Masahiro Highlander Katana C-41HM
May 9, 2012 19:15:40 GMT
Post by Judosailor on May 9, 2012 19:15:40 GMT
Introduction
Why did I decide to get this sword? One simple reason, my friends. Netflix put all six seasons of Highlander the Series on Watch Instantly! I had always been a fan of the show, but never bought a sword because I have only ever wanted to buy “real” (aka functional) swords. The last time I had considered buying one, the only functional one available was a hand carved handle by Sal D’Aquila mounted on a (then) Kris Cutlery blade. It was waaaaaayyyy out of my price range. But I discovered that now, due to the proliferation of Chinese forges I could get a Masahiro “1st Generation” Highlander sword made from 1045 carbon steel for around $50, give or take.
Historical overview
Duncan Macleod was born in the Highlands of Scotland 400 years ago...
Full Disclosure
I now sell this sword on ebay. With so many people selling swords on ebay, I decided my “schtick” was going to be only selling swords I have owned and handled myself. Hence I include video of me test cutting and reviewing the sword in every ad. I like it this way as I can personally vouch for a given model of sword, and wouldn’t sell something I wouldn’t own myself. It also means I have seen 3 of these bad boys, and hence gotten a pretty good cross sample of the QC.
Initial Impressions
The sword was very light and manageable. The saya was glossy black. The fittings were a gaudy bright fake gold. The fitting at the top of the saya was loose, and I had to take steps to tighten it later because it kept falling off every time I drew the sword! None of the other swords I examined had that problem. The hamon is wire brushed, but was polished so nicely on mine that, at first (and due to my inexperience in examining katana) I thought it might be real. Other swords I examined had a much more obviously wire brushed hamon, and now that I know what I am looking for, it is pretty obvious on mine as well. The handle looked pretty good, but I could see an obvious seam from the mould on the bottom side.
Statistics
When I bought mine, it was advertized as 1045 carbon steel. I did notice in more recent literature Master Cutlery is only advertizing it as “carbon steel” and dropped the “1045”. I am pretty sure it is still 1045, however, as nothing has appeared to change with the sword, and MC seems to be really inconsistent in their listing of specifications, sometimes including certain information and other times leaving it out.
Overall Length: 41 1/2''
Blade: 28 1/4''
Weight: 2 lb 1.2 oz
P.O.B.: 5 3/8''
Thickness: 6.7 mm - 5.1 mm
Width: 32.1 mm
Grip Length: 13''
Components
Unfortunately I do not have a lot of personal photo’s of the sword. But you can see the basics here, or check out my videos. I may be able to take more and upload them later.
The Blade/Nagasa
The blade has a bo-hi running the length of the blade. Fake, wire brushed hamon. Looks decent on mine, but looked pretty fake on some others I saw. It is advertised as being both handmade and hand sharpened and it was indeed very sharp. I was able to cut paper with it.
The Handle/Tsuka
I am 99.9% sure this is NOT an officially licensed Highlander product! However, to my untrained eye, it looks like Duncan’s sword to me. Certainly, it is plenty good enough to allow me to live out the momentary fantasy of being a Highlander Immortal.
Some literature I found said the handle is double pegged, but I am sure it has at least one peg, because it is hidden behind the ugly fake ruby. That is also far enough down the handle to make me feel pretty confident that it has a full tang. Experimental tapping at the handle suggests the tang ends about 11 inches into the handle, or so. I contacted MC and they stated the handle cannot be removed, which suggests it is also glued on. Either way, it seems very secure. There is not a hint of movement in the handle or any of the sword’s fittings.
The Guard/Tsuba
It looks close enough to the show, design-wise. The fake gold is way too bright and fake looking. It is probably zinc.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
Same as above.
The Scabbard/Saya
The saya was glossy black. The fittings were a gaudy bright fake gold. The fitting at the top of the saya was loose, and I had to take steps to tighten it later because it kept falling off every time I drew the sword! None of the other swords I examined had that problem.
Handling Characteristics
Handled like a dream. And though I am new to kats, I have handled swords before. It is light, responsive and well balanced.
Test Cutting
Cut plastic bottles easily. See my vid below. And, despite my misgivings, I did attempt some half inch green bamboo. I made several successful cuts. Then I botched one that sent the bamboo flying without cutting it. There was no bend to the sword, or damage to the edge. The blade seemed tough! Couldn’t ask for more out of this inexpensive sword, imo.
Conclusions
Look, this sword is only around $50. So, the QC is not 100% consistent. Sometimes you get a loose fitting on the saya, or a tiny spot of rust on the blade. But it handles like a dream and cuts well. It also looks enough like a decent replica of the prop sword to satisfy me. Frankly, I love it!
Pros
- Light and well balanced.
- Cuts bottles easily.
- Fulfills the “Highlander” fantasy.
Cons
- Some inconsistency in QC.
- Mine had a loose saya fitting. Another had a few spots of rust on the top of the blade.
- The handle is the reason you will buy it. But as “hardened resin” (aka plastic,) it is also the weak link and the reason I wouldn’t over use it.
