Ten Ryu Hand Forged Musashi Katana and Wakizashi
Aug 16, 2012 1:51:47 GMT
Post by Judosailor on Aug 16, 2012 1:51:47 GMT
Introduction
These are the Ten Ryu models TR-004 and TR-005, Hand Forged Musashi Katana and Wakizashi (as opposed to a line of cheaper Musashi kats that they also have). I bought these swords for two reasons. I wanted something for myself, but also one that I could sell the same model of on ebay. I wanted something that had a traditional look and feel, including a real hamon. However, I also wanted something durable and functional for novice users like myself. Of course, the price had to be right too!
I found these swords to fit all my requirements. The katana also comes in several variations, with either a Musashi, Chrysanthemum or Crane Tsuba. That is nice for me as a seller since I can offer all three versions while knowing that all other specifications remain the same.
Historical overview
I am not yet very knowledgeable on katana shapes and the corresponding terminology, however, this katana and wakizashi have the look and feel of the most popular and classic form of the weapon from myth and movies. The tsuba shape is the same as any other “Musashi” tsuba offered by other manufacturers, but I have no idea if that is historical or not.
Full Disclosure
I am, as previously mentioned, an ebay seller, and I will be selling these same sword models and their variations there. However, had I not been pleased with these swords, I would say so. I have no fear of offering a fair review because if they turned out to be terrible swords, I would sell the used ones, and then try a different model or manufacturer until I found a sword that I felt I could offer for sale in good conscience. Also, you can see the live video of me cutting with these swords, lots of pictures, and eventually I will even do a video review on youtube. So you will be able to get up close looks at the swords and see them in use.
Initial Impressions
The boxes looked nice! Lol But seriously, they came well packaged and in good condition. Each sword was secured in a cardboard tube placed in a rectangular box. They were secured in the tubes with Styrofoam and were each in their black sword bag.
My initial impressions were very good. There were no visible flaws that I could see anywhere on either sword. Both were coated in oil. Everything on both swords was super tight. They fit very snuggly into the saya, but as soon as you broke the hold, they slid out completely unobstructed.
The Wakizashi
The Katana
Statistics
Here are the manufacturers specs for both swords:
The Katana
40.5" Overall, 26.5" blade, 10.5" handle
1045 High Carbon Steel Blade and Blood Groove with clay temper technique.
Iron Chrysanthemum Tsuba with Real Ray Skin Handle
Black Lacquer Finished Scabbard w/ Cleaning Kit & Bag
The Wakizashi
31.5" Overall, 19" blade, 10" handle
1045 High Carbon Steel Blade and Blood Groove with clay temper technique.
Iron Musashi Tsuba with Real Ray Skin Handle
Black Lacquer Finished Scabbard w/ Cleaning Kit & Bag
However, I did find some discrepancies with their measurements and my own. So, here are the numbers I got:
The Katana (my numbers)
Blade/Nagasa Length: 28.5” (including habaki)
Handle/Tsuka Length: 11”
Overall Length: 40”
Guard/Tsuba Width: 3”
POB (Point of Balance): 5”
The Wakizashi (my numbers)
Blade/Nagasa Length: 20.5”
Handle/Tsuka Length: 9.75”
Overall Length: 30.5”
Guard/Tsuba Width: 3”
POB (Point of Balance): 3.5”
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
Both swords are 1045 HCS with full bohi. The manufacturer does not advertise the actual hardness, but they do claim the hamon is genuine. I know there will be some people who probably doubt that, but unless I have them examined in person by an expert or scientifically tested , I will continue to take the manufacturers word for it.
I found the shape of both swords to be consistent and pleasing to the eye. The bohi looks well done. The hamon may have been acid etched to bring it out, but looks very nice on the katana. On the wakizashi, the hamon is both harder to see, and not as nicely shaped. I could not notice any obvious scratches or flaws. Both blades were straight and true for the whole length. I also did flex both swords in my hands and though they flexed very little, they both returned to true.
The Handle/Tsuka
Both tsukas are wrapped in black cotton ito over white ray skin. The ito is your typical shoestring, but it is wrapped SUPER tight, and the wrap is alternating. The tsukas are double pegged with bamboo pegs. I removed the pegs on both swords, and could see the wood of the tsuka and tang of the blade through the holes, however I could not get the tsuka off. In fact, I could not even budge it on either sword. Either they are just that tight, or they are glued on in addition to the pegs. Either way I have complete confidence that the blade is securely mounted and isn’t going anywhere!
