I just bought a sword and need advice

[PhoenixPrepping]

As far as swords and other weapons go, suck as flails, morningstars, battle axes and things along those lines all I can say is don't. There are exceptions to that of course but these days most of the swords and things you buy are cheap knock offs that look great on your wall but are not something you want to bet your life on. Now if your knowledgeable about such things, like some of the guys here in this thread seem to be then go for it. And enjoy!!! Me? I personally am going to use a titanium crowbar and just beat the crap out of anyone who gets that close to me through the weapons fire I will be leveling at them!

 

[Onisei]

my actual recommendation would be for anyone interested in sword to invest in a quality machete with a convex edge grind

 

[Roninsensei]

Cold steel has the best machetes on the market and they're not bad on price either. They're one of the only company's I'm willing to place my life on the line with. All of their line has been combat tested.

 

[Onisei]

I really like condor. Cold steels quality has tanked recently IMO. For the best selection I've found go to. machetespecialists.com

 

[PhoenixPrepping]

I really like condor. Cold steels quality has tanked recently IMO. For the best selection I've found go to. machetespecialists.com

Hey Oni are you sure that they are reliable? I mean will they stand up to abuse and not break or bend after hitting some bushes a few times?

 

[Onisei]

What I've done to mine was obscene and its just fine. It has a nice convex edge and its carbon steel so it has more flexibility than a stainless. Why, have you had problems with them?

 

[PhoenixPrepping]

Not with this site, I never heard of it till you posted it. But I have had problems with other purchases, which is why I am very cautious and try to warn others. I bought a 'Authentic' WW2 Trench Spike and the damn thing bent just from being stored.

 

[Onisei]

As far as the site goes I haven't used them a buddy of mine referred me to them when we started looking for new machetes that we could use to begin transferring sword techniques to machete. Since it was brought up I figured I'd post the site. I know my buddy has bought from them and he is pretty picky when it comes to sharp objects

 

[PhoenixPrepping]

Good to know. I want to get my g/f one for Christmas since it would suit her better than the heavier utility bar I prefer. Girl is lightning quick and no slouch in a fight.

 

[Roninsensei]

Phoenix! I recommend the Cold Steel Magnum Kukuri machete. http://www.coldsteel.com/Category/5_1/Machetes.aspx The Kopis and Jungle machete are also wicked.

 

[Roninsensei]

Also if you want a katana for a woman and by the way the musashi are junk (broke 2 before learning my lesson). Go this route http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/88BCK/PRACTICAL_CHISA_KATANA.aspx

 

[Roninsensei]

Also these katanas are good for there price. http://www.roninkatana.com/

 

[Roninsensei]

Onisei Tanked how? I've used there newest line as recently as 2 weeks ago and found no problems. Not looking for fight just honest answer. lol

 

[Roninsensei]

By the way machete specialist recommends the Smith and Wesson bush hog kukri which is 420 stainless steel ewwwwwww... not if my life is on the line.

 

[Onisei]

recently cold steel has transferred all of their manufacturing to china and for some of their products have been using lower quality steel and from what I heard have had some issues with quality control. I certainly wouldn't say that cold steel produces junk but I would pay closer attention to what I'm spending my money on from them.

I agree anyone buy a stainless steel machete is looking for problems

 

[Roninsensei]

All is not true, But yes some of there stuff is made in china but he tests every batch. Quality issues have been a problem since he started the company but they've never made it to the costumers. He's sent them back before they made it to the market. By the way there's a lot of coldsteel fakes out there muddying the waters. Lynn Thompson is a patriot and cares about his product and stand 100% behind it. He makes quality stuff and for the best possible price hence why some stuff goes to china. But a lot of knife makers bag on him hence all the rumors. I happen to know Lynn, and have always depended in life threatening situations on his product and have yet to be let down. I trust cold steel with my life. that says a lot.. But clearly I'm prejudice... lol

 

[Kriptic]

Phoenix! I recommend the Cold Steel Magnum Kukuri machete. http://www.coldsteel.com/Category/5_1/Machetes.aspx The Kopis and Jungle machete are also wicked.

I just bought 2 of these and, with my limited blade knowlege, they seem solid and well made.

 

[Krime]

in my experience, just about every bladed weapon has a different feel/weight to it, also differs on personal preferance too.
that sword in the pic is quite simular to a japanese short sword.
my advice would be to practice with it a bit. get a good feel for it.
i, myself, have no formal training, however, me n my friends have in the past bought kendo shenis and have duels with them.youll find (unless pro trained) most people have different styles, different swings, stance etc. but those ratan swords give one hell of an idea on sword play and what you would do inna sword fight.

 

[old_anorak]

Okay, now y'all get to laugh at me. I did SCA for years. Fought in armor for several years as well. Got pretty good with rattan and weighted rattan. I do own several blades that were made for me by a craftsmen outside of Kansas City. I think my favorite is the bodice dirk he made for me.

 

[Roninsensei]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCA_heavy_combat

Just in case someone was wondering.