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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 17, 2011 20:52:03 GMT
Kuramono Lives
A Preview
A more detailed review follows later in this thread.
My long awaited Kuramono arrived yesterday. I had time to come home for lunch, snap and upload some quick (and greasy) pix and post 'em.
The Package
"Decorative Goods Gift"
Sageo
Exposed
Habaki/Tsuba
Ha/Sori
Apart from blade rattling the package looks very good and consistent with what was depicted in promotional copy. Snug fit at saya mouth. Clean looking blade.
It's not clear from the packaging if this sword came straight to me from China, or by-way-of Proswords/Canada where it was supposed to be inspected before forwarding.
More later.
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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 19, 2011 16:12:15 GMT
I had a chance to study the package and labelling this morning.
It was sent air-mail from HANGZOU China to SAN FRANCISCO/M (international distribution center?). The packing slip origin info is all in Chinese characters. The destination information is in English and has my address.
So, I conclude it came directly to me, not by-way-of Proswords/Canada.
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Post by Elheru Aran on Mar 19, 2011 16:15:01 GMT
Hmmm. That does make the idea that Paul of Proswords is checking them out a bit questionable... not a good sign to me, means that it's quite possible that people could receive Kuramonos that have features they didn't want, or worse, were intended for other forumites.
It's not a dealbreaker though since you obviously got the one you ordered, it's just a bit worrying...
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Post by chrisperoni on Mar 19, 2011 16:19:09 GMT
What sort of 'heads up' were you given about the sword being o it's way to you? Were you at all aware it was coming and how long were you waiting?
I think Paul/Proswords said something about changes to the shipping practices in the the 'Long Live Kuramono' thread...lemme go check
edit/add:
Here's that I found: by Kamui » Mon Jan 10, 2011 12:09 pm
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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 19, 2011 16:26:31 GMT
I received no "heads up". I had no idea it was coming. In fact I'd written it off.
From what I could tell I may have been one of the first to sign on to the re-order program. So, my name may be at the top of list to receive his sword and other swords will be showing up on door steps shortly.
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Post by chrisperoni on Mar 19, 2011 16:29:12 GMT
I found more about the shipping- added it to my last post. Makes sense that you'd get yours first
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Post by whitefeathers on Mar 19, 2011 16:48:15 GMT
so far looks good. eagerly awaiting seeing it fully unwrapped. decorative goods=clever
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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 19, 2011 21:22:39 GMT
Kuramono ("Dark Thing")[/size][/i] A Review IntroductionI'd been wanting a katana with no bohi, but prefered a sword with simple furnishings like my two Cheness. Unfortunately, Cheness, Inc. discontinued the Shura line. I considered the Mokko, but wanted a step up. Consequently, when I discovered the advert for the Kuramono--a no-nonsense, no-frills cutter--I was pursuaded to place an order. Some may have been attracted to the delux version with imagery embossed (stamped?) on the blade, but not I. No Tat, just the Kat. Initial ImpressionsIt's here? It just showed up unannounced in my living room. My son had signed for it earlier in the day and no one breathed a word to me, either by phone, text message or when I got home. After dinner I strolled through the living room and noticed something leaning against the wall. I had had a box with a cane order leaning there for a while, but I knew I'd moved it elsewhere. The box had the same dimensions. I panicked. Did I receive a duplicate order? (It's happened). When I saw the Chinese characters on the packing slip I realized that this was the long awaited Kuramono. StatisticsBlade/Nagasa Length: 29" (end of exposed mune), 29 3/4" (to the spacer/tsuba) Handle/Tsuka Length: 11" Overall Length (OAL): 40 3/4" Saya Length: 31" Guard/Tsuba Width: 3 1/8" POB (Point of Balance): 6 1/2" COP (Center of Percussion): Unknown Curvature/Sori: 5/8" Weight: 2 lbs 7 3/8 oz ComponentsBlade/Nagasa The blade almost disappears... Where did it go? I can see the cast shadow, but the blade has merged with its environment. Habaki (I have the sword canted right, so it appears uncentered). Counter polish to achieve the yokote Real Hamon Mune view Handle/Tsuka It has a waist and not an axe-handle. However, think "Audrey Hepburn" not "Elizabeth Taylor", a "Shot in the Dark" and not "Kat on a Hot TIn Roof." Ok, these analogies may not register with the under 50 crowd. How about "Keira Knightley" not "Anne Hathaway"? I measured the handle circumference at three points: (1) immediately behind the fuchi, (2) the thinnest point of the handle (waist) and (3) in front of the kashira: =Kuramono: (1) 104mm, (2) 93mm, (3) 100mm =Shura: (1) 109mm, (2) 98mm, (3) 103mm Guard/Tsuba Sageo, tsuba, fuchi and forward menuki (dragons?) which feels metalic not plastic. Black painted "3-comma" tsuba Pommel/Kashira Glossy black and thus consistent with the fuchi and tsuba Scabbard/Saya Clean mouth The textured finished throughout seems well-done; and I love the end cap. Handling CharacteristicsHandling will not please the iaido guys: the POB is 6 1/2"! That's more forward than the Chessness Deluxe Iaito. I don't think it will have any trouble cleaving mats or milk jugs. ConclusionsPros=clean lines =beautiful and well-fitting saya =waisted tsuka =tight and even tsuka wrap =dramatic impression: black on black with silver menuki Cons=blade rattles a bit in saya ="Keira Knightley" tsuka =furniture (tsuba, fuchi, kashira) may be a tad too spartan; and I do not care for the "gloss" finish. The Bottom LineThe Kuramono is the most impressive traditional katana I own and a remarkable deal at $329.00. (The Dawson "Dark Knight" retails at $1440.00). There is very little cosmetically that I could find wrong with Kuramono. The forge must have impressive quality control. It delivers what the promotional imagery displayed. I own nothing from a higher pricing structure in this genre to compare; those who own +$500 Hanwei katana may provide additional insight.
