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Review of Paul Chen Tiger Katana
- Thread starter Ankerson
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2001
- Messages
- 1,957
Both Bugei swords and Tiger katana are made by the same company; Hanwei in Dalian, china. Thei custom line are made by Howard Clark, and of course you are talking about different class here if you are comparing Howad Clark's and Hanwei's. It's like comparing production knives to custom knives.
I can't say which one is better because they both serve different function. Samurai katana obviously has thicker stock compared to the Tiger; therefore it is suitable to cut heavy and thick target (extra thick wara and bamboo). Tiger katana is slightly thinner, but it will make a great sword for quick fencing.
If I had to choose between those two (in combat related situation), I'd choose Tiger. Why ? Because, with lighter sword, a sword is more manuveurable. I'm no big guy or a very strong one, so using a thicker and heavier sword would be very tough on my technique.
Japanese swords have always used one peg since hundreds of years ago. I guess one peg is enough if used properly. But, I'm moe comfortable using two pegs.
BTW, my tiger has 2 pegs. One is shown, and one is covered under the tsuka ito. I think this Tiger also has 2.
I can't say which one is better because they both serve different function. Samurai katana obviously has thicker stock compared to the Tiger; therefore it is suitable to cut heavy and thick target (extra thick wara and bamboo). Tiger katana is slightly thinner, but it will make a great sword for quick fencing.
If I had to choose between those two (in combat related situation), I'd choose Tiger. Why ? Because, with lighter sword, a sword is more manuveurable. I'm no big guy or a very strong one, so using a thicker and heavier sword would be very tough on my technique.
Japanese swords have always used one peg since hundreds of years ago. I guess one peg is enough if used properly. But, I'm moe comfortable using two pegs.
BTW, my tiger has 2 pegs. One is shown, and one is covered under the tsuka ito. I think this Tiger also has 2.
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2003
- Messages
- 284
First of all, how does it handle? Heavy? Light? I'm interested because the blade is pretty long, maybe a bit too long to do cutting. It's around 2 Shaku 5 Sun 5 bu, which is quite a bit longer than I'd like a cutting sword to be. Nevertheless, with modern materials...it shouldn't be a problem, right?
How does this compare to some of bugei's swords? The tiger is in the 1000$ price range, which means it's competing with the Crane, Samurai, and Dragonfly from Bugei...where does it stand up against those?
The bo-hi reduces lateral strength as well, can't be a very good thing. The sword seems fine for doing Iai waza, but would it stand up to some heavy-duty cutting?
Either way, I love the hada, very nice, if subtle, pattern.
The production bugei swords are made by Paul Chen, and I had the opportunity to do some test cutting with a Samurai. That thing was crazy! A bit heavy, but very nice balance, much closer to the tsuba than other, lower-quality swords. Even though it has a high shinogi and is relatively thick, it went through the mat like a hot knife through butter, except when my technique was off. I would expect the same from this sword. However, the one I used was around 2 Shaku 2 Sun 4 bu, a good deal shorter than the Tiger you have...
How does this compare to some of bugei's swords? The tiger is in the 1000$ price range, which means it's competing with the Crane, Samurai, and Dragonfly from Bugei...where does it stand up against those?
The bo-hi reduces lateral strength as well, can't be a very good thing. The sword seems fine for doing Iai waza, but would it stand up to some heavy-duty cutting?
Either way, I love the hada, very nice, if subtle, pattern.
The production bugei swords are made by Paul Chen, and I had the opportunity to do some test cutting with a Samurai. That thing was crazy! A bit heavy, but very nice balance, much closer to the tsuba than other, lower-quality swords. Even though it has a high shinogi and is relatively thick, it went through the mat like a hot knife through butter, except when my technique was off. I would expect the same from this sword. However, the one I used was around 2 Shaku 2 Sun 4 bu, a good deal shorter than the Tiger you have...