THE UNITED BLACK IKAZUCHI May 25, 2009
Oct 2, 2010 5:24:33 GMT
Post by Sir Tre on Oct 2, 2010 5:24:33 GMT
THE UNITED BLACK IKAZUCHI
I bought this sword, mainly for its construction. However, the looks were totally great as well. I spent some time looking at different web sites, trying to find out more about it first. Finally, I went to United Cutlery’s site and downloaded a pdf file on it with the hrc rating and blade material info. Still not satisfied that I possessed enough knowledge to go ahead and buy one (broke too many SLO’s trying to work out with them), I contacted United and was informed that the tang was 3/4 tang. So I ordered one from (okay nobody laugh at me) BudK. (Lowest price)
I don’t think there is any true historic representation here, except a missing link between Chinese and Japanese swords.
My initial impression was one of “not another cardboard box!!!” but inside was a viagra moment to look upon. I knew the handle was leather wrapped over rayskin, but it was tight, really tight. Almost 6 months later and it still hasn’t loosened. The tribal style designs in the metal fittings a total eye-catcher. I had to cut something. So I cut the box...like a razor.
The blade is 30" and overall length 41.5" (math) the guard aprox 3" dia. POB about 3.5". No listing on COP. WEIGHT no listing have to weigh it myself, later.
The blade on this sword is very sharp. The hrc is 58. The polish, though not mirror, is well done. One or two blemishes, easily repaired with Never-Dull. The whole sword weight seems almost nonexistent due to balance.. Well not quite but enough to be great. It is a 1045 mono-steel, and mono-temper. For hamon fans that is not good. But I use it like a jian, so it doesn’t bother me. There is a fuller’s grove though, again with positive oon balance.
The handle is wrapped with black leather over white rayskin. 3/4 tang is what United states, but closer to full tang. Dual bamboo mekugi. Assembly is so tight that it is dificult to disassemble. That might be a negative, but I think it it a positive since it hasn’t loosened after much sparing and cutting... jugs and even up to 1" branches. Oh even through a 8" wide box of dirt.
The tsubais tight and is black colored brass. Nice designs in it... suposed to be “tribal”. The fuchi matches.
The saya is the only real complaint that I have. Looks outstanding, but since I keep the blade oiled, it slides too easily... cause a major FUBAR. Fell out of sheath while leaning forward to check around the corner and cut my ankle. Darned thing so sharp I barely felt it, but cost 7 stitches. Also is a little rattle of sword in sheath.
The greatest part about the Ikazuchi still has to be the balance. It is so responsive to the movements of your wrist that parrying is a breeze. Enough to tell that part of skill is how the sword responds. For the price, YES. If the price was more, YES. (But don’t let the sellers know that they might raise the price).
weight...2.3 pounds
POB aprox 5 inch
Probably no Historic overview
Fit and finish are great, except saya is not tight.
Bank for the buck... heck yeah.
The leather ito is still extremely tight.
I bought this sword, mainly for its construction. However, the looks were totally great as well. I spent some time looking at different web sites, trying to find out more about it first. Finally, I went to United Cutlery’s site and downloaded a pdf file on it with the hrc rating and blade material info. Still not satisfied that I possessed enough knowledge to go ahead and buy one (broke too many SLO’s trying to work out with them), I contacted United and was informed that the tang was 3/4 tang. So I ordered one from (okay nobody laugh at me) BudK. (Lowest price)
I don’t think there is any true historic representation here, except a missing link between Chinese and Japanese swords.
My initial impression was one of “not another cardboard box!!!” but inside was a viagra moment to look upon. I knew the handle was leather wrapped over rayskin, but it was tight, really tight. Almost 6 months later and it still hasn’t loosened. The tribal style designs in the metal fittings a total eye-catcher. I had to cut something. So I cut the box...like a razor.
The blade is 30" and overall length 41.5" (math) the guard aprox 3" dia. POB about 3.5". No listing on COP. WEIGHT no listing have to weigh it myself, later.
The blade on this sword is very sharp. The hrc is 58. The polish, though not mirror, is well done. One or two blemishes, easily repaired with Never-Dull. The whole sword weight seems almost nonexistent due to balance.. Well not quite but enough to be great. It is a 1045 mono-steel, and mono-temper. For hamon fans that is not good. But I use it like a jian, so it doesn’t bother me. There is a fuller’s grove though, again with positive oon balance.
The handle is wrapped with black leather over white rayskin. 3/4 tang is what United states, but closer to full tang. Dual bamboo mekugi. Assembly is so tight that it is dificult to disassemble. That might be a negative, but I think it it a positive since it hasn’t loosened after much sparing and cutting... jugs and even up to 1" branches. Oh even through a 8" wide box of dirt.
The tsubais tight and is black colored brass. Nice designs in it... suposed to be “tribal”. The fuchi matches.
The saya is the only real complaint that I have. Looks outstanding, but since I keep the blade oiled, it slides too easily... cause a major FUBAR. Fell out of sheath while leaning forward to check around the corner and cut my ankle. Darned thing so sharp I barely felt it, but cost 7 stitches. Also is a little rattle of sword in sheath.
The greatest part about the Ikazuchi still has to be the balance. It is so responsive to the movements of your wrist that parrying is a breeze. Enough to tell that part of skill is how the sword responds. For the price, YES. If the price was more, YES. (But don’t let the sellers know that they might raise the price).
weight...2.3 pounds
POB aprox 5 inch
Probably no Historic overview
Fit and finish are great, except saya is not tight.
Bank for the buck... heck yeah.
The leather ito is still extremely tight.