Darksword Armoury Katana Double Review
Feb 13, 2010 21:44:50 GMT
Post by septofclansinclair on Feb 13, 2010 21:44:50 GMT
Darksword Armoury Katana Double Review – Models 2201 & 2202
Introduction
I’m always excited when a sword company tries something new. That’s why when Darksword Armoury (DSA) decided to go in the direction of martial-arts grade katanas, I was pretty intrigued. Having handled one of the prototypes in the initial line last year, I made a list of recommendations of what I would like to see changed in the newer models. These changes included: more colour options, alternating ito, acid-etched hamon over wire-brushed, and eliminating the wire-brushed yokote on at least some models. So after sending those suggestions off I was very curious what would happen... now 8 months later I’m reviewing 2 of the next generation of DSA katanas. This is a double review, of model number 2201:
www.darksword-armory.com/katana-2201.html
And model number 2202:
www.darksword-armory.com/katana-2202.html
The reason I’m reviewing two katanas is this: when I received the first one, I proceeded to do my usual “review” process – take pictures, examine it closely for flaws, and the whole bit. I actually did find a flaw in the sword which I will detail later, but it was obviously something that had occurred at the forge and been missed. I contacted Eyal at DSA and arranged to send the damaged one back, but requested a different katana so I could review both of them (even if I was only keeping one). Eyal was extremely helpful about this and had the new katana in the mail even before I could send back the old one, shipping it with another order of mine to save me money. So on to the review:
Historical overview
Both of these katana are of types fairly well represented in the market. Aside from both being through hardened instead of differentially hardened, there isn’t much to comment on in the historical area.
Initial Impressions
Both swords arrived (separately) in two long, wooden display boxes. They were packed in long cardboard boxes with Styrofoam buffers on all sides. Below is one of the katana – model 2201 – in the box to show the presentation.
And below is the other sword – model 2202 – on the assembled stand with the silk bag in front.
You’ll notice that the sword comes with some pretty good extras – the stand, visible on the inside of the lid of the box; the cleaning kit; and the wooden box itself, which is the nicest display box I've seen yet. Also included is this nifty booklet:
This little book covers all the basics of katanas and then some – terminology, grip, care and maintenance, even blade lamination styles. If this had been my first katana I would have been awed by it, as it is I already know most of what was in the book but it’s still javascript:add("","")really neat. I’ve actually found myself referring to it a few times. An absurdly handy guide and easily the best “extra” included. More manufacturers should do this.
Statistics
The two swords have identical stats:
Nagasa Length: 28”
Tsuka Length: 11”
Overall Length: 38.5”
Tsuba Width: 3.25”
POB: 5.5”
Weight: 2lbs 7oz
Components
As this is a double review, pictures of each sword will follow the description of the components. Model 2201 is the one with the red saya, model 2202 is the one with the green ito.
The Nagasa
Model 2201 – This katana is advertised as having folded steel, and it’s immediately obvious that this is true. The “skin” is very distinct, and the acid etched hamon stands out prominently against it. There was some minor scuffing on the blade that did not show up in the pictures, but overall the sword was sharp and the blade very nice. I haven’t seen too many of the folded steel look so this was a nice treat.
Overall the blade was nice – right up until you got to the tip. There was a tiny chip off the end of the tip, close to a millimetre in size, but noticeable. It was so small that pictures couldn’t really catch it well, but I managed to get this extreme closeup where it looks downright cavernous. It appears to be something that likely happened at the forge, possibly an unfortunate bump of the tip against something that went unnoticed and made it through QC. The picture of the tip follows.
As mentioned before, DSA replaced this katana very promptly and without complaint. I followed what should be standard procedure among sword collectors reporting defects and sent an email with a picture attached. Shipping instructions were returned to me within hours and on the whole it was less time to receive the first katana, send it back and get the second than it was to receive one order from across the border. While the damage was unfortunate DSA dealt with the issue with the promptness and integrity that you would hope for.
