How to avoid being bullshitted

[EpicHam]

Considering that swordmaker Paul Champain passed away his swords will be commanding a much higher price than say even a week ago. whether is's a buyers market or a sellers market prices will be going up with one less master sword maker.

Real shame I'll say... but as a star dies , a new one is born.
If you happen to live in Edinburgh .
http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.c...s-city-swordsmith-seeks-apprentices-1-3292194
The swordsmiths there are accepting 2 apprentices .

 

[DanR217]

It's tough, but I felt that HT on mine ended up being a little soft, so they dull much more quickly than the more expensive versions. What do you mean by heavy cutting?

Thanks for the response. I'm looking to cut green branches no more than 2" probably. I've got a budget of around $300 but I could be talked into the $500 range if they're really that much better. So far I know I want a few things: real hamon, no bo-hi, I don't care too much if the fittings are fancy or authentic as long as they don't fall apart on me and I'd like black wrappings and scabbard. I'm eyeing the Practical Plus Elite pretty hard, but I'm having trouble telling the difference between it and the Practical Plus. The Raptor is out, I didn't realize they're through heat treated.

Thanks in advance for your insight,
Dan

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

Elite seems to refer to the level of polish, but overall quality isn't really different. Just finish level. For what you're looking at, I don't think you need to spend the extra on Elite. I tend to think they'll do okay at green branches, provided there's no knots. It may not stay super sharp, and performance will depend a lot on your technique, but I don't think it would break one or cause serious edge damage, again, provided your technique is good. STeven may have better insights.