Munetoshi 'Roshigumi' Customized Daisho Review
Feb 10, 2010 22:44:31 GMT
Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2010 22:44:31 GMT
Introduction
Konbanwa SBG!
I have something special to share today. I decided to stray off my reviewing routine in honor of Valentine’s Day and review something that is unique, though it is not sub-$300.00. I’ll not be reviewing one sword; I’ll be reviewing two. They are a customized daisho that has been built around two Munetoshi blades and are sold as a set. They are called Roshigumi and can be found here: www.swordnarmory.com/T10-Custom-Daisho-Sword-Set-Katatemaki-Yorimaki-p/cs-3201-daisho.htm
The Roshigumi daisho is priced at $798.98 and so far is a one of a kind set. The blades were hand-picked and the fittings matched and customized by Sword N Armory’s tsukamakishi, Kevin Kawakami. I am rather partial to Kevin’s work; I watched him wrap his first tsuka and he has repaired and customized four of my swords so far, with another nine or ten projects in the works. One of the swords he rewrapped for me is my Nami iaito, which is still tight as a drum after a year of daily use by myself and weekly use by sometimes as many as fifteen other people. Additionally, I have plans to marry the guy, which may or may not affect my opinion of his work. I felt this daisho was the perfect thing to review now, as my fiancé had customized it, it’s unique and there are two swords involved.
Historical overview
The blades to me are reminiscent of Shinto Era swords, which were forged in Japan between the years of 1597 and 1780. They have a very similar shape and feel, though the blades of the daisho are slightly on the thin side, like a blade that has been polished many times. The hamon would be considered fancy for Shinto Era, though not completely uncommon to it. Chu Kissaki blades of shinogi zukuri geometry with less sori than earlier eras were common, and these swords fit that description.
Source: www.jp-sword.com
The itomaki is a traditional style, as it’s predominantly katatemaki, which is a one-handed or battle wrap style. It also has yorimaki to show off the menuki. Yorimaki was favored by higher ranked swordsman of the Shonai Han. The styles are comfortable in the hands and pair together nicely. The sageo knot is traditional and unusual as well, as it is done in a style meant to keep the sageo free of kinks and knots.
Initial Impressions
I don’t have any box photos to share as this set has been hanging out on Kevin’s finished rack for a couple weeks now and I’m not entirely sure where the boxes are. Reviewing the set was a spur of the moment decision; I wanted to do a special review for Valentine’s Day and the daisho just seemed perfect.
Since we work together, I had the opportunity to watch this daisho transform from an Akitsushima katana and a Ko Tombo wakizashi into a cohesive unit. It was really interesting to see it come together and I think the final product is very striking. This was something Kevin had wanted to do for a long time and was excited when he had the opportunity to customize a full daisho.
The daisho has a very different look from any other sword or set I have seen as the itomaki and sageo are both rather unusual. The ito is very comfortable in the hands and would probably look out of place if the sageo was in a merchant’s knot or stretched and tied at the end of the saya, so the style it has been paired with makes a nice presentation. Both swords have a good weight and balance though they are light for my preferences. The hamon are striking and quite beautiful, making the set as a whole quite the visual treat.
Statistics
Toshin Length: Daito: 27.5" Shoto: 19.9"
Tsuka Length: Daito: 10.5“ Shoto: 7.5”
Overall Length: Daito: 39.5“ Shoto: 28.5“
Tsuba Width: Daito: 3.25” Shoto: 3”
Point of Balance: Daito: 5.25” from tsuba Shoto: 4“ from tsuba
Weight Without Saya: Daito: 2.2 Lb. Shoto: 1.8 Lb.
Components
As there is only one customized daisho, they are the exact same swords listed on the site.
The Toshin
Daito:
The blade of the katana has an incredible hamon with several tobiyaki. The polish is good until you get to the kissaki, which is counter-polished and does not display the hamon well. You can tell it’s complete through the boshi but the rough polish does it no favors. The blade also has a bohi that has a pretty standard termination for a production piece which I wish was a little more correct. Over all, the blade is light in the hands and, being made from T-10, is quite sturdy.
Shoto:
The blade of the wakizashi has a very nice, though more regular hamon. It has the same issues of bohi termination, counter polished and rough polished kissaki. It handles like the well-balanced, light wakizashi that it is and is also made of T-10.
The heat treat on both blades is very good; the blades that we have in regular use that are of these types require only regular maintenance after each use and some minimal sharpening every few months.
