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For
the less informed sword enthusiast or Japanese Sword Arts practitioner,
the Korean sword or Gum, Geom, Do, can be new terms,
as well as
Haidong Gumdo,
or Sword Arts of the Eastern Sea, which is a well structured
Worldwide Organization promoting the Sword Arts of Korea.
Martial Arts Swords
owner has invited me to write a review for which he shipped me a sword
custom made to my specifications.
It has been several months that in my
links page I have added a link to the
Haidong Gumdo Forum as
well as for
Martial Arts
Swords.
The main characteristics of this sword that I have received, and
similar ones that are sold by
Martial Arts Swords to the American Continent is that it is mainly targeted for the Martial
Arts, for the Korean polish does not include fingerstones but it does not
mean it is not properly heat treated.
These blades are made of SKS11 OR SKS 7 Japanese
steels. The reader can check the composition
here.
Let me procceed with the review then. |
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One of the most striking surprises one
has as the sword is taken out of the strong cardboard tube is
the sword bag that is not the average sword bag. It is closed on
both ends, and has characters silkscreened in the bag,
while the bag's end has a blue matching synthetic leather
protection.
It took me a little while to figure out that the bag has
a side opening along the seam that allows for the sword to be
removed.
Because of its natural beauty, nothing extraordinary, but
still beautiful, I did not resist in taking partial pictures of
the sword's bag that can be seen here. |
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Before I procceed on the review of the sword itself, let
me give you some other views of the
sword making process
wich is also viewable on the lower
Menu specific to this review.
As we all know, Korea has a higher level of living cost,
compared to other known manufacturing countries such as China,
Thailand and India,
and the photographs that you will view show that these swords
are not made in large quantities, but rather made with modern
equipment to fit the quality level that makes
them tremendous cutters. The sword that I have for the review is terribly sharp. |
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There is something most readers like to see on a review,
and those are the sword's Specifications:
Handle length: 12 inches
Nagasa: 27.5 inches
Motohaba: 32 mm
Sakihaba: 25 mm
Motokasane : 6 mm
Sakikasane: 5 mm
Weight with saya: 1.200 grams
Weight without saya: 995 grams |
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The handle or kal jaru is 12 inches long as
per my request. As visible in the photograph, it does have an
hourglass shape and a very curious kal jaru kkeun
(itomaki) which resembles the Korean version of a katatemaki. It
is very refreshing to see and handle one, which is entirely
comfortable.
The ko geung ee or tsuba is a blackened herculoy
Wind design.
The sageo has a double knot that is quite interesting and
unusual for me, and possibly for those who don't own one of these
swords. |
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The sword and handle or kal jaru and a two
layer ho in, the Korean term for habaki.
It is
a beautiful ho in with some decorative motifs.
Although standard, it is very refreshing for me as this is my
first exposure to Korean made swords. |
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Another view of the
kal jaru. The wrap is indeed a very interesting
variation that is most appealing to me, hence the different
photographs on what may be considered an acessorial aspect but
that plays for me a relevant important part on the aesthetical
point of view. A touch of elegance and innovation
(because alien to me)in the overall subtle elegance that comes
from simplicity.
The handle wrap is
extremely comfortable and the leather provides a very decent grip
as the recesses of the samé are more pronounced.
The entire tsuka and wrap are very firm, and the knot that
finishes the wrap at the kashira's end is very secure, bulges a
little, adding for more substance for the left hand grip on it. |
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Along with the sword came
four extra tsuba, ko geung ee in Korean, with most
unusual designs, except for the sunflower which is a
Korean version of the Kiku tsuba. These ko geung ee
are available for sale as individual items and are indeed
refresing to see. |
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SWORD IN HAND |
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My experience
with this sword was limited, but I am happy to share the
feeling.
The handle, at 12 inches, is longer than usual, providing a
counter-balance that appears to lighten the sword even more than the
995 grams., specially
when handling with one hand.
I tested it a home for balance and maneuverability due to my very
tight present schedule, spending about 30 minutes with it and though
it is very maneuverable and fast, it is definitely tip heavy, which is
an interesting compromise that was achieved. It kind of subtly
cries out to be launched against a target.
It must be said that it is not a cutter in the sense that it
is not too heavy and tapers more than I would
have wanted to, but the mono-uchi still has enough blade for a good
cut. |
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There is
almost no presence of niku, and in a very simple and quick test, I
lined myself parallel to the length of a cardboard box and raised
the blade about 30 degrees angle pointing to the ground.
I let go my wrist hold and the blade cut the cardboard box top 3
inches deep with only its weight dropped at a distance of 5
inches.
The saya is very well made and the lacquer is flawless. The
koiguchi is horn and it is not wood lined like the Japanese saya,
but instead it has file marks that grab the habaki. |
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alloy of the habaki itself is probably the reason why it does not get
scratched. No-tô is done with
as much ease as a good Japanese style saya.
The blade slides softly and effortlessly into
its resting place.
As I looked into the inside of the saya there was a very soft
and well carved surface, as if a plain was used to finish it.
The horn kojiri is also highly polished,
matching the saya. |
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A picture
of the full sword and the bag. The sword bag reads the following:
To reach the way, understand everything by one principle. |
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Though a
general view, it is possible to discern the straight hamon on the
shobu-zukuri style blade, although fingerstones or etching are not used.
It carries a very crisp geometry as well. |
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Here is a
detailed photo of half the blade. The hamon is not contrasty, but the heat
treatment is all there. As said before, Korean polish does not include
fingerstones, neither do these swords have this aim. They are mainly
weapons for Martial Arts where users tend to display their sword's cutting
scars with pride. |
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As a final touch, these Korean blades can bend and return to true
quite a bit. Therefore, being factory blades, they catter - as
said before - for the swordsman, being able to take heavy
punishment.
This photograph of a swordsman bending his sword shows proof of
what I am stating. |
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As
the review finalizes, I do strongly reccomend that the reader moves
into the different areas of the menu. The viewing of the bamboo
cutting is very impressive.
Haidong Gumdo swordsmen seem to be cutting pool noodles instead
of two to three inches bamboo (watch their real size as they are in
the floor for better perception. |
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Copyright ©
Antonio Cejunior 2005 -
BLADESIGN
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