The Bottom Line
I absolutely recommend this sword, as long as one keeps in mind the price point, and what you use it for. I love mine.
Why did I decide to get this sword? One simple reason, my friends. Netflix put all six seasons of Highlander the Series on Watch Instantly! I had always been a fan of the show, but never bought a sword because I have only ever wanted to buy “real” (aka functional) swords. The last time I had considered buying one, the only functional one available was a hand carved handle by Sal D’Aquila mounted on a (then) Kris Cutlery blade. It was waaaaaayyyy out of my price range. But I discovered that now, due to the proliferation of Chinese forges I could get a Masahiro “1st Generation” Highlander sword made from 1045 carbon steel for around $50, give or take.
Historical overview
Duncan Macleod was born in the Highlands of Scotland 400 years ago...
Full Disclosure
I now sell this sword on ebay. With so many people selling swords on ebay, I decided my “schtick” was going to be only selling swords I have owned and handled myself. Hence I include video of me test cutting and reviewing the sword in every ad. I like it this way as I can personally vouch for a given model of sword, and wouldn’t sell something I wouldn’t own myself. It also means I have seen 3 of these bad boys, and hence gotten a pretty good cross sample of the QC.
Initial Impressions
The sword was very light and manageable. The saya was glossy black. The fittings were a gaudy bright fake gold. The fitting at the top of the saya was loose, and I had to take steps to tighten it later because it kept falling off every time I drew the sword! None of the other swords I examined had that problem. The hamon is wire brushed, but was polished so nicely on mine that, at first (and due to my inexperience in examining katana) I thought it might be real. Other swords I examined had a much more obviously wire brushed hamon, and now that I know what I am looking for, it is pretty obvious on mine as well. The handle looked pretty good, but I could see an obvious seam from the mould on the bottom side.
Statistics
When I bought mine, it was advertized as 1045 carbon steel. I did notice in more recent literature Master Cutlery is only advertizing it as “carbon steel” and dropped the “1045”. I am pretty sure it is still 1045, however, as nothing has appeared to change with the sword, and MC seems to be really inconsistent in their listing of specifications, sometimes including certain information and other times leaving it out.
Overall Length: 41 1/2''
Blade: 28 1/4''
Weight: 2 lb 1.2 oz
P.O.B.: 5 3/8''
Thickness: 6.7 mm - 5.1 mm
Width: 32.1 mm
Grip Length: 13''
Components
Unfortunately I do not have a lot of personal photo’s of the sword. But you can see the basics here, or check out my videos. I may be able to take more and upload them later.
The Blade/Nagasa
The blade has a bo-hi running the length of the blade. Fake, wire brushed hamon. Looks decent on mine, but looked pretty fake on some others I saw. It is advertised as being both handmade and hand sharpened and it was indeed very sharp. I was able to cut paper with it.
The Handle/Tsuka
I am 99.9% sure this is NOT an officially licensed Highlander product! However, to my untrained eye, it looks like Duncan’s sword to me. Certainly, it is plenty good enough to allow me to live out the momentary fantasy of being a Highlander Immortal.
Some literature I found said the handle is double pegged, but I am sure it has at least one peg, because it is hidden behind the ugly fake ruby. That is also far enough down the handle to make me feel pretty confident that it has a full tang. Experimental tapping at the handle suggests the tang ends about 11 inches into the handle, or so. I contacted MC and they stated the handle cannot be removed, which suggests it is also glued on. Either way, it seems very secure. There is not a hint of movement in the handle or any of the sword’s fittings.
The Guard/Tsuba
It looks close enough to the show, design-wise. The fake gold is way too bright and fake looking. It is probably zinc.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
Same as above.
The Scabbard/Saya
The saya was glossy black. The fittings were a gaudy bright fake gold. The fitting at the top of the saya was loose, and I had to take steps to tighten it later because it kept falling off every time I drew the sword! None of the other swords I examined had that problem.
Handling Characteristics
Handled like a dream. And though I am new to kats, I have handled swords before. It is light, responsive and well balanced.
Test Cutting
Cut plastic bottles easily. See my vid below. And, despite my misgivings, I did attempt some half inch green bamboo. I made several successful cuts. Then I botched one that sent the bamboo flying without cutting it. There was no bend to the sword, or damage to the edge. The blade seemed tough! Couldn’t ask for more out of this inexpensive sword, imo.
Conclusions
Look, this sword is only around $50. So, the QC is not 100% consistent. Sometimes you get a loose fitting on the saya, or a tiny spot of rust on the blade. But it handles like a dream and cuts well. It also looks enough like a decent replica of the prop sword to satisfy me. Frankly, I love it!
Pros
- Light and well balanced.
- Cuts bottles easily.
- Fulfills the “Highlander” fantasy.
Cons
- Some inconsistency in QC.
- Mine had a loose saya fitting. Another had a few spots of rust on the top of the blade.
- The handle is the reason you will buy it. But as “hardened resin” (aka plastic,) it is also the weak link and the reason I wouldn’t over use it.
The Bottom Line
I absolutely recommend this sword, as long as one keeps in mind the price point, and what you use it for. I love mine.