Musashi SS676 Katana
Aug 16, 2012 1:12:48 GMT
Post by Adrian Jordan on Aug 16, 2012 1:12:48 GMT
Introduction:
Hello again. Today I'll be reviewing one of the famous Musashi(Musha) SS676 katanas. It is generally considered the "best $50 katana in the world." I got this sword for my little brother Elliott back in 2009 as a Birthday gift. I traded him back for it a few weeks ago as I wanted to get my nephew, Quentin, a sword to break in with. As this is a very light, easy to handle katana with a fairly functional carbon steel blade I thought it would work perfectly. I originally bought this sword off of Amazon for the price of $51.82 shipped. The vendor that supplied it is called Martial Arts Land. The sword arrived quickly and in perfect condition.
Full Disclosure:
I'm still bigger than Elliott, and I could still kick his ass. That will never change.
This is a used item. Flaws that it displays now were likely not there when the sword was first purchased.
I do not work for nor have any stake in either Amazon or Musashi(Musha.)
Initial Impressions:
N/A
Specifications:
Blade Length-28"(measured from tsuba.)
Blade Material-1045 Carbon Steel
Handle Length-10 and 3/4"
Ito-Cotton
Samegawa-Synthetic
Fittings-Listed as all steel
Saya-Black lacquered wood with steel koiguchi
Blade Shape-Shinogi-Zukuri
Weight-31.5oz
Saya:
Nothing fantastic. It's constructed of lightweight wood with black lacquer. No visible flaws in the lacquer. Comes equipped with a shoe-string sageo.
Koiguchi is made of metal. It's listed as steel, but I couldn't vouch for it one way or the other. It's ugly as hell, hahaha.
Mouth is carved passingly well, thought the fit is loose. Moderate rattle is heard when shook.
Tsuka:
Non-removable, though it is listed as removable. Core is constructed of wood with synthetic samegawa strips. Ito is very shoe-lacey cotton and does not alternate.
Wrap is very loose, though it has been put through light handling use over the last three or so years. Knots are poorly done.
Fuchi/kashira are listed as steel, but I suspect they may be an alloy. Lines are seen on sides.
Menuki are a blackened dragon.
Tsuba is listed as steel, and is in the classic Musashi double-ring style.
Seppa are the flimsy copper gear-tooth style seen on many low-end swords. they are stamped "China" on one side and Musha on the other.
Habakis material is not listed, so I'll venture the guess of brass. It's heavily scuffed, but as mentioned, this is an older sword.
Fit to the blade is surprisingly good. No real gaps, and it is well centered.
Blade:
Made of 1045 carbon steel, TH, with bo-hi and in a shinogi-zukuri shape. It has a wire-brushed faux hamon. Overall polish is moderately mirrored, and fairly even.
Bo-hi termination is the generic rounded shape, and is even on both sides. Kissaki is also evenly cross-polished.
Handling:
This is where these swords shine. It is lightweight and nimble. Balance is about 4 and 5/8" from tsuba. Weight is listed at just under two pounds. This sword is a blast to swing, quick and light. This is the main reason I opted for this sword as a first for Quentin. The edge is fairly sharp. Though it is not capable of cutting paper, it cuts light plastic bottles well enough.
Conclusions:
This has long been considered one of the premier beginners swords. The blade is light and easy to handle, and it is actually functional. I wouldn't want to tackle anything bigger than a 2 liter soda bottle, though. The handle and saya are solid enough for use. After a short cutting session with Quentin, it shows no scuffing or bend in the blade. For $50, this is a great value. My pocket knife with a 3" blade cost half again as much, hahaha.
Thanks for reading, and please feel free to comment or ask questions.
Hello again. Today I'll be reviewing one of the famous Musashi(Musha) SS676 katanas. It is generally considered the "best $50 katana in the world." I got this sword for my little brother Elliott back in 2009 as a Birthday gift. I traded him back for it a few weeks ago as I wanted to get my nephew, Quentin, a sword to break in with. As this is a very light, easy to handle katana with a fairly functional carbon steel blade I thought it would work perfectly. I originally bought this sword off of Amazon for the price of $51.82 shipped. The vendor that supplied it is called Martial Arts Land. The sword arrived quickly and in perfect condition.
Full Disclosure:
I'm still bigger than Elliott, and I could still kick his ass. That will never change.
This is a used item. Flaws that it displays now were likely not there when the sword was first purchased.
I do not work for nor have any stake in either Amazon or Musashi(Musha.)
Initial Impressions:
N/A
Specifications:
Blade Length-28"(measured from tsuba.)
Blade Material-1045 Carbon Steel
Handle Length-10 and 3/4"
Ito-Cotton
Samegawa-Synthetic
Fittings-Listed as all steel
Saya-Black lacquered wood with steel koiguchi
Blade Shape-Shinogi-Zukuri
Weight-31.5oz
Saya:
Nothing fantastic. It's constructed of lightweight wood with black lacquer. No visible flaws in the lacquer. Comes equipped with a shoe-string sageo.
Koiguchi is made of metal. It's listed as steel, but I couldn't vouch for it one way or the other. It's ugly as hell, hahaha.
Mouth is carved passingly well, thought the fit is loose. Moderate rattle is heard when shook.
Tsuka:
Non-removable, though it is listed as removable. Core is constructed of wood with synthetic samegawa strips. Ito is very shoe-lacey cotton and does not alternate.
Wrap is very loose, though it has been put through light handling use over the last three or so years. Knots are poorly done.
Fuchi/kashira are listed as steel, but I suspect they may be an alloy. Lines are seen on sides.
Menuki are a blackened dragon.
Tsuba is listed as steel, and is in the classic Musashi double-ring style.
Seppa are the flimsy copper gear-tooth style seen on many low-end swords. they are stamped "China" on one side and Musha on the other.
Habakis material is not listed, so I'll venture the guess of brass. It's heavily scuffed, but as mentioned, this is an older sword.
Fit to the blade is surprisingly good. No real gaps, and it is well centered.
Blade:
Made of 1045 carbon steel, TH, with bo-hi and in a shinogi-zukuri shape. It has a wire-brushed faux hamon. Overall polish is moderately mirrored, and fairly even.
Bo-hi termination is the generic rounded shape, and is even on both sides. Kissaki is also evenly cross-polished.
Handling:
This is where these swords shine. It is lightweight and nimble. Balance is about 4 and 5/8" from tsuba. Weight is listed at just under two pounds. This sword is a blast to swing, quick and light. This is the main reason I opted for this sword as a first for Quentin. The edge is fairly sharp. Though it is not capable of cutting paper, it cuts light plastic bottles well enough.
Conclusions:
This has long been considered one of the premier beginners swords. The blade is light and easy to handle, and it is actually functional. I wouldn't want to tackle anything bigger than a 2 liter soda bottle, though. The handle and saya are solid enough for use. After a short cutting session with Quentin, it shows no scuffing or bend in the blade. For $50, this is a great value. My pocket knife with a 3" blade cost half again as much, hahaha.
Thanks for reading, and please feel free to comment or ask questions.