With all these sword reviews coming, I will have to keep a close eye on my wallet now to make sure no money accidentaly slips out and makes its way to a smith.
@@chenyangli1154 Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Would you say that the landed gentry in Chinese history adhered to this virtue? Judging from the homes they build for themselves it wouldn't appear so.
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 Well in the majority of cases I would say no, though there were always exceptions. Philosophically speaking though there is a difference between the “descriptive” 所以然 and “normative” 当然, that is to say, there is a distinction between “what is” and “what should be”. A Virtue is not lessened just because the majority of people do not practice it. Sometimes this actually makes it more valuable. In ancient China the rich elites were often avaricious which was a major factor for the dynastic cycles that existed. Many dynasties in the earlier part of their rule would enact certain economic redistribution policies but in the long-run this would inevitably lead to increasing land centralisation and inequality, ultimately resulting in mass peasant rebellions which would cause the downfall of the dynasty, and then the cycle would repeat. The Marxist in me would say the underlying problem is that the feudal socio-economic structures were only reformed at best but never changed fundamentally. But perhaps it is not so simple. China today is no longer feudal and in fact is based on the socialist mode of production but it is also quite deformed and unequal, not to mention corrupt in many ways, though of course on a higher level than in antiquity. I think perhaps whatever the underlying socio-economic and political system is, there is always a reason to value certain basic Virtues.
Yes, the Cutting Miaodao/Dandao I designed for Ryan Sword. I just received photos of what I expect will be the last prototype from Ryan. So stay tuned...
Seven Stars will have the Cutting Jian back in stock in July. You can order when & they will ship it to you when it comes in- www.sevenstarstrading.com/store/p/ovn08n6bv3vjzzdjc9wa6j6w3qpnxm & Rodell Laoshi has a Cutting Miaodao in development with Ryan Sword.
I own the LK Chen Flying Phoenix Han style Jian. Most of your comments apply to it as well; the quality of the wood in the scabbard is perhaps it's weakest point. OTOH, the blade itself is as strong and beautiful a piece of folded steel as I have seen. I find it to be a beautiful weapon that I enjoy working with as I start going through the Jianfa study path. LK Chen brought me to the Jian and as a result I have been curious to know your opinion of them. Thank you, sir!
I love your unbiased approach, Laoshi. Thank you for this! This is the sword I’ve had my eyes on for some time and hope to buy when I can eventually afford it. As I’ve been learning a bit more, I see what you’re saying about needing a sword made of good steel to withstand the stresses of rigorous form work. I’m realizing as well that having real edges and being aware of those during training is also a general benefit because that awareness will sharpen you as well.
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 I have! This is Victor who you graciously offered to help. I am still thankful for that 🙏 I hope in the future to be able to take part once things improve!
People are also less inclined to goof around with a real sword imho. So I would add that it also teaches the student to respect their weapon, or deal with the consequences...
Thank you for this new sword review series! I am happy to see an LK Chen offering featured. I have several of their Tang dao-s and a Han jian, which they claim to model on historical examples. I am very happy with my Rodell cutting jian and don't see needing this particular jian, but maybe the LK Chen Song dao... the story of the evolution in design from Tang dao to Song dao has got to be a fascinating one!
have you ever tried the Jkoo 9260 Steel cutting Jian/Sword? I haven't, I have yours and it's amazing, the handle is long but I kinda like that. Also curious if you do any taijiquan videos on another channel or teach online.
Rodell Laoshi is quite active teaching online, and has been for year. Please have a look at: www.chineseswordacademy.com/ & use Code: cut 50 for Half Off the First 2 Months.
Great review and great cutting. It’s invaluable for us as students to see how skillful test cutting should look like. Looking forward to the next video.
I was going to buy one of those, but instead I got a used Hanwei Cutting Jian. I should have got the LK Chen though, because the previous owner didn't take good care of the Hanwei. Live and learn.
You can always get a new Cutting Jian ;)... But the Gale Wind is quite comparable to the Jian I designed for Hanwei. If you want a Cutting Jian, please see: www.sevenstarstrading.com/
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 That's what I get for trying to save money. Everybody seems to like LK Chen, but it's going to have to wait until I get some bills paid.
I’m very interested in what LK Chen has to offer and what they will go on to produce in the future. Very glad you’re reviewing them, especially someone with your expertise.
Thanks. Watch for Reviews here from of forges at well. We just posted a Review of Ryan Sword's Double Dragon Jian. It cuts very nicely. Received a Ming Jian from Iron and Fire for Review that looks great. And CAS just sent in a Hanwei Dadao for Review. So stay tuned...
