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Post by C Maxwell on Jul 6, 2012 4:11:59 GMT
I received my katana in the mail this afternoon, and I was most eager to inspect it. Unfortunately, I found two things on the sword which have given me some concern. The first are two hairline cracks on Habaki. These cracks appear to be quite tiny and could possibly be nothing more than a pair of scratched. The other problem I found was a strange scuff like mark or scratch on one side of the blade itself. I have included a pair of pictures below. Before I call Kult of Athena, I would like to know if these problems are warrant going through the trouble of a return. Attachments:
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Kuya
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Post by Kuya on Jul 6, 2012 4:21:20 GMT
If you're talking about the vertical cracks/scratches on the right side of the blade collar's face, it looks like something from a rough sheath/saya. It could also be the reason why the blade has the scuff mark as well. Are they both on the same side? From the pictures, I can't tell if the blade is still facing the same direction in both of them.
I'm not happy that this happened to you, but I am happy it happened to Hanwei. If it wasn't already obvious from my reviews, I'm the type that doesn't like the big Goliaths of the field. Hence why I went with Dyansty Forge instead of Hanwei for my first purchase.
I really hope that everything works out well for you, though. I know how it feels to be disappointed with a new sword's fit an finish (damn you, Cheness!).
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Post by C Maxwell on Jul 6, 2012 4:29:28 GMT
Yes, actually. They are from the same side, and I noticed upon drawing out the katana that a new scuff mark had formed. :/
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Kuya
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Post by Kuya on Jul 6, 2012 5:13:53 GMT
Yeah, seems that your blade and sheat aren't a good fit. Don't mess with it too much for now, that way when they ask what you've done with it if you try for a return, they shouldn't be able to refuse you. I know it'll be a hassle, but a bad fitting sheath isn't something you want to live with.
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Jul 6, 2012 10:27:09 GMT
The scratches on the habaki and blade are pretty minor and typical cosmetic flaws. If there aren't any serious structural issues like an actually cracked habaki, chipped or bent blade, or cracked tsuka core... etc., I'd keep it. The soft brass of the habaki is very prone to getting scratched just from regular contact with the koiguchi anyway. For the scratch on the blade, you could try polishing with some metal polish like Metal Glo www.trueswords.com/metal-glo-p-3169.html.
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Post by C Maxwell on Jul 6, 2012 14:37:52 GMT
Thank you, Lobster Hunter. With this being my first real sword, I was unsure of what to expect. Maybe a little blemish gives the sword some character! I will see if I can find some of the Metal Glo at my local hardware store. If not, I will order it from that site.
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Post by wolf_shade on Jul 6, 2012 14:59:32 GMT
I'd agree that they are minor and cosmetic, I don't know that I'd agree that they are typical (although I could be wrong at the price range, I've only got limited experience, but of my 3 swords that see use, none have similar marks on the blade). Scuffing on a habaki is to be expected as the entire concept is a friction fit into the saya. It has to rub, quite tightly, against the inside of the saya to do its job. However, a scratch such as exists in the images suggests that the saya has been poorly carved around the koiguchi and that there is a portion that is sticking too far out. Given that, polishing with metalglow or something similar is not a solution, it's only a cover up that will continually have to be reapplied as the scuffs will return. I'd say it's worthwhile to mention the issue to KoA and see what they are willing to do for you.
All that being said, consistent scuffing one one side of the blade suggests that you might be drawing/sheathing with that side pressed against the saya, meaning you're drawing/sheathing with a twist in one wrist or the other forcing the blade to rub agains the saya more than a clean draw would. Of course that assumes that you're drawing in a manner that would induce that (holding/wearing the blade at your side rather than straight in front of you). If those are occuring from just drawing the blade straight while holding it in front of you where you can be sure of and control the "flow" of the blade out of the saya I'd say it's definitely something that, if it were me, would result in a call/e-mail to the vendor.
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Sébastien
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Retired Moderator
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Post by Sébastien on Jul 6, 2012 16:12:54 GMT
Looks like unfortunate but minor cosmetic flaws. I don't think it will be worth your time trying to have it replaced.
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Post by Lobster Hunter on Jul 6, 2012 19:21:33 GMT
Most of my katanas have some scuffing on the habaki. wolf_shade is right in that scratches on the blade itself is atypical but it should be easy enough to polish most of it out. I'm guessing that the scratches on the blade was probably caused by something other than the saya... maybe someone at the forge carelessly placed it on top of something hard?
CAUTION: Metal polish will affect the frosty hamon on Hanwei kats so unless you plan on knocking down ALL of the hamon, you might want to tape off the parts you don't want affected. Or just polish very carefully in a circular motion.
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