Paul Chen Swords

[jsciii]

I am not a sword person but I would like to own one. I'd like a sword that can be sharpened though I wouldn't be using it to cut brush or limbs.

Browsing around I found that most swords either cost a dollar or a thousand. Further research shows the reasons why.

Anyway, I've been looking at the PAUL CHEN PRACTICAL TAI CHI SWORD and the PAUL CHEN BLIND FURY ZATOICHI SWORD. Both are extremely reasonably priced.

What I'm curious about is are they reasonably well made? Does it have an edge (I notice most really cheap swords don't even come sharpened)?

Thanks....JC III

ps
If someone is aware of another sword maker in the price range I'd like to hear about it.

 

[Fleadh]

practically anything made by paul chen is considered a "real" sword so the answers to most of those questions is yes. The practical lines have cheaper fittings and in the case of the euro-swords are blunt for use in sparring/re-enacting. The chinese and japaneses weapons are sharp. The tai-chi swords are kinda whippy and teh zatochi has teh problem od no guard to stop your sweaty hand slipping down ont the blade but all in all they are prettyu good by all accounts. There is a thing about paul chens (actually hanwei swords is a better term) is that teh odd faulty one slips through but if its faulty you can return it.


Ciaran

 

[dmheath]

I have the Practical Plus Katana and am very pleased with the quality for the dollar. It comes sharp enough to shave from the factory (be careful trying this at home). Good enough for me. I think it is well constructed and has a nice feel.

To be honest, if you spent $1300-$1500 for a top quality sword, I'm not sure anyone but you or a collector would know the difference. I'm sure the quality is worth it, but if you aren't going to really use it, I think it serves it's purpose. Don't get me wrong, it is a very useable sword and is made to be used. I guarantee it will scare the **** out of anyone that breaks into my home.

That's my .02.