Model 2202 – This sword is not folded steel but through hardened 1095. The hamon, also acid etched, is attractive and clean, the blade polish is quite nice – again, with some minor scuffing. If this was to be used for cutting practice then many more scuffs like this would occurs, I’m sure. One nice addition was the clean tip, free of any counter polish. The picture is below, where the acid etched hamon neatly wraps around the tip of the kissaki. Very nice. No big complaints in the blade department for this weapon, there was no flaws visible whatsoever. For the price a 1095 steel blade like this is not a bad deal at all.
The Tsuka
Model 2201 – The first thing I noticed was the real same wrapped in alternating silk ito. Now that’s what I was hoping to see! The handle is 11 inches, nicely tapered so it fits even short fingered hands like mine well, and the ito won’t budge. Dry handling reveals no loosening of the ito, which is nice. The fact that they made sure it was alternating this time is a big plus. I was pleased to note that, unlike the katana I reviewed the last time I did a double review (not of a DSA katana), the tsuka was not loose.
Model 2202 – The green ito is really what sells this katana. It feels great, looks great, and is wrapped in alternating style. Similar to the other model the tsuka is nicely tapered and feels good in hand. One notable difference is that this model has fake rayskin, similar to what you'll find on a Hanwei Practical Classic. I've been informed that this was an error at the forge and on future models it will be corrected. While this may affect the overall aesthetic for some, practically there should be little or no difference. This might be an option for people who prefer katanas that do not have animal products used (I'm looking at you, Brenno). I know I prefer the real stuff myself, so I’ll be pretty happy when this is corrected. It should be noted that DSA intended to bring real rayskin on all their models, and this is a forge issue.
The Tsuba
Model 2201 – It’s either a dragon chasing samurai, or samurai chasing a dragon. Either way, the theme is one that I’ve seen on other katana in the past, and fits well here. There is some portions of the gold accent paint that has flecked off, leaving the black exposed beneath, but it all gives it a slightly “old” look that I can dig.
Model 2202 – Standard “sunburst”-style tsuba seen on katanas from virtually every manufacturer. A simple and traditional design that is well-represented here. No complaints from me.
The Fuchi-Kashira
Model 2201 – Continuing with the dragon theme, the fuchi-kashira of this katana are attractive and tight. Not a hint of wiggle room in the kashira, which is a huge relief as this is my biggest pet peeve with sub-300 katanas. There isn’t much to say except well executed fittings, and no complaints.
Model 2202 – This katana has much simpler fittings than its counterpart, but the simple fittings really flow well with the basic looking tsuba. I think this makes the overall presentation very nice – if you’re looking for heavily ornate then look elsewhere, if you’re looking for a pleasant simplicity then you may have a good pick here. Again, the fittings are very solid with nothing budging in the slightest.
The Saya
Model 2201 – The saya of this model looks great and feels solid. The sageo is the thin kind and matches the ito; personally I prefer the thick corded sageo but this isn’t a huge factor for me. The dark red lacquer is very sharp looking and contrasts nicely with the black ito. One think I noted that there was no rattle of the sword in the saya whatsoever – even when handled quite a bit it was snug and silent, no banging around of the blade inside. That’s very nice to have at this price point.
Model 2202 – Pebbled black saya with green sageo, also the thinner style. Again, this saya doesn’t rattle in the slightest. I think since both katanas seem to be “rattle free” this may be something that we can expect to see from DSA on most of their katanas, and not just a happy fluke. I prefer pebbled black to the “piano-lacquer” so this saya gets thumbs up from me.
Handling Characteristics
Due to the nice weight (a touch under 2 and a half pounds) and the decent balance point (5.5”), these katanas flow very well in hand. I felt very comfortable with both moving through a few dry cuts and guards, and while nice to handle they did feel like they would be good solid cutters – something that I intend to test. I believe that these would be definitely usable for martial arts and cutting practice. So good handling is the conclusion, and I’ll be able to put the new DSA katana through its paces com summertime and hopefully update with some videos.
Test Cutting
It’s -27 degrees Celsius out here, so I won’t be cutting anything for a while... sorry sports fans.