The Tsuka
Daito:
The tsuka on the katana is a good length and well-waisted, though it’s very straight. The itomaki is very comfortable in the hand and is visually striking as it’s a style not seen often and is a very pretty dark blue. The itomaki has hishigami beneath it and the crossovers alternate correctly; the kashira knots are tied on the correct sides as well. The kodogu all feature dragonflies and are made of steel (tsuba), iron (fushigashira) and brass (menuki). The samegawa is real; the ito is chemical fiber.
Shoto:
The tsuka on the wakizashi is a good length for the blade and not so short that it couldn’t be used two handed if desired. It is also very straight though nicely waisted. I like the itomaki on it a bit better than on the katana because it seems to flow more to me, which is due to the shorter handle I’m sure. It also has hishigami, correctly alternating crossovers and kashira knot on the correct side. Kodogu all have the same dragonfly theme and are of the same metals as on the katana. Samegawa is real and the ito is chemical fiber.
The tsuka on both swords fit nicely and don’t rattle. The katana is secured to the nakago with two bamboo mekugi; the wakizashi has one.
The Tsuba
Daito:
The tsuba of the katana is made of steel and has a nice sukashi design of a dragonfly and cattail reeds. It has been antiqued. I’m rather indifferent on the antiquing; I could take it or leave it. However, it does give the sword an old feel.
Shoto:
The tsuba of the wakizashi matches the katana tsuba in design and antiquing. It’s slightly smaller than the katanas’ tsuba, as it should be. They look very nice side by side.
The tsuba fit well on the swords and are kept from rattling by two brass seppa.
The Fuchigashira
Daito:
The fushigashira are made of iron and continue the dragonfly theme from the tsuba. I’ve seen them on other swords but I think they’re nicely done and a refreshing change from the usual ‘just sort of there and rather blah’ fushigashira. They help to create an overarching theme without being gaudy or excessive, and I personally really like it. The menuki complete the theme as they are also dragonflies but are made of brass, so they give just a hint of color.
Shoto:
The fushigashira and menuki of the wakizashi match that of the katana and are of the same metals. I would like it if the menuki on the waki were a little smaller, as their size is almost overwhelming on such a short tsuka, but that’s just personal taste.
The Saya
Daito:
The saya of the katana is a basic black lacquer that you see on many production blades, but not on the Akitsushima, which is what the blade and kodogu for this custom daito came from. It was changed to match the wakizashi and does so nicely.
The sageo is chemical fiber but is actually made out of sageo material, rather than ito. It’s black to match the saya and not clash with the ito. I didn’t really know how to feel about how it was tied, but the style has grown on me. I’ve come to appreciate it because it’s different and will keep the sageo kink-and knot-free, and I’ve decided I like it because it just looks neat.
Shoto:
The black lacquer on the saya of the wakizashi is stock, though the sageo is not. It was changed to match the sageo on the katana.
I really feel the koiguchi should be mentioned; it’s clean and has a very nice shape. While both swords sit securely in their saya and don’t rattle and the koiguchi fits well on both, I just feel like the one on the wakizashi is prettier and deserves to be pointed out.
Handling Characteristics
Kevin is 6' 3". He is demonstrating the Roshigumi katana from seiza.
I have had an opportunity to handle Shinto Era katana and own a Shinto wakizashi. The Roshigumi katana feels a tad light in comparison, while the wakizashi is about the same. Both are balanced well but feel light for my personal preferences. The bohi makes that very satisfying ‘swoosh’ sound when each sword is swung. They are both lively and fast blades.
Jenn (the author) is 5'7". She is demonstrating the Roshigumi wakizashi from seiza.
Test Cutting
We have an Akitsushima as a regular blade in our cutting group and, as the other T-10’s that I have reviewed have done, it has stood up to a lot of abuse. The resiliency of both the steel and the heat treat never cease to amaze me.
I don‘t have any footage to share of the wakizashi, but it performs the way a well-balanced, T-10 wakizashi should. It cuts just like its partner but in a smaller package.
Conclusions
I really like the overall presentation of this set and I think it’s pretty cool that it’s unique. The swords are beautiful and perform as they should, and that’s really all one can ask for. If this set was ever revised or done again, I would hope for better bohi termination, geometric yokote and a better polish in the boshi. Other than that, I can really find no fault with the daisho. As always, I love Kevins’ work and think he really did an outstanding job of customizing these two swords.
Pros
-Wonderful customization
-Good overarching theme
-Very unique, while still traditional
-Resilient blades with good heat treats
-Good color scheme
Cons
-Counter polished kissaki
-Improper bohi termination
-Polish in boshi leaves room for improvement
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this set to someone with a little extra to spend who is looking for a daisho that is out of the ordinary and of good quality. With this daisho, you get two customized blades for the price of one, and they make quite the conversation pieces.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Konbanwa SBG!
I have something special to share today. I decided to stray off my reviewing routine in honor of Valentine’s Day and review something that is unique, though it is not sub-$300.00. I’ll not be reviewing one sword; I’ll be reviewing two. They are a customized daisho that has been built around two Munetoshi blades and are sold as a set. They are called Roshigumi and can be found here: www.swordnarmory.com/T10-Custom-Daisho-Sword-Set-Katatemaki-Yorimaki-p/cs-3201-daisho.htm
The Roshigumi daisho is priced at $798.98 and so far is a one of a kind set. The blades were hand-picked and the fittings matched and customized by Sword N Armory’s tsukamakishi, Kevin Kawakami. I am rather partial to Kevin’s work; I watched him wrap his first tsuka and he has repaired and customized four of my swords so far, with another nine or ten projects in the works. One of the swords he rewrapped for me is my Nami iaito, which is still tight as a drum after a year of daily use by myself and weekly use by sometimes as many as fifteen other people. Additionally, I have plans to marry the guy, which may or may not affect my opinion of his work. I felt this daisho was the perfect thing to review now, as my fiancé had customized it, it’s unique and there are two swords involved.
Historical overview
The blades to me are reminiscent of Shinto Era swords, which were forged in Japan between the years of 1597 and 1780. They have a very similar shape and feel, though the blades of the daisho are slightly on the thin side, like a blade that has been polished many times. The hamon would be considered fancy for Shinto Era, though not completely uncommon to it. Chu Kissaki blades of shinogi zukuri geometry with less sori than earlier eras were common, and these swords fit that description.
Source: www.jp-sword.com
The itomaki is a traditional style, as it’s predominantly katatemaki, which is a one-handed or battle wrap style. It also has yorimaki to show off the menuki. Yorimaki was favored by higher ranked swordsman of the Shonai Han. The styles are comfortable in the hands and pair together nicely. The sageo knot is traditional and unusual as well, as it is done in a style meant to keep the sageo free of kinks and knots.
Initial Impressions
I don’t have any box photos to share as this set has been hanging out on Kevin’s finished rack for a couple weeks now and I’m not entirely sure where the boxes are. Reviewing the set was a spur of the moment decision; I wanted to do a special review for Valentine’s Day and the daisho just seemed perfect.
Since we work together, I had the opportunity to watch this daisho transform from an Akitsushima katana and a Ko Tombo wakizashi into a cohesive unit. It was really interesting to see it come together and I think the final product is very striking. This was something Kevin had wanted to do for a long time and was excited when he had the opportunity to customize a full daisho.
The daisho has a very different look from any other sword or set I have seen as the itomaki and sageo are both rather unusual. The ito is very comfortable in the hands and would probably look out of place if the sageo was in a merchant’s knot or stretched and tied at the end of the saya, so the style it has been paired with makes a nice presentation. Both swords have a good weight and balance though they are light for my preferences. The hamon are striking and quite beautiful, making the set as a whole quite the visual treat.
Statistics
Toshin Length: Daito: 27.5" Shoto: 19.9"
Tsuka Length: Daito: 10.5“ Shoto: 7.5”
Overall Length: Daito: 39.5“ Shoto: 28.5“
Tsuba Width: Daito: 3.25” Shoto: 3”
Point of Balance: Daito: 5.25” from tsuba Shoto: 4“ from tsuba
Weight Without Saya: Daito: 2.2 Lb. Shoto: 1.8 Lb.
Components
As there is only one customized daisho, they are the exact same swords listed on the site.
The Toshin
Daito:
The blade of the katana has an incredible hamon with several tobiyaki. The polish is good until you get to the kissaki, which is counter-polished and does not display the hamon well. You can tell it’s complete through the boshi but the rough polish does it no favors. The blade also has a bohi that has a pretty standard termination for a production piece which I wish was a little more correct. Over all, the blade is light in the hands and, being made from T-10, is quite sturdy.
Shoto:
The blade of the wakizashi has a very nice, though more regular hamon. It has the same issues of bohi termination, counter polished and rough polished kissaki. It handles like the well-balanced, light wakizashi that it is and is also made of T-10.
The heat treat on both blades is very good; the blades that we have in regular use that are of these types require only regular maintenance after each use and some minimal sharpening every few months.
The Tsuka
Daito:
The tsuka on the katana is a good length and well-waisted, though it’s very straight. The itomaki is very comfortable in the hand and is visually striking as it’s a style not seen often and is a very pretty dark blue. The itomaki has hishigami beneath it and the crossovers alternate correctly; the kashira knots are tied on the correct sides as well. The kodogu all feature dragonflies and are made of steel (tsuba), iron (fushigashira) and brass (menuki). The samegawa is real; the ito is chemical fiber.