Looks like LK chen are doing some very nice work. at 300 bucks. getting a half decent sword at all 20 years ago was hard, now good swords at sub 300. Remarkable.
There appears to be two choices of steel available and the difference is not well explained on the website. Which steel option is your sword and what is the expected difference in performance between the two?
Great review and great cutting on a hard target. Looks like a really good cutting sword. Would be interested to know out of all the swords you have cut with, which is your favorite ? Or top three, thanks 🙏🏼
I've been really impressed with LK Chen, they've really raised the bar for mass produced reproduction Chinese weaponry and the such the last few years. Unlike most manufacturers, the founder has direct access to a lot of museum's originals in china and can take measurements and weight instead of basing the dimensions on pictures alone.
Nice sword. The little semi-cosmetic issues are a non-issue. For my part, if it were mine, I would have no problem with giving it a little tune-up. That being said, I already have two jian that are actively being used.... (Excellent review!)
No nails are visible, so I assume the fittings are glued in place. As is common for swords in this price range. Look for a new video this Monday (as in tomorrow)...
Many thanks for this - I'd been wondering about the Gale Wind. Specs show it being pretty heavy, and you confirmed that, but more important are your comments on balance, weight distribution and other details that affect how it performs in forms practice. Very, very informative!
Thanks for the feedback. We have another review in the making and are editing one for the Chinese Swords and Swordsmanship series today. Let us know what else you would like to see on this channel.
If you haven't handled it, it wold sound heavy, but the one I handled and cut with was nice and lively. I probably should add I have been cutting for more than 20 year, so it should feel heavy to me. It might be a bit for a newer practitioner. Then again, get stronger eh?
I certainly could review that. How about emailing them to see if they will send in one for review? Clients often have more pull with manufacturers than my asking them for a review sword. In their defense, they do have folks hitting them up for free swords all the time.
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 dont worry i pretty sure that for YOU they wont have any problem👌 anyway i have one and its pretty decent different, but a good jian over all.
@@patricklynch9574 I wish that I did, but this one is unique. I purchased it from a small shop in Zhejiang some years ago from the tailor who made it. The cloth is hand woven. So there isn't another exactly like it.
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 Can you please do a video comparing the Practical Kung-Fu Sword and the Oxtail Dao from Hanwei? I've been trying to decide between the two and would like to see how they compare side to side with an antique dao!
@@ELVendedor5000 Certainly, they would be a good topic (though I should let you know we are planned out for 2 months). Off the top of my head, I recall both of them being well made. But it was been awhile since I handled them.
Always nice to hear your thoughts on the LK chen swords. I am in the middle of the process to chose my first jian for form practise and cutting practise and the LK Chen Gale wind one my favourites. The other favourite is your Cutting Jian from Hanwei. it will be not easy to chose between these 2 because it seems that both Jian are really good swords.
I have your cutting jian and as soon as I saw this Gale Wind I instantly saw how similar they are. I would love to try this as well. I also like what I see in their Silver Swallow Miaodao. Would love to hear your thoughts on that too. Thanks for the great review and looking forward to more!
The Cutting Jian and Gale Wind are quite similar overall. The Cutting Jian has a slightly more forward POB, so delivers a bit more of a robust cut. But overall, not a big difference beyond style of fittings. I would be happy to test LK Chen's Miaodao. Send him an email suggesting it and perhaps he will send me one to review...
@@ErraticFaith You might be surprised. Not everyone appreciates the time it takes to record and edit, the reach of a professional review. But reviews of swords from other forges are in the works...
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 Your modesty is where it should be :) but I think your reputation and popularity in this area also speaks for itself and I don't doubt many will agree with me. It's so difficult to find everything you've assembled anywhere else; let alone in the credible fashion you've put together with your academy and we are all grateful for that. If anything they should be glad of your advertising on their behalf! Which was my first thought when it was mentioned; as I sincerely do believe a nod from you would go a long way.
As far as price goes, I note that a good sword is going to cost about as much as a good firearm. Yes, there are solid reliable firearms for $200 or less (hello, Hi-Point), but their fit and finish and even basic ergonomics suffer for it. Would I trust one with my life? Yes. But it's going to be clunky. To make the analogy to a sword, it will give a good cut but the balance is off so it's not lively in the hand. If you step up to about $400-500, you can get a really solid piece with good ergonomics and fit and finish. In the sword analogy, something that both gives a strong cut and is lively in the hand. But the final fit and finish may have some flaws, or just won't have a high polish blueing and will be Parkerized or Ceracoted. And of course you can spend a *lot* more money for really fancy fittings and high polish etc. In swords, those would be the Albion or something similar. I mean, a good kitchen knife is easily $50 or more. A $50 sword is not going to be very good. I think I have seen $150+ chef's knives, so a good sword is going to be twice that price in my mind.
