this is perhaps true, but remember that most swords are a lot heavier than a katana. Broadswords, longswords, cutlasses, and many others probably outweigh the AK. I certainly wouldn't mind having the AK if I were looking for a combat sword (a ridiculous idea, but all the same. The steel and thickness are ideal. I imagine that a Katana style blade is probably heavier than an AK.

I went with 'no' because I'm selfish. I still like to tell myself and others that I'm not a collector. This requires that I have a potential use for any knife I buy. I'd never use a sword for anything, therefore I'd rather (this is the selfish part) have SY spend its limited grind time working on stuff (S7 *cough*) that I'd definitely have to have.

Nothing wrong with collecting, of course - it's just not where I am right now. At the same time, if I happened to somehow have a collection like some of the folks here, I wouldn't be selling!

Combat sword, I'd want a nodachi or a Chinese Two Hand Sword.

I was trying to attend what Jim said: speed. The Katana is one of the best, if not, the best sword in history. It is extremely quick in the trained hand. It is also light, as you have pointed out.

It is true that other swords might outweigh the AK, extra guard, steel butt caps, etc. But balance is also one thing. Handled heavy knives feel much "lighter" and "quicker" in the hand. I'm not sure if the Katana is heavier, but it is much better balanced (as so many people have pointed out) so that it can be a more well executed weapon.

As, I said before, I'm not looking for a weapon ( go ahead, slap me, everything is a weapon, and knives definitely are categorized as 'weapon') but a useful tool. If I have and AK strapped to my back maybe I can stop using my thigh rig. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

That would be quite nice to not have two 4-5 lb rigs on each leg.

I agree with Ted, the design as shown would be a little bit off in balance. Tom Mayo came up with some nice designs for a shorter sword that would be much more practical. I can not find a pic at the moment. They were big enough to function as machete's but light enough to be used for defense. I think he worked with some Kali/escrima practiciones on designs.

Realy nice pics *drooling*

I don´t want a weapon, I want a realy brutal chopper!!! A simple sword made to be used, no bling bling stuff. It´s seem hard to find one that doesn´t force me to sell my body on the street.

Looked at Coldsteel Grosse Messer but it´s a little to big to carry around in the woods (or maybe not, have to try)
Himalayan Import 30" khukuri oooh it´s nice. But I don´t like khukuri blade shape.

But an 18-24" Dogfather with 1,5hands handle or how you say it, like the one on the picture, would be reeeaaaaly sweet. And some nasty evil monsters or trolls to fight against <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I wouldn't mind something like the cold steel Moro Barong sword. An exceptional cutter design in my mind; too bad the cold steel model doesn't work as well as it looks. I'm sure it could be greatly improved by SYK and their steel. They don't have it on their site anymore, but do a search on EBAY or elsewhere and you can see, the design has serious promise.

I've got a 25-inch Siri, that's as big as I'm willing to go in a front-heavy khukuri blade. You might want to take a look at their Tarwar -- I've got one of them too, the weight and balance are good enough that it can be used one-handed or, while your hands will be close together (similar to swinging a baseball bat), it can also be used with two (unless your hands are very large). I went on a Himalayan Imports spree for few months; I haven't counted them, but I've got a pile stacked three deep in my living room, including some of their knives (I like their gool as a Wharncliffe blade), I'd guess at least a couple dozen khuks from 12-inch AKs up to that 25-inch Siri, and five swords.

I suppose everybody has their opinions.

There are quite a few Hogs that turn there noses at Scrap Yard knives. Some might say Res-C looks or is cheap. But, no doubt Scrap Yard's SR-77 blades are where it is at.
Personally, I think Res-C handles are awesome for choppers and I like the Mudders a lot. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Similarly, I would say with Cheness swords, the blade is where it is at. Parts of the handle seem more than worthy considering the cost. The only real issue I have with my Cheness in regards to quality is the Ito (handle wrap).
But, no doubt there are quite a few people who own katanas worth many thousands of dollars who would turn their noses at Cheness. I wouldn't try to compare a Cheness to custom Katanas worth thousands of dollars.
But, considering I paid $150 and even at the normal prices of around $300, I would have to say I view my Cheness sword as one heck of a steal / bargain!

