Mag, check out this Hanwei special:

http://www.wiwingtiswordsupply.com/specialoftheweek.html

I know blade length is a little longer than you prefer but it's actually about right for a katana. Also, how tall are you?

i'm about 5'7". maybe more.

Well, one thing to consider is the pulling of the blade towards your body. Your arms are moving but not your body necessarily. Check out this link"

http://www.iaido-aachen.de/Download/Sword.pdf

Hm, in that case a ko-katana would be a better fit.

So how about those falcatas eh! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Do those who like the sword prefer a straighter spine or a more convex spine? Personally I suspect that the forward lean to the spine will help in chopping potential, and the ones that are straighter can perform more effective stabbing and parrying... Just a theory.

Man just show me the cutting of the watermelon

Sorry, these are horrible screen grabs, but you should be able to make them out.

This vid is a Hanwei cutting tatami. Tatami is meant to simulate a human neck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnqQEp0qJ6s&feature=channel

HAHAHA great freeze frames!

Where did you buy the katana since they're discontinued?

Thank you!

I may post the video some time.

It's short, and you get the gist with the stills.

Excellent pics Joe!

A falcata is great for chopping, and supposedly would go through helms and armor quite nicely but you would more than likely want a shield with that. The convex spine however makes slicing much easier and could remove limbs fairly quickly and at a safer distance. Your call. Carry both like I do. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />