Furuyama Kuro Kage Shirasaya
Aug 10, 2010 20:44:48 GMT
Post by Deleted on Aug 10, 2010 20:44:48 GMT
Introduction
Today I’ll be reviewing the Furuyama Kuro Kage katana from J-Armory. I came across this line a few years ago and everything I heard or read about them suggested they were great blades. However, I failed to find any in depth reviews other than those posted on J-Armory’s web site, so I hesitated. The least expensive configuration of a Furuyama will run you $430, well outside the sub $300 mark we focus on here. I found this particular sword in the closeout section for $300 including shipping so I jumped on it; I couldn’t resist the chance to try one first hand. Ordering was a breeze (Paypal makes it almost too easy), and James answered emails timely and professionally. I was updated with shipping info Friday (6, Aug.) and the package landed on my doorstep the following Monday (9, Aug.). Decent time from Texas to Virginia.
Initial Impressions
The sword came packed in one of the more elaborate sword boxes I’ve seen and was well protected. The construction of said box is decidedly crappy, and for whatever reason features an Egyptian hieroglyphic motif…Yeah, I don’t know either
Oh well. It’s not what is on the outside but what is inside that counts, right? And inside we have a nicely constructed shirasaya in a plain, black cotton sword bag.
After herniating myself clearing the habaki from the koiguchi I got my first look at the elusive Furuyama katana.
Statistics
Nagasa: 69 cm
Tsuka: 25.5 cm
Overall: 94.5
Tsuba: N/A
POB: 17.2 cm
Weight: 1007 grams (blade only)
Components
I was pleasantly surprised by the construction of the shirasaya. While it’s not elaborate I was more or less expecting a soft, porous wood reminiscent of CAS/Hanwei. I can’t identify the specific wood type, though it’s hard enough that I don’t have any reservations using it to construct a tsuka core and a finished saya.
The Blade/Nagasa
My first thought’s were, “Damn this blade is beefy!” At just over 1000 grams it’s slightly heavier than anything in my current collection. Furuyama pride themselves on there distinct hamon, and the Kuro Kage doesn’t disappoint. At first glance it is somewhat subtle, but after I removed the factory grease and took a second look under some nice, clean CFL lighting it really pops!
The activity is good and it is unlike any production blade hamon I’ve seen. There is no doubt in my mind that it is enhanced, as there are a couple spots where it is clear to see the etch/enhancement wasn’t done consistently. This leads me to my biggest complaint I have with the sword; the polish. Overall I would have to rate it as medium-poor. The Shinogi is executed well but is unrefined and needs a sharper transition. The shinogiji is brightly polished and carries only a few minor scratches. The polish on the hiraji is uneven and has several flaws. I’ve tried my best to photograph the condition but it is difficult to capture. The blade shape is of the shobu zukuri persuasion, and is done so fairly well. The only exception to this is the cosmetic (curious use of the term) cross polish yokote. It’s executed poorly and detracts from the katana as a whole.
The Handle/Tsuka
No frills here, but it is built solid and fits the nakago nicely.
The mekugi were a !#@$! To get out (no worries, they’ll be replaced anyhow), and that’s a little more schmekus than I prefer to poor out of a tsuka.
I’m afraid my mekugi nuki is done for, though!
The Scabbard/Saya
Shirasaya. That is all.
Test Cutting (if applicable)
The only cutting I felt comfortable with using a shirasaya is the soft paper target. The niku seems optimized for medium to medium-heavy targets, and the test cuts confirm this. The blade is sharpened well, but has trouble with paper targets due to its shape.
Conclusions
In conclusion I have to say I’m pleased with my purchase, but only just. The fact that I got it at closeout price is likely the deciding factor in this. The cost of entry for a Furuyama is high, and can’t be justified given the quality I see here. The customization options are nice (head over to j-armory.com to check them out) but are limited and, quite frankly, too expensive. Given the wealth of options available at SBG store for a custom and the proven high quality of even the entry level katana, I would have to say I wouldn’t spend my cash on a Furuyama again.
Pros
Solid construction
Nice, distinct hamon
Cons
Unrefined shape
Medium-poor polish
Egyptian sarcophagus sword box (not really a con, but worth mentioning a second time )
The Bottom Line
I bought this katana as a project piece, so perhaps after further refining and polishing the beauty of this sword will come through. There is no doubt in my mind of the quality of the steel, but it’s too difficult to appreciate in its current condition. Can I recommend Furuyama katanas? Yes…and no. For most there are better options from forges with a proven record of quality and consistency. For some I think Furuyama can offer a diamond in the rough, if you’re willing to lay down the cash.
Today I’ll be reviewing the Furuyama Kuro Kage katana from J-Armory. I came across this line a few years ago and everything I heard or read about them suggested they were great blades. However, I failed to find any in depth reviews other than those posted on J-Armory’s web site, so I hesitated. The least expensive configuration of a Furuyama will run you $430, well outside the sub $300 mark we focus on here. I found this particular sword in the closeout section for $300 including shipping so I jumped on it; I couldn’t resist the chance to try one first hand. Ordering was a breeze (Paypal makes it almost too easy), and James answered emails timely and professionally. I was updated with shipping info Friday (6, Aug.) and the package landed on my doorstep the following Monday (9, Aug.). Decent time from Texas to Virginia.
Initial Impressions
The sword came packed in one of the more elaborate sword boxes I’ve seen and was well protected. The construction of said box is decidedly crappy, and for whatever reason features an Egyptian hieroglyphic motif…Yeah, I don’t know either
Oh well. It’s not what is on the outside but what is inside that counts, right? And inside we have a nicely constructed shirasaya in a plain, black cotton sword bag.
After herniating myself clearing the habaki from the koiguchi I got my first look at the elusive Furuyama katana.
Statistics
Nagasa: 69 cm
Tsuka: 25.5 cm
Overall: 94.5
Tsuba: N/A
POB: 17.2 cm
Weight: 1007 grams (blade only)
Components
I was pleasantly surprised by the construction of the shirasaya. While it’s not elaborate I was more or less expecting a soft, porous wood reminiscent of CAS/Hanwei. I can’t identify the specific wood type, though it’s hard enough that I don’t have any reservations using it to construct a tsuka core and a finished saya.
The Blade/Nagasa
My first thought’s were, “Damn this blade is beefy!” At just over 1000 grams it’s slightly heavier than anything in my current collection. Furuyama pride themselves on there distinct hamon, and the Kuro Kage doesn’t disappoint. At first glance it is somewhat subtle, but after I removed the factory grease and took a second look under some nice, clean CFL lighting it really pops!
The activity is good and it is unlike any production blade hamon I’ve seen. There is no doubt in my mind that it is enhanced, as there are a couple spots where it is clear to see the etch/enhancement wasn’t done consistently. This leads me to my biggest complaint I have with the sword; the polish. Overall I would have to rate it as medium-poor. The Shinogi is executed well but is unrefined and needs a sharper transition. The shinogiji is brightly polished and carries only a few minor scratches. The polish on the hiraji is uneven and has several flaws. I’ve tried my best to photograph the condition but it is difficult to capture. The blade shape is of the shobu zukuri persuasion, and is done so fairly well. The only exception to this is the cosmetic (curious use of the term) cross polish yokote. It’s executed poorly and detracts from the katana as a whole.
The Handle/Tsuka
No frills here, but it is built solid and fits the nakago nicely.
The mekugi were a !#@$! To get out (no worries, they’ll be replaced anyhow), and that’s a little more schmekus than I prefer to poor out of a tsuka.
I’m afraid my mekugi nuki is done for, though!
The Scabbard/Saya
Shirasaya. That is all.
Test Cutting (if applicable)
The only cutting I felt comfortable with using a shirasaya is the soft paper target. The niku seems optimized for medium to medium-heavy targets, and the test cuts confirm this. The blade is sharpened well, but has trouble with paper targets due to its shape.
Conclusions
In conclusion I have to say I’m pleased with my purchase, but only just. The fact that I got it at closeout price is likely the deciding factor in this. The cost of entry for a Furuyama is high, and can’t be justified given the quality I see here. The customization options are nice (head over to j-armory.com to check them out) but are limited and, quite frankly, too expensive. Given the wealth of options available at SBG store for a custom and the proven high quality of even the entry level katana, I would have to say I wouldn’t spend my cash on a Furuyama again.
Pros
Solid construction
Nice, distinct hamon
Cons
Unrefined shape
Medium-poor polish
Egyptian sarcophagus sword box (not really a con, but worth mentioning a second time )
The Bottom Line
I bought this katana as a project piece, so perhaps after further refining and polishing the beauty of this sword will come through. There is no doubt in my mind of the quality of the steel, but it’s too difficult to appreciate in its current condition. Can I recommend Furuyama katanas? Yes…and no. For most there are better options from forges with a proven record of quality and consistency. For some I think Furuyama can offer a diamond in the rough, if you’re willing to lay down the cash.