Cheness Kaze Katana review
May 28, 2008 22:37:32 GMT
Post by Deleted on May 28, 2008 22:37:32 GMT
Hey, everyone!
This is my review of Cheness's "Kaze" - 9260 Differentially Hardened Spring Steel Katana
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I've wanted a sword of my own for so many years, but until recently that was just something to day dream about.. That's changed now. As some of you may remember, I created a thread a few months ago asking about which sword would be right for me. I wanted something that would satisfy a new backyard cutter, and my answer was the Kaze... I'm pleased to say that it was the right choice.
I purchased the sword from Sword Buyer's Guide for $280... and if you don't think that's good enough of a deal, there's also free shipping! Seven days later, the UPS man handed me a long package. Being the kid I am, I gathered everyone up that I could to watch me open up the box.. To my surprise, inside was a beautifully designed dragon themed wooden display box
This was already more than I expected, for some reason I thought I'd be getting the sword in the Saya wrapped up in bubble wrap. XD Anyways.. As you can see, there are two locking mechanisms on the case, they're pretty fun to use and keep the box closed. What awaited me inside was more then I could ever ask for...
It was pretty bright outside that day. The light was shining in on the box, so when I opened it there was a soft yellow glow for a few moments..And there it was, laid out just like that.. I can't remember exactly how I felt when I first saw the Kaze, but it was sort of like a rising excitement and awe. I've never seen a real sword with my own eyes before, and all the sudden there was one in front of me, one that was mine..
-------------------------------------------
The Kaze is a real beauty. Even if I had to keep it inside the black glossy lacquered medium hardwood Saya forever, I'd still spend $280 on it. I've never seen anything so simple yet dazzling, it's just mind blowing that a weapon can be made appear so beautiful.
The Tsuka's Same is hard bumpy real ray skin, and tightly wrapped around that is the black cotton. I've never felt ray skin before in my life... but I like to hold the sword now just to feel it. ;D Between the cotton and ray skin, there is a little figure inside.. not sure what it is exactly, but when holding the sword it feels nice on your fingers... like it was meant to be comfy or a guide on where your fingers should be. It seems to help me a lot with holding the sword.
On the bottom of the Tsuba is a a brass Kashira, which looks and feels like gray dragon skin... just by touching it it feels kind of heavy duty, so I don't think it would crack or break if the sword was dropped on it.
Above all of that is the blackened cast steel Tsuba, which I think distinguishes the Kaze from many other swords. It feels smooth, and very heavy duty, so if the Tsuba was hit or dropped on I think there would be no damage. Against a real sword, it could probably withstand many hits and still look okay. This thing is tough!
The Saya is 30.5 inches long, it's smooth, and it's light. I'm not sure what to say about it, but it does it's job well. =D The sword is snug inside of the Saya, so you can hold it upside down for a bit and it won't fall out... but at the same time it's easy to pull the blade out! Inside is some nice soft wood.. it looks like the wood on corks, but I can't be sure. All I know is that it does it's job and keeps the blade safe.
-------------------------------------------
So let's talk about the blade of the Kaze. Many people decide to buy the Kaze because it is differently hardened, which means to me that there's a real hamon. The real hamon was a major deciding point for me, because I just wanted something real... you know? Something that felt authentic. On top of that, the blade has a very nice polish. ;D You can see yourself in the blade as if it were a mirror, and light reflects beautifully off of it. It's hard to describe in words, so here's two videos of what I mean.
Another selling point for me was that the Omote (cutting side) is stronger than the Ura (back of the blade ). Within the past week, I have cut around 40 water bottles with the Kaze, and a few milk jugs. After all of that cutting, the blade is still in the same shape as it was when I got it! Except for a few handsome scratches. =p But yeah, the blade is still as sharp and straight as it was on the day that I got it. I guess the stronger Omote pays off, because now your blade remains sharper for a longer period of time.
Just how sharp is the Kaze? Well, I can assure you that it gets any job you want done. Paper? Easily cut. Cardboard? Like butter to a knife. Water bottles? Haha, no match! The Kaze will cut anything a backyard cutter puts in front of it, as long as you're careful and make good alignment. The blade feels very nice when passing through a target, it's like waving your arm through water... it feels like an extension of yourself, rather than a tool. As you're about to see in the video ahead, even someone with less than week's experience can take down targets with ease.
I'll probably post a new video here every week or two for awhile.. Right now I'm busy with school and exams, but they're almost over. =)
-------------------------------------------
Just to be safe, here are some specifications on the sword.
***(from Cheness's website)***
Name "Kaze" (Wind)
Blade Differentially Hardened 9260 Silicon Alloy Carbon Spring Steel.
