My first real sword (Cold Steel Warrior Katana)

Bigfatts

Bigfatts

Joined
Mar 12, 2012
Messages
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Was in a local pawn shop today and noticed a sword bag on the rifle rack. Asked to look at it and it was just marked "Cold Steel Katana". Well I immediately had to have it. Now I have 0 sword knowlege or training- though I have often toyed around with the idea of Kendo lessons. Would definately be a diverting hobby. I had a knife in the car that I was going to trade off at the local shop so offered it in trade and he accepted. Looking it up when I got home it seems to be the Cold Steel Warrior model- it matches the measurements and pics I have found online, please correct me if I'm wrong. I can see swords becoming another addiction. I already have my eye on another.

How are these swords? Anybody have or use one? I am a big hater of Cold Steel knives but this sword really has me impressed.

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Bigfatts said:
Was in a local pawn shop today and noticed a sword bag on the rifle rack. Asked to look at it and it was just marked "Cold Steel Katana". Well I immediately had to have it. Now I have 0 sword knowlege or training- though I have often toyed around with the idea of Kendo lessons. Would definately be a diverting hobby. I had a knife in the car that I was going to trade off at the local shop so offered it in trade and he accepted. Looking it up when I got home it seems to be the Cold Steel Warrior model- it matches the measurements and pics I have found online, please correct me if I'm wrong. I can see swords becoming another addiction. I already have my eye on another.

How are these swords? Anybody have or use one? I am a big hater of Cold Steel knives but this sword really has me impressed.

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So why exactly are you a hater of coldsteel?
 
They make a great beater/chopper swords, but the balance make them a bit unwieldy. They are made from 1050 steel.
 
If you like a hefty feeling blade its for you. I feel safe behind that blade. They are strong.

Very sharp and great for cutting mats.

Get a sword stand for it so you can admire it..
 
Nntrance said:
So why exactly are you a hater of coldsteel?
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In my experience they are overpriced, and junk. But that's not a discussion for this forum.

Like I said, this is my first real sword so it will give me something to 'play' around with to get a feel for things. So far I like it.
 
Congrats on the find... I too, am not a Cold Steel fan. Their katana are made by Fred Chen's company, however , and pretty decent albeit overpriced. At the pawn shop you probably got a great deal pn a decent sword.
 
As mentioned, the balance on those is pretty off. That being said, they're tough, hefty, and overbuilt, like most of Cold Steel's offerings. Pretty decent for a beater sword, all things considered, and not too shabby for a first sword for someone with limited sword experience. Those tend to be pretty pricy for what you get, so if you got it for anything under 300, I'd say you got an excellent deal.
 
Indeed. I actually had just under $200 in the knife I traded for it so I think I did pretty good.
 
You did quite well.

I participated in cutting competitions with a sword very similar to yours, and won a few.

If there is anything particularly wrong with these swords it is that they hold an edge for crap....furniture is very average...other than that..enjoy!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Make sure the handle is still tight, one of their QC issues is handle cracking. They are built, or overbuilt as some have already mentioned. If you got her for 200$, then you got a deal. I bought one about a decade ago as a starter; they're pretty good for that. Have fun and be safe
 
Bigfatts said:
In my experience they are overpriced, and junk. But that's not a discussion for this forum.

Like I said, this is my first real sword so it will give me something to 'play' around with to get a feel for things. So far I like it.
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If you mean there whole line up then I am very surprised because The coldsteel spartan,espadas, and rajah 2 folders are in a class of their own. The Laredo bowie is probably the best traditional bowie out there for under 200$ and The Natchez is probably the best production bowie out there period.I am not familiar with their swords though.
 
Nntrance said:
If you mean there whole line up then I am very surprised because The coldsteel spartan,espadas, and rajah 2 folders are in a class of their own. The Laredo bowie is probably the best traditional bowie out there for under 200$ and The Natchez is probably the best production bowie out there period.I am not familiar with their swords though.
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I've never had one of their bowies but the folders I had (a few) left a bad taste in my mouth. Overpriced for what you get, poor quality and horrible customer service and warranty.
 
Bigfatts said:
I've never had one of their bowies but the folders I had (a few) left a bad taste in my mouth. Overpriced for what you get, poor quality and horrible customer service and warranty.
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Have you had the ones I mentioned?
 
No. Voyager I believe. You know how you can have such a bad experience with something it just turns you off completely to something?
 
Like many here, I find Cold Steel to be overpriced and unbalanced. My "standard" choice for katanas is Mantis Swords. Not the cheapest around, but overall good quality and recommended to me by several iai-jutsu instructors I've had the pleasure of training with.
 
Under $200, you Scored BIG

Lots of Junk out there that breaks fast, yours can be used and not break.

Great score
 
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