With all these sword reviews coming, I will have to keep a close eye on my wallet now to make sure no money accidentaly slips out and makes its way to a smith.
That's a "problem" many of us share...
Just remember that in Chinese philosophy Frugality is a virtue…;)
@@chenyangli1154 Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Would you say that the landed gentry in Chinese history adhered to this virtue? Judging from the homes they build for themselves it wouldn't appear so.
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 Well in the majority of cases I would say no, though there were always exceptions. Philosophically speaking though there is a difference between the “descriptive” 所以然 and “normative” 当然, that is to say, there is a distinction between “what is” and “what should be”. A Virtue is not lessened just because the majority of people do not practice it. Sometimes this actually makes it more valuable.
In ancient China the rich elites were often avaricious which was a major factor for the dynastic cycles that existed. Many dynasties in the earlier part of their rule would enact certain economic redistribution policies but in the long-run this would inevitably lead to increasing land centralisation and inequality, ultimately resulting in mass peasant rebellions which would cause the downfall of the dynasty, and then the cycle would repeat.
The Marxist in me would say the underlying problem is that the feudal socio-economic structures were only reformed at best but never changed fundamentally. But perhaps it is not so simple. China today is no longer feudal and in fact is based on the socialist mode of production but it is also quite deformed and unequal, not to mention corrupt in many ways, though of course on a higher level than in antiquity. I think perhaps whatever the underlying socio-economic and political system is, there is always a reason to value certain basic Virtues.
Your wallet is about to feel a whole lot more empty now that LK released the Ming-era Yan ling dao & Qing-era Oxtail dao
Always wanted to hear your thoughts on LK Chen. And I know have a better appreciation for cutting swords, even if I don't do much cutting myself
Thanks for your support Carmen. We also recorded cutting for another Jian Review that should be out shortly...
Is that a new prototype of two handed Qing Green Army saber in the back?
Yes, the Cutting Miaodao/Dandao I designed for Ryan Sword. I just received photos of what I expect will be the last prototype from Ryan. So stay tuned...
I really want to purchase your cutting Jian, I hope you get it back in stock. Any chance you would consider designing a miao dao for cutting?
Seven Stars will have the Cutting Jian back in stock in July. You can order when & they will ship it to you when it comes in- www.sevenstarstrading.com/store/p/ovn08n6bv3vjzzdjc9wa6j6w3qpnxm & Rodell Laoshi has a Cutting Miaodao in development with Ryan Sword.
@@mugenGRTC this is such good news!!! Thank you
It is so good to see someone who knows Chinese sword to talk about this Chinese sword.
Thanks brother, I appreciate your continued support. Stay Strong.
Best of Best- online classes are very clear and easy to follow 👌
@@wil3978 Thanks brother.
I appreciate such an honest and balanced review for a sword that stands in direct competition with your own design.
Very informative, thank you!
My pleasure. We have 2 new videos uploaded. One is out tomorrow, the next the following Monday. Planning to record another sword review this week...
I own the LK Chen Flying Phoenix Han style Jian. Most of your comments apply to it as well; the quality of the wood in the scabbard is perhaps it's weakest point. OTOH, the blade itself is as strong and beautiful a piece of folded steel as I have seen. I find it to be a beautiful weapon that I enjoy working with as I start going through the Jianfa study path. LK Chen brought me to the Jian and as a result I have been curious to know your opinion of them. Thank you, sir!
I love your unbiased approach, Laoshi. Thank you for this! This is the sword I’ve had my eyes on for some time and hope to buy when I can eventually afford it.
As I’ve been learning a bit more, I see what you’re saying about needing a sword made of good steel to withstand the stresses of rigorous form work. I’m realizing as well that having real edges and being aware of those during training is also a general benefit because that awareness will sharpen you as well.
Thanks for the feedback brother. Have you seen the new Online Academy? Thought it might interest you- www.chineseswordacademy.com/swords
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 I have! This is Victor who you graciously offered to help. I am still thankful for that 🙏
I hope in the future to be able to take part once things improve!
@@sylvanstrength7520 We look forward to seeing you. Stay Strong.
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 Thank you! You too! 🙏
People are also less inclined to goof around with a real sword imho.
So I would add that it also teaches the student to respect their weapon, or deal with the consequences...
ok I just noticed that two handed changdao behind you. Where did you pick this up and can this be used for cutting?
That is the prototype of Rodell Laoshi's Cutting Miao Dao that is developing with Ryan Sword.
