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Product rating |
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Author: Bryce
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Very Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
This katana is the best sword I own, the grip was wrapped very tight with cotton, I have practiced with this sword many times and still have not yet got a nick in the high carbon steel blade. I strongly suggest this sword for anyone who likes quality.
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Author: Brett Bandy
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I bought this sword before coming to this site, but it has lasted now for a couple years. It has gone through a lot of testing with my friends and myself, and has proven its quality again and again. The wrapping is very tight, sturdy, all of the pieces very strong and durable. The sheath itself is high quality, and the blade the best part. With several practice cutting sessions the blade has not even formed a single nick yet, barely even a scratch on the polish work. I would recomend this sword to any beginning martial artist or sword collector as a fine addition. If anything above all, this sword is worth all the money simply by not having to replace it with another and another which would break in the same cutting tests. A true companion for me, I cherish it and will continue to suggest this sword to all my friends and any interested in sword collecting.
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Author: Katrinka Morgan
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
this is the best sword i have and i love it, the sword has been with me for about 4 months now and i haven't hurt it in any way. i would strongly push all of you to buy this sword as it is a fine addition to any collection. and if you wish to train with it, it can also go though that too. i havent used it to cut anything yet but if i do i don't think it will fail me.
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Author: Guest
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Razor Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I just got one for my birthday, and it rocks!!! I was playing around with my friends and turned their pieces of crap into scrap metal!!
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Author: Suzanne Benevento
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I love this sword! Ive had many over the past few years mostly crap blades, but this one has totally surpassed my expectations. The hilt is awesome the cord is wrapped very tight unlike its cheap counterparts and it feels alot better. The tip of the blade is even sharper than the picture and the blade itself is extremely durable and sharp. I HIGHLY reccommed getting this sword.
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Author: Kenshin Himura
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Razor Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
Used in the hit film of 2003 Kill Bill and The Last Samurai. This practical katana is the best Ive ever wielded, the amazing design of the steel and the way it was made makes this sword very light yet very duarable and a stirdy weapon. IT IS VERY SHARP and should be used with extreme caution, not suggested for begginers. My friends and I tested its cutting power and it cutted through almost anything. An awesome weapon worth its price.
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Author: Dave Heidbrider
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Razor Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I just received this sword today and I'm amazed. It's THE most amazing sword I've ever held, and I have many. I ran the blade across my arm to test the sharpness and took off most of the hair there. It's great, I'd recommend this to anyone looking for function and style wrapped up in a beautiful, authentic looking package.
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Author: Tom Wallace
Quality:
Incomparable
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I've had mine for a few weeks now, and sadly, nobody has decided to try to break into my house yet =(... As soon as it arrived I pulled it out of its box and I was at a total loss of words... Unless you own one of the $700+ swords the site also sells, this is about guaranteed to be the finest sword you own, and for the price, there IS NO BETTER. The sword is just as the name implies: practical. Not anything particularly decorative, but the simple beauty of it is far more than any fantasy design can give... I highly recommend this to anyone who even thinks that they might want a samurai sword. Careful with it, though... My finger is back together after a slight brainfart wielding this thing, but my pride is still recovering ^-^... Respect the blade. It IS that sharp.
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Author: Tim Belfsky
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I don't own the first edition of the Practical katana i own the second edition of it and it is amazing. It is extremly sharp and durable. I had bought other katanas previous to it but they were poor in everyway. When i first took it out of the box i fell in love with it. I have done a few test cuts with it and it has not failed me yet. I recomend this sword to any one who collects swords or test cuts with them. Be sure to check out Paul Chen's other swords as well.
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Author: Matt Peterson
Quality:
Finely Crafted
Sharpness:
Very Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
Don't try to cut anything harder with cardbord because you WILL break the blade. I have been working for my blackbelt and I have bought two of these now. All these people who say they cant even scratch the blade arn't trying very hard. The blade is only a cast blade. it wont stand cutting wood. Its well worth the money, but still not cheap to replace.