Shoto:
The tsuka on the wakizashi is a good length for the blade and not so short that it couldn’t be used two handed if desired. It is also very straight though nicely waisted. I like the itomaki on it a bit better than on the katana because it seems to flow more to me, which is due to the shorter handle I’m sure. It also has hishigami, correctly alternating crossovers and kashira knot on the correct side. Kodogu all have the same dragonfly theme and are of the same metals as on the katana. Samegawa is real and the ito is chemical fiber.
The tsuka on both swords fit nicely and don’t rattle. The katana is secured to the nakago with two bamboo mekugi; the wakizashi has one.
The Tsuba
Daito:
The tsuba of the katana is made of steel and has a nice sukashi design of a dragonfly and cattail reeds. It has been antiqued. I’m rather indifferent on the antiquing; I could take it or leave it. However, it does give the sword an old feel.
Shoto:
The tsuba of the wakizashi matches the katana tsuba in design and antiquing. It’s slightly smaller than the katanas’ tsuba, as it should be. They look very nice side by side.
The tsuba fit well on the swords and are kept from rattling by two brass seppa.
The Fuchigashira
Daito:
The fushigashira are made of iron and continue the dragonfly theme from the tsuba. I’ve seen them on other swords but I think they’re nicely done and a refreshing change from the usual ‘just sort of there and rather blah’ fushigashira. They help to create an overarching theme without being gaudy or excessive, and I personally really like it. The menuki complete the theme as they are also dragonflies but are made of brass, so they give just a hint of color.
Shoto:
The fushigashira and menuki of the wakizashi match that of the katana and are of the same metals. I would like it if the menuki on the waki were a little smaller, as their size is almost overwhelming on such a short tsuka, but that’s just personal taste.
The Saya
Daito:
The saya of the katana is a basic black lacquer that you see on many production blades, but not on the Akitsushima, which is what the blade and kodogu for this custom daito came from. It was changed to match the wakizashi and does so nicely.
The sageo is chemical fiber but is actually made out of sageo material, rather than ito. It’s black to match the saya and not clash with the ito. I didn’t really know how to feel about how it was tied, but the style has grown on me. I’ve come to appreciate it because it’s different and will keep the sageo kink-and knot-free, and I’ve decided I like it because it just looks neat.
Shoto:
The black lacquer on the saya of the wakizashi is stock, though the sageo is not. It was changed to match the sageo on the katana.
I really feel the koiguchi should be mentioned; it’s clean and has a very nice shape. While both swords sit securely in their saya and don’t rattle and the koiguchi fits well on both, I just feel like the one on the wakizashi is prettier and deserves to be pointed out.
Handling Characteristics
Kevin is 6' 3". He is demonstrating the Roshigumi katana from seiza.
I have had an opportunity to handle Shinto Era katana and own a Shinto wakizashi. The Roshigumi katana feels a tad light in comparison, while the wakizashi is about the same. Both are balanced well but feel light for my personal preferences. The bohi makes that very satisfying ‘swoosh’ sound when each sword is swung. They are both lively and fast blades.
Jenn (the author) is 5'7". She is demonstrating the Roshigumi wakizashi from seiza.
Test Cutting
We have an Akitsushima as a regular blade in our cutting group and, as the other T-10’s that I have reviewed have done, it has stood up to a lot of abuse. The resiliency of both the steel and the heat treat never cease to amaze me.
I don‘t have any footage to share of the wakizashi, but it performs the way a well-balanced, T-10 wakizashi should. It cuts just like its partner but in a smaller package.
Conclusions
I really like the overall presentation of this set and I think it’s pretty cool that it’s unique. The swords are beautiful and perform as they should, and that’s really all one can ask for. If this set was ever revised or done again, I would hope for better bohi termination, geometric yokote and a better polish in the boshi. Other than that, I can really find no fault with the daisho. As always, I love Kevins’ work and think he really did an outstanding job of customizing these two swords.
Pros
-Wonderful customization
-Good overarching theme
-Very unique, while still traditional
-Resilient blades with good heat treats
-Good color scheme
Cons
-Counter polished kissaki
-Improper bohi termination
-Polish in boshi leaves room for improvement
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this set to someone with a little extra to spend who is looking for a daisho that is out of the ordinary and of good quality. With this daisho, you get two customized blades for the price of one, and they make quite the conversation pieces.
Happy Valentine's Day!