Deluxe Iaito Cheness
Feb 11, 2007 11:41:21 GMT
Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2007 11:41:21 GMT
Below are the details taken straight from Paul’s Site which I’ll use as a reference point (hope you don’t mind Paul) as this is my first ever review so I’ve plagiarized from where ever I could. I have attached some pic’s here & their which aren’t the greatest but I hope you can see what I’m trying to point out, you can also have a look at the ones Paul shows on his site for a clearer view.
Deluxe Non-Sharpened Carbon Steel Iaito
”With the very best quality to price ratio of ANY Iaito on the market, the Deluxe Non-Sharpened Iaito is destined to be a Cheness classic. Like its cheaper cousin the standard Cheness Non-sharpened Iaito, the Deluxe hand forged, hand polished and features a full length nakago (tang) and double Mekugi (retaining pins) making it perfect for the Iaido student on a budget (and also quite suitable for stage and film purposes). With a bo-hi (fuller) as standard, the blade is lightweight and manoeuvrable and has a very loud and impressive Tachi-Kaze ('Sword-Wind-Sound') when swung at the ideal trajectory, making it an invaluable training tool to develop accurate and fast techniques. Though blunted to reduce the risk of injuries, Iaito can still be dangerous and should be handled with the respect due to a live blade. Blades are available in custom lengths of 27", 28" and 29". (Please note the 27" version uses a standard 'Mokko' Tsuba rather than the willow pattern version on the other models)”.
MEASUREMENTS
Blade Length: 27", 28" OR 29" (select in checkout)
Handle Length: 11"
Overall Length: 42.5" (includes Saya)
Weight: 2lbs 3oz
OK now the nitty gritty
What was found Upon opening the cardboard box, the Asian looking wooden case & finally the sword bag.
I knew even before opening the box I didn’t like the Tsuba & the fittings have been kept very much within the “budget” price range as stated clearly on the sales site. Upon closer inspection they are exactly that so I can’t complain but there were a few minor scuffs here & their (one on the Kashira & a few spots on the Tsuba where the black coating was chipped away showing a brownish tinge.
[/img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/greenspudbuddy/Scuffs-1.jpg
When I removed the blade from the Saya:
After removing the protective layer of grease from the blade I discovered it had a very nice Hamon (better than excepted).
The Hi-Bo has a very natural look & feel to it. The over all shape, finish & feel was a great relief to this first time internet buyer. The only minor disappointment was the finish on the kissaki it looks more like it was finished with a file & forgotten in the polishing process.
The Saya is standard glossy black & no problems their other than the Habaki currently fits a little too snugly (scuffing once again) but will wear in quickly at training.
The Tsuka is a very user friendly & comfortable fitting oval shape being wood covered with rayskin & a very tight ito wrap.
Handling
I’ve yet to spend more then an hour going through Iaido kata but found it to be very well balanced & enjoyable to use & the Hi-Bo gives you perfect feedback on each technique. I can see many years of use from this Iaito & it giving me a great deal of pleasure during those long training sessions to come.
In conclusion
Considering the huge problems we have in Australia getting anything of any Quality for a realistic price, this Iaito is fantastic value for money. The blade Quality is more than required for the use & any minor personal dislikes regarding the fittings can be fixed at any time by me. I will be recommending your site to all the guys at training but I hope in a few months time I don’t look across the room & see everyone with the same model LOL.
Deluxe Non-Sharpened Carbon Steel Iaito
”With the very best quality to price ratio of ANY Iaito on the market, the Deluxe Non-Sharpened Iaito is destined to be a Cheness classic. Like its cheaper cousin the standard Cheness Non-sharpened Iaito, the Deluxe hand forged, hand polished and features a full length nakago (tang) and double Mekugi (retaining pins) making it perfect for the Iaido student on a budget (and also quite suitable for stage and film purposes). With a bo-hi (fuller) as standard, the blade is lightweight and manoeuvrable and has a very loud and impressive Tachi-Kaze ('Sword-Wind-Sound') when swung at the ideal trajectory, making it an invaluable training tool to develop accurate and fast techniques. Though blunted to reduce the risk of injuries, Iaito can still be dangerous and should be handled with the respect due to a live blade. Blades are available in custom lengths of 27", 28" and 29". (Please note the 27" version uses a standard 'Mokko' Tsuba rather than the willow pattern version on the other models)”.
MEASUREMENTS
Blade Length: 27", 28" OR 29" (select in checkout)
Handle Length: 11"
Overall Length: 42.5" (includes Saya)
Weight: 2lbs 3oz
OK now the nitty gritty
What was found Upon opening the cardboard box, the Asian looking wooden case & finally the sword bag.
I knew even before opening the box I didn’t like the Tsuba & the fittings have been kept very much within the “budget” price range as stated clearly on the sales site. Upon closer inspection they are exactly that so I can’t complain but there were a few minor scuffs here & their (one on the Kashira & a few spots on the Tsuba where the black coating was chipped away showing a brownish tinge.
[/img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w62/greenspudbuddy/Scuffs-1.jpg
When I removed the blade from the Saya:
After removing the protective layer of grease from the blade I discovered it had a very nice Hamon (better than excepted).
The Hi-Bo has a very natural look & feel to it. The over all shape, finish & feel was a great relief to this first time internet buyer. The only minor disappointment was the finish on the kissaki it looks more like it was finished with a file & forgotten in the polishing process.
The Saya is standard glossy black & no problems their other than the Habaki currently fits a little too snugly (scuffing once again) but will wear in quickly at training.
The Tsuka is a very user friendly & comfortable fitting oval shape being wood covered with rayskin & a very tight ito wrap.
Handling
I’ve yet to spend more then an hour going through Iaido kata but found it to be very well balanced & enjoyable to use & the Hi-Bo gives you perfect feedback on each technique. I can see many years of use from this Iaito & it giving me a great deal of pleasure during those long training sessions to come.
In conclusion
Considering the huge problems we have in Australia getting anything of any Quality for a realistic price, this Iaito is fantastic value for money. The blade Quality is more than required for the use & any minor personal dislikes regarding the fittings can be fixed at any time by me. I will be recommending your site to all the guys at training but I hope in a few months time I don’t look across the room & see everyone with the same model LOL.