Nanashi

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Posts posted by Nanashi

  2. Posted · Edited by Nanashi

    it's feline, ok--

    a spirit deserves respect

    even when homeless

     

    (Some backstory: I was walking to the store early in the day, when I came across a dead cat on the sidewalk. It was black and slumped over and seemingly disembowled, with its guts strewn about in front of it. I don't mean to sound crass, but it has bothered me all day. This cat's death was not natural, and I am not in an area with stray dogs. I think someone killed it and left it there, deduced by the placement of its body. I gave it a buddhist prayer, and I hope its spirit finds rest. Sometimes, this life is too taxing to bear...)

    • Like 2

  10. Posted

    The item linked in the top post appears to be a replica of a fictional work. Before buying any weapon, it is advisable to research background info on the forge.

     

    How this "sword-nunchaku" here is only priced at $30, it is meant for wall-hanging purposes. If someone tried to practice with it or used it in defense, they are more likely to injure themselves. Although the edge can still cut, the blade is usually of weak construction, made from low-grade steel.

  11. Posted

    I've heard good things about the sensory deprivation tanks... although it would be costly to install and maintain one in your own home, there are a few places where you can use it for an hourly rate.

     

    Joe Rogan on the virtues of an isolation tank:

     

    • Like 2

  17. Posted

    People should probably be aware that this image is a joke-- a rather cruel one at that, since I doubt many people here would want to see a dismembered dog, even if it is photoshopped.

     

    The "memecenter" watermark indicates this is fake.

  20. Posted

    I've been practicing JSA and Kenjutsu since 2001, and have done the research on modern production blades.

     

    The function of a sword, with regards to quality, starts at $500-$1500. If you are paying anything more, you are buying art more than functionality. The reason ancient Nihonto were folded was to removed impurities in the ore, but modern steel is pure enough. Most WWII-era swords were stamped out of steel sheets, but they are still impressive.

     

    Today, in Japan, the government limits the amount of Nihonto that can be forged by smiths, hence their crazy prices ($10k and above-- artistic lineages will go for over $100k, but these are just status symbols or "high-art"). Owning a sword takes dedication, as you will have to oil and polish it regularly, though less often if you live in the desert/dry climate (which I do, and I believe ralis does as well).

     

    Swedish powdered steel is also a popular option (http://bugei.com but they are also owned by Hanwei).

     

    I recently bought myself the Hanwei Tori Elite (MSRP at around $1k, but you can sometimes find it for less on sale). I also own the Hanwei Musashi XL, which has been reviewed to cut as well as the best Shinken on the market. Modern steel and geometry will make most modern production swords worth their salt.

     

    I have never handled Cold Steel's products, but I've read favorable reviews on them. Dynasty Forge also has decent affordable choices, but stay away from Thaitsuki.

     

    If you spend more than $1500, make sure the blade is laminated.

    • Like 1

  25. Posted

    Bacteria is natural, should we not use soap? Viruses are natural, shall we not use medication? STDs are natural, are we not to use condoms?

     

    How sad that unfettered capitalism has otherwise decent people so brainwashed, they will defend this constant trickery and scams.

     

    Turnips. Pfft. I get it, people see Michael Douglas movies and think they will be rich as sin someday too. Yeah, I get it, corporate fascism is sexy.