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Author: Jesse Carver
Quality:
Nearly Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
This sword is of fine and excellent quality, i highly recommend it for any sparring session or collection of any sort. Use extreme caution when performing with this blade (expecially when sparring with this katana) it is highly dangerous and i had to find that out first hand, it left a huge scar on my left leg and it cut through it like it was butter, literally!
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Author: Erik Ramondo
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
this sword is awesome. i got one a few months ago and it has served me well. i take sword fighting lessons and stuff so i know how to use it. however, you can cut through many things, but do not go around chopping at trees for you wil break it if the tree is thick enough. the blade will scratch occasionally, so take good care of it. also if you fight with it try not to parry the other sword too hard or the blade will nick. every sword nicks when hit hard enough, and this is no exception. it is the best katana i own and is amazing for the price. i highly recommend buying this sword for test cutting and other needs. it is truly wonderful.
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Author: Danny Riddle
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
this sword is awesome. i got it yesterday and i have not let go of it. its super sharp so be careful. it will cut you. i sugest this sword to all collectors and enthusiasts. i own 8 swords and this is my best. dont try to break into my home. lol. there is no better sword for the price.
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Author: Duncan Macleod
Quality:
Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I got this sword about 6 months ago, and it hasn't failed me. I own some cheap katanas, and the blades and fittings on them are loose. NOTHING is loose on my Practical Katana. Superb craftmanship that can come only from Hanwei. If someone asked for a sword suggestion, I would suggest this one.
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Author: Joe Fritsch
Quality:
Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
This was the first serious katana I bought and it was definitlly a great investment. It is a great entry level sword for people who really want to experience a truely finely made sword for a very reasonable price.
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Author: Matt Green
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Razor Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
Let me begin by stating that this sword WILL CUT YOU! The edge is superb and is almost of surgical sharpness. I never owned a more carefully constructed and detailed sword for the price. If you are looking for a quality katana at a decent price, you cannot pass up this item. Again, this sword is beautiful, but the price makes it a no-brainer.
Cheers,
Matt
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Author: Tony Battle
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
I just got this sword and man it is nice. When I first took it out of the sheath it seemed as though it had nicks on it already but after I cleaned I could see that it was just the oil from the blade. I tested it buy cutting the cardboard box it came with. It didnt get all the way through but it was close enough. Unlike most people mine came with a black storage sleeve instead of a purple one. Maybe it is the 5th generation I dont know. When swung it makes a very very nice wooo sound unlike anything I have heard before. The sheath is also nice it should cost as much as the sword alone. The sword is full tang with a high carbon steel blade. SO MAKE SURE TO CLEAN IT EVERY NOW AND THEN. What I like most about this sword it that it has no special design. Its just a nice standard katana.
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Author: Christian Lopez
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Razor Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
This sword is awesome. I've been a practitioner of kenjutsu and iaijutsu for many years now, and I must say, I'm impressed. Not too long ago, I practiced tameshigiri with the sword, and I was amazed. One thing I must say to those who plan on buying this sword; get proper training before attempting tameshigiri, or you will risk hurting yourself and your sword. And never, under any circumstance, cut anything harder than bamboo with the katana, or you will break the blade. Respect the sword as you would respect yourself.
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Author: John Urbanek
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Razor Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
Even though I read books that said not to use swords to cut through trees I had to anyway because of my destructive nature, it cut straight through a 5" diameter tree with one swing. after that there was absolutely no damage to the blade, I did it about 10 more times and the edge didn't even dull a bit. but one of my stupid friends took it and hit the mune against a tree and the blade snapped it half so now i am using the half with the handle as an ax and i am turning the tip into a tanto
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Author: Vincent Tobias
Quality:
Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
I got this and it was nicer than I expected. Very sharp. Like one of my kitchen knives.
Defenantly worth every cent. Even though it's a strong blade I won't use it but it is withstanable to the cutting challenge. I cut throught some thick hedges like a hot knife through butter.
