Quality?

kamagong

kamagong

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2001
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I know this question is moot, but all this talk about sword quality got me thinking, specifically about Japanese styled swords. People often complain about the quality, or sometimes quality control of mass produced swords like the PK. My question is this, would the average foot soldier in feudal Japan have been satisfied with a the quality of a Paul Chen sword? After all, not everyone could afford a Masemune.
 
In earlier Japan when warfare was common, it would not be uncommon to stumble across many swords that were of mediocre quality, particularly in a few isolated spots in history. A sword of quality like a PK would be fine for warfare, as the sword was not in the spotlight yet. Still have to remember that the sword was not the prime weapon choice. It was one of a decent array of weapons used. It only became really popular after warfare ceased.

Also remember that many people these days are not swordsmen and don't care to learn proper sword usage or how they treat the swords in terms of what they try to cut. The more competent and knowledged swordsman will be able to use something cheap like Chen's stuff but would prefer something better. If I didn't see swords like the PK as viable weapons in the context of Japanese-style swords, I would not support them at all.

Shinryû.

Addendum: A big concern is safety. It doesn't matter if it was old Japan or not, a sword cracking, chipping, breaking, dismounting, et cetera is a DANGEROUS situation.

[This message has been edited by Robert Marotz (edited 03-10-2001).]
 
Just as a thought, it is unlikely that the "average foot soldier" would have owned a sword, he would more likely have been fitted out with a yari or other polearm. Robert already alluded to this, I just thought I would put my two cents in.
 
:
I realize that no one would be able to learn proper sword technique from reading about it, but is there any kind of reference to the proper use of swords that may be in print?

And how long would it take to learn the proper way to use a sword if one was to go to a teacher if the person had no prior experience?
Or would something like that depend on the person beng taught?

I guess I'm really wondering if there's a list of "do nots" pertaining to sword use?

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>>>>---Yvsa-G@WebTV.net---->®

"VEGETARIAN".............
Indin word for lousy hunter.
 
Japanese swordsmanship is quite complex and relatively orthodox, so it's very difficult to try explaining the intricacies of proper technique...but there are some sources out there that have written about the subject. There is a good book dealing with the tradition I study by Masayuki Shimabukuro entitled "Flashing Steel." You should be able to find it on http://www.amazon.com (just to save anyone time). I don't suggest bothering with it if you just want to learn "a thing or two" because that is not how swordsmanship works.

[This message has been edited by Robert Marotz (edited 03-11-2001).]
 
Yvsa,

There are books on various schools of sword using but I doubt if it can be of any real use unless the learner is real bright and has some martial art foundation.

I've been learning iaido officially for 4 month's now. The more I learn, the more I doubt that I'll be proficient enough to "use" a sword. That's a insight that I didn't have before I gain speed and accuracy with my sword. Swinging the sword a few times will get me tired in the begining but now I practice swinging it over 500 times each day. I can cut through a matt-roll readily, not too smooth yet. But then, I am less confident to use it to fight.

There are plenty of don'ts in the dojo (practicing hall). The reason behind all these are to ensure safety of ourselves and the one practicing beside you.

Hey Rob,

I read the mei in your drawing in another thread, is it your name "Shinryu"?

Joe

[This message has been edited by JoeL (edited 03-11-2001).]
 
Yes Joe,
smile.gif


Like I said, I got a little carried away when drawing it (was originally just supposed to be an outline).

Shinryû.
 
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