Bladed / Exotic Weapons Thread

[Sky Warden 2,243]

I'm wondering... if this is not related to the topic, please forgive me. Since this is a bladed weapons thread, I think I can post it here. Do you guys know the price of a regular Chinese Dao? That broad saber that is used with one hand. It's not for decoration, so it won't be so expensive.

 

I'm not looking for katana. It doesn't fit my style. They're not so good for chopping. Slashing and cutting maybe, but I don't like it. I don't say katana is bad, though I don't really understand why people like katana so much. Well, it's just the matter of style.

 

So... any idea?

[Fhaolan 4,468]

I'm wondering... if this is not related to the topic, please forgive me. Since this is a bladed weapons thread, I think I can post it here. Do you guys know the price of a regular Chinese Dao? That broad saber that is used with one hand. It's not for decoration, so it won't be so expensive.

 

I'm not looking for katana. It doesn't fit my style. They're not so good for chopping. Slashing and cutting maybe, but I don't like it. I don't say katana is bad, though I don't really understand why people like katana so much. Well, it's just the matter of style.

 

So... any idea?

The term Dao actually covers a wide range of stuff so it's tricky to answer the question as is. In Chinese, dao just means any single-edged knife-like blade, meaning you can get lost searching for stuff ending up in a completely wrong place.

 

You're probably looking for a wushu-style dao rather than a han or manchurian dao, as those two are 1) far more expensive, and 2) shaped more like western sabres and aren't the broad style.

 

Here's a cheap one: http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=KS5900R&name=Chinese+Broad+Sword+%2D+Red I can't guarantee the quality though, as weapons this cheap are usually.... poorly constructed.

 

However, I recommend talking to this guy: http://www.therionarms.com/ He doesn't have any daos at the moment that I know of, but my experience with him has been good so far. He's honest about what the weapons are for and can do, unlike a lot of the mass-market sellers, and often gets ahold of actual historical pieces to sell. While he doesn't have one on his site right now, it's possible he knows where to get a good one for a reasonable price.

Edited April 19, 2013 by Fhaolan

[Sky Warden 2,243]

The term Dao actually covers a wide range of stuff so it's tricky to answer the question as is. In Chinese, dao just means any single-edged knife-like blade, meaning you can get lost searching for stuff ending up in a completely wrong place.

 

You're probably looking for a wushu-style dao rather than a han or manchurian dao, as those two are 1) far more expensive, and 2) shaped more like western sabres and aren't the broad style.

Yes I know. Actually the model doesn't really matter to me. As long as it's single-edged and broad, I will like it, so I would say only Dao. I'm trying to get used to any kind of weapons. Hmm... any other than the wushu-style Dao? I don't feel like I really like it, though I'm not sure why.

 

So their prices is around $50? Or it's just the cheapest? I'm terrible at measuring prices.

[Fhaolan 4,468]

Yes I know. Actually the model doesn't really matter to me. As long as it's single-edged and broad, I will like it, so I would say only Dao. I'm trying to get used to any kind of weapons. Hmm... any other than the wushu-style Dao? I don't feel like I really like it, though I'm not sure why.

 

So their prices is around $50? Or it's just the cheapest? I'm terrible at measuring prices.

 

Swords in general tend to fall into the same price categories. It doesn't really matter what the sword is, as long as it falls into these price categories you've got a reasonable idea of the quality. I'm using US dollars here, just because they're what I'm used to at the moment.

 

The cheap stuff runs from $50-$150, and I don't know how *usable* anything in that price range is. Swords that cheap tend to be wallhangers and are made of stainless steel (too brittle for actual use). You can sometimes get away with using them for stage combat and live-steel reenactment, but chances are the blade or tang will break fairly quickly.

 

Running from $150-$500 would be the stage combat blades. These things tend to be better made and can take some abuse, but they also tend to be built with balance and harmonics being considered secondary to robustness.

 

Running from $500-$1,500 would be the removal-style reproduction blades. These are not forged, but are ground out of solid bar stock and then tempered appropriately. Balance and harmonics are usually good and this is where you can start to compare to actual historical weapons, even though the manufacturing method is different. They're relying on modern steel bar stock being of better quality and consistency than what was available historically, to be able to shortcut the forging process.