I have to also say that I am not an expert on Katanas. I have read some (fair amount), but hardly an expert. Otherwise, I think I can distinguish many levels of quality in fit and finish.

Blade strength and toughness is one of the main exceptions that can't be distinguished visibly. However, I have read and seen enough testing to feel confident of the toughness of Cheness swords. There are a few vids on Youtube and other stuff all over the web.


I can ONLY speak for the one Cheness Katana I have seen - mine.

The blade is absolutely gorgeous including grind and finish! I have seen some pics of some blades that look a "little" nicer..... but they cost about 30 - 50 times the price (LITERALLY!). To me, it is all about the blade.

I have read however, that there have been some reported problems with cracks in the wood handles of the tsukas (handles). You would have to remove the mekugi (bamboo handle pins) to remove the handle and inspect the end grain of the handle. But, that would only be a partial inspection and it may require the eye of a knowledgeable sword-smith to know what areas to look for possible stress issues. I can see were having a tsuka break would be bad, but I think in most cases the way katanas are made you would mostly likely notice any tsuka handle failure prior to any serious danger (???????).

The reality is, this is a SERIOUS weapon. It somehow actually feels very dangerous just holding it. And it is just not something I would take out into the woods. And I have no illusions of really using this as a defensive weapon. I have other choices I feel more comfortable with for defense. But, no doubt, in the right hands, a good Katana could likely do more damage faster in close range than most guns. Conversely, you actually have to have a certain minimum amount of space to use/swing a Katana. Hallways and 8' ceilings would most likely be too restrictive. See "Wakazashi"! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
But, in most cases, a gun is more versatile with better range. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
However, while any "hack" like myself could make a nice chop swing or two, to be really proficient would require a lot of professional training. I have seen enough videos to know that there is a HUGE difference between a trained professional with a Katana and a "hack".

So, in reality, for me, it is a Wall-hanger. But, for whatever reason, I want my collectible blades to still be "worthy".

I am very confident that for the money, the Cheness line is hard to beat.
The only other competitor that seems to be able to make a similar quality sword at a similar price are "some" of the Bugei swords. I have read mixed reviews about some of their stuff.
Some of the Cold Steel swords are tough enough as beaters, but ....

Most any other sword in the sub-$300 (or often even sub$500-$600) range seems to be of questionable integrity.

Personally, I think the blade alone on the Cheness line of swords is worth the cost of what you get the entire sword and Saya for. So, like the parts of the sword or not, most of the parts can be changed or upgraded and I look at the parts as almost free.

In regards to my rating of my Cheness Kaze, I would say:

Blade - VERY nice. Tough by all reviews and the Kaze has a gorgeous hamon. Blade is VERY true and flat. Grinds are perfect and gorgeous full convex to sharp. Very nicely polished. Excellent taper on spine. Details like you don't see in VERY expensive much smaller knives. The blade is the most important part and I gather this is a VERY worthy blade in toughness and performance. From looks - it is an easy winner in my book.

The great thing about a Katana is that "many" of the "parts" of the sword can be upgraded and replaced reasonably easy.

Tsuba (guard) - Is decent. Nothing great. Nothing fancy. But, has a cast look that is appreciated with the style of the Katana. It doesn't look cheap. It is sufficient IMO. This is easy to upgrade if needed.

Tsuka Ho (Wood handle) - I have not dissassembled to check integrity and I assume the wood handle is sufficient.

Tsuka Ito (handle wrap) - "EASILY" my biggest issue with my Cheness Kaze Katana. And really my only complaint worth mentioning. ANY other part of this Katana that would be looked at and wished for higher quality would justify a higher cost IMO. It is nice looking and professional "looking". But, it is cotton. Which, while not "wrong" in being cotton, the cotton is just too soft IMO. And the wrap is too loose. I would much prefer a more durable material and much tighter more secure wrap. This is hands down my only worth mentioning issue with my Kaze. I am fairly sure most of the Cheness swords are the same. I have read about this complaint a few times. So, unless things have changed (????).

