Looking for my 1st sword...

Kaizen1

Kaizen1

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2006
Messages
6,265
Hey guys,

I'm looking at getting a Dynasty Forge Ko-Katana in 1060B. I'd like to know what the sword gurus think. Here's what I'm looking for in a sword:

-$200-$260 total budget
-A beater, I'm not training in any sword disciplines and don't plan on it. I'm looking for something that can handle amateur techniques without posing a threat to my safety.
-I like the ko-katana thing (short edge with long handle)
-I won't be cutting that many things with it. It may be used for SD possibly at the house, so I'd like it not to snap in 2 if I HAVE to use it. If I end up cutting anything with it, it would be things that wouldn't cause too many problems if any (plastic water bottles, very small twigs, etc).
-Open to suggestions that are not katanas that are similar in blade/handle length, users that fit in the budget.

I just want something I can kill imaginary zombies and mall ninjas with that isn't a wallhanger.

So I'd like anyone's opinions on this sword or any sword that fits the descriptions.

Thanks.
 
Just a reminder - you get what you pay for. Poor balance, low-quality fittings, poor fit and finish, and finally, lack of consistency in sharpening, shaping, forging, heat-treat, etc all go with swords in the 100-200 range generally. This doesn't necessarily mean there will be a catastrophic failure - but it is more possible.

Also, I would just get a machete if SD is your purpose. That 2-handed one from Cold Steel may not be so bad.

You should email Dynasty Forge and see where this particular sword line is sourced (many dealers/"brand names") use a variety of forges in China. Here's a couple threads I've dug up on SFI:
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=89973&highlight=dynasty+forge+ko+katana
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=89545&highlight=dynasty+forge+ko+katana
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=89216&highlight=dynasty+forge+ko+katana

Couple comparisons of brands:
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=88788&highlight=dynasty+forge+ko+katana
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=87899&highlight=dynasty+forge+ko+katana

Personally, I'd look at J-Armory and Oni Forge (similar price range - up to 400-700 as well) and in the same price range, Kris Cutlery - because there they are directly linked to the forges they use, rather than just being another customer (many of the sword-producing factories in China service other "brands"). My vote is for: Kris Cutlery
 
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Kaizen1 said:
-A beater, I'm not training in any sword disciplines and don't plan on it. I'm looking for something that can handle amateur techniques without posing a threat to my safety.
Click to expand...

What you're looking for is called a rattan stick.
 
I would sooner have a cold steel plastic boken than a 250$ sword. my two cents
 
Thanks senoBDEC for the suggestions. I didn't realize you responded. I went ahead and ordered the Dynasty Forge Ko-Katana. They are forged in China. After some research, I found that their QC seems to be up to par for the price range compared to other makers.
 
Kaizen1 said:
I'm looking for something that can handle amateur techniques without posing a threat to my safety.

-I won't be cutting that many things with it. It may be used for SD possibly at the house, so I'd like it not to snap in 2 if I HAVE to use it. If I end up cutting anything with it, it would be things that wouldn't cause too many problems

I just want something I can kill imaginary zombies and mall ninjas with that isn't a wallhanger.
Click to expand...
:confused:

Perhaps a QC evaluation of your mindset would serve you well before unboxing your new toy.........Good luck!:rolleyes:;)
 
I recently traded into one of the Dynasty Forge katanas and am pleasantly surprised by it's quality. I have seen a couple Yuotube vids and they look like good working swords. Saw 1 vid where the guy was using the sword more as an ax and crowbar than a proper weapon. The blade held up fine :) Sure it isn't a $2000 sword but it certainly is better than what you'd expect to get for under $300.
 
Larry S. said:
:confused:

Perhaps a QC evaluation of your mindset would serve you well before unboxing your new toy.........Good luck!:rolleyes:;)
Click to expand...

I'm not really going to be playing samurai master with it. I just want a sword that can be used if needed. It's going to be primarily for the enjoyment of owning a usable sword.
 
Larry S. said:
Then your local population of "imaginary zombies and mall ninjas" is in check?:rolleyes::D;)
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What's with the use of the "rolling eyes" smiley? Most of the time it's used in some condescending or judgmental tone. If you meant nothing by it, then my mistake.
 
I apologize.....no offense meant......it's just that I don't keep up with the interests of today's mainstream 27 year old males......
 
Larry S. said:
I apologize.....no offense meant......it's just that I don't keep up with the interests of today's mainstream 27 year old males......
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Actually, it's just a joke that guys over at the Usual Suspect Network (another forum about blades) are constantly talking about- guys of all ages. They even made an official forum sword for "zombies". It's a real, usable sword and it looks pretty nice. I'm not big on the whole fantasy about being stuck in a zombie scenario, but I see no harm in calling a sword my "zombie slayer" for fun. I'm not the first one to talk about zombies and mall ninjas on these forums.
 
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