Musashi SS808BK *Updated April 20*
Apr 20, 2009 20:46:08 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2009 20:46:08 GMT
Introduction
I got this sword as a replacement by Musashiswords.com for the things that were wrong with the 783. I had really high hopes for this sword due to the supposed real hamon!
Initial Impressions
When the parcel arrived it was a simple brown box just like all the other Musashi swords, with a bunch of "Priority Mail USPS" stickers all over it along with the Dragons Cavern sticker and this time a very large FRAGILE sticker.
Upon opening that cardboard box I was awared with ANOTHER box but this time a multicolored (red, black, gold, etc) with Musashi on the box. So I opened that box.
In the Musashi box was the Katana inside a sword bag held in the middle of the box with styrofoam to stop the sword from bouncing around. Also in the box was a COA with a bunch information of the sword.
When I opened the sword bag I pulled out a very sharp looking Katana (just like the 783) and was really impressed! I couldn't wait to take a closer look at the blade!
I pulled the blade out of the Saya and wiped the oil from the blade! At first I didn't think I had a hamon and it wasn't until I looked VERY closely and with a flashlight that I was able to spot it! This appears to be a VERY real hamon!
Statistics
Blade/Nagasa Length: 28 1/2"
Handle/Tsuka Length: 11"
Overall Length: 40 1/2"
Guard/Tsuba Width: 0.20"
POB (Point of Balance): Unknown
Weight: approx 2.5 - 3 lbs
Blade: 1060 Carbon Steel
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
Unlike the blade from the 783 Takeo Katana, the blade on the 808 appears to be a real DH with a real hamon! I looked at the hamon under a magnifying glass and I am sure it is real. The blade is very straight and sharp! The markings on the tang are picture below as well.
The Handle/Tsuka
Standard cloth wrap over real rayskin. The tsuka is wrapped REALLY tight and doesn't feel like it would slip
Menuki is the exact same as the 783. I'll use the same picture from the 783 to give people an idea.
The tsuka came off easily and was NOT glued unlike the one for the 783 which was.
Upon closer examination... two fractures in the wood. I didn't even get a chance to try and cut with the blade. This is the second Musashi Takeo that has arrived to me with a broken tsuka. One is a hairline fracture that can barely be seen and the other is quite profound.
The Guard/Tsuba
The tsuba is a simple iron, paint black, and I'm not sure what the style is called.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
Exact same as the 783 so I'll just use the same picture from the 783 to give people an idea.
The Scabbard/Saya
Simple saya which the sword fits very nice into.
Seppa and Habaki
The Habaki is nice and plain unlike the 783 model. The only markings are "Musashi" and their logo on along with two Kanji on the top Seppa.
Handling Characteristics
Handles very nicely although I don't dare do too much with it.
Test Cutting
Sadly no cutting can be done because of the broken Tsuka. I will get some wood glue and do a little "touch up" on the crack and then do a few test cuts with it when the weather dries! I'll update this review and change the name so people know!
UPDATE: I decided to just say screw it and for the 10 minutes the rain stopped I took it outside. The sword cut through a 2 liter plastic pop bottle more easily than my 783 did.
Latest Cut: 2L Pop Bottle, Water, Balanced, Musashi 808BK
Conclusions
For the price I paid for this Katana (which was only the cost of shipping) then I'd say it's an excellent deal. After getting two swords with broken tsuka I would suggest only buying any Takeo Katana and expect to have to replace the tsuka or at least a little work to make it more safe. But a DH blade for these prices is almost unheard of!
Pros
- DH Blade with real hamon
- Weight and balance are pretty good
- No secondary bevel
Cons
- Markings on the top Seppa
- Cracked Tsuka in 2 places
I got this sword as a replacement by Musashiswords.com for the things that were wrong with the 783. I had really high hopes for this sword due to the supposed real hamon!
Initial Impressions
When the parcel arrived it was a simple brown box just like all the other Musashi swords, with a bunch of "Priority Mail USPS" stickers all over it along with the Dragons Cavern sticker and this time a very large FRAGILE sticker.
Upon opening that cardboard box I was awared with ANOTHER box but this time a multicolored (red, black, gold, etc) with Musashi on the box. So I opened that box.
In the Musashi box was the Katana inside a sword bag held in the middle of the box with styrofoam to stop the sword from bouncing around. Also in the box was a COA with a bunch information of the sword.
When I opened the sword bag I pulled out a very sharp looking Katana (just like the 783) and was really impressed! I couldn't wait to take a closer look at the blade!
I pulled the blade out of the Saya and wiped the oil from the blade! At first I didn't think I had a hamon and it wasn't until I looked VERY closely and with a flashlight that I was able to spot it! This appears to be a VERY real hamon!
Statistics
Blade/Nagasa Length: 28 1/2"
Handle/Tsuka Length: 11"
Overall Length: 40 1/2"
Guard/Tsuba Width: 0.20"
POB (Point of Balance): Unknown
Weight: approx 2.5 - 3 lbs
Blade: 1060 Carbon Steel
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
Unlike the blade from the 783 Takeo Katana, the blade on the 808 appears to be a real DH with a real hamon! I looked at the hamon under a magnifying glass and I am sure it is real. The blade is very straight and sharp! The markings on the tang are picture below as well.
The Handle/Tsuka
Standard cloth wrap over real rayskin. The tsuka is wrapped REALLY tight and doesn't feel like it would slip
Menuki is the exact same as the 783. I'll use the same picture from the 783 to give people an idea.
The tsuka came off easily and was NOT glued unlike the one for the 783 which was.
Upon closer examination... two fractures in the wood. I didn't even get a chance to try and cut with the blade. This is the second Musashi Takeo that has arrived to me with a broken tsuka. One is a hairline fracture that can barely be seen and the other is quite profound.
The Guard/Tsuba
The tsuba is a simple iron, paint black, and I'm not sure what the style is called.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
Exact same as the 783 so I'll just use the same picture from the 783 to give people an idea.
The Scabbard/Saya
Simple saya which the sword fits very nice into.
Seppa and Habaki
The Habaki is nice and plain unlike the 783 model. The only markings are "Musashi" and their logo on along with two Kanji on the top Seppa.
Handling Characteristics
Handles very nicely although I don't dare do too much with it.
Test Cutting
Sadly no cutting can be done because of the broken Tsuka. I will get some wood glue and do a little "touch up" on the crack and then do a few test cuts with it when the weather dries! I'll update this review and change the name so people know!
UPDATE: I decided to just say screw it and for the 10 minutes the rain stopped I took it outside. The sword cut through a 2 liter plastic pop bottle more easily than my 783 did.
Latest Cut: 2L Pop Bottle, Water, Balanced, Musashi 808BK
Conclusions
For the price I paid for this Katana (which was only the cost of shipping) then I'd say it's an excellent deal. After getting two swords with broken tsuka I would suggest only buying any Takeo Katana and expect to have to replace the tsuka or at least a little work to make it more safe. But a DH blade for these prices is almost unheard of!
Pros
- DH Blade with real hamon
- Weight and balance are pretty good
- No secondary bevel
Cons
- Markings on the top Seppa
- Cracked Tsuka in 2 places