Dynasty Forge Musha Shobu
Nov 20, 2009 18:27:48 GMT
Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2009 18:27:48 GMT
Orochimaru6, Poland
Hello everyone, it’s about time for my review of Dynasty Forge Musha Shobu katana.
Reasons for purchase:
I’ve been interested in Japanese swords for about 10 years now, 3-4 years ago I decided that maybe it’s time to get a katana. At that time I had my eye on Hanwei’s Practical Plus and Practical PRO, but later on I discovered Cheness Cutlery, Cold Steel and Dynasty Forge. I couldn’t make up my mind. One day after seeing Shoboshi’s review, and making some researches on my own I’ve finally decided – I’ll get a Shobu! Of course I ordered it from wiwingti (thank you Marc!) and about 3 weeks later it arrived! Seriously – that were the longest 3 weeks in my entire life… I was sure of one thing – I needed a katana that will withstand rigorous training with ease, will be sharp, durable and will please my eyes and Shobu was my dream come true.
There is nothing more to write about that you won’t read in Shoboshi’s review. All I can give you are my personal thoughts about few things.
Tsuba
Really looks nice, way better than on any picture you’ll ever see. But I personally prefer the standard Musashi shape. One thing I’ve found disturbing – if you are a person that has a habit of putting your hand right behind the Tsuba so you are touching it, the holes have quite sharp edges so while swinging the sword it can be a little painful. I used a litte sandpaper to get rid of that edge.
Ito
Not much to say – it’s great, very tight, even diamonds and I’m sure it will last for long.
Fuchi and Kashira
Simple and functional – I don’t expect anything more, they fit nicely, no loosening.
Habaki
Made out of brass, it looks great, it fits in the saya perfectly. There are small gaps from the back side, but I don’t give a damn about it.
Tsuka
Fits in my hands perfectly, made form hardwood, no cracks. Wooden handle, with real Samehada (shark skin), really tight ito. Double pegged for safety. I love the length – I was always looking for a tsuka no shorter than 30cm, and mine is 31.
Blade
OMG! I just can’t believe it’s a sub 300$ blade. It’s sharp like hell, beautifully looking polish, perfect geometry. But just like Shoboshi I had stains on one side of the blade – I used wet sandpaper 2000 grit. Problem quickly solved. I simply love the polish of the blade – satin like on the cutting part and mirror finish on the back. I was also blown away by the long kissaki, I just loooove long kissaki (no yokote here) – amazing job!
Conclusions
Powerful, strong, massive, durable, damn sharp, agile – simple words describe everything.
Pros:
- Sub 300$ for this blade is a steal!
- Very very very very sharp.
- Great looking polish without hamon. In my taste better no hamon than fake one.
- I think it’s probably the best practical line of swords.
- Durable blade, you can be sure it will do the job.
- Simple but functional fittings.
Cons:
- Stains on ji (quickly disposed with sandpaper so don’t worry).
- Someone can see the gaps on the back of Habaki as a con (I don’t).
- I had a tsuba rattle. (Each time I was swinging the sword it made this annoying sound. After I disassembled the sword and put all things together again the rattle disappeared).
Final words:
I’ll only repeat what many other Dynasty Forge owners say: BUY IT!!! There is no way you’ll ever regret buying this sword! If I were to buy my first sword again – it would be Musha Shobu again.
Personal Suggestions:
After some thinking, drawing the sword I’ve come to a conclusion that DF should make the tsuka and the saya a little more massive. You know, add a little more wood to it to make it stronger. Also the Kurigata could be about 3, 4 cm back because the saego keeps getting in my way all the time (and I don’t want to untie it).
Thanks
Edit:
Changed the sageo wraping
Hello everyone, it’s about time for my review of Dynasty Forge Musha Shobu katana.
Reasons for purchase:
I’ve been interested in Japanese swords for about 10 years now, 3-4 years ago I decided that maybe it’s time to get a katana. At that time I had my eye on Hanwei’s Practical Plus and Practical PRO, but later on I discovered Cheness Cutlery, Cold Steel and Dynasty Forge. I couldn’t make up my mind. One day after seeing Shoboshi’s review, and making some researches on my own I’ve finally decided – I’ll get a Shobu! Of course I ordered it from wiwingti (thank you Marc!) and about 3 weeks later it arrived! Seriously – that were the longest 3 weeks in my entire life… I was sure of one thing – I needed a katana that will withstand rigorous training with ease, will be sharp, durable and will please my eyes and Shobu was my dream come true.
There is nothing more to write about that you won’t read in Shoboshi’s review. All I can give you are my personal thoughts about few things.
Tsuba
Really looks nice, way better than on any picture you’ll ever see. But I personally prefer the standard Musashi shape. One thing I’ve found disturbing – if you are a person that has a habit of putting your hand right behind the Tsuba so you are touching it, the holes have quite sharp edges so while swinging the sword it can be a little painful. I used a litte sandpaper to get rid of that edge.
Ito
Not much to say – it’s great, very tight, even diamonds and I’m sure it will last for long.
Fuchi and Kashira
Simple and functional – I don’t expect anything more, they fit nicely, no loosening.
Habaki
Made out of brass, it looks great, it fits in the saya perfectly. There are small gaps from the back side, but I don’t give a damn about it.
Tsuka
Fits in my hands perfectly, made form hardwood, no cracks. Wooden handle, with real Samehada (shark skin), really tight ito. Double pegged for safety. I love the length – I was always looking for a tsuka no shorter than 30cm, and mine is 31.
Blade
OMG! I just can’t believe it’s a sub 300$ blade. It’s sharp like hell, beautifully looking polish, perfect geometry. But just like Shoboshi I had stains on one side of the blade – I used wet sandpaper 2000 grit. Problem quickly solved. I simply love the polish of the blade – satin like on the cutting part and mirror finish on the back. I was also blown away by the long kissaki, I just loooove long kissaki (no yokote here) – amazing job!
Conclusions
Powerful, strong, massive, durable, damn sharp, agile – simple words describe everything.
Pros:
- Sub 300$ for this blade is a steal!
- Very very very very sharp.
- Great looking polish without hamon. In my taste better no hamon than fake one.
- I think it’s probably the best practical line of swords.
- Durable blade, you can be sure it will do the job.
- Simple but functional fittings.
Cons:
- Stains on ji (quickly disposed with sandpaper so don’t worry).
- Someone can see the gaps on the back of Habaki as a con (I don’t).
- I had a tsuba rattle. (Each time I was swinging the sword it made this annoying sound. After I disassembled the sword and put all things together again the rattle disappeared).
Final words:
I’ll only repeat what many other Dynasty Forge owners say: BUY IT!!! There is no way you’ll ever regret buying this sword! If I were to buy my first sword again – it would be Musha Shobu again.
Personal Suggestions:
After some thinking, drawing the sword I’ve come to a conclusion that DF should make the tsuka and the saya a little more massive. You know, add a little more wood to it to make it stronger. Also the Kurigata could be about 3, 4 cm back because the saego keeps getting in my way all the time (and I don’t want to untie it).
Thanks
Edit:
Changed the sageo wraping