Shura and Kurome review
Jan 6, 2008 21:03:08 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2008 21:03:08 GMT
Hi everybody. I'm reviewing the Shura and Kurome from Cheness as I promised before Xmas. The stats for these katanas can be found in the following links.
Shura - www.chenessinc.com/shura.htm
Kurome - www.chenessinc.com/kurome.htm
I purchased the Shura in early 07 and the Kurome in late 07. I have Enough with the formalities and on to the eye candy. The Shura is pictured on top.
Initial impressions:
Both swords arrived fairly quickly and undamaged and both came in presentational display boxes. The Shura came with a cleaning kit and single tiered stand while the Kurome came with a double tiered stand. All fittings and ito are tight on both swords.
The Shura is slightly bigger than the Kurome and feels more blade heavy. The Kurome also has a greater sori than the Shura. I think it is much more attractive.
The Blades
Both blades are free of defects and blemishes. I think the funny thing about Cheness blades is that while they look like a satin finish in one way but are mirror reflective when you catch the light just right.
Here's a close up of the tip of the Kurome
Tsuka / Tsuba
Both cores are fine with no cracks or defects. The Shura is double pinned with bamboo while the Kurome is double pinned with 1 bamboo and 1 brass mekugi. I like the black same against the brown ito on the Kurome so I painted the saya to match. I think the brown and black look good. i also changed both tsubas. The Shura got the Crane and the Kurome got the old Shura tsuba. I didn't like the stock Kurome tsuba and I think the old Shura tsuba stands out more against the brown.
Both may be a little short for the majority. The Shura is 10.5" and the Kurome is closer to 10". I wish Cheness would make 12" the standard for their katanas. Saying that, I'm still fine with the stock tsukas.
I haven't done any test cutting yet because there's about 2 feet of snow in the back yard but I'll start in the spring. I have no complaints about either sword other than one same panel on the Shura doesn't line up exactly with one mekugi hole. It's off by a few millimeters.... Hey, I had to find something to complain about. ;D Personally I think Cheness is way cheap for their quality. Just don't spread that around and drive up the prices. Since the Shura is being discontinued, I think the Kurome is a great successor. Besides, you can still buy a Tenchi.
Conclusion
Historical accuracy: ? Dunno, but they look like katanas to me.
Fit & finish: 4/5 Not as pretty as a Hanwei but a hell of a lot tougher.
Structural integrity: 5/5 ...a hell of a lot tougher.
Value for money: 5/5 IMO.
Great customer service and well put together swords. There's prettier... but these are great for the money.
Shura - www.chenessinc.com/shura.htm
Kurome - www.chenessinc.com/kurome.htm
I purchased the Shura in early 07 and the Kurome in late 07. I have Enough with the formalities and on to the eye candy. The Shura is pictured on top.
Initial impressions:
Both swords arrived fairly quickly and undamaged and both came in presentational display boxes. The Shura came with a cleaning kit and single tiered stand while the Kurome came with a double tiered stand. All fittings and ito are tight on both swords.
The Shura is slightly bigger than the Kurome and feels more blade heavy. The Kurome also has a greater sori than the Shura. I think it is much more attractive.
The Blades
Both blades are free of defects and blemishes. I think the funny thing about Cheness blades is that while they look like a satin finish in one way but are mirror reflective when you catch the light just right.
Here's a close up of the tip of the Kurome
Tsuka / Tsuba
Both cores are fine with no cracks or defects. The Shura is double pinned with bamboo while the Kurome is double pinned with 1 bamboo and 1 brass mekugi. I like the black same against the brown ito on the Kurome so I painted the saya to match. I think the brown and black look good. i also changed both tsubas. The Shura got the Crane and the Kurome got the old Shura tsuba. I didn't like the stock Kurome tsuba and I think the old Shura tsuba stands out more against the brown.
Both may be a little short for the majority. The Shura is 10.5" and the Kurome is closer to 10". I wish Cheness would make 12" the standard for their katanas. Saying that, I'm still fine with the stock tsukas.
I haven't done any test cutting yet because there's about 2 feet of snow in the back yard but I'll start in the spring. I have no complaints about either sword other than one same panel on the Shura doesn't line up exactly with one mekugi hole. It's off by a few millimeters.... Hey, I had to find something to complain about. ;D Personally I think Cheness is way cheap for their quality. Just don't spread that around and drive up the prices. Since the Shura is being discontinued, I think the Kurome is a great successor. Besides, you can still buy a Tenchi.
Conclusion
Historical accuracy: ? Dunno, but they look like katanas to me.
Fit & finish: 4/5 Not as pretty as a Hanwei but a hell of a lot tougher.
Structural integrity: 5/5 ...a hell of a lot tougher.
Value for money: 5/5 IMO.
Great customer service and well put together swords. There's prettier... but these are great for the money.