First, let me state that I think the information and opinions that this forum offers is fantastic and informative. I particularly enjoy the threads about traditional/modern/Japanese/American swords.
Of all the makers of so called "modern katana-type swords" I think Phill Hartsfield has the most experience as a maker of this genre (30+ years). Unless he is falsifying information, he has never had one of his swords break. The RC of his A2 blades is up around 60-62, which is considred very hard, can be brittle, but none of his blades has failed. Those practitioners of iai and kenjutsu that use Mr. Hartsfield's blades , I believe are very content with their blades. Though my own skill level in tameshigiri is very low and I have not attempted this myself, I have seen 3 and 4 inch diameter solid wood posts cut cleanly through with the Hartsfield blades without any damage to the ha. I have only cut tatami, but when I saw the solid woods cut, it was really amazing.
Regarding the blades by Mr. Criswell, I have never handled one myself, but I have seen pictures and they look even more non-traditional than Hartsfield's swords. Has anyone used one for tameshigiri?
Form and Function. I think that practitioners of sword arts, such as iaido or Shinkendo, etc...would never think of their swords as "machetes" Swords used by pratitioners are given a certain respect. Personally, I have never used my swords to chop tree branches or clear a field. It was not made for that purpose. Swords and machete-like offerings are fine. They were made for that purpose. It is up to the individual to determine how they are going to use there blades.
Shinryu, you have mentioned many times that modern swords of the type mentioned are not of your liking. Exactly what type of swords do you like? I would assume it is swords of traditional make.
Regarding prices of swords and blades, again, I think that people will pay whatever they feel a blade is worth to them. Personally, I have no disrespect for people that have low cost blades. I know some people who practice iai with HSN 440 steel blades that perform waza better than others with Shinken. I think it is remarkable that Mr. Criswell can offer a sword of his type, handmade, for such a price. I don't think that others should disrepect him or the users that choose to use his offerings.
By the way, as a result of these threads, I have made a decision. I have not purchased a sword in 6 years and after some research, I have decided to purchase an L6 blade from Mr. Clark. (Thank you Mr. Clark for giving me the opportunity to receive one of your works.)
Best Wishes to ALL and I appoligize for the lengthy post.
Of all the makers of so called "modern katana-type swords" I think Phill Hartsfield has the most experience as a maker of this genre (30+ years). Unless he is falsifying information, he has never had one of his swords break. The RC of his A2 blades is up around 60-62, which is considred very hard, can be brittle, but none of his blades has failed. Those practitioners of iai and kenjutsu that use Mr. Hartsfield's blades , I believe are very content with their blades. Though my own skill level in tameshigiri is very low and I have not attempted this myself, I have seen 3 and 4 inch diameter solid wood posts cut cleanly through with the Hartsfield blades without any damage to the ha. I have only cut tatami, but when I saw the solid woods cut, it was really amazing.
Regarding the blades by Mr. Criswell, I have never handled one myself, but I have seen pictures and they look even more non-traditional than Hartsfield's swords. Has anyone used one for tameshigiri?
Form and Function. I think that practitioners of sword arts, such as iaido or Shinkendo, etc...would never think of their swords as "machetes" Swords used by pratitioners are given a certain respect. Personally, I have never used my swords to chop tree branches or clear a field. It was not made for that purpose. Swords and machete-like offerings are fine. They were made for that purpose. It is up to the individual to determine how they are going to use there blades.
Shinryu, you have mentioned many times that modern swords of the type mentioned are not of your liking. Exactly what type of swords do you like? I would assume it is swords of traditional make.
Regarding prices of swords and blades, again, I think that people will pay whatever they feel a blade is worth to them. Personally, I have no disrespect for people that have low cost blades. I know some people who practice iai with HSN 440 steel blades that perform waza better than others with Shinken. I think it is remarkable that Mr. Criswell can offer a sword of his type, handmade, for such a price. I don't think that others should disrepect him or the users that choose to use his offerings.
By the way, as a result of these threads, I have made a decision. I have not purchased a sword in 6 years and after some research, I have decided to purchase an L6 blade from Mr. Clark. (Thank you Mr. Clark for giving me the opportunity to receive one of your works.)
Best Wishes to ALL and I appoligize for the lengthy post.