Conclusions
I have to say, I’m pretty impressed. The changes that were made to this lineup of katanas brings them from a good deal to a great deal, and the extras that come with them are just the icing on the cake. There are obviously a few kinks to work out in the QC process, and the unfortunate fake same is a bit of a downer. But as DSA is working with a new forge on this and had brought some pretty solid looking and feeling swords out of the arrangement, I’d say that it is probably only going to improve from here. Both swords sold themselves well despite the minor issues that arose, and with the wooden display box and other bonuses that come along I think these would be ideal for a few different kinds of collectors. The reference guide was the best touch, I have to admit. If you’re a European sword collection and want to “test the katana waters,” this would be a great place to start. If you’re a martial artist looking for a practice cutting blade with bo-hi I think this would also be a good pick. I;m very curious what will come from DSA’a partnership with Hattori in the future.
Pros
- Good blade on both
- Tight fit in saya
- Very good presentation
- Handles well, wickedly sharp – and with 1095 steel would be good for cutting practice
- Nice silk ito, nice colour on model 2202
Cons
- fake rayskin on model 2202
- minor blade scuffing on both
- damaged tip on model 2201
- true geometric yokote would be nice
The Bottom Line
Recommended for anyone interested in a good looking and well put together sword with some nice extras.
Update:
When I posted this review I was waiting on a few details to add to it, and DSA was going to get back to me. I decided to post the review as is and just update later. After posting this review a few kind SBG members sent me emails asking me to look into a few things on the katana from DSA that I still had. After examining it more thoroughly, I contacted Eyal from DSA with my concerns, which were:
- the ito and sageo appeared to be chemical fiber, not silk - I actually have a hard time telling the two apart, and it's my inexperience that kept me from noticing it sooner. This was news to DSA as they had specifically ordered silk.
- the tsuba was non-magnetic - it does not appear to be iron, though they had ordered iron tsubas with the swords. This is something that didn't occurred to me to check, but I will be doing from now on with "iron" tsubas...
That plus the fake rayskin is adding up to some unfortunate conclusions; that this model was not shipped to DSA as ordered. Eyal has informed me that he is following up with the forge about this, and in the meantime will be dropping the price (he said he'd announce it shortly).
To the folks reading this review; Sorry for not catching these things earlier - like I said, I've got alot to learn.
This review will be updated fully before going to the main site.
Introduction
I’m always excited when a sword company tries something new. That’s why when Darksword Armoury (DSA) decided to go in the direction of martial-arts grade katanas, I was pretty intrigued. Having handled one of the prototypes in the initial line last year, I made a list of recommendations of what I would like to see changed in the newer models. These changes included: more colour options, alternating ito, acid-etched hamon over wire-brushed, and eliminating the wire-brushed yokote on at least some models. So after sending those suggestions off I was very curious what would happen... now 8 months later I’m reviewing 2 of the next generation of DSA katanas. This is a double review, of model number 2201:
www.darksword-armory.com/katana-2201.html
And model number 2202:
www.darksword-armory.com/katana-2202.html
The reason I’m reviewing two katanas is this: when I received the first one, I proceeded to do my usual “review” process – take pictures, examine it closely for flaws, and the whole bit. I actually did find a flaw in the sword which I will detail later, but it was obviously something that had occurred at the forge and been missed. I contacted Eyal at DSA and arranged to send the damaged one back, but requested a different katana so I could review both of them (even if I was only keeping one). Eyal was extremely helpful about this and had the new katana in the mail even before I could send back the old one, shipping it with another order of mine to save me money. So on to the review:
Historical overview
Both of these katana are of types fairly well represented in the market. Aside from both being through hardened instead of differentially hardened, there isn’t much to comment on in the historical area.
Initial Impressions
Both swords arrived (separately) in two long, wooden display boxes. They were packed in long cardboard boxes with Styrofoam buffers on all sides. Below is one of the katana – model 2201 – in the box to show the presentation.
And below is the other sword – model 2202 – on the assembled stand with the silk bag in front.
