Choosing a Shinken

**heresjonny** · 20th January 2005, 12:09

My old chemistry teacher always used to use the samurai sword as an example of perfected steel, combining iron with carbon. Apparently, if I remember right, it had something to do with the constant layering allowing rows ocarbon molecules allowing flexibility contained with lines of iron molecules ensuring strength and sharpness for that unique cutting edge.

You can't quote me on any of the above! I have an appalling memory!

**Brian Owens** · 21st January 2005, 05:01

Originally posted by heresjonny
...it had something to do with the constant layering allowing rows ocarbon molecules allowing flexibility contained with lines of iron molecules ensuring strength and sharpness for that unique cutting edge.

I think it's the other way around: carbon for sharpness and hardness (think of diamonds and graphite), and iron for strength and flexibility.

I'm not sure though. We need a metalurgist to chime in here.

**heresjonny** · 21st January 2005, 07:15

Ja, we need professional help.

Oh swordsmith, where for art thou swordsmith?

Do you know the metal man? If so, we have ways of making you post....

**Joseph Svinth** · 22nd January 2005, 01:12

Go to Sword Arts, and look in the permanent archives for the thread, "Stainless Steel."

**Brian Owens** · 22nd January 2005, 03:58

Originally posted by Joseph Svinth
Go to Sword Arts, and look in the permanent archives for the thread, "Stainless Steel."

What fun is that? Reading stale old threads, bah!

I want Dan Harden and friends to join us for a lively session.

**heresjonny** · 22nd January 2005, 07:20

ulvulv, could tell me a bit more about your nine circles chuden sword? I seriously considering acquiring one, particularly from their shoden range. Either pm me or post, whatever suits you.

Cheers in advance.

PS: Why don't welshman start wearing kilts?

Welsh sheep have evolved to hear a zipper many miles away.

**Brian Owens** · 22nd January 2005, 08:28

Originally posted by heresjonny
PS: Why don't welshman start wearing kilts?

...sheep have evolved to hear a zipper many miles away.

Welshmen (and their descendants) don't need to wear kilts. We prefer human companions.

But Scotsmen! Well, they do need to wear them -- for the reason you mentioned.

**XAdamX** · 29th January 2005, 03:03

is the pratical pro katana (by Hanwei) a good sword cosidering its price?
Adam Woolger

**Brian Owens** · 29th January 2005, 03:22

Before answering this question I have to ask, are you currently practicing a Japanese sword art under a legitimate sensei?

If so, does he or she want you to get a shinken (live balde) now, or should you be using a bokken (wooden sword) or iaito (semi-sharp alloy blade) at this point.

I understand that you are 14, and some sensei prefer that you be at least 18 before using live blades.

**XAdamX** · 29th January 2005, 04:05

no i am not i am looking to buy a sword cause i like collecting swords but i would like to join kendo but i live in roscoe illinois (usa) and they is no kendo places around me but if anyone knows any places around me then i would be sooooo happy if you helped me because i want to learn kendo really bad but like i said before there is no kendo places around where i live and i cant travel long distances over an half an hour because i have school and homework and my faimly only has 1 car and since my dad works i would have to wait intell he gets home which is at like 6 then have an hour to get there so thats like 6:30 and then i have to be home by 9 i dont know how long kendo classes usly run but is 2:30 hours long enough? the closest big city around me is rockford which i could get to but i have looked for kendo places in rockford and i havent found any but if anybody knows of any then please post them. and input would be helpfull on what i can do. is there any books i could bu where i could try and tech my self the basics intell i could find a school or is going to a dojo the only way to do it? well please post back because i need help.
thank you Adam Woolger

**Brian Owens** · 29th January 2005, 04:26

Although books can be interesting reading, and you can learn the history and some of the philosophy of Japanese arts from them, no -- you really can't learn any martial art without personal instruction from a qualified teacher.

After work tonight I'll do a search for Kendo and kenjutsu schols in your area, and if no one else pops in first -- Kaoru, are you there? (She's really good at finding Kendo clubs) -- I'll post what I find.

**XAdamX** · 29th January 2005, 04:39

ok thank you sooo much for your help
Adam Woolger

**heresjonny** · 29th January 2005, 07:05

If you're interested in sword arts, there's always Iai. I started that when I was 14, its been up-hill all the way, so I recommend it. It also goes well with kendo or jodo, if you have the time...

**heresjonny** · 29th January 2005, 07:16

Going back to the whole sword-making thing,

Why don't they make titanium bladed shinken? There probably is an obvious answer but I'd have thought they'd be:

-lighter?

-stronger?

-cheaper?

**heresjonny** · 29th January 2005, 07:41

Hey, is it just me or is the ninecircles sight bust? It keeps taking me to some patent directory rubbish...

<www.ninecircles.co.uk>

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