Musashi Wind Dragon Katana (images now in forum)
Dec 25, 2008 1:39:19 GMT
Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2008 1:39:19 GMT
These Musahi's just keep coming because they are so cheap yet so functional and well built. I bought this particular katana because of the low price of 80 dollars, and because it had a saya that was blue (also available in red and black). The tsuba also attracted me, it was different from my other katana's.
This Musashi, like all my other musashi's was also ordered from SOM. And of course they had fast shipping, excellent customer service, and very nice packaging as usual. I love the fact that they send you a tracking link the same day you order, and you know right away when the sword will be here. Moving on to the initial impressions.
The sword came packaged very nicely. I really wasn't expecting this for 80 dollars. It has a very nice box lined with silk on the inside. The sword was wrapped in a clear plastic bag, which I removed before taking the pictures. There was also a nice and sturdy sword stand included. Without even taking the sword out of the saya I knew this was a good deal, because I saw similar stands going for 10 dollars, and I think a decorated and silk lined box like that alone would sell for at least 10, but more likely around 20. So that means I paid 50 for this katana? Not bad. Here are some initial pictures of the packaging.
Measurements:
Blade: 27"
Handle: 11"
Overall: 39"
Weight: 2.6 Lbs
DESIGN, FIT, & FINISH
The Blade:
This blade is THE sharpest blade I own. It actually feels sharp, as in skin cutting sharp just by thumbing the edge. For reference I have katanas from cold steel and cheness, and this blade is definitely sharper than those two. In a paper cutting test, I didn't have to slice, it went through the paper like it wasn't even there by me just pulling the paper up! This kind of sharpness may not be desirable on a katana because it will surely chip fast on harder targets, I have a feeling that this sword just might be TOO sharp.
The hamon is cosmetic of course, but nonetheless it looks great. The kissaski is very sharp and thus also prone to bending if abused.
Tsuka:
The ito seems to be nice and tight, and the cottons isn't fuzzy.
The tsuba:
I really like the tsuba. It feels very solid, and the dragon theme on it looks great.
The saya:
this is one unique thing about the wind dragon, you can get the saya in black, red, or blue. Since I didn't have a blue saya in my collection, I opted for a blue one.
Here are more pictures.
As of right now I have done no cutting, but I'm certain this will perform well! The blade is light and very sharp as mentioned, so I will stick to using targets that won't bend or chip the blade.
CONCLUSION and SBG Ratings
I would recommend this sword to anyone. Mostly because of what you get for 80 dollars. I am satisfied with the musashi's I have thus far.
Historical Accuracy: 3/5 (not differentially hardened, cosmetic hamon)
Fit and Finish: 5/5 (no loose pieces, everything was nice and tight, no scratches or dents)
Handling: 5/5 (very light katana)
Structural Integrity: 3/5 (blade is too sharp, prone to chipping)
Value for Money: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
This Musashi, like all my other musashi's was also ordered from SOM. And of course they had fast shipping, excellent customer service, and very nice packaging as usual. I love the fact that they send you a tracking link the same day you order, and you know right away when the sword will be here. Moving on to the initial impressions.
The sword came packaged very nicely. I really wasn't expecting this for 80 dollars. It has a very nice box lined with silk on the inside. The sword was wrapped in a clear plastic bag, which I removed before taking the pictures. There was also a nice and sturdy sword stand included. Without even taking the sword out of the saya I knew this was a good deal, because I saw similar stands going for 10 dollars, and I think a decorated and silk lined box like that alone would sell for at least 10, but more likely around 20. So that means I paid 50 for this katana? Not bad. Here are some initial pictures of the packaging.
Measurements:
Blade: 27"
Handle: 11"
Overall: 39"
Weight: 2.6 Lbs
DESIGN, FIT, & FINISH
The Blade:
This blade is THE sharpest blade I own. It actually feels sharp, as in skin cutting sharp just by thumbing the edge. For reference I have katanas from cold steel and cheness, and this blade is definitely sharper than those two. In a paper cutting test, I didn't have to slice, it went through the paper like it wasn't even there by me just pulling the paper up! This kind of sharpness may not be desirable on a katana because it will surely chip fast on harder targets, I have a feeling that this sword just might be TOO sharp.
The hamon is cosmetic of course, but nonetheless it looks great. The kissaski is very sharp and thus also prone to bending if abused.
Tsuka:
The ito seems to be nice and tight, and the cottons isn't fuzzy.
The tsuba:
I really like the tsuba. It feels very solid, and the dragon theme on it looks great.
The saya:
this is one unique thing about the wind dragon, you can get the saya in black, red, or blue. Since I didn't have a blue saya in my collection, I opted for a blue one.
Here are more pictures.
As of right now I have done no cutting, but I'm certain this will perform well! The blade is light and very sharp as mentioned, so I will stick to using targets that won't bend or chip the blade.
CONCLUSION and SBG Ratings
I would recommend this sword to anyone. Mostly because of what you get for 80 dollars. I am satisfied with the musashi's I have thus far.
Historical Accuracy: 3/5 (not differentially hardened, cosmetic hamon)
Fit and Finish: 5/5 (no loose pieces, everything was nice and tight, no scratches or dents)
Handling: 5/5 (very light katana)
Structural Integrity: 3/5 (blade is too sharp, prone to chipping)
Value for Money: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5