July 01, 2007
I’ve had to make a rather difficult decision of late...In recent months I have begun to realize that the biggest problem with the Digest is the amount of time it takes to put each issue together. And as a consequence, there is a lot of new content on the main site that continually gets side tracked because of the Digest deadlines...
Trust me when I say that this was not an easy decision to make. But I have decided that the only way to move forward is to streamline the digest back into a standard ezine format.
Now before anyone gets upset and decides to hit that old unsubscribe button, take a few minutes to see exactly how this old/new (?) format works. Because I think you will find that even though it is streamlined, the spirit of the digest is unchanged...
Have your say at the SBG Sword Forums
CONTENTS
1. SBG SITE NEWS AND UPDATES
2. NEW FREE EBOOK – ‘An Introduction to Backyard Cutting’
3. SWORD INDUSTRY NEWS
4. COMPETITION RESULTS
5. BEST FORUM POSTS
6. VIDEO OF THE MONTH – ‘Amazing Haidong Gumdo Cutting’
7. BARGAIN HUNTERS CLEAROUTS AND DISCOUNTS
June saw only a few visible changes to SBG, primarily concentrated on updating and expanding the Sword Buyers Directory. But behind the scenes, I have been preparing some exciting new pages – including the biggest project yet – sword training resources!
These new pages and articles will be the # 1 priority over the next couple of months, and it might take a while before it all comes together. .. So to keep abreast with these changes, check the SBG News section often, or better yet – subscribe to the RSS feed for up to the minute additions as they happen.
It’s going to be some pretty exciting stuff!
As part of the upcoming sword training section, I have begun work on a series of FREE ebooks. The first one has just been completed and is an expanded compilation on backyard cutting targets.
Check it out here and see what you think!
If you’ve been on the SBG Sword Forum, you’ll know that over the last few months there have been some problems with tempering at the Generation 2 Forge...
You can read all about it in the following posts:
Clyde from Generation 2 has been taking this issue VERY seriously and is now working with the forge to rectify this issue as quickly as possible.
Often the road to improving a product may be beset with unexpected obstacles. But I think you’ll find it is only a temporary set back – and Clyde’s openness and willingness to constantly refine his products stands Gen 2 in good stead for many, many years to come...
Last months ‘submit your recommendations and Win a FREE Sword’ competition was a real success – and a great chance for me to know what direction you want the site to head in. At the risk of being corny – it really was one of those competitions where EVERYONE wins...!
But of course, there could only be one winner for the prize – and that goes to prolific SBG forumite Rammstein for his popular suggestion of more high end vs. low end comparative reviews and tests.
Congratulations Rammers! I look forward to your brief review of your new Cheness Ko Katana! ;-)
An excellent collection of Katana Building and Customisation Links
Have a Spare Shark or Stingray to skin? DIY ‘Same’!
When is a sword not a sword? (review)
A quick test to determine if your swords edge is hard enough and its approximate HRC...
Self training – it is really possible?
I’d also like to welcome on of our newest members – the legendary sword maker ANGUS TRIM! He has already contributed to the forum with his vast, practical sword forging knowledge – it is an honour to have you on board Angus!
This one is something special. In this vid you’ll see some very senior exponents of the rapidly growing and extremely popular Korean Sword Art system, Haidong Gumdo, demonstrating some amazing cutting skills...
How they can cut through tatami, and leave it standing like that is simply breathtaking...
A selection of hot product discounts and clearouts from our affiliated vendors. Grab a bargain and support SBG at the same time!
ARMS OF VALOR
The Generation 2 Dordogne Sword (which predates and is unaffected by the recent tempering troubles at the forge) – is now available here at AoV for just $220 (that’s $40 off the normal price) – which is a darn good deal in itself...
But when you combine it with the SBG 10% discount (enter the coupon code ‘SBG’ next to your name in brackets when you order) the price is now a ridiculously low $198!
Definitely a great opportunity to pick up a seriously underrated workhorse sword at a never to be repeated price...
RELIKS.com
The fantasy Chopper – a great collectors piece and sturdy backyard cutting monster – only a few left and then they are gone for good. Down to $140.42 when you enter the coupon code ‘SAVE -15%’ during the checkout.
In fact, this coupon code works on ALL the various swords and items listed in the Reliks Clearouts section, including some pretty nice quality pieces that Windlass have discontinued (why, oh WHY do they always seem to discontinue their best pieces!).
Check out the Reliks Clearouts section here
SWORDS OF HONOR – 10% DISCOUNT CODE!
Until June the 13th - ANY orders placed at Swords of Honor that total over US$200 (which of course – covers ALL Albion swords), will be reduced by 10% if you use the coupon code ‘Sufainn2007’ when you check out.
When you consider that their prices are already well below just about every other seller out there, this discount can save you some pretty serious money on well known brands such as Hanwei, Gen2, Windlass and even Albion Armorers (and 10% off an Albion is a SERIOUS discount).
Check out Angella and Harry’s armoury of Swords here
That’s all folks! Hope you enjoyed the new digest format – it’s a lot faster, leaner and meaner than ever before...!
Until next time, stay safe and have fun with swords!
Paul Southren