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Post by whitefeathers on Mar 19, 2011 23:34:38 GMT
Did you want the tsuka to be more waist shaped? It does look nice and clean. I cant wait for my SBg custom to get here.
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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 20, 2011 14:39:37 GMT
In hindsight, yes. After handling my Cheness Shura I do prefer its slightly beefier handle and more accentuated waist. Shura (top), Musashi Wind (bottom) Kuramono Waist The Shura has a "swelling" on top of the handle which serves as a "palm swell" (all edges are up). You can see that the Kuramono is just a "slip of a thing."
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2011 17:36:56 GMT
Hey, this is Paul from ProSwords. Just wanted to pop in and say I'm glad you got the sword and are enjoying it... Also wanted to clarify a point in your review, the hamon is definitely not artificial, these are actually hand clay tempered (differentially hardened). And the hamon is NOT etched to enhance it. (as can be seen in Paul Southren's destructive testing where you can clearly see the tempered steel through the entire blade profile). Anyway, wanted to pop in now that the swords are going out and let everyone know I'm glad they are going out, and relieved people are happy to have them. Also, while the current batch WAS shipped direct (simply to expedite getting them to customers) that will NOT be the practice going forward. In the future ProSwords will be continuing to handle final check QC in Canada, before shipping to customers. Also here is a general post with some good news about orders being re-opened and a general update about ProSwords status as well: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3463
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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 21, 2011 1:26:55 GMT
Thanks, Paul. I will correct my mistake regarding the hamon.
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Mar 21, 2011 8:24:02 GMT
It's good to know the Kuramono is alive and well. I have one and it's definitely pretty tip heavy but it really shines when you put it into action. I believe it's my best heavy cutter. And I love the polish and natural hamon on this blade. +1
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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 21, 2011 16:14:25 GMT
I measured the handle circumference at three points: (1) immediately behind the fuchi, (2) the thinnest point of handle (waist) and (3) in front of the kashira:
=Kuramono: (1) 104mm, (2) 93mm, (3) 100mm
=Shura: (1) 109mm, (2) 98mm, (3) 103mm
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Post by D'artagnan on Mar 22, 2011 7:09:19 GMT
point of inquiry- the analogy. Is it to translate to keira knightley is a little thicker than anne hathaway? I myself would prefer a nice Beyonce hourglass tsuka...or maybe Catherine Heigl...I digress. And I am waaaaaayyy under fifty and I've seen Breakfast at Tiffany's AND Roman Holiday but I digress. +1 for the women analogous as a sword comparison
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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 22, 2011 15:23:40 GMT
Entertaining analogies aside, what amazes me is how subtle the differences in dimensions can be to impart an entirely different perception. The articulations can be nearly proportional, yet, if the handle circumference is slightly smaller, it renders the impression "too thin."
Buying swords over the internet without first having a chance to take them in hand is a chancy proposition. It's very difficult from reviews to get an accurate understanding of the handle/tsuka feel. I was hoping that the following measurements might help:
=Kuramono (11") : (1) 104mm @ fuchi, (2) (-11) 93mm @ 6.25" from fuchi, (3) (+7) 100mm @ kashira =Shura (10.825"): (1) 109mm @ fuchi, (2) (-11) 98mm, @ 6.00" from fuchi (3) (+5) 103mm @ kashira
Further, how consistently can a sword maker deliver on these dimensions? (My Shura and Delux Iaito are remarkable consistent dimensionally.) Can the same be said for each Kuramono? Is there a reference handle? Does it depend entirely whether it is Bill or Wanda shaping that day? Will your circumferences be slightly larger or smaller?
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Post by Curgan on Mar 23, 2011 2:54:04 GMT
Not to mention that each one of us has different hands and tastes. So what one finds comfortable might not be the same for another (and vice versa).
PS the knightley - hathaway analogy was great, but some will go for knightley nonetheless (although not for an axe handle...)
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Post by frankthebunny on Mar 23, 2011 14:48:59 GMT
nice review L.J. and terrific pictures. I love the "invisible blade" shot! I just want to point out that the hamon on this blade is incredible even though it has a common movie type of shape, not fake, not enhanced, just wonderful. the 6 1/2" pob makes for a hefty feeling blade (in this swords case) but I could imagine this translating into the feeling that the blade would be on almost an auto pilot mode during cutting. I would indeed consider it a heavy cutter that could easily slice through the toughest of targets available. I also want to point out that the F&K appear to be made of a Grey-ish metal alloy and most likely not brass as advertised. the kojiri is wood and is part of the rest of the saya (painted with a gloss finish) and the kurigata is also wood. these are not necessarily bad things but just so people know in case they were wondering.
for those who have wielded the DF musha shobu, you would have a good idea of the powerful blade presence of this sword as well as the overall balance. I personally like lighter feeling swords in general but few would give me the confidence to cut heavy duty targets like the Kuramono would. other than the ok kissaki, the polish on this blade is far better than most (or all) in it's class.
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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 23, 2011 22:32:05 GMT
Correct you are. Each of us, based on our hand sizes and what we find acceptable, need a method of handle/tsuka description that will allow us to choose appropriately rather than the hit-or-miss system that currently exists.
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Post by Gregorio K. on Apr 7, 2011 14:06:32 GMT
Hi Larry ! How did you order you Kuramono from ProSwords? I tried to contact them by e-mail and place my order but it didn`t get through. I think their website isn`t fully operating yet! I have also tried to send e-mail to Pam and it failed. I like your review and pictures. Regards Gregorio
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