You’ll notice that the sword comes with some pretty good extras – the stand, visible on the inside of the lid of the box; the cleaning kit; and the wooden box itself, which is the nicest display box I've seen yet. Also included is this nifty booklet:
This little book covers all the basics of katanas and then some – terminology, grip, care and maintenance, even blade lamination styles. If this had been my first katana I would have been awed by it, as it is I already know most of what was in the book but it’s still javascript:add("","")really neat. I’ve actually found myself referring to it a few times. An absurdly handy guide and easily the best “extra” included. More manufacturers should do this.
Statistics
The two swords have identical stats:
Nagasa Length: 28”
Tsuka Length: 11”
Overall Length: 38.5”
Tsuba Width: 3.25”
POB: 5.5”
Weight: 2lbs 7oz
Components
As this is a double review, pictures of each sword will follow the description of the components. Model 2201 is the one with the red saya, model 2202 is the one with the green ito.
The Nagasa
Model 2201 – This katana is advertised as having folded steel, and it’s immediately obvious that this is true. The “skin” is very distinct, and the acid etched hamon stands out prominently against it. There was some minor scuffing on the blade that did not show up in the pictures, but overall the sword was sharp and the blade very nice. I haven’t seen too many of the folded steel look so this was a nice treat.
Overall the blade was nice – right up until you got to the tip. There was a tiny chip off the end of the tip, close to a millimetre in size, but noticeable. It was so small that pictures couldn’t really catch it well, but I managed to get this extreme closeup where it looks downright cavernous. It appears to be something that likely happened at the forge, possibly an unfortunate bump of the tip against something that went unnoticed and made it through QC. The picture of the tip follows.
As mentioned before, DSA replaced this katana very promptly and without complaint. I followed what should be standard procedure among sword collectors reporting defects and sent an email with a picture attached. Shipping instructions were returned to me within hours and on the whole it was less time to receive the first katana, send it back and get the second than it was to receive one order from across the border. While the damage was unfortunate DSA dealt with the issue with the promptness and integrity that you would hope for.
Model 2202 – This sword is not folded steel but through hardened 1095. The hamon, also acid etched, is attractive and clean, the blade polish is quite nice – again, with some minor scuffing. If this was to be used for cutting practice then many more scuffs like this would occurs, I’m sure. One nice addition was the clean tip, free of any counter polish. The picture is below, where the acid etched hamon neatly wraps around the tip of the kissaki. Very nice. No big complaints in the blade department for this weapon, there was no flaws visible whatsoever. For the price a 1095 steel blade like this is not a bad deal at all.
The Tsuka
Model 2201 – The first thing I noticed was the real same wrapped in alternating silk ito. Now that’s what I was hoping to see! The handle is 11 inches, nicely tapered so it fits even short fingered hands like mine well, and the ito won’t budge. Dry handling reveals no loosening of the ito, which is nice. The fact that they made sure it was alternating this time is a big plus. I was pleased to note that, unlike the katana I reviewed the last time I did a double review (not of a DSA katana), the tsuka was not loose.
Model 2202 – The green ito is really what sells this katana. It feels great, looks great, and is wrapped in alternating style. Similar to the other model the tsuka is nicely tapered and feels good in hand. One notable difference is that this model has fake rayskin, similar to what you'll find on a Hanwei Practical Classic. I've been informed that this was an error at the forge and on future models it will be corrected. While this may affect the overall aesthetic for some, practically there should be little or no difference. This might be an option for people who prefer katanas that do not have animal products used (I'm looking at you, Brenno). I know I prefer the real stuff myself, so I’ll be pretty happy when this is corrected. It should be noted that DSA intended to bring real rayskin on all their models, and this is a forge issue.
The Tsuba
Model 2201 – It’s either a dragon chasing samurai, or samurai chasing a dragon. Either way, the theme is one that I’ve seen on other katana in the past, and fits well here. There is some portions of the gold accent paint that has flecked off, leaving the black exposed beneath, but it all gives it a slightly “old” look that I can dig.
Model 2202 – Standard “sunburst”-style tsuba seen on katanas from virtually every manufacturer. A simple and traditional design that is well-represented here. No complaints from me.
The Fuchi-Kashira
Model 2201 – Continuing with the dragon theme, the fuchi-kashira of this katana are attractive and tight. Not a hint of wiggle room in the kashira, which is a huge relief as this is my biggest pet peeve with sub-300 katanas. There isn’t much to say except well executed fittings, and no complaints.
