Unofficial Review: Cheness Stainless Steel Iaito
Jul 17, 2008 8:45:33 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2008 8:45:33 GMT
Although I'm not an official member of the SBG review team (yet....maybe someday?), I decided to offer my review of the Cheness stainless steel iaito which I just recieved. This item was on backorder status when I ordered it, and is currently marked as sold out.
First, let's start with some pics...
The iaito arrived in an upholstered wooden box. Good thing, too. The box seems to have taken some light damage during shipping.
I took more pics, but they came out a little fuzzy.
I have to admit, I was not expecting a very high quality product at the $159.99 price tag. Well, that notion got blown right out the door when I first opened the box and inspected my new iaito ! The feel, fit, and finish of this item is very impressive considering it's low price !
The blade measures 28 inches in length, featuring a bo-hi and a beautifully rendered false hamon in ko-notare style. As it is stainless steel, it takes a very nice polish if you like a mirror finish on a non-cutting sword as well.
The iaito comes with a standard black lacquered saya that is very slim and sleek compared to other saya I have handled in the past. The saya is also fitted to the habaki and blade very securely, without the bothersome rattles associated with poorer workmanship. the sageo is made of a heavy woven nylon, and seems very durable.
The tsuka measures 11 1/2 inches and is secured by two mekugi, the forward being made of susudake, and the lower being made of solid brass. The tsuka is also fitted to the nakago very tightly. Even after putting the iaito in my bench vice, I couldn't remove it. So, it is on there real damned tight, making it much safer than some live blades I have handled in the past.
The ito is wrapped very tightly and the menuki do not move at all, another pleasant surprise. The same is nice and bright, although it is pushed up and out a bit at the mekugi-ana. The kashira, fuchi, habaki, and seppa are all fitted very tight as well, making for a solid feel in the hand.
This iaito has a balance point at 5 inches past the tsuba, which I find to be a good POB for a non-cutting sword. It allows you to perform any manner of kata with precision and control, while helping to tone the muscles and strengthen the wrists.
Of course, there were some very minor cosmetic issues with this item, as there are with any sword in this price range. The habaki is made of brass and has a few scratches running along it. The kashira and fuchi are very plain looking, and the finish on the kashira seems to be flaking off. The blade also has a few light scratches on it, but nothing some ultra-fine wet/dry paper won't buff out.
I have to say that I am very impressed with this item, and feel confident in recommending it to anyone getting started in JSA, or who want a stylish, well made iaito at a very reasonable cost. With any luck, Cheness will continue to make this model. Until then, there is another model very similar to this one that is also by Cheness at the same price. It is available in high carbon steel, and I can only imagine it is of the same great quality as it's stainless cousin. ;D
First, let's start with some pics...
The iaito arrived in an upholstered wooden box. Good thing, too. The box seems to have taken some light damage during shipping.
I took more pics, but they came out a little fuzzy.
I have to admit, I was not expecting a very high quality product at the $159.99 price tag. Well, that notion got blown right out the door when I first opened the box and inspected my new iaito ! The feel, fit, and finish of this item is very impressive considering it's low price !
The blade measures 28 inches in length, featuring a bo-hi and a beautifully rendered false hamon in ko-notare style. As it is stainless steel, it takes a very nice polish if you like a mirror finish on a non-cutting sword as well.
The iaito comes with a standard black lacquered saya that is very slim and sleek compared to other saya I have handled in the past. The saya is also fitted to the habaki and blade very securely, without the bothersome rattles associated with poorer workmanship. the sageo is made of a heavy woven nylon, and seems very durable.
The tsuka measures 11 1/2 inches and is secured by two mekugi, the forward being made of susudake, and the lower being made of solid brass. The tsuka is also fitted to the nakago very tightly. Even after putting the iaito in my bench vice, I couldn't remove it. So, it is on there real damned tight, making it much safer than some live blades I have handled in the past.
The ito is wrapped very tightly and the menuki do not move at all, another pleasant surprise. The same is nice and bright, although it is pushed up and out a bit at the mekugi-ana. The kashira, fuchi, habaki, and seppa are all fitted very tight as well, making for a solid feel in the hand.
This iaito has a balance point at 5 inches past the tsuba, which I find to be a good POB for a non-cutting sword. It allows you to perform any manner of kata with precision and control, while helping to tone the muscles and strengthen the wrists.
Of course, there were some very minor cosmetic issues with this item, as there are with any sword in this price range. The habaki is made of brass and has a few scratches running along it. The kashira and fuchi are very plain looking, and the finish on the kashira seems to be flaking off. The blade also has a few light scratches on it, but nothing some ultra-fine wet/dry paper won't buff out.
I have to say that I am very impressed with this item, and feel confident in recommending it to anyone getting started in JSA, or who want a stylish, well made iaito at a very reasonable cost. With any luck, Cheness will continue to make this model. Until then, there is another model very similar to this one that is also by Cheness at the same price. It is available in high carbon steel, and I can only imagine it is of the same great quality as it's stainless cousin. ;D