Ryumon dragon tanto review
Jun 29, 2009 17:23:19 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2009 17:23:19 GMT
RYUMON 1065 FOLDED TANTO REVIEW Ryumon has an extensive product line,and I have been wanting something from them for some time.After some careful consideration I’ve chosen their folded 1065 tanto.With a relatively low price.and some fairly good looks,I felt it would be a good entry level piece for my collection. The tanto is the common Japanese single,or sometime double edged knife with a blade length between 6 to 12 inches(15 to 30 cm).Originally designed mainly as a stabbing weapon,it can be used to do some slashing attacks as well.First appearing some time around the Heian period,it truly began to be an artfully designed tool around the Kamakura period.Tanto were mostly carried by Samurai,but women occasionally carried them in their obi.Before the 16th century tantos were carried with tachi,as opposed to katana and wakizashi combinations carried more prevalently later. True swords had mine for sale at 49.99 plus shipping.Being the pros that they are,it arrived only four days after shipping to me in rural Montana Judging by the size of the box you’d figure I had purchased at least a wak,but they just pack it real well!Upon opening the extra large cardboard box revealed a smaller wooden box with the Ryumon logo printed on it. The tanto came packed in lovely golden fabric lining both the top and bottom,and the sword encased in protective plastic.At first glance it looked flawless.Taking it out of the box and unwrapping it I immediately noticed how well put together it all appeared.Everything felt tight,and the whole package felt very stout!The kashira and tsuba were apparently iron castings as were the menuki.All looked well done and were finished to match. Habaki and seppa are iron,the seppa were done nicely,but the habaki had some minor tool marks on it.The fuchi also matched the kashira in its markings and finish. Now for the blade!Being folded,it has a beautiful grain pattern running all the way up to the tip of the kissaki.Bo hi runs down until the beginning of where the kissaki begins.My only complaint is that the kissaki is done crudely with grind/file marks as so many inexpensive blades are. The ito is of the black cotton variety and wrapped quite tightly.The same is white ray skin,and everything is pegged with a single peg.The menuki is a dragon pattern and is attractive.When flipped,it revealed a small bead of what appears to be epoxy sealing in the blade.This is disappointing,but not surprising. Blade length: 9 ½ in tsuka length: 5 3/8 Overall length: 15 ¾ Tsuba width: 1 7/8 P.O.B.: 1 3/8 from tsuba Weight: 1.2 pounds? I am shure no one would blame me if I didn’t want to test this,but I just couldn’t help myself!I took a few water bottles outside and proceeded to start cutting.The blade performed excellent! s602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/imgumby001dammit/?action=view¤t=DSCF1110.flv s602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/imgumby001dammit/?action=view¤t=DSCF1108.flv As you can see it both stabs and slashes very well!The blade chopped through several bottles without so much as a scratch!Everything stayed nice and tight,with no problems. All and all this little sword is a great buy!The few minor cosmetic issues I have are no big deal,especially considering the price.If you have the desire and a little cash go grab one! PROS:Great price,good looks and functional handling CONS:tsuka glued on,minor finishing imperfections The bottom line on this deal is definitely grab on if you can.Trueswords.com has them in stock and ship ready,and at a great price too! VERDICT: Historical accuracy:3/5 fit and finish:3/5 Handling:5/5 Structural integrity:5/5 Value for money:5/5 OVERALL:5/5 excellent!