. Here's a video after I got a decent edge on mine. The large pommel does tend to get in the way a bit in two hand use. Still I like this one and it's one of my favorites. However if I wanted a sword mainly for cutting, I'd go with the VA practical already mentioned, I had mine out yesterday and it is just sweet to use. There are several options out there, I am quite fond of the Kris Cutlery Teutonic. I makes real nice cutting hand and a half, comes super sharp. The only issue I've had is my cross guard has gotten a bit loose over time and hard use. If you haven't already, have a look around our Review Index. Good hunting.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 16:44:03 GMT
Thanks for the reply, Ric. The pommel of the Albrecht is hollow? I thought they changed that? Like the one of the Bastard sword. How durable is the VA practival? Especially the hilt construction? Did you have to use loctite, to keep it from falling apart? Thanks Lukas
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Post by YlliwCir on Apr 25, 2009 17:15:27 GMT
They changed to a solid on the Bastard sword, I have that one, I don't know about the rest. I don't think they went solid on the Al2 pommel but I don't find it an issue as it is a thick metal. I have seen no reports of a pommel failure on the Al2 like they had on the Bastard. I did see were a blade got bent on tatami but in that case I don't think the blade was sharpened before cutting.
As to the durability of the VA, that was a concern of mine since the first run came with the threaded rod welded to the very end of the tang. At least one failure was reported in this area on the VA practical arming (in that case the owner simply cut the tang down into the blade some and did a proper peen). However that was the first batch and I believe this deficiency was to be corrected in subsequent batches. As to my VA LS, I epoxied the hilt together on it and my VA arming to avoid problems. I have cut extensively with both with no issues at all to date.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 17:38:06 GMT
Thanks Ric, you really helped me a lot. Lukas
I just love the sound of your VA practical when you use it for cutting! ;D
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 17:47:18 GMT
Just out of curiosity, how did you sharpen your Albrecht, Ric? I know how to resharpen a katana edge, like the one on my Tenchi, but if an edge is completly dull, I don't know what to do. I've read Paul Southren's sharpening guide but I fear I would mess something up using files. Thanks Lukas
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Post by YlliwCir on Apr 25, 2009 18:53:23 GMT
I sharpened it at first using sandpaper with mixed results. I finally got a HF 1x30 belt sander and got a really good edge. It's discribed in the Sharpening and Polishing section, toward the bottom.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 20:15:19 GMT
If you don't mind some doing some work, the hanwei hand and a half sword is pretty good. I live near a blacksmith so doing a rehilt is not a big deal for me and sharpening is a cinch with a 2x72 belt sander. Although a rehilt isn't really a must. The hanwei tinker bastard sword i also a good choice but needs sharpening. Also the tinker bastard sword is more of a primarily one hander that can be used two handed vs the usual bastard sword that is generally better two handed...but can be used in one. If your new to sharpening, I suggest using sand paper over power tools so you can at least get use to angles. And go slowly. If sharpening is out of the question, then gen 2 is not actually a bad sword. Yes the steel is soft, but trust me it doesn't make the sword any less tough. Any small bends it may get from badly flubbed cuts can be easily put back. Better it bend then break. And my gen 2 has taken some rather bad abuse as people new to cutting have repeatedly hit the hardwood stand with it. It has taken 4 inch chunks out of redwood and is still perfectly fine. On a side note XVa swords are one of the more difficult swords to cut with...but they are great swords because they will give you very good feedback on what your are doing right and wrong. The VA atrim line are pretty much all good with some small complaints on fit and finish...so these are good choices if it fits your taste. I love bastard swords...in fact 75% of my current collect is bastard swords hehe .
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Avery
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Post by Avery on Apr 26, 2009 1:54:59 GMT
Hey napalm, is the hand and a half you're referring to? If so, the tangs on these are very hit and miss. I have one thats certainly a solid beater, but my friends, well it had a welded tang.....we all know what happens with those. www.casiberia.com/product_details.asp?id=SH2365&mg=0
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Post by kidcasanova on Apr 26, 2009 2:02:38 GMT
I believe he is referring to the Albrecht II sword that Rick also mentioned. Could be wrong, but it seems to be the sword most people mean when they mention the Hanwei Hand and a Half.
I'll second the VA Practical longsword and the Gen2, because of price, handling, cutting ability and proper edges from the factory.
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Avery
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Post by Avery on Apr 26, 2009 2:07:46 GMT
I believe he is referring to the Albrecht II sword that Rick also mentioned. Could be wrong, but it seems to be the sword most people mean when they mention the Hanwei Hand and a Half. I'll second the VA Practical longsword and the Gen2, because of price, handling, cutting ability and proper edges from the factory. D'oh, yeah, you're probaly right.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2009 2:15:45 GMT
If you want to pay no more than $240 the VA AT304s longsword is your best bet one of the best swords out there for the price if not the best free shipping from Sword Nation but move fast i think the new batch will sell fast also
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2009 3:12:11 GMT
Hehe yes I was refering to the Albrecht II sword and not the hand and a half sword that is really a two hander hehe .
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2009 7:50:47 GMT
Wow, so many replies! Thanks, guys. I think I'll get the Hanwei and a belt sander.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2009 8:40:03 GMT
Hey, Luka! Glad youre getting somewhwere with this!
But has anyone mentioned that you can choose the color on the VA/AT 304S? Black or antiqued brown.
I'll let you know more when it comes. But hey! If everyone is saying the Hanwei is good...can't argue with it much. Good luck whatever you decide to go with!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2009 13:38:40 GMT
Best of luck with which ever sword you choose let us know what you think of it when you get it
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Post by shadowhowler on Apr 26, 2009 13:46:45 GMT
If sharpening is out of the question, then gen 2 is not actually a bad sword. Yes the steel is soft, but trust me it doesn't make the sword any less tough. Any small bends it may get from badly flubbed cuts can be easily put back. Better it bend then break. And my gen 2 has taken some rather bad abuse as people new to cutting have repeatedly hit the hardwood stand with it. It has taken 4 inch chunks out of redwood and is still perfectly fine. On a side note XVa swords are one of the more difficult swords to cut with...but they are great swords because they will give you very good feedback on what your are doing right and wrong. The VA atrim line are pretty much all good with some small complaints on fit and finish...so these are good choices if it fits your taste. I love bastard swords...in fact 75% of my current collect is bastard swords hehe . I agree with Cold Napal here all the way... I too love Bastered Swords... and expect a great focus on this type of sword in the future. I had (and will have again) and Gen 2 Chaos sword... like Cold Napalm, I have cut some tough targets including my 2x4 cutting stand with no damage to the blade. The Gen 2 was solid. The VA practicals are lighter and better balanced... I'm not sure if they will be as TOUGH as the Gen 2... but they are closer to what a sword should be in my opinion.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2009 16:30:34 GMT
Crocket, which colour did you pick? As for the Hanwei, if I get it, I take the antiqued one. I think it looks better than the shiny one. But yeah, you all have been very helpful. Thanks. I don't regret it that I joined this forum!
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