Cheness Tenchi Review (with videos)
Nov 26, 2008 1:10:42 GMT
Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2008 1:10:42 GMT
I received my cheness tenchi recently so I'm going to give some initial impressions. This was ordered from SBG, and I had an EXCELLENT experience with Paul! He was very helpful, responsive to emails, and even helped me out with some other sword related questions asides from the tenchi. I HIGHLY recommend him to everyone and will definitely suggest him to anyone I knows that wants to buy a sword. Thanks Paul! Moving on to the sword, here is my attempt at a quick and to the point review. Keep in mind I'm relatively inexperienced and have no formal training.
Packaging: 5/5
I was very pleased with this part. The box with a dragon theme was superb! It also came with a sword bag.
Fit and Finish: 2/5
This is the only part of the sword that is lacking. But for a 250 dollar katana that is expected. Just like paul mentioned in his review, the fittings are very simple and nothing that are a joy to look at. However they are quite functional and will do what they are intended to do. I have read a lot on SBG about issues with loose fittings, and most of them were grossly exaggerated. The menuki (ornament) moves around a little bit, but no big deal. It won't move unless you physically push it, it will move slightly. Same with the fuchi (collar), right below the tsuba, it moves around slightly but again no big deal. The saya or tsuka was definitely not cracked. The ito was wrapped tightly. I don't like the ito...it's very fuzzy. Overall the fittings aren't too visually appealing, but they are functional and should work well. I didn't get this sword for it looks. This sword is for backyard cutting fun.
Blade: 5/5
As soon as I took it out, I decided to see if it was sharp by testing it using my thumb. It felt quite dull, so I got a bit disappointed and used more of a slicing motion and finally a tiny cut as you can see in the the picture. Not going to try that again, any more pressure I would need stitches I'm sure. I need to stop using my thumb to check the sharpness of katanas
I proceeded to chop the cardboard box it came in half without any problems. Water bottles were easily cut in half as well, despite my inexperience and terrible form. Bottles are cut no problem and so is tatami. Although Since I felt that my blade was not so sharp, it was easier done with some other katanas. But I will mention I did hit my peg on the stand it cut that in half w/o me even noticing and NO damage to the blade! If you can sharpen this blade it will be perfectly sharp AND tough.
Wow, this blade is good! The blade does have a hamon, but it isn't clearly visible, which doesn?t bother me at all because it is strictly for aesthetics. The kissaki had no scratches. The blade had a light goat of thick oily stuff, which was easily wiped off and it looked great. I am very satisfied with the cutting abilities of this blade. Since I'm quite inexperienced, this blade will be a great way for me to learn proper cutting techniques. The weight and balance are perfect for me too. Very different from my cold steel warrior o katana, which feels like a big heavy pole. The cold steel is good in it's own way, but this cheness seems more "katana like" compared to my cold steel warrior sword. I'm bound to make mistakes, and the 9260 spring steel will withstand any cuts I perform with the wrong form.
Overall I recommend the cheness tenchi! It is a great backyard cutter, and if that is what you are looking for, I think for $250 this can't be beat as a beater sword. And I definitely suggest buying from SBG. It is the place to buy cheness. Buy from paul, you will not be dissappointed.
Any questions you have feel free to ask or message me! Once again, thank to Paul from SBG for making this a pleasure to buy.
Packaging: 5/5
I was very pleased with this part. The box with a dragon theme was superb! It also came with a sword bag.
Fit and Finish: 2/5
This is the only part of the sword that is lacking. But for a 250 dollar katana that is expected. Just like paul mentioned in his review, the fittings are very simple and nothing that are a joy to look at. However they are quite functional and will do what they are intended to do. I have read a lot on SBG about issues with loose fittings, and most of them were grossly exaggerated. The menuki (ornament) moves around a little bit, but no big deal. It won't move unless you physically push it, it will move slightly. Same with the fuchi (collar), right below the tsuba, it moves around slightly but again no big deal. The saya or tsuka was definitely not cracked. The ito was wrapped tightly. I don't like the ito...it's very fuzzy. Overall the fittings aren't too visually appealing, but they are functional and should work well. I didn't get this sword for it looks. This sword is for backyard cutting fun.
Blade: 5/5
As soon as I took it out, I decided to see if it was sharp by testing it using my thumb. It felt quite dull, so I got a bit disappointed and used more of a slicing motion and finally a tiny cut as you can see in the the picture. Not going to try that again, any more pressure I would need stitches I'm sure. I need to stop using my thumb to check the sharpness of katanas
I proceeded to chop the cardboard box it came in half without any problems. Water bottles were easily cut in half as well, despite my inexperience and terrible form. Bottles are cut no problem and so is tatami. Although Since I felt that my blade was not so sharp, it was easier done with some other katanas. But I will mention I did hit my peg on the stand it cut that in half w/o me even noticing and NO damage to the blade! If you can sharpen this blade it will be perfectly sharp AND tough.
Wow, this blade is good! The blade does have a hamon, but it isn't clearly visible, which doesn?t bother me at all because it is strictly for aesthetics. The kissaki had no scratches. The blade had a light goat of thick oily stuff, which was easily wiped off and it looked great. I am very satisfied with the cutting abilities of this blade. Since I'm quite inexperienced, this blade will be a great way for me to learn proper cutting techniques. The weight and balance are perfect for me too. Very different from my cold steel warrior o katana, which feels like a big heavy pole. The cold steel is good in it's own way, but this cheness seems more "katana like" compared to my cold steel warrior sword. I'm bound to make mistakes, and the 9260 spring steel will withstand any cuts I perform with the wrong form.
Overall I recommend the cheness tenchi! It is a great backyard cutter, and if that is what you are looking for, I think for $250 this can't be beat as a beater sword. And I definitely suggest buying from SBG. It is the place to buy cheness. Buy from paul, you will not be dissappointed.
Any questions you have feel free to ask or message me! Once again, thank to Paul from SBG for making this a pleasure to buy.