Global Gear G-504 Last samurai.
Oct 21, 2007 15:12:40 GMT
Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2007 15:12:40 GMT
Well, this is going to be my first review, so I’ll just try to be as straightforward as possible.
I fell in love with the looks some of the GG swords available at ebay, after missing many for a few cents I placed a bid for both the Golden G-504 and G-505, actually pushing for the G-505, funnily I ended up winning the Last Samurai one.
While the sword is amazing, except for minor flaw (it’s not the first time this happens to me) the experience with Global Gear was nothing short of, hostile.
Without further ado..
Model G-504 Folded Steel Last Samurai Sword
This Blade has been custom designed by us to have all the following Characteristics
1045/1060 Carbon Blend Folded Steel, 100,000 layers
Full Tang Blade with makers signature and date
Cotton Wrap Handle over Geniune Rayskin
High Carbon Steel Blade
Powder coated quality wood scabbard
Twin Pegs through the Handle and Tang for extra strength
Measurements
Blade Length 29 1/2"
Overall 44"
Kit Includes
Certificate of Authenticity signed and dated by it's maker
Full Maintenence Kit
Stand
Cotton Bag
Display Case
I’ll be the first one to admit that it is a huge diference to up open up a sub $100 and one that is supposed to retail for about $350, plenty of extras l
yet not every was happy land, the first problem popped up
the right side of the box was entirely crushed, Global is entirely to blame, I don’t understand how can it be, that after they charge premim for shipping, they ship on a thing cardboard box, no stuffer, no nothing, which irresponsible because it was supposed to the shipped overseas, I'll get back to that later, let's get to the sword
even when still covered by a thick layer of oil, the blade was absolutely beautiful with Damascus pattern and the Japanese inscription is actually engraved(translation to be found here www.trueswords.com/musashi-handmade-last-samurai-sword-full-tang-p-2901.html)
The sword felt amazing the first time picked it up, the exact point of balance I can’t give, near the hand guard, being somewhat heavy, it’s surprisingly easy to pickup. The thing that strikes me the most is the tsuba, it much larger than usual, here a picture compared with the one of my trusty iaito
That alone gave me a lot trouble for trying to cut to post here, I felt totally uncomfortable but since failing while trying is not a sin, I’ll post all 3 videos.
First strike
The first one really frustrated me, after really great first time cuts with a hiro nakamura and mushashi shirasaya katana and I was utterly disappointed, not only it kicked the bottle away but the cut was very ugly, almost ripped off after giving it much thought I finally realized that since the long tsuka felt different I should try to place my hands different.
HAHAHA! I couldn’t believe it but I missed the cut.
AT LAST!
Now that was much better! I’m impressed with the ease the blade went thru the milk box, and before you say anything, I know, I need to improve my cutting hangerthingamagiga.
After checking the blade, much too my dismay it had suffered a little but not as much as to be able to capture in my camera, then again it could’ve been my fault because I have to admit that while the extra long tsuka is stone sturdy built, it was really difficult to handle.
Now for the ugly, the habaki and the tsuba came loose, the tsuka rattles and the habaki moves when cleaning, this was probably because of the poor way GG shipped this swords, had they had at least added some filler to protect it the beautiful out wooden box, but they sent it almost naked.
Do I recommend this? Yes, only if you live in Australia, I’d get an stroke I had received a sword in this condition for the premium prices they charge on the official website, then again, that might be the catch as to why some swords they offer on ebay start at such low prices.
Historical Accuracy: 8/5 (on the fictional movie history, that is, really, more like a 3)
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 4/5
Structural Integrity: 2/5
Value for Money: 2/5
OVERALL: 3/5 (Add Fit and Finish, Handling, Structural Integrity and Value for money scores together and divide by 4).
PS
I hope the videos show up.
I fell in love with the looks some of the GG swords available at ebay, after missing many for a few cents I placed a bid for both the Golden G-504 and G-505, actually pushing for the G-505, funnily I ended up winning the Last Samurai one.
While the sword is amazing, except for minor flaw (it’s not the first time this happens to me) the experience with Global Gear was nothing short of, hostile.
Without further ado..
Model G-504 Folded Steel Last Samurai Sword
This Blade has been custom designed by us to have all the following Characteristics
1045/1060 Carbon Blend Folded Steel, 100,000 layers
Full Tang Blade with makers signature and date
Cotton Wrap Handle over Geniune Rayskin
High Carbon Steel Blade
Powder coated quality wood scabbard
Twin Pegs through the Handle and Tang for extra strength
Measurements
Blade Length 29 1/2"
Overall 44"
Kit Includes
Certificate of Authenticity signed and dated by it's maker
Full Maintenence Kit
Stand
Cotton Bag
Display Case
I’ll be the first one to admit that it is a huge diference to up open up a sub $100 and one that is supposed to retail for about $350, plenty of extras l
yet not every was happy land, the first problem popped up
the right side of the box was entirely crushed, Global is entirely to blame, I don’t understand how can it be, that after they charge premim for shipping, they ship on a thing cardboard box, no stuffer, no nothing, which irresponsible because it was supposed to the shipped overseas, I'll get back to that later, let's get to the sword
even when still covered by a thick layer of oil, the blade was absolutely beautiful with Damascus pattern and the Japanese inscription is actually engraved(translation to be found here www.trueswords.com/musashi-handmade-last-samurai-sword-full-tang-p-2901.html)
The sword felt amazing the first time picked it up, the exact point of balance I can’t give, near the hand guard, being somewhat heavy, it’s surprisingly easy to pickup. The thing that strikes me the most is the tsuba, it much larger than usual, here a picture compared with the one of my trusty iaito
That alone gave me a lot trouble for trying to cut to post here, I felt totally uncomfortable but since failing while trying is not a sin, I’ll post all 3 videos.
First strike
The first one really frustrated me, after really great first time cuts with a hiro nakamura and mushashi shirasaya katana and I was utterly disappointed, not only it kicked the bottle away but the cut was very ugly, almost ripped off after giving it much thought I finally realized that since the long tsuka felt different I should try to place my hands different.
HAHAHA! I couldn’t believe it but I missed the cut.
AT LAST!
Now that was much better! I’m impressed with the ease the blade went thru the milk box, and before you say anything, I know, I need to improve my cutting hangerthingamagiga.
After checking the blade, much too my dismay it had suffered a little but not as much as to be able to capture in my camera, then again it could’ve been my fault because I have to admit that while the extra long tsuka is stone sturdy built, it was really difficult to handle.
Now for the ugly, the habaki and the tsuba came loose, the tsuka rattles and the habaki moves when cleaning, this was probably because of the poor way GG shipped this swords, had they had at least added some filler to protect it the beautiful out wooden box, but they sent it almost naked.
Do I recommend this? Yes, only if you live in Australia, I’d get an stroke I had received a sword in this condition for the premium prices they charge on the official website, then again, that might be the catch as to why some swords they offer on ebay start at such low prices.
Historical Accuracy: 8/5 (on the fictional movie history, that is, really, more like a 3)
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 4/5
Structural Integrity: 2/5
Value for Money: 2/5
OVERALL: 3/5 (Add Fit and Finish, Handling, Structural Integrity and Value for money scores together and divide by 4).
PS
I hope the videos show up.