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Author: Jacob Gravelle
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Very Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I got it this Christmas, and haven't tried to cut anything with it yet (other than paper, which cut better than a pair of scissors), but I feel that if I were to, it would handle it very nicely. The only problem I have with it is the way the sageo is wrapped, which is easily fixed by tying it yourself. All in all, I wish that the pictures were retaken, as the one now doesn't do it justice at ALL.
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Author: Henry Nguyen
Quality:
Finely Crafted
Sharpness:
Very Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
As an entry level katana, no one can ask for a more functional sword for less money. In terms of value for a japanese-style sword, the practical is about as good as it gets. however, the sacrifices made in order to keep the price relatively low are ones that more experienced users might find inconvenient. first and formost is the construction of the hilt itself. since the tang does not extend fully to the end of the hilt, the danger of breakage of the wood under the wrapping is quite real. secondly, the tang is secured to the hilt more by a slathering of epoxy rather than the bamboo pegs that were added in later generations just for show. this makes the blade virtually unremovable from the hilt. this is good if you dont want the blade flying out durning swings but bad if you need to clean the blade. the last major problem with the sword is that the blade geometry is not quite correct. not only is the blade too straight, but the shape of the cutting edge itself is incorrect. the straightness of the sides (real japanese cutting edges are convex) of the edge creates a great deal of friction when cutting and this can make cutting difficult.
with that said, the sword is still a good performer for a relatively low price. there is a sense of quality in its construction and although it may not find a place in a more experienced swordman's hand, it will satisfy anyone looking to move away from gaudy stainless steel swords.
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Author: Max Maxwell
Quality:
Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
extremely sharp says nothing. I cut the hell out of my self once and it was so sharp I didnt even feel it
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Author: Matt Thompson
Quality:
Flawless
Sharpness:
Very Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
This blade is about the bottom-of-the-line as far as contact-use swords go. Not to say that it's bad, but it gets dull fast. Just practicing with it on practice targets dull it. Other than that, I dropped it from about 3" and cut my hand pretty good. Keep it clean and polished, and use it when you need it and you shouldn't have any problems. I carry mine with me wherever I go.
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Author: Guest
Quality:
Incomparable
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
Don\'t buy this thinking your going to be able to cut down trees and be some samurai god, beacause this is made for use in a dojo; cutting tatami mats, bamboo and other things of that nature.. but still this sword is incredibly sharp and well built.. although not good enough to withstand full contact use, it does its job and does it well..
Great for display also
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Author: Mark Hoagland
Quality:
Finely Crafted
Sharpness:
Sharpened
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I shouldn't have listened to the "beginners" as it isn't exactly that perfect, but, a decent sword for the money none the less. this sword does have it's flaws no doubt, however, if you don't feel like dropping $1500+ for a katana crafted by hand, this is a good sword for the beginner who hasn't held a near-perfect sword, or might go out chopping anything in sight, and eventually damaging it. It cames fairly sharp, it might be a little warped, and the handle is a little chinsy. But it has a metal pomel, a real hamon line, a cool tsuba and scabbard. I guess it's worth the money all in all.
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Author: Justin Wilson
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
This item is perfect for dojo exercises though I wouldn't use it on any practice targets. The edge is extremely sharp... about the same as the 1,000 dollar Katanas. Though the thing echoes machine forged with minimal guiding from skilled hands, it is still a great weapon. Don't compare it next to a true Katana or you will be disappointed but I didn't buy it for authenticity... I bought for practice. If you want real Katana, break into a museum.
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Author: Guest
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
I am a practicioner of swordplay. Being only 16 years old, I do not have enough money to buy a hand crafted katana. Although I have a low budget, this sword suited me well in tameshigiri. I have practiced on bamboo polls, as well as tatami mats. All the cuts were clean, as the blade is very sharp (sharper than any other blade I have seen). The construction is superb, the furniture fits nicely and the blade itself is of fine quality, for a machine forged item. I also heard that it is made from actual Japanese train track metal, the stuff that can hold trains for decades, so the steel must be good. Anyways, the sword is a good buy and I recommend it to any beginning practioners of the katana.
