Musashi "Blue Bamboo" Review
Feb 26, 2010 4:59:17 GMT
Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2010 4:59:17 GMT
Well, I finally reviewed a sword! This is the Musashi "Blue Bamboo" from SwordNArmory, very similar to the bamboo warrior previously reviewed. This will be my first review of hopefully several to come, including a few fairly rare production blades and chinese forge acquisitions.
- Introduction -
I have been interested in swords from a very young age; I think as far back as six years old I was waving around wooden swords, pretending to fight villains and such. This interest waned in me for some time, as I came to the realization that (at the time) high quality swords could not be acquired for low prices. Later on I acquired a few SLOs but I recognized them immediately as cheap imitations, even as a teenager. I wanted something better; at least a little closer to the real thing. It was about this time that China started catering to the demand of the western consumer for bigger and better things, and began releasing pretty decent through-hardened katanas in 1045 and 1060 steel. I bought my first sword on ebay from the seller "handmadesword"; it was a Masahiro dragon katana. (I still have it, it handles quite nicely, but doesn't cut very well) Since then I have been on the lookout for better swords at cheaper prices, and have been especially interested in differentially hardened katanas with a real hamon. I do have some lingering immature visions of wandering the wastes in some dystopic future, my battered Cheness Tenchi Ko-katana at my side...
- Historical Overview -
Nearly all swords in this price range (under $100) are made to resemble Shinogi-zukuri type nihonto, however most are through-hardened. The first Musashi Bamboo katana in 1060 was differentially hardened and really a diamond in the rough as far as swords in it's price range are concerned; sadly they were snapped up very quickly and I never got my hands on a first generation one. Now though, for those of us who missed out, a second generation Bamboo katana very similar to the first is available for between 75 and 100 dollars. I was in the market for some differentially hardened blades and actually ordered this along with a Munetoshi light cutter, a low-end Musashi Daisho, and an 8 tier stand, all for just over $300 from SwordNarmory.com.
- Initial Impressions -
My order shipped quickly and came in a very large and well packaged box. Some other people have contacted SwordNarmory beforehand, and had their swords handpicked. I PURPOSELY did not, just to see if mine looked as good as the previously reviewed swords. I'm pleased to report that even without special consideration my order was handled perfectly and smoothly, everything was correct, and the swords looked more than satisfactory.
This sword came in a cool-looking chinese-type box, which actually resembles a lot of firework boxes coming out of china these past few years.
Inside the box was the sword in its cotton sword bag, packaged securely with styrofoam blocks. It also came with a certificate.
I was immediately struck by the lovely blue saya. To tell you the truth, I am kinda sick to death of the boring piano-laquered black ones and this was a welcome change. The only problem I forsee is if it gets scratches or nicks, they will be quite obvious.
- Statistics -
Blade/nagasa length : 28.5"
Handle/Tsuka length : 11"
Overall length : 40.5" (with saya)
Guard/Tsuba width : 3.25"
Weight : just over 2 pounds
- Components -
Blade :
The blade geometry on most production blades is quite similar. In fact, this sword's geometry pretty closely matches both my Masahiro swords. It has bo-hi, and a chu-kissaki. Pretty standard... except this one is DH, and look at that lovely authentic hamon! It's a light, but quite prominent gumone-type hamon (irregular zigzag), and is quite attractive in my opinion. No, it doesn't have a geometric yokote... not a chance in this price range.
I should note that the habaki is quite decently fitted to the blade. No complaints here.
Tsuka :
The tsuka is pretty well done, all-in-all... tight cotton ito, diamonds fairly well aligned, no visible wood under the same panels, rayskin decent (nodes a bit small though, but no obvious patchwork). The menuki are bamboo stalks, pretty big for menuki, which give the grip a reassuringly solid feel. The mekugi do not look like cheap chopsticks, and do not deform when pressed with a fingenail.
Tsuba:
The latest incarnation of the bamboo tsuba. It's on there nice and tight. Blackened iron, seems of decent quality, no sharp edges. And the seppa are not those cheap cog-toothed tin ones either, which is nice.
Fuchi/Kashira
The fuchi seems just the TINIEST bit movable. Just a slight movement when dry handling. The kashira is attractive and solid.
Saya : Blue Blue Blue!
They spilled some blue laquer into the saya. Little splash of color... I'm not complaining.
- Handling Characteristics -
When I first picked up this blade, I gave it a playful, one-handed test slash of (I kid you not) about 1-2 feet in breadth. I was shocked to hear a loud WHOOOOF of Tachi Kaze, like as loud as a full power cut. Needless to say this sword is well balanced and light. It feels about the same as my Masahiro dragon but somehow a bit more refined.
No test cutting for now, sorry. I want to learn a bit more before I put my skills or lack thereof on display for all the unforgiving internet to critique... also the polish is pretty nice on this one, why mess it up?
There should be cutting vids for this sword available if you look; it seems to be a fairly competent light cutter.
- Conclusions -
This is the best deal right now on a katana with a "real" hamon. There is really nothing wrong with it. If you must have a differentially hardened sword, but you're on a budget, this is the one to buy. I would feel like a robber if I asked for more than what this sword gives me at this price.
Pros:
Cheap! Cheep cheep cheep!
Decent fittings
Differentially hardened with a great hamon!
Light and easy to handle
Did I mention CHEAP?
