what are some purely functiohnal swords??

K

Kelmorien

Joined
Mar 3, 2002
Messages
50
I am seeking a source of well-crafted blades that are designed simply as cutting tools with no decorative features.
I also prefer a cord-wrapped handle.

Please post any thoughts you feel are applicable.
Thanks

Brian
 
That depends on what type of swords I suppose.

For European types, the ATrim swords are basically pure using swords, minium decorations.

For Japanese type swords, I've found that the best swords all tend to be lovingly decorated, though some so-so swords are also decorated.I have yet to see a lousy looking sword that cuts really well. If you develope an eye, you can clearly see the difference between a truely well made sword and something that hids behind cheap mountings.

If you are looking to practice on your own before taking formal training, I must warn you, Japanese cutting style is not instinctive at all. It's like golf, you really need someone to show you how it's done. It's best to do it right in the beginning than to unlearn the bad techniques later. I see some people swinging their swords around like some Highlander or Blade movie without realizing that their techniques are totally useless in the dojo.

On the other hand, if you just want to bash some cardboards in the backyard, be very careful! Even the good students get cut. One time I was in the ER and this kid came in with his ear cut off from doing you know what! Let us know what you ultimately get so we can give you some safty tips.
 
What are you planning on cutting? That could make a very big difference in what would best suit your needs. No need to be politically correct in your answer...
 
The only katanas i know of that are kinda utility grade (made to be used without flash) are the criswell series of katanas. There tough as hell without being traditional.

Cheers
C
 
I'll second the comment on Criswell blades. No flash, but they are good working swords in A-2. You might also be able to find some secondhand "Swords of Blackwind" made by Ontario a few years back. Reasonably priced, made out of 1084. Both of these have cord-wrapped handles. The Criswell stuff is definitely higher quality, but also more expensive.
 
Got to play with a couple swords by the Jones Brothers of Danville, VA this weekend. They were awesome. We did some cutting tests ala ABS. I've used these puppies in action. They are good stuff. And what kills me they were 440-C????? I hate 440-C, especially for anything bigger than a boot knife. But the Wakizashi and Bolo did what a hand forged 5160 Bowie could do, and in a couple cases, better. Kris Cutlery makes good stuff that is lightly adorned, or you can get the naked blade and finish it yourself. If by some miracle they actually have what you want in stock.
The Blackwind stuff looked interesting to say the least. I have a SP Frontiersman Bowie and it is a super buy for the money. So is the SP Marine Raider bowie. I would be surprised if the quality/functionality went out the window for the Black Wind series stuff. Be careful though. A certain unscrupulous factory in Taiwan or China is ripping off the blackwind designs in 420 J2.
1084? I thought Ontario used 1095 for all there carbon stuff?
Like there's that big of a difference between the 2. Both time tested and proven steels.
It's Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works btw. Here's the url.
http://www.plan-a.org/mmhw/
 
For the money Criswell is hard to beat. They take a real beating and come back for more.
 
Hi. What is Criswell's website address, please?
And...Criswell Katana vs. Kris. Opinions?

Thanks
Drjones
 
The Criswell short sword is an all around unbeatable buy dude. 16" inch blade made of .25" thick A2 steel. Got enough curve to be a slasher. It's just big enough to do some serious brush clearing or even light wood chopping for say a camp fire. It's small enough to conceal even behind just a baggy jacket. It really is one of my favorite blades I have ever owned, and I've owned lots in my life. It's rare that I just absolutely love a blade. That is one that I do. Couldn't get along without it.
 
I just got my Kris Cutlery katana 26" its a tough sword! i havent cut anything heavier than a carboard box yet, but it slide thru that effortlessly. i did some multiple pool noodle cuts with it today......very well made sword.
 
I picked up a Criswell Wakizashi at the Blade show. Very reasonable for the quality. Price was actually not too much more than a person would pay for one of those mirror polished wall hangers. I cant wait for the local farmer to harvest his corn, so I can go out and play "Urban Samurai". :)
 
FOr swords, Kris cutlery or Arms & Armor.

FOr knives you can beat up all day, cut metal, wood, leather, etc. get a Khukuri from Himalayan Imports! I'm a sword guy, and I was converted in no time. An HI khuk is like an axe and a sword in a knife package! You gotta see them to believe them. There is a Himalayan Imports forum on Bladeforums, go check it out!

Keith
 
I'm not experienced with "practical use" of sword, so this is purely theoretical thought. Maraging steel sounds very applicable for the purpose with its toughness around RC 50. It's softer than most knife steel, but how much edge holding does a sword need? The sword is expected to contact its target no more than a few times. Before the edge is dulled out, you'll walk away or get carried away... If your opponent(s) wear an armor? It's more likely you'll save your maraging steel sword from breaking than cutting / piercing through armor that a blade RC 50 cannot do but some good hi-tech knife steel can do.
 
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