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Author: James Williams
Quality:
Finely Crafted
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
As the title states, this blade drew blood the first day I got it. Of course it was mine... Yes, this blade is extremely sharp! I will have a very nice "battle scar" to remind me that ALL blades are due their respect!
I would highly recommend this weapon. Whether as a practioner or collector, the quality (for the cost) is exceptional...
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Author: John Espartero
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
the practical katana was built very strong the blade was tempered by covering it with clay except for the edge. the edgge of the blade glow to a light red and was left to cool slowly the results was a hard edge and a softer body to absorb shock. creating a light but increadably tough blade.
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Author: Michael Mackenzie
Quality:
Flawless
Sharpness:
Razor Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
This is a very good sword. Its one of the best values you’ll find. But I would like to make a point that the blade is vary sharp, and requires great care when being handled. I’ve seen to many people hurt with blades like this. All the killBill fan boys, I talking to you.
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Author: Bryan Shirley
Quality:
Finely Crafted
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
I acquired the Practical Katana several years ago, and have yet to see it's equal for the price range. Since then I have acquired a LL (Last Legend) Mark V Katana and a Ronin Katana, both having folded blades. All three swords look somewhat similar, save the scratches on the PK. My LL swords are good for competition cutting, but when I'm just practicing, my PK rules all. Overall, the PK and LL swords perform the same. In other words, don't go and spend $700 at first. Start small, and this is the perfect way.
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Author: Guest
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Sharpened
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
When I purchased this item, I was very eager to try out its capabilities. So far, I have managed to cleave a manaquin very cleanly in half from shoulder to hip. I was surprised it was able to achieve this because upon inspection of the blade after the cut, I realized that the blade was not as sharp as I expected it to be. Don't get me wrong, it is still a dangerous weapon and should be used with caution. Overall, you can not find a better sword for such a cheap price.
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Author: Joshua Burns
Quality:
Nearly Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I bought this sword a few days ago and it is the 8th sword in my collection. It is the best in quality and sharpness (we're talking scalpel sharp here). I have yet to test its functionality, but knowing its made of high carbon steel and a hanwei sword I'm sure it can hold its own. I was going to get some sword oil for it but that stuff is expensive and I read that its 99% mineral oil and 1% clove oil, so I just bought a big bottle of mineral oil instead, (and for a lot less too!)
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Author: Samuel Cloud
Quality:
Nearly Flawless
Sharpness:
Razor Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I am currently practicing Iaito and kendo. This sword is perfect for the beginning competitor or as a back up for cutting veteran for tameshigiri cutting tournaments. The only thing that could be better is it having two pins instead of one. You get that with the Practical plus or pro katana. If are going to buy or already have one get trained to use it. It will mean a whole lot more when you use the sword correctly.
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Author: Mario Parra
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
this is one of the greatest swords ive used or saw in my entire life! all in it is abolutely beutifull and the temper line is amazing even for me! (i hate almost all temper lines). The only bad in the sword is that the scabbard is cut pretty easily, but it was something to expect with the incredible sharpeness of the blade
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Author: Joseph Robeson
Quality:
Incomparable
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
Wow I own like 30 some odd swords and this is by far the very best one i own .It cuts through bamboo like magic .But i must be carefull for what i use to clean it since its blade high carbo it will rust like there no tomarro and its almost impossible to get all the rust off .I own two of them one that i not quite as pretty cuz of getting it wet so keep oil on it .worth every penny
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Author: Archie Wimpy
Quality:
Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
The name of the sword is as acurate as it gets. Practical. I own four paul chen swords and this is the only one I feel comfortable using for mat cutting. Not to say they wouldn't stand up to the cutting but I don't want to use a $1000 katana to cut mats. For the price you cant do much better. Very solid. The blade is very sharp right out of the box. After a few runs with a fine stone the blade was shaving sharp. None of the fittings are loose. If you are a begginer or an expert who wants a sword you dont have to baby pick this up.