Parts of Tsuka -

Same - Ray Skin insert - Looks OK. Not bad. ???? I have seen nicer. But, probably good enough

Fuchi and Kashira (Fuchi - Ring behind guard / Kashir - pommel cap) - Both are obviously cast, but with nice look, texture and coloring. These can be upgraded. The higher end pieces would not show the cast lines which are noticeable on mine, but not horrible.

Menuki - It's there. It is cast with decent finish and good coloring. I don't know what I consider a decent subject for a menuki. It is just a Japanese tradition to me. The Kaze comes with - "horned, bat winged Japanese Oni (demon) laying on his stomach with his head in his hands". I don't care for it. But, it isn't a major concern for me either. It is hard to see and just not a big issue with me.

Habaki - Simple cast brass piece. Mine had a brushed satin finish. It was simple and decent. I had just a little tightness between the Habaki and the Saya. As these two pieces create the friction to hold the sword in the Saya. I worked on it with some sand-paper to reshape the apparent hot-spots that were rubbing. I probably should have focused on the Saya. Brass polished and scratches easily. So, most finishes are going to show rub marks. Most are brass, but some are copper or other alloys. It is what it is. It is more than sufficiently nice. Now mine is more polished than I would prefer. But, I don't want to go back and put a brush finish on it as I have it fitted well.

Seppa (two little washer like plates on either side of the guard) - These are not well fitted to match the lines of the guard or the Fuchi. They appear to be simple stamped parts and more than sufficient for the barely noticable part of the handle. But, they look like most any Seppa's I have seen. (????)

--

Saya (scabbard / sheath) - Nothing fancy. But, very well fitted and very cleanly made. It is just a simple high gloss lacquered Saya. I am not a high gloss black lacquer fan. But, it is nicely made for that look. I prefer some of the more rustic Saya's. But, hand-made custom Saya's can cost $300 - $600. Considering the price, this Saya is AWESOME! I think when you start breaking down all you get for the money, "Bang-For-The-Buck" brings very impressive value here.

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I have honestly not hit a single thing with my Cheness.
I suppose I could go out and whack a bunch of limbs off trees or something, but it just seems to nice looking to do that with. Plus, if I feel like whacking limbs for the fun of it or for work, my machete still does fine.
Some day, I might order some Tameshigiri mats or just set up a bunch of plastic water jugs to try it out. .... just haven't yet.

The size of a Katana makes it much more dangerous for casual use IMO. I really think a blade this size need respect. And I have NO justification for carrying anything near a Katana's size out into the field.

That is why I favor "machete" or "Wakazashi" sized blades. Preferably 15" - 17", but maybe up to 21" or so - If thin and lightweight enough. I prefer the Ruck size over the AK47 size.
I also prefer a one-handed grip with a blade weight that can be managed well with one hand. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
As Jim said about quickness, I find a one handed blade MUCH quicker, more nimble, handier and easier to carry. If the blade weighs too much for a single handled grip, then the blade is too big or too heavy - IMO.

I also have a Bark River Northwind like in Ted's picture above. It is a very handy user size - comparable to my Tramontina.
The Bark River Golok is another FINE example of a long blade that makes an excellent weapon AND an excellent tool. Personally, while I think the Northwind is a better weapon, I think the Golok is a better tool. I am probably looking for something in the middle.

My Criswell has a 20" blade and is much heavier - too heavy for one hand. I can swing it and control it for the most part with one hand. But, it feels like it could do substantial wrist damage if used with one hand and missed target, had to pull short, torgued at a bad angle or similar. The Criswell has just enough handle for two hands if needed. But, the Bark River Northwind is a much more usable and functional size IMO.

Again, I prefer a one-handed grip and a weight and length that can be very agile with sufficient power in one hand. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

.

i would love a sword made of sr77 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Well said BLD!! I pick my S6 up and I want to buy Dan a pint of beer, I pick my BATAC up and try to work out what all the fuss is about.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />