Deluxe Haidong Jingum
from MartialArtSwords.com

The following is a general review of a Korean style sword called a Haidong Jingum, purchased last January from Stephan at MartialArtsSwords.com. Let me preface this with a note that I am by no means an expert in Asian-style swords. in fact, I am a relative beginner. My martial arts background is with Korean styles, so, while I've never trained with swords in a formal manner, I have many years experience with unarmed Korean styles. This played a part in my interest in getting a Jingum.

The process:
The sword is made in Korea by a small group of craftsman in shop that puts out relatively few swords a year. The steel is JIS SKS 11, which is produced in Japan, and has a content make-up rather similar to the coveted L6 steel used by makers such as Howard Clark, in his Japanese style swords. It is not folded in the traditional Japanese style but the heat treating process is is similar, with a clay coating used to create a hamon the length of the blade. This differential hardening process creates a straight hamon, in the sugu style. These swords are all forged by one man, so the term "custom sword" would apply here in the same way that it does with knives. Because the smith is currently participating in a Korean national museum exhibition, and one of the participating conditions was that he be not associated with any forge or company, his name can not be printed here until the exhibition is over (December).
More detailed info on the forging and building process.

Impressions:
I received this sword some time ago, but the immediate impression upon opening the delivery box is fresh on my mind. One of the things that appealed to me online about this sword was the wide blade. As I held the sword for the first time I was surprised at how light it felt. The balance seems to be a bit higher on the blade than your average katana. The gentle sori, or curve of the blade was a major aesthetic appeal to me as well, and the kissaki reminded me of the Japanese Shobu Zukuri style a bit, which is my favorite tip on a katana. The blade is 28" long and the tsuka is 10.5".

One interesting thing to note about the blade is that the first approx. 10" is not sharp. This is to facilitate a key element in the fighting style of haidong kumdo, which uses this portion of the blade for blocking. This portion of the sword in not normally used to cut anyway. The sharpened edge is VERY sharp; sharper than any katana that I've owned.

The tsub (kodungi in Korean) is a simple 4 ring style called "haidong" by martialartswords.com (Haidong Kumdo being a Korean sword based martial art). It is finished in a blued looking, semi-glossy finish they call "herculoy". It is simple and elegant looking.

The tsuka-ito (kaljaru-gam ge) is leather and is wrapped in a katatemaki style, sometimes called "battle wrap", and is in my opinion one of the more striking elements of the haidong jingum.

The menuki are my least favorite part of this sword; I hate brass, and these are a very shiny gold-looking brass. I may replace them some day.

The fuchi (apmegi) and kashira (duitmegi) are relatively simple -again, my preference- in an antique-looking bronze finish. The same (kaljaru-sage) is white ray skin.

The rosewood saya (kaljip) is very light but seems to be built well. The lacquer finish is nice and even, with no flaws I can see. It fits the blade solidly, with a "snap", and there is no blade rattle.

Habaki is very interesting- a composite of white and gold brass, angled with a vine motif.

The overall thickness of the steel seems to be thinner than Japanese blades in general, but since the blade is wider it should be stronger than one would think. In fact, I have seen pictures (can't remember now where) of one of these blades bending to nearly a right angle without breaking. While I haven't used this sword for cutting yet, it is my understanding that they are VERY good cutters, and supposedly are great for beginners because they are relatively forgiving in the ability to make effective cuts.

The overall fit and finish of this sword is very good. I would say it is easily comparable to a Bugei or high-end Paul Chen sword. I am very happy with it so far.

Occasionally I pick up a sword that has a real energy about it; a life of its own. The (deluxe) Haigdong Kingum is one of those swords. I hope to begin training with it some day soon, and may actually do some test cutting in the near future (I'll be sure to update this with pictures and results).

Thanks to Stephan and his partner at martialartsword.com for their patience and help in getting this beautiful sword to me.

Links:
martialartswords.com
Kuk Sool Won (Korean sword art)
Haidong Kumdo (Korean sword art)
Cool Kumdo cutting video

-John Gonzalez, 06-21-05