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Author: Guest
Quality:
Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
I got this sword for christmas and it has to be the best one I own. It feels very sturdy in all parts of it, even after a year of regular use. The blade is very sharp, in fact, as I was cleaning it one day, it cut through the cloth and made a rather deep gash in my finger with almost no force behind it. I had even folded the cloth over many times to prevent that from happening! This is the perfect sword for anyone interested in a good quality blade, but can't spend $800, and it will last for a long time with good care and no irresponsible use.
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Author: Nathan Arrowsmith
Quality:
Flawless
Sharpness:
Extremely Sharp
Functionality:
Light Contact Use
Before I begin I would just like to say that I have no private training in the katana, nor have I taken a class on the katana. I just like samurai swords. Anyways, with that out of the way, this sword rules. This being my second sword (it would be my first if you don\'t consider wall hangers to be swords), I am very pleased. I just recieved the item today and at first glance it got me pumped up to cut something. It\'s not one of those fancy swords with all that decoration, it isn\'t trying to kid itself, this thing is made for cutting. When i first picked it up i noticed how tightly wrapped the suede on the handle is. It\'s not too heavy, nor too light, it just feels perfect. The ray skin is obviously plastic and the painted brass fittings on the handle are plastic, but does that really matter? If I wanted a sword that was historically accurate then I would look elsewhere, but that stuff doesn\'t really matter. The box this sword comes in is PERFECT to make your first cut with. I took the box down to the garage and stood it up and stared down my opponent. I swung the sword at the box and it didn\'t feel like I expected. I thought it would just slide through and the top would fall off but instead (probably due to my unskilled form) it made a bang the box flew across the room. The cut was a perfect slice all the way through. It felt SO awesome. Anyways, if your looking for a no bull good quality sword that won\'t break your bank, pick this one up. And I would like to thank all the reviews typed here because they really helped with picing this sword.
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Author: zack scott
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Very Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
carbon steel is beter for swords than stainless, which is brittle. to keep it short this sword made me Believe in god.
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Author: Benjamin Dickey
Quality:
Absolutely Flawless
Sharpness:
Razor Sharp
Functionality:
Full Contact Use
Definitely get this sword before the price goes up again. This sword is the real deal: extremely well made and functional. Having made a tanto, i have a new appreciation of why these pieces cost so much, however, this is an extremely low price for such a good katana. I recommend that you get some training on how to use these pieces of functional art as this sword is not meant as a wallhanger, it was made for cutting. EDGE ALIGNMENT IS CRITICAL!!! As Nathan Arrowsmith about 2 reviews up can tell you, your target will go flying across the room if your edge is slightly misaligned (all it takes is just a minor twist of the wrist to ruin your cut). As far as katanas go, this is a definite bare bones sword. The hamon line is prominent but not flashy, the blade geometry is nice, and the balance is weighted about 2 inches in front of the tsuba (guard) which is a good thing since these swords are designed for cutting and this particular sword will work for all cutting drills. Just make sure that you oil and clean the blade before you sheath it as it is made of 1095 high carbon steel and fingerprints will cause rust to form overnight if you do not oil the blade. Use WD-40 or Vegetable Oil and then wipe it with a paper towel. you won't get all the oil off but this is a good thing, you just want to give the blade a quick once over so that oil does not drip into the saya (scabbard).
P.S.: Should the blade ever dull -which it shouldn't unless you are actually using it for steel to steel in which case it will knick - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHARPEN IT WITH A GRINDER, WHETSTONE, OILSTONE, ETC. UNLESS YOU'VE BEEN TRAINED TO SHARPEN KATANAS!!!! I cannot stress this enough. Katanas are made with a certain edge called a Convex Moran Edge which gives this family of blades that incredible strength and sharpness that we all know and love. Grinders cannot do this and they will completely mess up your blade! Send your sword into a professional Katans Restoration Service should it ever need sharpening. Also, storing your sword with the sharp side up is also key for keeping it sharp, I would buy or make a stand that allows your sword to be stored or displayed in this way.
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