Overall Length (+ Saya) 42.5"
Treatment Full Hand Forged, Clay Hardened, Water Quenched, Hand Polished
Finish Tameshigiri Polish
Blade Dimension 28" Length, 0.3" Width, 1.25" Height
Sori (Curvature) 0.7"
Weight 2 lbs 9 oz
Tsuba/Fuchi/Kashira Blackened Cast Steel Tsuba with Antiqued Brass Fuchi/Kashira
Balance Point 5" above tsuba (with fuller), 6" above tsuba (without fuller)
Tsuka/Ho 11" Wood
Tsuka Ito Black Cotton
Mekugi 2 X Wood (Double Pinned)
Same Real Ray Skin Panel Wrap
Saya 30.5" Black Glossy Lacquered Medium Hardwood
Here's some pictures of me with the Kaze Katana so you can see for yourself it's size. Please note, I'm only 5'5", so consider that when looking at the size of the sword.
-------------------------------------------
Many members of the Sword Buyer's Guide forums have helped me in my decision to purchase the Kaze. To them, I'd like to say a big thanks. And to anyone pondering about their next or first purchase, here's what I have to say.. The Kaze is an amazing sword, an awesome sword. It is a backyard cutter's dream come true! It shines in the sun, it cuts with ease, and it's beautiful. If you've considered buying a Kaze, then I hope this review will convince you to make the purchase.
And here's the numbers.
Historical Accuracy: 5/5 Why a five out of five? Because to any common person, this blade would appear authentic.
Fit and Finish: 5/5 I'd have never expected a sub $300 blade to mirror and reflect sunlight like the Kaze, but I'm happy to say that this sword exceeds my expectations. =)
Handling: 5/5 The Kaze handles like it's an extension of you. It cuts without much effort, and it feels amazing when you land a perfect cut..
Structural Integrity: 5/5 I've only owned this sword for a few days, but within those few days I can safely conclude that everything is as tight as can be. No wobbling, no loose parts, it feels like this blade is one whole rather than many parts stuck together.
Value for Money: 5/5 Honestly, I would have thought this sword would have cost around $400. I'm happy to tell you that it costs only $280... really! The shipping is free!
Overall score 5/5 No, really. The Kaze is the perfect sword to me, it exceeds my expectations in every way.. You can't ask for a better sword for that price!
Thank you for hearing me out, everyone! This was my first review of anything, so go easy on me, hehe. I'm a bit new with all words for katana parts, so if I misused any then just send me a PM and I'll correct it. I'll also be sure to keep you all updated on my Kaze, and I'll also be adding additional videos as time goes on. See you! ;D
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New Stuff
----------------
This is my review of Cheness's "Kaze" - 9260 Differentially Hardened Spring Steel Katana
-------------------------------------------
I've wanted a sword of my own for so many years, but until recently that was just something to day dream about.. That's changed now. As some of you may remember, I created a thread a few months ago asking about which sword would be right for me. I wanted something that would satisfy a new backyard cutter, and my answer was the Kaze... I'm pleased to say that it was the right choice.
I purchased the sword from Sword Buyer's Guide for $280... and if you don't think that's good enough of a deal, there's also free shipping! Seven days later, the UPS man handed me a long package. Being the kid I am, I gathered everyone up that I could to watch me open up the box.. To my surprise, inside was a beautifully designed dragon themed wooden display box
This was already more than I expected, for some reason I thought I'd be getting the sword in the Saya wrapped up in bubble wrap. XD Anyways.. As you can see, there are two locking mechanisms on the case, they're pretty fun to use and keep the box closed. What awaited me inside was more then I could ever ask for...
It was pretty bright outside that day. The light was shining in on the box, so when I opened it there was a soft yellow glow for a few moments..And there it was, laid out just like that.. I can't remember exactly how I felt when I first saw the Kaze, but it was sort of like a rising excitement and awe. I've never seen a real sword with my own eyes before, and all the sudden there was one in front of me, one that was mine..
-------------------------------------------
The Kaze is a real beauty. Even if I had to keep it inside the black glossy lacquered medium hardwood Saya forever, I'd still spend $280 on it. I've never seen anything so simple yet dazzling, it's just mind blowing that a weapon can be made appear so beautiful.
The Tsuka's Same is hard bumpy real ray skin, and tightly wrapped around that is the black cotton. I've never felt ray skin before in my life... but I like to hold the sword now just to feel it. ;D Between the cotton and ray skin, there is a little figure inside.. not sure what it is exactly, but when holding the sword it feels nice on your fingers... like it was meant to be comfy or a guide on where your fingers should be. It seems to help me a lot with holding the sword.
On the bottom of the Tsuba is a a brass Kashira, which looks and feels like gray dragon skin... just by touching it it feels kind of heavy duty, so I don't think it would crack or break if the sword was dropped on it.