Model 2202 – This katana has much simpler fittings than its counterpart, but the simple fittings really flow well with the basic looking tsuba. I think this makes the overall presentation very nice – if you’re looking for heavily ornate then look elsewhere, if you’re looking for a pleasant simplicity then you may have a good pick here. Again, the fittings are very solid with nothing budging in the slightest.
The Saya
Model 2201 – The saya of this model looks great and feels solid. The sageo is the thin kind and matches the ito; personally I prefer the thick corded sageo but this isn’t a huge factor for me. The dark red lacquer is very sharp looking and contrasts nicely with the black ito. One think I noted that there was no rattle of the sword in the saya whatsoever – even when handled quite a bit it was snug and silent, no banging around of the blade inside. That’s very nice to have at this price point.
Model 2202 – Pebbled black saya with green sageo, also the thinner style. Again, this saya doesn’t rattle in the slightest. I think since both katanas seem to be “rattle free” this may be something that we can expect to see from DSA on most of their katanas, and not just a happy fluke. I prefer pebbled black to the “piano-lacquer” so this saya gets thumbs up from me.
Handling Characteristics
Due to the nice weight (a touch under 2 and a half pounds) and the decent balance point (5.5”), these katanas flow very well in hand. I felt very comfortable with both moving through a few dry cuts and guards, and while nice to handle they did feel like they would be good solid cutters – something that I intend to test. I believe that these would be definitely usable for martial arts and cutting practice. So good handling is the conclusion, and I’ll be able to put the new DSA katana through its paces com summertime and hopefully update with some videos.
Test Cutting
It’s -27 degrees Celsius out here, so I won’t be cutting anything for a while... sorry sports fans.
Conclusions
I have to say, I’m pretty impressed. The changes that were made to this lineup of katanas brings them from a good deal to a great deal, and the extras that come with them are just the icing on the cake. There are obviously a few kinks to work out in the QC process, and the unfortunate fake same is a bit of a downer. But as DSA is working with a new forge on this and had brought some pretty solid looking and feeling swords out of the arrangement, I’d say that it is probably only going to improve from here. Both swords sold themselves well despite the minor issues that arose, and with the wooden display box and other bonuses that come along I think these would be ideal for a few different kinds of collectors. The reference guide was the best touch, I have to admit. If you’re a European sword collection and want to “test the katana waters,” this would be a great place to start. If you’re a martial artist looking for a practice cutting blade with bo-hi I think this would also be a good pick. I;m very curious what will come from DSA’a partnership with Hattori in the future.
Pros
- Good blade on both
- Tight fit in saya
- Very good presentation
- Handles well, wickedly sharp – and with 1095 steel would be good for cutting practice
- Nice silk ito, nice colour on model 2202
Cons
- fake rayskin on model 2202
- minor blade scuffing on both
- damaged tip on model 2201
- true geometric yokote would be nice
The Bottom Line
Recommended for anyone interested in a good looking and well put together sword with some nice extras.
Update:
When I posted this review I was waiting on a few details to add to it, and DSA was going to get back to me. I decided to post the review as is and just update later. After posting this review a few kind SBG members sent me emails asking me to look into a few things on the katana from DSA that I still had. After examining it more thoroughly, I contacted Eyal from DSA with my concerns, which were:
- the ito and sageo appeared to be chemical fiber, not silk - I actually have a hard time telling the two apart, and it's my inexperience that kept me from noticing it sooner. This was news to DSA as they had specifically ordered silk.
- the tsuba was non-magnetic - it does not appear to be iron, though they had ordered iron tsubas with the swords. This is something that didn't occurred to me to check, but I will be doing from now on with "iron" tsubas...
That plus the fake rayskin is adding up to some unfortunate conclusions; that this model was not shipped to DSA as ordered. Eyal has informed me that he is following up with the forge about this, and in the meantime will be dropping the price (he said he'd announce it shortly).
To the folks reading this review; Sorry for not catching these things earlier - like I said, I've got alot to learn.
This review will be updated fully before going to the main site.