 

From $1,500-$3,000 you're dealing with handforged blades. Honestly the weapons in this range tend to not be as good as the previous, as this is where the less experienced hammer-and-anvil swordsmiths hang out. You *can* get good stuff here, but you have to be more discerning as a buyer and develop a trust relationship with the swordsmith.

 

From $3,000+ is where real weapons are.

[Steel Accord 6,658]

Swords in general tend to fall into the same price categories. It doesn't really matter what the sword is, as long as it falls into these price categories you've got a reasonable idea of the quality. I'm using US dollars here, just because they're what I'm used to at the moment.

 

The cheap stuff runs from $50-$150, and I don't know how *usable* anything in that price range is. Swords that cheap tend to be wallhangers and are made of stainless steel (too brittle for actual use). You can sometimes get away with using them for stage combat and live-steel reenactment, but chances are the blade or tang will break fairly quickly.

 

Running from $150-$500 would be the stage combat blades. These things tend to be better made and can take some abuse, but they also tend to be built with balance and harmonics being considered secondary to robustness.

 

Running from $500-$1,500 would be the removal-style reproduction blades. These are not forged, but are ground out of solid bar stock and then tempered appropriately. Balance and harmonics are usually good and this is where you can start to compare to actual historical weapons, even though the manufacturing method is different. They're relying on modern steel bar stock being of better quality and consistency than what was available historically, to be able to shortcut the forging process.

 

From $1,500-$3,000 you're dealing with handforged blades. Honestly the weapons in this range tend to not be as good as the previous, as this is where the less experienced hammer-and-anvil swordsmiths hang out. You *can* get good stuff here, but you have to be more discerning as a buyer and develop a trust relationship with the swordsmith.

 

From $3,000+ is where real weapons are.

 

Looks like I'm going to be saving my money for a loooooooooooooong time. Still, I figured the real deal wasn't something you could pick up at the Renaissance fair.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

@@Fhaolan, holy Celestia! That's much more expensive than a high quality Kujang here.

 

 

 

 

 

Do you think it will be cheaper if I order it from a local black smith? They're usually old people who don't really care about money, so I think it will be cheaper somehow.

[Goose 181]

Check out the Hanwei Oxtail Dao or the Traditional Filipino Weapons "Chinese Saber"

 

Chinese Saber

 

There's also a few dadaos currently produced.

 

 

The Condor is the cheapest (~$90)and probably also the toughest. It's definitely well-made but it is also quite heavy, and covered in black paint. Condor makes really tough products but I haven't checked out that sword... it's tough but if it's too heavy or unbalanced it might not make a good weapon.

 

Some of these will be more expensive, you can definitely get a decent "combat-ready" sword for under $300 though. Just don't do axe-appropriate things with a sword, even a very expensive blade can be destroyed if you constantly use it to chop at trees. I've seen a Youtube clip of a tourist in Japan breaking an actual nihonto trying to cut a tatami mat the wrong way...

Edited April 21, 2013 by Goose

[Sky Warden 2,243]

Check out the Hanwei Oxtail Dao or the Traditional Filipino Weapons "Chinese Saber"

 

Chinese Saber

That looks good enough, and the price is affordable. Thank you. I will save some money. :3

 

Some of these will be more expensive, you can definitely get a decent "combat-ready" sword for under $300 though. Just don't do axe-appropriate things with a sword, even a very expensive blade can be destroyed if you constantly use it to chop at trees. I've seen a Youtube clip of a tourist in Japan breaking an actual nihonto trying to cut a tatami mat the wrong way...

Don't worry. I'm pretty skilled. By the way, most Japanese swords are made for cutting. Probably that's why.

 

I love the disclaimer : "These weapons are not toys."

 

LOL!

[simba86 1,541]

i like hanwei there dao would be top notch judging from there other products i have bought, cold steel is ok to if you can afford it.

[WingMcCallister 367]

Bladed weapons... something I can get behind.