Cons
Cotton ito... chemical silk would be nice
Could be sharper
A little tight in the saya, should improve with handling
- Bottom line -
This sword is a must-buy for any japanese sword collector or practicioner of Kenjutsu. I highly recommend it.
Thanks for reading!
- Introduction -
I have been interested in swords from a very young age; I think as far back as six years old I was waving around wooden swords, pretending to fight villains and such. This interest waned in me for some time, as I came to the realization that (at the time) high quality swords could not be acquired for low prices. Later on I acquired a few SLOs but I recognized them immediately as cheap imitations, even as a teenager. I wanted something better; at least a little closer to the real thing. It was about this time that China started catering to the demand of the western consumer for bigger and better things, and began releasing pretty decent through-hardened katanas in 1045 and 1060 steel. I bought my first sword on ebay from the seller "handmadesword"; it was a Masahiro dragon katana. (I still have it, it handles quite nicely, but doesn't cut very well) Since then I have been on the lookout for better swords at cheaper prices, and have been especially interested in differentially hardened katanas with a real hamon. I do have some lingering immature visions of wandering the wastes in some dystopic future, my battered Cheness Tenchi Ko-katana at my side...
- Historical Overview -
Nearly all swords in this price range (under $100) are made to resemble Shinogi-zukuri type nihonto, however most are through-hardened. The first Musashi Bamboo katana in 1060 was differentially hardened and really a diamond in the rough as far as swords in it's price range are concerned; sadly they were snapped up very quickly and I never got my hands on a first generation one. Now though, for those of us who missed out, a second generation Bamboo katana very similar to the first is available for between 75 and 100 dollars. I was in the market for some differentially hardened blades and actually ordered this along with a Munetoshi light cutter, a low-end Musashi Daisho, and an 8 tier stand, all for just over $300 from SwordNarmory.com.
- Initial Impressions -
My order shipped quickly and came in a very large and well packaged box. Some other people have contacted SwordNarmory beforehand, and had their swords handpicked. I PURPOSELY did not, just to see if mine looked as good as the previously reviewed swords. I'm pleased to report that even without special consideration my order was handled perfectly and smoothly, everything was correct, and the swords looked more than satisfactory.
This sword came in a cool-looking chinese-type box, which actually resembles a lot of firework boxes coming out of china these past few years.
Inside the box was the sword in its cotton sword bag, packaged securely with styrofoam blocks. It also came with a certificate.
I was immediately struck by the lovely blue saya. To tell you the truth, I am kinda sick to death of the boring piano-laquered black ones and this was a welcome change. The only problem I forsee is if it gets scratches or nicks, they will be quite obvious.
- Statistics -
Blade/nagasa length : 28.5"
Handle/Tsuka length : 11"
Overall length : 40.5" (with saya)
Guard/Tsuba width : 3.25"
Weight : just over 2 pounds
- Components -
Blade :
The blade geometry on most production blades is quite similar. In fact, this sword's geometry pretty closely matches both my Masahiro swords. It has bo-hi, and a chu-kissaki. Pretty standard... except this one is DH, and look at that lovely authentic hamon! It's a light, but quite prominent gumone-type hamon (irregular zigzag), and is quite attractive in my opinion. No, it doesn't have a geometric yokote... not a chance in this price range.
I should note that the habaki is quite decently fitted to the blade. No complaints here.
Tsuka :
The tsuka is pretty well done, all-in-all... tight cotton ito, diamonds fairly well aligned, no visible wood under the same panels, rayskin decent (nodes a bit small though, but no obvious patchwork). The menuki are bamboo stalks, pretty big for menuki, which give the grip a reassuringly solid feel. The mekugi do not look like cheap chopsticks, and do not deform when pressed with a fingenail.
Tsuba:
The latest incarnation of the bamboo tsuba. It's on there nice and tight. Blackened iron, seems of decent quality, no sharp edges. And the seppa are not those cheap cog-toothed tin ones either, which is nice.
Fuchi/Kashira
The fuchi seems just the TINIEST bit movable. Just a slight movement when dry handling. The kashira is attractive and solid.
Saya : Blue Blue Blue!
They spilled some blue laquer into the saya. Little splash of color... I'm not complaining.
- Handling Characteristics -
When I first picked up this blade, I gave it a playful, one-handed test slash of (I kid you not) about 1-2 feet in breadth. I was shocked to hear a loud WHOOOOF of Tachi Kaze, like as loud as a full power cut. Needless to say this sword is well balanced and light. It feels about the same as my Masahiro dragon but somehow a bit more refined.
No test cutting for now, sorry. I want to learn a bit more before I put my skills or lack thereof on display for all the unforgiving internet to critique... also the polish is pretty nice on this one, why mess it up?
There should be cutting vids for this sword available if you look; it seems to be a fairly competent light cutter.
- Conclusions -
This is the best deal right now on a katana with a "real" hamon. There is really nothing wrong with it. If you must have a differentially hardened sword, but you're on a budget, this is the one to buy. I would feel like a robber if I asked for more than what this sword gives me at this price.
Pros:
Cheap! Cheep cheep cheep!
Decent fittings
Differentially hardened with a great hamon!
Light and easy to handle
Did I mention CHEAP?
Cons
Cotton ito... chemical silk would be nice
Could be sharper
A little tight in the saya, should improve with handling
- Bottom line -
This sword is a must-buy for any japanese sword collector or practicioner of Kenjutsu. I highly recommend it.
Thanks for reading!