Looking for Chinese-style stuff...

R

Robert Marotz

Joined
Jul 2, 2000
Messages
941
I'm not actually looking into buying one (no money) but I'm wondering if there are any custom makers out there doing high quality authentic Chinese-style swords? I've seen various pieces by a few custom makers but never quite found anyone who was doing it on a more specialized basis.

Anyone have any ideas?

Shinryû.
 

I wouldn't say he specializes in it per-se but Vince Evans has done more than a few Chinese sabers (oxtail, willow leaf, etc) using the traditional style lamination. His wife does an authentic handle wrap to boot. There are some makers in other countries (Thailand for one) who are decendants of sword making families from China who still make some traditional blades.
Tom Maringer made at least one modernized Chinese saber in the 80's. And as you noted there are some others.
I haven't seen anyone do an authentic quality Jian (Gim in Cantonese--aka the "Tai Chi" sword although its not just a Tai Chi weapon). Anyway there doesn't appear to be anyone doing it as a sole specialization. Of course theres production in mainland China and its probably all hand made but the pieces are more for wall hanging or wushu/kung fu practice/demo stuff--ie not too good and not very good quality but inexpensive. Vince Evans work is probably the closest you can come in this country for quality and authentic Chinese swords.
 
Kris Cutlery is a good start.
I've been able to see the pre-production gims which had decent weight similar to the Boxer Rebellion era Gim I saw once. That was a heavy sucker.
 
Yeah I've seen Vince Evan's work, very very wonderful stuff...I was hoping I would hear some other names than that one though...

And Smoke...I was referring to custom makers...I've seen KC's stuff too and it's cool for the price but my interests are in a different range.

Shinryû.
 
There probably aren't many if any other names for the quality stuff (besides Vince) because there doesn't seem to be that big of a market for it in this country. The folks who might be into a quality custom are buying, or have bought up the available quality antiques. The Chinese martial art stylist who should be into it, is usually just happy getting by w/the junk thats available. Plus some styles require a variety of different weapons so even cheap stuff can get $$ over time. Then theres just the general lack of knowledge about Chinese bladed weapons in the west. Lack of knowledge can equal lack of interest or the other way around.

I forgot to mention that there is a Chinese martial artist (Wing Lam Sifu) who actually does specialize in making traditional custom swords and other weapons which would seem to be a good combination for getting a proper Chinese style weapon. I can't say how the actual quality is or what hes using for blade material. Also hes probably a martial artist first and foremost but he has a web store that sells supplys and such. He might have a link to his custom stuff there as well. Theres some poor quality pics of his custom stuff in the back of his printed catalog so you can probably order one of those too. His web page is at:
www.wle.com


[This message has been edited by booshank (edited 11-11-2000).]
 
Didn´t Don Fogg make some Chinese weapons? I don´t know for sure, but I think I have seen a picture once. Could be wrong though...

------------------
"Peace is not without conflict; it is the ability to cope with conflict" - Leo Giron
www.messerforum.net - the premier German language knife-related web board
 
Thanks folks...

As for Don Fogg, I don't remember seeing any Chinese-style swords he made...I do remember some dha, but that's a tad different...he's a great maker, would be interesting to see him make one...

Thanks again,
Shinryû.
 
Met Tom Maringer back when he was just getting started making knives full time. Didn't see any Chinese weapons, but his Japanese swords were of high quality, looked great, and were as authentic as he could make them. They were definately of "fighting steel" to use an SCA term.

Tom Maringer himself was a bit of a jerk, but his work was outstanding. Unless he has changed his policy, he does not maintain a stock, but makes each sword as a custom order. This allows for a lot better customer satisfaction, and of course for few returns of merchandise. His prices at the time reflect his own high opinion of his work.
 
Unless he has changed his policy, he does not maintain a stock, but makes each sword as a custom order.... His prices at the time reflect his own high opinion of his work.[/B][/QUOTE]


Mr. Maringer retired - in 1995 actually. I think it would be more accurate to say his prices reflected what people would pay - considering the backlog he used to have a lot of them paid it too! He did make great looking/feeling blades tho.




------------------
"The search is half the fun!"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top