The Guard/Tsuba
The tsuba is iron, which is a big step up from the usual zinc found on swords in this price range. The design is the rather plain Musashi double ring design, but looks nice for what it is.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
For the life of me, I can't tell what the design is on the kat's pommel! A bunch of grapes? But the wak is smooth and unadorned.
The Scabbard/Saya
The saya is black speckled on both swords. It fits the habaki very tightly, but does not drag on the blade at all. There is no rattling when either sword is seated in the saya. The black cotton cord is the most disappointing thing about either saya being, once again, your typical shoelace cord. However, I did find both swords, sheathed in their sayas right next to each other, to be a rather pretty pair.
Handling Characteristics
The wakizashi actually feels beafier in my hand than the katana. And it almost feels like the center of percussion should be somewhere past where the blade actually ends! Almost. However, thanks to a handle that easily accommodates both hands, it cut and handles well. Even one handed felt pretty good once I got used to it.
The katana was a dream from the get go. Felt very light in my hand. Unfortunately you won’t be able to tell this since I removed the original audio in my test cutting vids, but in a couple of them you can easily hear the whistle as it slices through the air! (What’s the Japanese term for that, again? Something-kaze?)
Test Cutting (if applicable)
Please reference my test cutting vids here: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=12731
To summarize it, both swords cut bottles like they were nothing. The katana made nice cuts on my poorly made straw bundles too. The wakizashi also cut straw, but that ended up being my most poorly made bundle, and so it Is harder to tell.
Conclusions
Overall I am very pleased and feel I made a great choice with these two swords. Both retail for under $150, but in my opinion have features you more usually find on swords over $200. Master Cutlery has been accused of poor QC because they shop around to different forges. However, I have had nothing but good results with them and have now bought or own 4 of their models.
Pros
- All fittings are super tight.
- Both swords handle and cut easily.
- Real Hamon
-Matched set with different variations.
-Durable.
Cons
- Shoestring Quality Ito.
- Ugly hamon on wakizashi.
- 1045 HCS is durable, but a cheaper and lower, quality steel.
The Bottom Line
I wouldn’t sell a sword model I didn’t love, and I definitely love both of these!
These are the Ten Ryu models TR-004 and TR-005, Hand Forged Musashi Katana and Wakizashi (as opposed to a line of cheaper Musashi kats that they also have). I bought these swords for two reasons. I wanted something for myself, but also one that I could sell the same model of on ebay. I wanted something that had a traditional look and feel, including a real hamon. However, I also wanted something durable and functional for novice users like myself. Of course, the price had to be right too!
I found these swords to fit all my requirements. The katana also comes in several variations, with either a Musashi, Chrysanthemum or Crane Tsuba. That is nice for me as a seller since I can offer all three versions while knowing that all other specifications remain the same.
Historical overview
I am not yet very knowledgeable on katana shapes and the corresponding terminology, however, this katana and wakizashi have the look and feel of the most popular and classic form of the weapon from myth and movies. The tsuba shape is the same as any other “Musashi” tsuba offered by other manufacturers, but I have no idea if that is historical or not.
Full Disclosure
I am, as previously mentioned, an ebay seller, and I will be selling these same sword models and their variations there. However, had I not been pleased with these swords, I would say so. I have no fear of offering a fair review because if they turned out to be terrible swords, I would sell the used ones, and then try a different model or manufacturer until I found a sword that I felt I could offer for sale in good conscience. Also, you can see the live video of me cutting with these swords, lots of pictures, and eventually I will even do a video review on youtube. So you will be able to get up close looks at the swords and see them in use.
Initial Impressions
The boxes looked nice! Lol But seriously, they came well packaged and in good condition. Each sword was secured in a cardboard tube placed in a rectangular box. They were secured in the tubes with Styrofoam and were each in their black sword bag.
My initial impressions were very good. There were no visible flaws that I could see anywhere on either sword. Both were coated in oil. Everything on both swords was super tight. They fit very snuggly into the saya, but as soon as you broke the hold, they slid out completely unobstructed.