 

I have two katanas. One has is 1060 carbon and the other is spring steel. Both are beautiful weapons and each have their own story behind them. The first, I actually received in a rather strange set of circumstances. In a RP I was involved with, my character gave my friend's OC a katana in one of the chapters, so for her birthday, I actually had the sword made. The guy who made it was somehow moved by the story (not the RP, the fact that I wanted the sword made) and decided to give me one from his collection. The spring steel one I got for passing the written exams in grad school.

 

I also have a small knife that is forged in the Damascus steel style. 

 

Yum.... 

[simba86 1,541]

i just bought a titanium bladed dive knife for 20 dollars at the flea market:) it is cool because it is so light! it feels like it is made of aluminum it is so light

[Goose 181]

I wasn't pleased with the sharpness of this knife, so I totally resharpened it... I think I did a pretty good job. Now it's really really sharp.

 

 

 

[simba86 1,541]

I wasn't pleased with the sharpness of this knife, so I totally resharpened it... I think I did a pretty good job. Now it's really really sharp.

 

I sharpen new knives all the time. it is amazing how dull a lot of them are right out of the box

I also have a seki knife called the ant. very sharp!

[simba86 1,541]

I just bought this cas hanwei Chinese dadao from amazon, it is really nice! it is a chopper all the way! and it has a cool tassel !

[QuirkyUsername 1,576]

HOW IN THE HOLY HELL DID I MISS THIS THREAD :3 here's my goods lads and lasses. The pics aren't great because neither is my camera buts still

 

A replica of Aragorn's daggger

 

 

 

A two handed Katana in a matching set

 

 

 

A one handed Katana in a matching set

 

 

 

A knife with preserved scorpions in the blade

 

 

 

A "wolf" knife

 

 

 

A kinda Blurry Wakizashi

 

 

 

A Shirayasa Katana

 

 

 

A kukri with matching smaller Knives

 

 

 

Just a little knife with a scorpion on it

 

 

 

A replica of "The Sword of Charlemagne

 

 

 

And my newest piece a Halberd

Edited August 29, 2013 by QuirkyUsername

[Frith is Magick 1,471]

I sharpen new knives all the time. it is amazing how dull a lot of them are right out of the box

 

Personally I would rather have a knife be slightly dull out of the box. It gives you the chance to put the edge on it that suits you best. The pocket knife I bought recently was literally razor sharp out of the box, but razor edges are relatively delicate. The edge I maintain now is sharp, but not razor sharp, meaning I can use it for slicing, but can also cut tougher materials without the blade wearing down or such.

[Jamesblorg39welsh 125]

I don't have guns or knives but I have a screwdriver They can stab me dead but I have the moral highground

[QuirkyUsername 1,576]

So had to do a bit of cleaning today and while sifting through a box o crap I found something I thought I got rid of a while back ^^ turns out I still got it so FAK YEAH. 

Quirky found his Balisong

 

[Judgement 445]

I know that Scythes/Sickles are more of a farming/agricultural tool but they are the only blades I'm really fascinated in. My mom was disturbed when I told her that. lol.

[QuirkyUsername 1,576]

Another new knife. Not as extravagant as the others but still a welcome addition to the collection.

 

[Goose 181]

Spyderco Endura sprint run with blade of Hitachi Super Blue and 420J1 laminate, and a Spyderco Ladybug.

 

[FoxyCryptid 4,327]

My Dad gave me a large bag o' sharp and pointy things when he went into the nursing home(cleaning out his place was one of the hardest things of my life) and this really nice Bowie Knife was in there

 

Edited April 8, 2014 by Shoboni

[FoxyCryptid 4,327]

I normally don't buy this sort of thing but it was $17 and I couldn't resist because I haven't seen any of these Highlander Knock-Offs locally. 

 

 

[Frith is Magick 1,471]

 

 

I normally don't buy this sort of thing but it was $17 and I couldn't resist because I haven't seen any of these Highlander Knock-Offs locally. 

$17? Good find, that looks like a nice wall-hanger for that price.

[FoxyCryptid 4,327]

$17? Good find, that looks like a nice wall-hanger for that price.

 

Yeah, I figure since it looks nice(aside from the somewhat tacky scabbard) and it was actually modeling after a sword I quite like I'd grab it even though I normally don't buy any kind of swords.