@@GavsFishRoom I am looking forward to it's release :)
@@BlazeLeeDragon Me too!
Thank you for this new sword review series! I am happy to see an LK Chen offering featured. I have several of their Tang dao-s and a Han jian, which they claim to model on historical examples. I am very happy with my Rodell cutting jian and don't see needing this particular jian, but maybe the LK Chen Song dao... the story of the evolution in design from Tang dao to Song dao has got to be a fascinating one!
No worries, we are just getting started. I already started work on the next review & we are expecting to have out next historical video out Monday.
have you ever tried the Jkoo 9260 Steel cutting Jian/Sword? I haven't, I have yours and it's amazing, the handle is long but I kinda like that. Also curious if you do any taijiquan videos on another channel or teach online.
Rodell Laoshi is quite active teaching online, and has been for year. Please have a look at: www.chineseswordacademy.com/
& use Code: cut 50 for Half Off the First 2 Months.
Great review and great cutting. It’s invaluable for us as students to see how skillful test cutting should look like. Looking forward to the next video.
Thanks Poney, see you in TO...
I was going to buy one of those, but instead I got a used Hanwei Cutting Jian. I should have got the LK Chen though, because the previous owner didn't take good care of the Hanwei. Live and learn.
You can always get a new Cutting Jian ;)... But the Gale Wind is quite comparable to the Jian I designed for Hanwei. If you want a Cutting Jian, please see: www.sevenstarstrading.com/
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 That's what I get for trying to save money. Everybody seems to like LK Chen, but it's going to have to wait until I get some bills paid.
LK Chen’s swords: huge disappointment, they are no good, and I am speaking only from my own experience.
I’m very interested in what LK Chen has to offer and what they will go on to produce in the future. Very glad you’re reviewing them, especially someone with your expertise.
Thanks. Watch for Reviews here from of forges at well. We just posted a Review of Ryan Sword's Double Dragon Jian. It cuts very nicely. Received a Ming Jian from Iron and Fire for Review that looks great. And CAS just sent in a Hanwei Dadao for Review. So stay tuned...
Really nice sword. Thank you for the video 🙏
Looks like LK chen are doing some very nice work. at 300 bucks. getting a half decent sword at all 20 years ago was hard, now good swords at sub 300. Remarkable.
It is really great to see how things have changed over the last couple of decades.
There appears to be two choices of steel available and the difference is not well explained on the website. Which steel option is your sword and what is the expected difference in performance between the two?
Great review and great cutting on a hard target.
Looks like a really good cutting sword. Would be interested to know out of all the swords you have cut with, which is your favorite ? Or top three, thanks 🙏🏼
Great review! I think this is the “ball park” to most cutting practitioners that are not willing to break the bank… yet
1000+g seems heavy for a jian, but it does look maneuverable there. Nice sword!
I've been really impressed with LK Chen, they've really raised the bar for mass produced reproduction Chinese weaponry and the such the last few years. Unlike most manufacturers, the founder has direct access to a lot of museum's originals in china and can take measurements and weight instead of basing the dimensions on pictures alone.
Nice sword. The little semi-cosmetic issues are a non-issue. For my part, if it were mine, I would have no problem with giving it a little tune-up. That being said, I already have two jian that are actively being used.... (Excellent review!)
Thanks Mark.
I admire the Shinobi kanji hanging on your wall 😉
Thank you for the review! Looking forward to the others. Always learning new things from every video.
My pleasure, we are expecting another out next Monday... Let us know if you have any suggestions for future videos?
May I ask how does this one compare to your Jian?
Laoshi, how are the scabbard fittings attached? Is it glued on or is it nailed down like the Hanwei jian and dao?
No nails are visible, so I assume the fittings are glued in place. As is common for swords in this price range. Look for a new video this Monday (as in tomorrow)...
Interesting review, that you.
Thanks Dai.
Look for another new video tomorrow. Then again the Monday after that...
Many thanks for this - I'd been wondering about the Gale Wind. Specs show it being pretty heavy, and you confirmed that, but more important are your comments on balance, weight distribution and other details that affect how it performs in forms practice. Very, very informative!
Thanks for the feedback. We have another review in the making and are editing one for the Chinese Swords and Swordsmanship series today. Let us know what else you would like to see on this channel.
If you haven't handled it, it wold sound heavy, but the one I handled and cut with was nice and lively. I probably should add I have been cutting for more than 20 year, so it should feel heavy to me. It might be a bit for a newer practitioner. Then again, get stronger eh?
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 it's honestly amazing how much proper balance affects our perception of weight!
@@ScottKenny1978 Indeed. And why it is so important to get it right.
