Help a beginner... Chen Practical Katana vs. Practical Plus

S

slh02

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Oct 14, 2003
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Hello all, first post! I'm much more of a gun and knife guy, but I must admit that I have always been intrigued by swords... particularly Katanas. Instead of buying a cheap display sword, I have decided that I would like to own an inexpensive version of the "real thing". I want to start out with something less expensive to see if I enjoy it. If I do, I am sure that I will move up to something of better quality.

Anyway, for newbie use and to learn on, would the Practical Katana or the Practical Plus be a better choice. I understand that the practical plus has better fittings, a nicer sheath and you are able to take apart the handle, but I dont know if that justifies the $100+ price increase from the plain practical. Like I said, I can always just move up if I enjoy the art as much as I think I will. Is there that much quality difference between the practical and practical plus? Do they have the same basic "cutting power" (excuse my ignorance on sword terminology)?. Would a newbie just wanting to learn the basics of sword cutting benefit greatly from the practical plus over the practical?

Thanks for any and all replies. I should be enjoying my new sword around christmas. Oh yeah, I'm pretty sure I will be picking up my sword from 888knivesrus.com. Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about them?
 
Cutting power lies in your technique, not in the sword alone. I use PK and also PPK sometimes, and I don't feel any difference; except that the PK is slightly duller (I've had it for a while, the PPK is new, belonged to a friend).

For your basic cutter, PK would serve well. However, there is a minor difference in the balance of the sword. PK is more tip heavy, and should help with your cutting. PPK's balance is almost in the tsuba, making it more manuveurable.

As for the fitting and ability to detach the handle, it's entirely up to your taste. However, I like to be able to detach my handle for complete cleaning/oiling.

If I didn't have the PK, I'd go with the PPK.
 
Your reply was helpful. It is good to know that they have a difference in balance and that the removal of the handle allows for better cleaning. I had never thought of that.

Concerning the blade of the two, are they basically the same blade? Is one better than the other? I'm just wondering, considering that I am a beginner, if there is enough of a difference between the two to justify the great leap in price.

Please keep the responses coming...
 
I forgot to mention another difference. Beside the blade length, the handle length is also different. PPK has longer handle, and it really helps for manuveurability.
Also, you can change the fitting in the PPK. PK's handle is glued to the tang. So, you have to literally destroy the handle should you want to change the fittings.

The blade is basically the same. Same kind of steel (I think they use railroad steel) and same heat treatment.

I think price is subjective. Let's say, if I am on a tight budget, I'd probably go with the PPK. Why ? Because in the event I got bored with her fittings, I could change it with less money than buying a new sword. Or I could always polish the blade for fun, and to give it better finish. Beside I like using the PPK more than the KP. I'm a small guy, so smaller sword for me.

If money is not tight, I'd go with the PK and perhaps buying a folded steel line from Hanwei. :D

Check eBay. Usually better price, and you could get a higher end katana for the price of PPK (when the PPK is sold at store).
 
You might want to do some research on the Everest Katana from Himalayan Imports. Last I checked, the price was in the $200 range. I don't have one myself, but the Himalayan Imports products are held in high regard, and are also reasonably priced. I would certainly investigate that one in addition to the Paul Chen katanas.

I recently ordered a Cold Steel saber from 888 KnivesRUs myself. I have not recieved it yet, but 888 KnivesRUs was very prompt in answering an email I sent the other day asking when the saber would be shipped. That is a very good sign, since companies which have poor service are usually slow in replying to inquires, or else they don't reply at all.
 
First off, I'd just like to urge you to get some training before attempting to wield such a weapon! Almost any shinken can go straight through flesh and bone, and it will take almost no effort to sever your fingers, toes, or other appendages. Katanas are VERY dangerous weapons and should be treated with great respect, they are not just toys or tools.

It's your decision, but please, at least try to be safe when wielding it. Improper technique can also lead to a broken sword and/or saya, so training is important. Iai-jutsu (what I am currently studying) takes a while to get to the point where you can use a shinken to do wazas with, but it's worth it. I realized, using a real shinken, if I was to have started with one, I would have broken the sword and lost a few fingers along the way.

That being said, I'd like you to consider the PK and PPK very low-end swords. Get the PK if you're just gonna mess around, but if you're doing serious things, get a higher-end model. The PK is nice because it's practically disposable, and therefore, you don't have to worry about messing it up too much.
 
I was just looking at the Himalayan Imports website. The Everest Katana in its basic version is $245, including shipping. It is not a faithful copy of a Japanese katana, but it should be very well made. Since it isn't an attempt to exactly copy a Japanese katana, it might not be suitable for use in the kind of training ivan_yulaev has mentioned. The handle, for example, does not look much like the handles on Japanese katanas, and the sheath looks like the type that comes with khukris.

What I think you would get from Himalayan Imports is a very well-made and durable sword for the price.
 
After thinking it through, I do believe that I am just going to go with the Plain Practical. The main reason being that if I either dont like it or chip/break it then I am only out about $140 compared to 250 with the PPK.

While I understand the need for good training, I unfortunately have no time. I have grown up with firearms and knives, so I do know the importance of safety around weapons.

Thanks for everyones comments, they were extremely helpful. If anyone has anything else to add, please do so.
 
Just thought I would mention that I got that Cold Steel 1796 saber from 888 KnivesRUs. I would order from them again. They sent a message with the UPS tracking number when they shipped the saber, so I was able to find out when it would arrive. That is excellent customer service.

The saber is massive. The weight isn't bad given that it has 33 inch blade. I suppose something like that was necessary for calvary soldiers, but it is so long I cannot see any practical use for it in the modern era. BTW, it is quite well-made given the price.
 
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