• You say your swords are constructed with a full tang. Could you explain what is meant by "tang"?
• How do your wooden swords hold up to contact or sparring drills?
• How do I determine which size Gim/Jian is right for me?
• Can you explain how you measure the various parts of your swords, hilt length and POB for example?
• Do you make custom wooden swords?
• Do any sword distributors carry your products?
• You've changed your wooden dummy ordering process. Can you explain the process? Also, have you stopped making the dummy stands?

• You say your swords are constructed with a full tang. Could you explain what is meant by "tang"?

R.S. - (The following description refers to wooden sword or knife construction) The tang of a blade is the part that goes into the handle. When viewing a sword that is constructed with only a partial or hidden tang, you can see that the tang is pegged or inserted completely inside the handle (you can't see how big or small the tang is). When viewing a sword constructed with a full tang, you can see that the tang is sandwiched (laminated) between two handle pieces, called slabs. In this way, it is highly unlikely that the blade will loosen, crack, or break off where it meets the guard and handle.

• How do your wooden swords hold up to contact or sparring drills?

R.S. - Raven Studios' wooden training weapons can be used not only for forms and solo technique practice, but they are also very well suited for contact drills and free-sparring. I designed them to be durable as well as comfortable and well balanced. They are fashioned from the most impact resistant woods I can find. The swords are constructed with a full tang and the guards are securely locked in place and can not slide down the blade or handle. The grips are shaped for comfort and control.

All training swords are finished with a linseed and tung oil blend, which penetrates into the wood to provide a tough surface (much stronger than a surface treatment such as varnish or urethane). Then the wood is buffed with a paste wax for even more protection from the elements. Having said all of this, with contact, any wood is still subject to denting, splintering, or cracking etc. Even wooden baseball bats (traditionally made from ash and now also being made from maple) have a limited life time. Keep in mind that any sword (wood or steel) used "baseball bat" style, directly against an incoming force, will have a limited life as well.

My goal is to create a training sword that will both accompany you during endless hours of martial arts training and be your cherished companion for many years to come!

• How do I determine which size Gim/Jian is right for me?

R.S. - Determining the proper length of a jian varies from school to school. Your martial arts instructor is the best person to answer this question because different disciplines prefer different methods. For example, some say the length of the entire sword should be equal to the distance measured from the floor to your navel. Others prefer the following method; stand with your arms hanging at your sides and have someone measure the distance from your wrist to one inch above your ear and the "blade" should equal that distance. Still others believe that since historical sword blades averaged about 29" in length, that is the length that should be used regardless of the users height. The preferred method however, should be determined by your martial arts instructor.

• Can you explain how you measure the various parts of your swords, hilt length and POB for example?

R.S. - The blade length is measured from the tip of the blade, to where it starts at the blade side of the guard. The hilt length includes the guard, handle, and pommel. It's measured from the end of the pommel, to the blade side of the guard. The point of balance (POB) is measured from the blade side of the guard, to the balance point. The blade width is measured where the blade meets the guard. The handle length is measured from the handle side of the guard, to the handle side of the pommel (unless otherwise indicated).

• Do you make custom wooden swords?

R.S. - Yes. If you would like one of our standard swords with your own special specifications; guard or hilt design, specific point of balance, blade thickness or taper etc., or you'd like a style of sword not found in this catalog, supply a written description (photos or drawings are very helpful) and I'll let you know if it's something I can do for you.

Creating a custom sword may take a bit more time, and depending on the amount and difficulty of the project, the price is generally between 10% to 100% over the base prices in this catalog. Contact ravenstudios@little-raven.com for a quote.

(No fantasy or cartoon sword requests please. R.S. wasters are not toys, they are designed for serious martial arts training.)

• Do any sword distributors carry your products?

R.S. - A number of sword distributors have requested to carry Raven Studios products, and although I truly appreciate the kind offer, I have had to turn them down. Raven Studios products are not mass produced, they are constructed per order. I want to ensure that each customer gets exactly what they want and I personally work with each one to reach that goal. I believe having direct contact with customers is essential to the success of Raven Studios.

• You've changed your wooden dummy ordering process. Can you explain the process? Also have you stopped making the dummy stands?

The sword making aspect of my business has really taken off and doesn't leave as much time as I would like to make dummies, but I will still make them for those who are able to wait. A waiting list has become a necessary part of the ordering process.

When I am ready to start the next jong I will contact the person at the top of the list. If they still in the market for a wooden dummy, I will arrange for payment and start their jong. If they've had a change of heart, I will contact the next person on the list.

I no longer make any dummy stands. Since there are a few stand manufacturers on the market, and making the dummies is more my specialty, I am able to make more dummies per year if I don't make the stands. Raven Studios is a one person business.....I make everything myself, so my time is very limited.

Please contact ravenstudios@little-raven.com for more information or to be added to the waiting list.