Originally Posted by
Kayden
...Long sword cuts tatami like a laser, wood like an axe, car body frame like a dull metal shear, cement blocks like a pickaxe, fencing like a wire cutter, stainless steel like a hardy, pig neck like a butchers cleaver, anvils like a chisel, then goes back and does triple cuts of tatami...
I study Martial Arts. The tools with which I practice are weapons. My soul rebels as the idea that there are people who practice martial arts with what are ultimately...expensive paintbrushes.
Okay, I'll be snippy too. If you're cutting all those things you name above, then it doesn't sound like "Martial Arts" to me; it sounds like you're hacking at things.
The reason we need properly constructed swords in the Japanese Sword Arts is because there's more to it than just hacking at fixed objects.
A sword with an improperly balanced blade, loose tsukamaki, bad mekugi, poorly made saya, etc. isn't fit for use in a proper dojo not because such swords aren't "tools to make something pretty," but because one cannot learn proper technique with them, and because they constitute a real danger to others in the dojo.
You say you "study Martial Arts." Would you mind stating for us readers what martial art(s) you study, and what your qualifications are? Devon has said he is a new Iaido student, and it would be helpful to know from what foundation your recommendations spring.
Since I'm asking of you, it is fair to give mine: I have studied various Japanese and Korean martial arts since 1968, including Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Karate-do, Iaido, and Kenjutsu & Jodo (Seiki Ryu Toho & Jo-no-katachi), and I hold rank in the latter two (a low rank, about equal to 2nd Degree black belt in modern systems), and have taught introductory-level classes with my sensei's approval.
I respect Keith Larman's opinions, because I know of his work. He is one of only a few sword polishers in the USA whom I consider to be an expert in the field. I don't know of his martial arts background, but I trust his judgement without question based on my prior experience.
Over to you.
Yours in Budo,
---Brian---