Condor Dynasty Dadao first impression

[greg1886t]

After almost 3 months of wait, Condor Dynasty Dadao finally came in yesterday.
This is probaby the best bang for bucks of a WWII Chinese broad sword style blade on the market,
once hold the blade I assume most people will have no doubt about the ability of being a fine weapon.
It's more balance than I thought especially holding the blade on the portion closer to handfuard,
single hand handling is not difficult as a front heavy slashing blade.

Major point that made me purchse this broad sword is the one piece construction with full tang,
the thickness of the material is just good enough to be reasonably sturdy and keep the weight
in a practical range, to me it is hard or impossible to find in this price.

Big surprise to me is the edge seems to have "Ghost Hamon" running through,
I'm not sure if it's the mark created through quenching process or just some oil/reside along the edge
since I did not clean the blade at all yet.

Another surprise to me is the sheath is not black which worries me since I ordered it,
the sheath is really good made, I like the dark borwn color leather , I don't think you can get a sword and a sheath like this for under 100 bucks
anywhere.

The edge comes pretty sharp, geometry on this blade is not like axe edge you can find on condor parang,
it has way smaller sngle than the parang.

While I am happy about this purchase from Knifecenter, there're still a few things that should be concerned
for people who plan to buy this sword,
the first is the tip on my dadao is actually deformed, it has tooth like shape with discoloration mark,
I think it can be fixed with a diamond stone but the tip along can turn me off if I had a chance to actually see this blade in a store,
and the second is that the blade near handguard has rust spots, it scares me since rust is just like cance, they spread and go deeper and deeper.
I plan to use mothers polish to remove the rust spot but I have no idea will it work or not, also the blade is with a satin finish which concerns me that
the mothere's polish will create a shiny portion on the sword.



I tried to post pictures taken from my cell phone below, this is my first time posting, hopefully pictures will show
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234360775/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234255334/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234360775/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234360925/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234358316/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234441003/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234254974/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234358786/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234361605/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234358886/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105185876@N07/10234441833/sizes/o/in/photostream/

 

[greg1886t]

Looks like I need to figure out how to correctly post pictures........

 

[dogstar]

This is what I do to post photos.

1. upload the photo
2. copy link to photo (tricky on flickr, have to view original image 1st).
3. click the "insert image" icon at top right of post creation window (looks like a picture of a tree)
4. in pop-up window, paste the link of image and click OK
5. use "preview post" feature (not available in quick reply mode) to check posting

Here is your first photo:

 

[greg1886t]

Hi Dogstar,
thanks for the tips.


Like this ?

Should I see pictures I post in preview or just the link ?

It's challenging my alredy low intelligence.....

 

[greg1886t]

sHOOT.........
It doesn't show.............

 

[dogstar]

Greg, hang in there.

Click on one of your flickr links
Right-click on the image and choose original where it says "view all sizes:"
That should send you to the original image. Right-click on that image and choose "copy image location"
Now, back on Blade forums, start a post.
Click on the "insert image" icon (the photo of the tree)
A window will pop up. In the white line under where it says "URL," right-click and select "paste," then click OK
To preview, click "preview post" on the bottom right, next to "submit reply." If you don't see the "preview post" option, click on the "go advanced" button first.

Your first image (I think I posted your 2nd photo last time):

 

[raybateson]

Anyone here performed a flex test? Roughly how many degrees can it go before taking a set?

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Nice review.

For rust spots... Go to practically any store that sells cleaning agents like Comet. You should find a product called Bar Keepers Friend. Buy the powder version if possible. Mix a little with water to form a paste. Rub a little on the spots using a q-tip. Rinse, then oil.

BKF has oxallic acid that dissolves rust, just be sure not to let it sit too long. 15-30 seconds should be plenty.

The stuff is amazing on ceramic stones that are loaded up. Do a search and you'll find a ton of praise.

Good luck and let's see some action shots when you get around to it.

 

[whetrock]

I know little about swords, but this one is inexpensive enough to were it could be pressed as a tool. Condor's 1075 is very tough, and serviceable. I could see myself with one of these just to cut things with it. Very interesting review. I sorta dig it in some ways.

 

[I.N.F.K]

I've been eyeballing these from a distance since they've come out. The only thing I don't like is where the gaurd folds back over on its self, but a dremel would remedy that.