Calling All Paul Chen Elite and XL Owners

[Brian Brazier]

Hi all
I will be perchasing the PC PPK in October but I am having trouble deciding between the XL and Elite. I am looking for input from owners of any style XL or Elite, to help me make a final decission. This will mostly be on display in my room, with some light to moderate cutting. I was leaning twords the XL cause I like the look of the wide blade, but the Elite has a pretty wide blade as well. Also I hear the polish on the Elite is alot better. A pic of any XL and Elite Blade side x side would be awesome, Jason?

[Tony Ferrill]

I received the Paul Chen Practical XL last spring,and think very highly of it as a weapon and a work of art.I also have a Ryumon,and have been able to inspect a Cold Steel Warrior,and also a Bugei Dragonfly.Of them all,the XL has been the most comfortable in my hands.This may well be that I have an emotional attachment to this weapon for some reason,so,as always,YMMV...
At any rate,I reccomend the XL to anyone that is of a reasonable size.I am a large man(6'-280#),and it is good for me.My wife,on the other hand,does better with the Ryumon,she is 5'8" and 130#.Haha once again,she has a fondness for the dragon on the tsuba of the Ryumon.......
Here is what I think you should do-flip a coin,and buy the sword that wins the toss.Then,buy the other blade,too!Then,report back to us here and let us know what you think!
Peace-Tony

[Brian Brazier]

I probably will start with the XL as I am already really attached to the idea of a wider blade, and yes in the future I will most likley buy the Elite as well, but my next big perchase will be the Great Wave Series, then if the new Performance Wakizashi are out I will get the Practical Plus Wak and Tanto, if not I will probably buy a Tsuru Iaito.

[sumo]

I have 16 swords so far and the XL feels better to me than the others . I am allso a big man " to big" it feels like a part of me when I hold it. You wont be sorry:)

[Brian Brazier]

I think I will go with the XL, cause like I said I am attached to the wider blade, and yes the Elite has a much nicer polish but no one will ever see it in the saya. I am sure it will follow soon, but first I want the Great Wave Series (Katana, Wakizashi, and Tanto), and the Tsuru Iaito.

[Brian Brazier]

Well I have decided to get the Elite, it has a much nicer polish, and it really isn't much different from the XL,