The Wakizashi
The Katana
Statistics
Here are the manufacturers specs for both swords:
The Katana
40.5" Overall, 26.5" blade, 10.5" handle
1045 High Carbon Steel Blade and Blood Groove with clay temper technique.
Iron Chrysanthemum Tsuba with Real Ray Skin Handle
Black Lacquer Finished Scabbard w/ Cleaning Kit & Bag
The Wakizashi
31.5" Overall, 19" blade, 10" handle
1045 High Carbon Steel Blade and Blood Groove with clay temper technique.
Iron Musashi Tsuba with Real Ray Skin Handle
Black Lacquer Finished Scabbard w/ Cleaning Kit & Bag
However, I did find some discrepancies with their measurements and my own. So, here are the numbers I got:
The Katana (my numbers)
Blade/Nagasa Length: 28.5” (including habaki)
Handle/Tsuka Length: 11”
Overall Length: 40”
Guard/Tsuba Width: 3”
POB (Point of Balance): 5”
The Wakizashi (my numbers)
Blade/Nagasa Length: 20.5”
Handle/Tsuka Length: 9.75”
Overall Length: 30.5”
Guard/Tsuba Width: 3”
POB (Point of Balance): 3.5”
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
Both swords are 1045 HCS with full bohi. The manufacturer does not advertise the actual hardness, but they do claim the hamon is genuine. I know there will be some people who probably doubt that, but unless I have them examined in person by an expert or scientifically tested , I will continue to take the manufacturers word for it.
I found the shape of both swords to be consistent and pleasing to the eye. The bohi looks well done. The hamon may have been acid etched to bring it out, but looks very nice on the katana. On the wakizashi, the hamon is both harder to see, and not as nicely shaped. I could not notice any obvious scratches or flaws. Both blades were straight and true for the whole length. I also did flex both swords in my hands and though they flexed very little, they both returned to true.
The Handle/Tsuka
Both tsukas are wrapped in black cotton ito over white ray skin. The ito is your typical shoestring, but it is wrapped SUPER tight, and the wrap is alternating. The tsukas are double pegged with bamboo pegs. I removed the pegs on both swords, and could see the wood of the tsuka and tang of the blade through the holes, however I could not get the tsuka off. In fact, I could not even budge it on either sword. Either they are just that tight, or they are glued on in addition to the pegs. Either way I have complete confidence that the blade is securely mounted and isn’t going anywhere!
The Guard/Tsuba
The tsuba is iron, which is a big step up from the usual zinc found on swords in this price range. The design is the rather plain Musashi double ring design, but looks nice for what it is.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
For the life of me, I can't tell what the design is on the kat's pommel! A bunch of grapes? But the wak is smooth and unadorned.
The Scabbard/Saya
The saya is black speckled on both swords. It fits the habaki very tightly, but does not drag on the blade at all. There is no rattling when either sword is seated in the saya. The black cotton cord is the most disappointing thing about either saya being, once again, your typical shoelace cord. However, I did find both swords, sheathed in their sayas right next to each other, to be a rather pretty pair.
Handling Characteristics
The wakizashi actually feels beafier in my hand than the katana. And it almost feels like the center of percussion should be somewhere past where the blade actually ends! Almost. However, thanks to a handle that easily accommodates both hands, it cut and handles well. Even one handed felt pretty good once I got used to it.
The katana was a dream from the get go. Felt very light in my hand. Unfortunately you won’t be able to tell this since I removed the original audio in my test cutting vids, but in a couple of them you can easily hear the whistle as it slices through the air! (What’s the Japanese term for that, again? Something-kaze?)
Test Cutting (if applicable)
Please reference my test cutting vids here: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=12731
To summarize it, both swords cut bottles like they were nothing. The katana made nice cuts on my poorly made straw bundles too. The wakizashi also cut straw, but that ended up being my most poorly made bundle, and so it Is harder to tell.
Conclusions
Overall I am very pleased and feel I made a great choice with these two swords. Both retail for under $150, but in my opinion have features you more usually find on swords over $200. Master Cutlery has been accused of poor QC because they shop around to different forges. However, I have had nothing but good results with them and have now bought or own 4 of their models.
Pros
- All fittings are super tight.
- Both swords handle and cut easily.
- Real Hamon
-Matched set with different variations.
-Durable.
Cons
- Shoestring Quality Ito.
- Ugly hamon on wakizashi.
- 1045 HCS is durable, but a cheaper and lower, quality steel.
The Bottom Line
I wouldn’t sell a sword model I didn’t love, and I definitely love both of these!