#11094 - 06/24/09 10:09 AM
Re: *Hint Drop*
[Re: Hobby Ninja]
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UPSF Captain
Registered: 06/17/08
Posts: 1461
Loc: Nashville, TN USA
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That appears to be the Masahiro, which as far as I know, is the only functional version of the Kill Bill replicas. It also looks better than the others. For casual tameshigiri, or even just display purposes, I'd recommend something by Cheness or Hanwei (the Paul Chen Practical line), both forged in China. For just a bit more money, you get a better blade and decent fittings. Movie swords tend to be bigger sellers, though.
I really need to get a digital camera. While all of mine are functional, I have them mainly just for display. I'm not a martial artist, but the nihonto is just one more aspect of Japanese culture that I'm into. I have books by Yumoto, Sato, Kapp, Nagayama, etc., and I try to learn all I can, even though I can't afford to collect antique nihonto.
At a glance, the image of a katana screams "JAPAN!!!" in the same way a Coca-Cola bottle screams "U.S.A.!!!," although there's obviously much more cultural significance behind the katana and other nihonto.
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#11136 - 06/25/09 06:27 AM
Re: *Hint Drop*
[Re: Tsunami3k]
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UPSF Lieutenant
Registered: 01/07/09
Posts: 396
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Speaking of hint drop Today is my B-Day  and i don't think anyone in my family remembered lol they never do. We don't really celebrate things like this i haven't even ever had a Birth Day Party in my whole life.
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#11143 - 06/25/09 09:16 AM
Re: *Hint Drop*
[Re: Tsunami3k]
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UPSF Captain
Registered: 06/17/08
Posts: 1461
Loc: Nashville, TN USA
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Wow, you read my mind! I came home and hit this thread specifically planning to ask about functional non-antiques. Of the Paul Chen's would you recommend the Pro line over the regular line (i.e. does it appear to warrant the premium price upgrade)?
Besides, for just a little more money, you're getting a significant step up in quality. In my experience, the "law of diminishing returns" doesn't kick in until you approach four digits. Under $1,000.00, you typically get what you pay for (especially when it comes to fittings), although there are exceptions. The only regular Practical I own is the Practical Shinobi Ninjato, and the tsuka isn't glued. My Practical Pro Elite Katana is clearly a step up, though.I also noticed that the Valiant Armoury swords appear to be decent (from a superficial evaluation anyway). Are those decent? Nothing says "authentic Japanese" like the British spelling of "Armoury". :P They make a point to mention that they're "clay tempered" which, as far as I knew, they all were (hence the legendary curvature).
If you're actually going to do some cutting (be it a back yard or dojo setting), it's hard to beat the Tenchi as a first sword. It's fittings are somewhat Spartan, and the hamon is strictly cosmetic, but the blade is very tough and will be more forgiving of amateur mistakes. The Hanwei swords are a bit more traditional (as Chinese forged swords go) and look a little nicer. Both brands are of solid construction, in my experience.
For swords in the <$500.00 price range, the Sword Buyers Guide is a great source of information, and they have many reviews, both by staff and regular members. If you want a custom shinken made in Japan, you'll have to spend a lot of money and wait quite a while for your order.
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#11144 - 06/25/09 09:29 AM
Re: *Hint Drop*
[Re: Stefanie]
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UPSF Lieutenant Commander
Registered: 09/02/08
Posts: 562
Loc: North Carolina
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I am humbled before the Sword Mistress and her infinite wisdom.  <deep bow>
Edited by Hobby Ninja (06/25/09 09:31 AM)
_________________________
So much anime, so little time.
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#11145 - 06/25/09 09:57 AM
Re: *Hint Drop*
[Re: Hobby Ninja]
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UPSF Captain
Registered: 06/17/08
Posts: 1461
Loc: Nashville, TN USA
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Well, it's not because I know anything about swords (I'm more of a firearms person), it's just that I know a lot about shopping.  I'm clueless as to the actual use of Japanese swords, but they do fascinate me, as does the samurai code and the contrast between the idealism and the reality of the times. I know just enough to realize how much I don't know.
Oh, I almost forgot, perhaps the best single online resource for general nihonto information is The Japanese Sword Guide. It's a great place to begin, if you're into that sort of thing.
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