Just looked up the order...I paid $161.82 total in 2017. It was a new/not seconds sword. It is an excellent value entry level sword. You review was excellent, thank you.
Another excellent review, Kyle. You seem to be well attuned to this sword in cutting. Hanwei makes mostly great swords at this price range. They use to offer higher end swords above $1000 mark but now they rarely output any of those. I think LK Chen as a new player has done a superb job filling the void of a slightly upper echelon of historical reproductions compared to Hanwei, but the latter still has its place. One common complaint as you mentioned is the hilt construction and the grip dimensions. I think their Euro models have grips on the thinner side, but most of their Chinese and Japanese swords have axe handles.
Thanks! I have to say, it's easy to cut well with this sword, a testament to the design and Hanwei's execution of it. I definitely want to try out an LK Chen sword at some point.
The scabbard issues are common with these daos, even the originals, due to the blade shape. Also many of the originals also had screw retained pommels.
All of the Dao swords that I came across of have no distal tapering and cut like an axe. This one - I am willing to give a try. Thank you for such a thorough review.
I finally bought my Hanwei Oxtail Broadsword from Museum Replicas and it came with numerous scratches on the blade. I tried to communicate with the seller but did not receive any meaningful response. Oh, well...
I had one of these once, handle broke after some rough beating. But was a nice blade. First thing I did was cut off that pommel tassel though, goodness is that thing annoying. The hitch up in the scabbard happened with mine too. My favorite dao is still buying the Hanwei pudao and using a hacksaw to cut it down. Maybe not the most balanced weapon, but it's a fun one. :P
I think the criticisms of the scabbard are unfair. The blade binding on insertion is symptomatic of some curved blades(non continuous curves). And the lack of retention. Us modern folks love our retention, although retention doesn't factor in a historical sword. Still, do love this sword, and an amazing price.
Unfortunately the market for Chinese swords is all but non existent so they don't do too much to make them good. I mean hell, it took them almost twenty years to get where they are with Japanese style swords. Though I would love a well made oxtail dao.
Just looked up the order...I paid $161.82 total in 2017. It was a new/not seconds sword. It is an excellent value entry level sword. You review was excellent, thank you.
Another excellent review, Kyle. You seem to be well attuned to this sword in cutting. Hanwei makes mostly great swords at this price range. They use to offer higher end swords above $1000 mark but now they rarely output any of those. I think LK Chen as a new player has done a superb job filling the void of a slightly upper echelon of historical reproductions compared to Hanwei, but the latter still has its place. One common complaint as you mentioned is the hilt construction and the grip dimensions. I think their Euro models have grips on the thinner side, but most of their Chinese and Japanese swords have axe handles.
Thanks! I have to say, it's easy to cut well with this sword, a testament to the design and Hanwei's execution of it. I definitely want to try out an LK Chen sword at some point.
Great review as always Kyle!!
Such a well done review, gonna go buy this thing now!
The scabbard issues are common with these daos, even the originals, due to the blade shape. Also many of the originals also had screw retained pommels.
Glad to see my (edited in) hunch about the blade shape was right! Thanks for the insight about the pommel.
All of the Dao swords that I came across of have no distal tapering and cut like an axe. This one - I am willing to give a try. Thank you for such a thorough review.
I finally bought my Hanwei Oxtail Broadsword from Museum Replicas and it came with numerous scratches on the blade. I tried to communicate with the seller but did not receive any meaningful response. Oh, well...
I had one of these once, handle broke after some rough beating. But was a nice blade.
First thing I did was cut off that pommel tassel though, goodness is that thing annoying. The hitch up in the scabbard happened with mine too.
My favorite dao is still buying the Hanwei pudao and using a hacksaw to cut it down. Maybe not the most balanced weapon, but it's a fun one. :P
I think the criticisms of the scabbard are unfair. The blade binding on insertion is symptomatic of some curved blades(non continuous curves). And the lack of retention. Us modern folks love our retention, although retention doesn't factor in a historical sword. Still, do love this sword, and an amazing price.
Have you had the opportunity to test any competitors? I know about LK Chen, more interested in the smaller manufacturers.
I have not, sorry.
Beautifull sword.
I think so too!
Unfortunately the market for Chinese swords is all but non existent so they don't do too much to make them good. I mean hell, it took them almost twenty years to get where they are with Japanese style swords. Though I would love a well made oxtail dao.