What do you all think?

[ernienow]

What do you all think of the Paul Chen sword, The Dark Sentinel? Fairly cheap, very cool looking. Would it have ANY application in protection? I have heard of people who keep the cheapy swords next to the beds at night, because they are generally small, and they probabaly won't need to hit another sword, so they function. Just a thought... Here a link: http://www.bytheblade.com/ninja.shtml and here http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~PC2066~name~Paul+Chen+Dark+Sentinel+Sword.htm . I'm just trying to create a practical use for it, basically an excuse to buy it, it looks cool

[gcav]

There are 2 kind of swords. Those made for show and those made for combat. This one is for show, and IMO, has no practical use other than a neat decoration. The swords that are made for actual combat are rather expensive and still made by hand. As far as keeping it by your bed at night, I would go with a nice 12 gage pump instead.

[Shorin Ryuu]

I thought Paul Chen swords actually are made by hand though. "mass produced" referred to the systematization and amount of people involved, not actual machine manufacturing. They just aren't the same high quality sword that commissioned Japanese swordsmiths make.

[gcav]

They might be hand made I don't know, I was just commenting on the "practical use" part of the question. Since that web page doesn't clearly state that they are hand forged, hand folded or have passed all of the cutting standards, I wouldn't count on those sword to cut anything. They're just decordations. Nothing wrong with that.

[Shorin Ryuu]

The Last Legend katana are made specifically for cutting competitions.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by practical application, although it sounds like you are wondering if they can be used to cut someone who tries to rob you or something. In that case, you can even use a crappy 45 dollar one for that too...

[Pacificshore]

A standard folder in the bedroom would be much more practical than a long sword

 

Then again, it wouldn't matter if the intruder had a gun....even if you had a gun yourself it wouldn't matter if he got the drop on ya

[tommarker]

think of the utility of a sword in the hallway.

[ernienow]

I have a VERY high celing in my hallways, FYI. Iv'e read up on it, and like you said, two types of swords. This one falls somewhere in the middle. AS far as i can tell, Paul Chen mixes some factory and some handmade contruction into his swords, quality and quanitity is his goal. Ive read this cuts great, and withtands light contact. (eg. slice away at watermelons/etc, dont rely on it to cut into a tree.) Iv'e decided to get it, tell you what i think when it shows up. Thanks guys.

[thaiboxerken]

Swords aren't really practical in this day and age. They are still fun to train with though.

[47MartialMan]

Get a gun.