Haidong gumdo- penetration power and edge retention of ayame

by Brandon
(United states )

I too am a practitioner of Haidong gumdo (It is fun, what can I say :-)) and Ayame is the perfect sword in my honest opinion, for the job. The ayame has similar edge retention to that of the tenchi and shura, the tip(kissaki) is more frail, however. But, penetration power is only used on straw mats, which are soft targets, as a result, this will not affect the tip very much.

Now, Seeing how I actively use my tenchi and ayame, I have grown to like the ayame more. I can say without a doubt that this sword is superb! My sensei actually got one after I showed him, he is a collector too though, he doesn't use it, but I am not going to sit here and keep rambling :-)

The tenchi has edge retention that is a little bit better than the ayame, so beginners should go for the tenchi, also because the shobu-zukuri katana is exceptionally dangerous, one false move and the tip can go right through your hand. When sheathing, the tip is fairly long, so it is tricky to maneuver, which has resulted in many, many injuries. A friend of mine came close to stabbing it through his arm, even though he had no problem with a jingum.

The Jingum that I have seen at minimum cost $1300 dollars, I have not found too many, and I highly doubt that there are any in this price range, so I had to go with what was available, and best for straw mat cutting, which is what I like to do most. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right? Life gave me an ayame instead of a jingum....Wait, I hope that you guys don't think that I am implying that the ayame was made for making lemonade.....hehe, just kidding.

All and all, I am totally satisfied with this sword, I encourage you to go and get one, especially if you practice gumdo.

Thanks for reading!!! ^^

Comments for
Haidong gumdo- penetration power and edge retention of ayame

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Jul 26, 2010
Jingum
by: Cris Anderson

I am actually interested in forging Jingum specifically, only...I can't find any information about them. I am particularly interested in finding what makes them different than Katana. I don't really think the MAS swords qualify...since they are using the same blades, and the only difference is furniture and style of mount for the furniture (per Tom Urso on a Sword Forum thread). I am going to visit a local dojang and see what they have to offer...but as always I would like as many opinions as possible.

If anyone would like to discuss this with me, feel free to contact me on the forum (SBG), or via email at crisnrachel at hot mail.

Thanks!

Cris

Aug 15, 2009
the difference between Jingum and Shobu zukuri blade
by: Johan

Dear Brandon

Btw, when I read your comments regarding jingum and Cheness Ayame, that more injuries caused by Shobu Zukuri blade. Thats strange, I thought the jingum tip is more like shobu zukuri , if a person is already get used to Jingum then he should be ok with the Shobu zukuri blade ?

OR perhaps , he didnt get used to the Ayame tip which is different from the Kurome which has more similarity to a jingum.
Kindly advice

Johan

Apr 17, 2009
All Most a Black belt
by: Anonymous

I have been in Gumdo for 7 years and I am almost a Black Belt. I use a Katana. When I started there were no jingum. I do not go for flair just pure function.

TN

Oct 21, 2008
Korean sword manufacturer
by: Anonymous

Hey gentlemen,

We are the largest manufacturer of Korean jingums. Please visit our website www.martialartswords.com or www.jingum.com to see a broad selection of Korean swords. We supply to many Haidong Gumdo schools in US and Europe.

Thanks for your time.

Haidong!

Dec 15, 2007
:D
by: hak

hah a fellow samurang :D

its nice that no one criticizes you for using a katana

my teacher and a couple of the more experienced practitioners are hardcore Korean jingum lovers. My teacher only has his three jingums and a pair of chinese broadswords (though he does like my shura). But I do agree with you, the jingum prices are nuts. I've even seen someone's straw cutting jingum get heavily damaged from hitting the metal base accidently (wasn't a fun day for him). No way I'd wanna get one that expensive as my first sword x.x

Anyway I'm glad someone else practices haidong gumdo and uses a katana. I would like to have my own jingum one day though. Something about the balance in the high end jingum swords make them feel different from other swords when swung. I can't really explain it but it feels pretty nice.

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