Swords

[gypsy rover]

Ok,

Looking for basic information- just started Iaido, and am looking onto infomation- not buying today- on a good live blade.

I cant mortgage the house, so I ahve to make some concessions, however want to know is the most important features that a truly battle ready sharpened sword should have.

Blade Harness?

Folded?

Damascus?

Full tang or hapf tang- how does it effect true balance and true battlefield application?

Not looking to take one to war, but want to be as authentic as $ will allow.

Also any experience with the following-

Ryumon

Masahiro™

Bushido "Ronin Duel" Katana

Thanks

[AikiGuy]

I don't know much about swords since I don't own one. Although I have dabbled a bit in Kendo so I have been in the market for one for a while. A couple things I look for are blade material and tang. Obviously you do not want a cheap aluminum blade if you want authenticity. Plus they can't be sharpened later. Also, the greater the tang the better. First reason is balance. A longer tang makes the weapon slightly heavier but also more balanced. Second reason is if you don't get at least half tang, the connection between handle and blade is very flimsy and may separate after a couple of years especially if you plan on taking it to class and swinging it around (either for demo or cuts). Half tang is decent but if you can afford it, go for full tang.

[Kieran-Lilith]

As an iaido person myself, I can say definitely full tang. It keeps the blade weighted right, and it makes it much more secure to use. My friend has a half-tang, and hisjust doesn't feel the same. For techniques later, when everything is closer to you and you're in more danger of getting cut, a full tang just feels better. It allows you to use the sword differently just by the nature of it. You'll want some sort of a steel blade so it can be sharpened later. Also, look for a sword with an extra long handle, at least five of your fists stacked on each other. Most handles are shorter these days for decoration, and that won't do you any good in iaido.

Honestly, if you're just starting out, I wouldn't go and get a really really expensive blade. I have yet to get a really expensive blade. If you go on Ebay, ignore all the WWII relics. They're no good for iaido. There are a few good sword places, though, and I got mine for around $50. When I get higher in the ranks, and when I can afford it, I'll get a better blade. But Ebay is the way to go.

[Zanshin]

If you are Just started Iaido you dont want a "Shinken" (or live blade). You would be better off with an "Iaito" (or training sword). This are not rasor sharp so if you make a mistake you will not cut your fingers off.

The main thing is get one that is the correct size and weight for your height and build.

"Hi Ire" Shinkens are ones with groves in for the extremely advanced Iado-ka. as opposed to "Shinogi" (without groves) which are specifically made for "tamashigeri" or cutting.

[Holland]

For the money I like Cheness swords

https://www.chenessinc.com/

Steel, unsharpened, but sharpenable. Hand made, full tang for under 200 bucks.

[Sengra]

okay, i was given this sanzibar sword, a traditional filipino (particularly Waray, in the western visayas) sword/tool that is used very much to this day as an all around weapon/tool. It can last for a generation. I mean, my grandmother owns one, and its older than me! haha...i can remember my father using it to cut wood. The only killing i think the sword was used for was to kill snakes. For beauty it might fail your expectation, but usefulness is another thing altogether.

[tenshinka]

http://www.oniforge.com/

[humble monk]

I am with Zanshin. For Iaido purposes, I would actually go with an aluminum sword, as constant drawing, if done improperly, dulls the blade and wears the scabbard, sometimes dangerously so.

If you stick with it, or simply must have a battle ready sword, Hanwei has improved their quality alot recently. I've heard excellent things about Cheness, as well.

If you have a passion for sword, check out Bugei. I will never be able to afford one, but I like to drool over the pictures.