Rittersteel Competition Katana - September 2007
Oct 2, 2010 21:32:02 GMT
Post by RicWilly on Oct 2, 2010 21:32:02 GMT
The Rittersteel Competition Katana-reviewed by Richard Williams of Evansville Indiana USA.
I was asked about Rittersteel swords and taking note of the absence of reviews on these products and being in possession of two such items, I decided to undertake said endevor.
The rittersteel competition katana was the first real sword I aquired. I don't recall where I bought it but I paid around $150 for it. Swords of Might has it for $139.40. I was attracted to this sword because of its simple yet strong looking design. My first impression of the sword was how sturdy it appeared. The blade is sandwiched between two pieces of wood with brass pins and has a brass guard.
The finish was a bit rough so I refinished the grip for comfort. The site I bought it from claimed it was made from recycled truck springs which at the time seemed like a good idea to me. By appearance this could or could not be true. In any case the blade is stout and has sufficient flex. It arrived with somewhat of an edge but not real sharp. It came with a wooden scabbard.
Here are some stats; overall length-38 1/2 in.
blade length -28 in.
hilt -10 1/2 in.
blade width -1 1/2 in. at the guard to 1 in. two inches from tip.
distal taper -1/25 in. at the guard to 1/8 in. near the tip.
P.O.B. -3 1/2 in. from guard.
weight -3 1/2 lb.
My attempts to cut with the sword using the edge it arrived with met with frustration. It could have been my inexperience tho I have been practicing of late. I sharpened the blade and it makes a passable cutter.
This blade will cut okay when a good edge is applied.
I then hacked on some firewood to test the structual integrity.
The sword held up well, is very tough, and sustained no damage beyond surface scratches.
To sum up. Historical accuracy- 0/5
Fit and Finish - 3/5
Handling - 2/5
Structural Integ. - 5/5
Value for money - 3/5
I would recommend this sword to anyone wanting to cut rough targets with it. If someone would need a sturdy sword to bang around with this would be good.
I was asked about Rittersteel swords and taking note of the absence of reviews on these products and being in possession of two such items, I decided to undertake said endevor.
The rittersteel competition katana was the first real sword I aquired. I don't recall where I bought it but I paid around $150 for it. Swords of Might has it for $139.40. I was attracted to this sword because of its simple yet strong looking design. My first impression of the sword was how sturdy it appeared. The blade is sandwiched between two pieces of wood with brass pins and has a brass guard.
The finish was a bit rough so I refinished the grip for comfort. The site I bought it from claimed it was made from recycled truck springs which at the time seemed like a good idea to me. By appearance this could or could not be true. In any case the blade is stout and has sufficient flex. It arrived with somewhat of an edge but not real sharp. It came with a wooden scabbard.
Here are some stats; overall length-38 1/2 in.
blade length -28 in.
hilt -10 1/2 in.
blade width -1 1/2 in. at the guard to 1 in. two inches from tip.
distal taper -1/25 in. at the guard to 1/8 in. near the tip.
P.O.B. -3 1/2 in. from guard.
weight -3 1/2 lb.
My attempts to cut with the sword using the edge it arrived with met with frustration. It could have been my inexperience tho I have been practicing of late. I sharpened the blade and it makes a passable cutter.
This blade will cut okay when a good edge is applied.
I then hacked on some firewood to test the structual integrity.
The sword held up well, is very tough, and sustained no damage beyond surface scratches.
To sum up. Historical accuracy- 0/5
Fit and Finish - 3/5
Handling - 2/5
Structural Integ. - 5/5
Value for money - 3/5
I would recommend this sword to anyone wanting to cut rough targets with it. If someone would need a sturdy sword to bang around with this would be good.