What should be the next sword i get

[gadunz]

Another armchair samurai wanting to use a meat blade on tough, springy vegetation.

 

[GWashington1732]

cutting bamboo at waist height is not "clearing" anything... it's just chopping for fun. If your goal is to clear a stand of Boo, that's not how you do it

Cutting bamboo is not clearing anything.

Kind of wonder, what's the intended goal when "clearing" bamboo? I recall hearing that bamboo has a weed status in some parts. Kind of wonder if it grows back like a weed if you don't pull the roots out too?

The most common bamboo in the United States is golden bamboo, which is an invasive species from Asia. It's a grass, so chopping the stems is like mowing the lawn, they'll grow back in a few weeks. The only was to get rid of it is to remove or kill every single piece of the root.

Another armchair samurai wanting to use a meat blade on tough, springy vegetation.

This is what I use for cutting bamboo. After cutting it you can dig up the roots or apply herbicide; pure weed killer concentrate did the trick for me, but you still have to dig it up. Apparently this is actually called a brush hook. It's pretty much the same thing as a brush axe, it just attaches to the handle differently.

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

Why not just let it suffice to say that he wants to cut bamboo for fun with a katana, and let it be? Sure, it's not the right tool for the job. But if that's what he wants to do, that's his business, regardless of whether it's for "clearing" or not. We all love cutting stuff up for fun, I'm sure. If I had a big stand of invasive bamboo, I'd be doing some cutting too, likely with all kinds of swords. I'd definitely like to know how capable my blades are.

 

[GWashington1732]

Why not just let it suffice to say that he wants to cut bamboo for fun with a katana, and let it be? Sure, it's not the right tool for the job. But if that's what he wants to do, that's his business, regardless of whether it's for "clearing" or not. We all love cutting stuff up for fun, I'm sure. If I had a big stand of invasive bamboo, I'd be doing some cutting too, likely with all kinds of swords. I'd definitely like to know how capable my blades are.

That's why I asked. If he's cutting just for the fun of it it would be more worthwhile to learn how to properly clean and maintain a sword.

 

[TurtleguyFive]

The only reason I use the katana is cause it makes me feel like a bad ass I have no intent on being efficient just as long is it cuts the bamboo I am happy.

 

[BePrepared]

The only reason I use the katana is cause it makes me feel like a bad ass I have no intent on being efficient just as long is it cuts the bamboo I am happy.

Ah, in that case, anything that's not stainless steel and has a decent heat treat will work just fine

 

[Scotty2Hotty]

Why not just let it suffice to say that he wants to cut bamboo for fun with a katana, and let it be? Sure, it's not the right tool for the job. But if that's what he wants to do, that's his business, regardless of whether it's for "clearing" or not. We all love cutting stuff up for fun, I'm sure. If I had a big stand of invasive bamboo, I'd be doing some cutting too, likely with all kinds of swords. I'd definitely like to know how capable my blades are.

I agree whole-heartedly with this statement! Also, Mr. BePrepared, those were some awesome pics you posted! Any chance of us getting a review from you on the blades that you own? I would be most interested in your personal opinion of each, as you have quite a selection there. Feel free to e-mail me if you don't want to post. Thank you, good sirs.

 

[jamaljahda]

I would suggest a bawain sword or gloom by valiantco.

 

[GWashington1732]

The only reason I use the katana is cause it makes me feel like a bad ass I have no intent on being efficient just as long is it cuts the bamboo I am happy.

If you wanted efficient, you'd rent a forestry mower. Since the problem you're having is keeping the blade rust free, I'd recommend reading up on sword maintenance, then you can swing away without worry. :thumbup:


P.S. I still think you should try a brush hook/axe, it takes a bit more strength to get it going but it's so much fun.

 

[gadunz]

Get a billhook. All were orig scrub cutters turned into devastating peasant weapons.
Lochaber axe, polearm on right.