Above all of that is the blackened cast steel Tsuba, which I think distinguishes the Kaze from many other swords. It feels smooth, and very heavy duty, so if the Tsuba was hit or dropped on I think there would be no damage. Against a real sword, it could probably withstand many hits and still look okay. This thing is tough!
The Saya is 30.5 inches long, it's smooth, and it's light. I'm not sure what to say about it, but it does it's job well. =D The sword is snug inside of the Saya, so you can hold it upside down for a bit and it won't fall out... but at the same time it's easy to pull the blade out! Inside is some nice soft wood.. it looks like the wood on corks, but I can't be sure. All I know is that it does it's job and keeps the blade safe.
-------------------------------------------
So let's talk about the blade of the Kaze. Many people decide to buy the Kaze because it is differently hardened, which means to me that there's a real hamon. The real hamon was a major deciding point for me, because I just wanted something real... you know? Something that felt authentic. On top of that, the blade has a very nice polish. ;D You can see yourself in the blade as if it were a mirror, and light reflects beautifully off of it. It's hard to describe in words, so here's two videos of what I mean.
Another selling point for me was that the Omote (cutting side) is stronger than the Ura (back of the blade ). Within the past week, I have cut around 40 water bottles with the Kaze, and a few milk jugs. After all of that cutting, the blade is still in the same shape as it was when I got it! Except for a few handsome scratches. =p But yeah, the blade is still as sharp and straight as it was on the day that I got it. I guess the stronger Omote pays off, because now your blade remains sharper for a longer period of time.
Just how sharp is the Kaze? Well, I can assure you that it gets any job you want done. Paper? Easily cut. Cardboard? Like butter to a knife. Water bottles? Haha, no match! The Kaze will cut anything a backyard cutter puts in front of it, as long as you're careful and make good alignment. The blade feels very nice when passing through a target, it's like waving your arm through water... it feels like an extension of yourself, rather than a tool. As you're about to see in the video ahead, even someone with less than week's experience can take down targets with ease.
I'll probably post a new video here every week or two for awhile.. Right now I'm busy with school and exams, but they're almost over. =)
-------------------------------------------
Just to be safe, here are some specifications on the sword.
***(from Cheness's website)***
Name "Kaze" (Wind)
Blade Differentially Hardened 9260 Silicon Alloy Carbon Spring Steel.
Overall Length (+ Saya) 42.5"
Treatment Full Hand Forged, Clay Hardened, Water Quenched, Hand Polished
Finish Tameshigiri Polish
Blade Dimension 28" Length, 0.3" Width, 1.25" Height
Sori (Curvature) 0.7"
Weight 2 lbs 9 oz
Tsuba/Fuchi/Kashira Blackened Cast Steel Tsuba with Antiqued Brass Fuchi/Kashira
Balance Point 5" above tsuba (with fuller), 6" above tsuba (without fuller)
Tsuka/Ho 11" Wood
Tsuka Ito Black Cotton
Mekugi 2 X Wood (Double Pinned)
Same Real Ray Skin Panel Wrap
Saya 30.5" Black Glossy Lacquered Medium Hardwood
Here's some pictures of me with the Kaze Katana so you can see for yourself it's size. Please note, I'm only 5'5", so consider that when looking at the size of the sword.
-------------------------------------------
Many members of the Sword Buyer's Guide forums have helped me in my decision to purchase the Kaze. To them, I'd like to say a big thanks. And to anyone pondering about their next or first purchase, here's what I have to say.. The Kaze is an amazing sword, an awesome sword. It is a backyard cutter's dream come true! It shines in the sun, it cuts with ease, and it's beautiful. If you've considered buying a Kaze, then I hope this review will convince you to make the purchase.
And here's the numbers.
Historical Accuracy: 5/5 Why a five out of five? Because to any common person, this blade would appear authentic.
Fit and Finish: 5/5 I'd have never expected a sub $300 blade to mirror and reflect sunlight like the Kaze, but I'm happy to say that this sword exceeds my expectations. =)
Handling: 5/5 The Kaze handles like it's an extension of you. It cuts without much effort, and it feels amazing when you land a perfect cut..
Structural Integrity: 5/5 I've only owned this sword for a few days, but within those few days I can safely conclude that everything is as tight as can be. No wobbling, no loose parts, it feels like this blade is one whole rather than many parts stuck together.
Value for Money: 5/5 Honestly, I would have thought this sword would have cost around $400. I'm happy to tell you that it costs only $280... really! The shipping is free!
Overall score 5/5 No, really. The Kaze is the perfect sword to me, it exceeds my expectations in every way.. You can't ask for a better sword for that price!
Thank you for hearing me out, everyone! This was my first review of anything, so go easy on me, hehe. I'm a bit new with all words for katana parts, so if I misused any then just send me a PM and I'll correct it. I'll also be sure to keep you all updated on my Kaze, and I'll also be adding additional videos as time goes on. See you! ;D
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New Stuff
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