Super interesting, thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Eran. We have more coming.
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 looking forward to it!
i would like to see the review of the cold steel lion jim jian that one its really a nice jian.
I certainly could review that. How about emailing them to see if they will send in one for review? Clients often have more pull with manufacturers than my asking them for a review sword. In their defense, they do have folks hitting them up for free swords all the time.
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 dont worry i pretty sure that for YOU they wont have any problem👌 anyway i have one and its pretty decent different, but a good jian over all.
Nice cutting! 😁👍
Thanks brother, gotta put any sword reviewed to the test... Check back tomorrow at 10 AM EST for another new video...
I wonder if he ever thinks what am I going to wear today.
Nope. I am too focused on other things to spend time thinking about wardrobe.
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969: That's what I thought.🤣👍
Don't worry, he does wash it ;)
@@mugenGRTC I'd hope he'd have more than one.🤣👍
@@patricklynch9574 I wish that I did, but this one is unique. I purchased it from a small shop in Zhejiang some years ago from the tailor who made it. The cloth is hand woven. So there isn't another exactly like it.
Thank you, I've had my eye on this sword for a while now.
If you want a Ming style jian, I expect you will be happy with the Gale Wind Jian.
I was actually waiting to see this. Cause i wanted to know how well is this sword is made. Thank you.😇
I am greatful cause now i know how well this blade can perform....once again many thanks.😁😇
@@aakhan5281 My pleasure. Let us know what else you would like to see here on the Great River Taoist Center channel in the futre?
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 Can you please do a video comparing the Practical Kung-Fu Sword and the Oxtail Dao from Hanwei? I've been trying to decide between the two and would like to see how they compare side to side with an antique dao!
@@ELVendedor5000 Certainly, they would be a good topic (though I should let you know we are planned out for 2 months). Off the top of my head, I recall both of them being well made. But it was been awhile since I handled them.
Nice sword.
Agreed.
Always nice to hear your thoughts on the LK chen swords. I am in the middle of the process to chose my first jian for form practise and cutting practise and the LK Chen Gale wind one my favourites. The other favourite is your Cutting Jian from Hanwei. it will be not easy to chose between these 2 because it seems that both Jian are really good swords.
Well, I vote for the Cutting Jian... Tried and tested and designed by Scott Rodell
I have your cutting jian and as soon as I saw this Gale Wind I instantly saw how similar they are. I would love to try this as well.
I also like what I see in their Silver Swallow Miaodao. Would love to hear your thoughts on that too.
Thanks for the great review and looking forward to more!
The Cutting Jian and Gale Wind are quite similar overall. The Cutting Jian has a slightly more forward POB, so delivers a bit more of a robust cut. But overall, not a big difference beyond style of fittings. I would be happy to test LK Chen's Miaodao. Send him an email suggesting it and perhaps he will send me one to review...
Haha, Laoshi I have no doubt they would send you one on request without hesitation.
@@ErraticFaith You might be surprised. Not everyone appreciates the time it takes to record and edit, the reach of a professional review. But reviews of swords from other forges are in the works...
@@scottm.rodellgrtc2969 Your modesty is where it should be :) but I think your reputation and popularity in this area also speaks for itself and I don't doubt many will agree with me.
It's so difficult to find everything you've assembled anywhere else; let alone in the credible fashion you've put together with your academy and we are all grateful for that. If anything they should be glad of your advertising on their behalf! Which was my first thought when it was mentioned; as I sincerely do believe a nod from you would go a long way.
@@ErraticFaith Thanks for your support, I genuinely do appreciate it.
As far as price goes, I note that a good sword is going to cost about as much as a good firearm. Yes, there are solid reliable firearms for $200 or less (hello, Hi-Point), but their fit and finish and even basic ergonomics suffer for it. Would I trust one with my life? Yes. But it's going to be clunky. To make the analogy to a sword, it will give a good cut but the balance is off so it's not lively in the hand.
If you step up to about $400-500, you can get a really solid piece with good ergonomics and fit and finish. In the sword analogy, something that both gives a strong cut and is lively in the hand. But the final fit and finish may have some flaws, or just won't have a high polish blueing and will be Parkerized or Ceracoted.
And of course you can spend a *lot* more money for really fancy fittings and high polish etc. In swords, those would be the Albion or something similar.
I mean, a good kitchen knife is easily $50 or more. A $50 sword is not going to be very good. I think I have seen $150+ chef's knives, so a good sword is going to be twice that price in my mind.
I don't expect a Ferrari when I buy a Subaru, but it's gonna be faster than a Ferrari on a rally track.
that Gale jian looks awesome