I am looking for a food functional Sword, I have been reading about some by Paul Chen. He has a few different ones. The two I am debating are: his damascus tai chi and his top of the line in the pradtical tia chi line. I have heard different oppioniions about both swords some say that the Practical one is the better sword and the cost is 150 less. what do you recomend? 
If its true damascus, I don’t see how the other could be better, but I’m not the expert in such things. I’ll talk to some friends of mine who have knowledge of such things.
Damacened Swords
Modern Damacened steel is generally for looks. It is very pretty, adds to the price, but not significantly, stronger than the same type of steel in its non-damacened form. As to the general quality, type of steel is most important (Many blades are of very similar, good, steels now-a-days). Something with a good amt of tensile strength is important in a long blade. You dont want to have your lovely, super sharp, hard blade snap at the first contact w/ another blade. Hope this helps, I’e got to run.
MAr
And So It Goes…
swords…
Swordforum.com will give you more info on steel, forging etc.
Cheaper swords? E-bay has Paul chen swords for sale at various times.
Why do you need a sharp sword? Why do you need a combat ready sword? (don’t anwser me…just a thought).
Hope this helps.
Check out martialartsmart.com for deals on swords
funny…
i just placed an order for paul chen’s 1008 practical tai chi sword. - i should get it by friday, at the latest.
the retailer i am getting it from told me that he had to delay shipment, as the one he was going to ship out to me was defective. - he said, 1 out of every 7-10 has some sort of defect that requires him to return it. (poor quality control, on the mass produced blades.)
the reason i decided to buy it, was because the combat steel (heavy) lung chuan sword i was using, is just stupidly poorly balanced. - very blade heavy; and i got tired of it.
i may also purchase a kris cutlery gim, to compare the two. - i’ve heard that the blade is better on the kris cut. - but, i think the paul chen looks a little better. - i’m more concerned with proper balance than actual battlefield readiness.
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Ugh Those Lungchuan straight swords suck! I got mine and NEVER acually practiced with it, the balance sucks the handle is loose but I never fixed it cause the balance sucks so bad. One of the best straight swords I have practiced with is the Lion head sword I think they have it a AWMA and it’s only $50. Somtimes cheaper is better
New classes New online Catalog
www.shaolindynasty.cjb.net
i got the paul chen.
it bites the big one.
it is not “real” by any stretch of the imagination.
the point of balance is about 6.5 in. from the hilt. - it’s way too light, but yet feels blade heavy.
it couldn’t cut through the cardboard box it came in, has a compound s curve in the blade, and is made with a cheezy rat tail tang.
- but, it’s a nice looking wall hanger.
- I bet a funny thing about driving a car off a cliff is, while you’re in midair, you still hit those brakes! Hey, better try the emergency brake!
I got the top Of the line one and thought it was to light. But the ballance was good, It was very dull. I am sendingit back I am going to try the damascus one that Paul Chen makes. It will be about 6 weeks so I will let you know.
My own Damascus blade is pretty good. The sword is light and quick, firm yet with some flexibility. The blade vibrates beautifully when I do the fa-jing movements from my form. It’s not a perfect sword, but it’s by far the best I have owned.
I just want to caution you about sharp blades, though. Mine came razor sharp. I’ve owned it for a while now, and about two weeks ago nearly lopped off the pad of my middle finger just by brushing it with the tip. You just can’t be careless with them.