Buyiaito - Zhi swords - Hanazaki iaito
Jun 30, 2011 0:32:31 GMT
Post by Derzis on Jun 30, 2011 0:32:31 GMT
Introduction
I was on the market for an iaito - my second one. I was looking for an iaito on heavier side. My Sensei has an aoi-bugodu, bought long time ago, one I liked very much. I tried to contact the supplier, but when they said to me that an iaito can be delivered in 6months and plus I said no way. My colleagues tozando's I found them too light comparing to a shinken and for the moment I wanted to explore new sources without being ready to spend 700+ on a custom one.
I felt on the buyiaito.com and I considered interesting the Hanazaki iaito (www.buyiaito.com/budget-series/1 ... atana.html). I contacted the seller and I asked for a custom one using the Hanazaki base.
The discussion went smooth and after 5 weeks I found myself with a 200US iaito (shipping included) based on my specs.
Historical overview
It is just an other Chinese forged iaito.
Full Disclosure
I am practicing iaido - Muso Shinden ryu - and I have now 2 iaito and a chinese shinken
I am not affiliated with Zhi swords.
Initial Impressions
I received the package in typical chinese packaging:
Tsuka was covered with a tight plastic and the blade was oiled (it is a carbon steel iaito)
Statistics
My iaito specs:
Blade/Nagasa Length: 2.5 shaku (75.7cm)
Handle/Tsuka Length: 9 sun (27.3cm)
POB (Point of Balance): 12 cm
COP (Center of Percussion): ND
Weight: 1.3Kg without saya
Components
The Blade/Nagasa:
Because the light is not natural, the blade pictures are not expressing the finesse of the blade. I was impressed with it - even if it has a fake hamon, it is not brutal. The blade is flawless, very straight for this area of prices on iaito market.
Kissaki is on the longer side but surprisingly well polished for an iaito.
The Handle/Tsuka
It is sintetic black silk (I asked for black instead the blue one), very tight wrapped in katate maki style. The tsuka is thinner than my other iaito, but stays better in my hands. I dind't have time to dismantle the iaito, but same looks artificial.
Tsuba model was not important for me but I asked the heavier they had to obtain the P.O.B as i requested (at 11-12cm max).
The Scabbard/Saya
It is painted dark blue in reality - with the flashlight appears bright blue - has artificial horn for koiguchi.
The habaki fits perfect in koiguchi, the sword is not falling from saya and it is not rattling.
Handling Characteristics
For me it is great, heavier but not tip heavy, perfect for my size (5'10). Looks like we will go a long way.
Conclusions
Pros
- beautiful blade
- good handling
- tight mountings
Cons
- fittings are not high quality. I changed the original sageo with a black silk one.
If you are on the market for a heavier iaito under 300US it is an interesting option. Just be sure to give your specs. For cheap iaito the P.O.B it is important - so ask if they can make it as you want it or not - otherwise you will find yourself with a tip heavy iaito.
PS When i will have time to dismantle this iaito I will come back with updated info.
__________________________________________________________________________
I was on the market for an iaito - my second one. I was looking for an iaito on heavier side. My Sensei has an aoi-bugodu, bought long time ago, one I liked very much. I tried to contact the supplier, but when they said to me that an iaito can be delivered in 6months and plus I said no way. My colleagues tozando's I found them too light comparing to a shinken and for the moment I wanted to explore new sources without being ready to spend 700+ on a custom one.
I felt on the buyiaito.com and I considered interesting the Hanazaki iaito (www.buyiaito.com/budget-series/1 ... atana.html). I contacted the seller and I asked for a custom one using the Hanazaki base.
The discussion went smooth and after 5 weeks I found myself with a 200US iaito (shipping included) based on my specs.
Historical overview
It is just an other Chinese forged iaito.
Full Disclosure
I am practicing iaido - Muso Shinden ryu - and I have now 2 iaito and a chinese shinken
I am not affiliated with Zhi swords.
Initial Impressions
I received the package in typical chinese packaging:
Tsuka was covered with a tight plastic and the blade was oiled (it is a carbon steel iaito)
Statistics
My iaito specs:
Blade/Nagasa Length: 2.5 shaku (75.7cm)
Handle/Tsuka Length: 9 sun (27.3cm)
POB (Point of Balance): 12 cm
COP (Center of Percussion): ND
Weight: 1.3Kg without saya
Components
The Blade/Nagasa:
Because the light is not natural, the blade pictures are not expressing the finesse of the blade. I was impressed with it - even if it has a fake hamon, it is not brutal. The blade is flawless, very straight for this area of prices on iaito market.
Kissaki is on the longer side but surprisingly well polished for an iaito.
The Handle/Tsuka
It is sintetic black silk (I asked for black instead the blue one), very tight wrapped in katate maki style. The tsuka is thinner than my other iaito, but stays better in my hands. I dind't have time to dismantle the iaito, but same looks artificial.
Tsuba model was not important for me but I asked the heavier they had to obtain the P.O.B as i requested (at 11-12cm max).
The Scabbard/Saya
It is painted dark blue in reality - with the flashlight appears bright blue - has artificial horn for koiguchi.
The habaki fits perfect in koiguchi, the sword is not falling from saya and it is not rattling.
Handling Characteristics
For me it is great, heavier but not tip heavy, perfect for my size (5'10). Looks like we will go a long way.
Conclusions
Pros
- beautiful blade
- good handling
- tight mountings
Cons
- fittings are not high quality. I changed the original sageo with a black silk one.
If you are on the market for a heavier iaito under 300US it is an interesting option. Just be sure to give your specs. For cheap iaito the P.O.B it is important - so ask if they can make it as you want it or not - otherwise you will find yourself with a tip heavy iaito.
PS When i will have time to dismantle this iaito I will come back with updated info.
__________________________________________________________________________