Sinosword: fully customised shinogi-zukuri
Dec 22, 2012 13:47:12 GMT
Post by András on Dec 22, 2012 13:47:12 GMT
Introduction
I was looking for a sword that is very similar to my teacher's old japanese katana. I checked most big companies, contacted them by E-mail and asked for advise on several forums, but ended up with nothing. Then I heard of the option to order custom made swords for cheap. Following reviews, I selected two makers, Huawei and Sinosword.
Huawei didn't reply to my E-mails, so I went with Sinosword. I gave them a very detailed list of properties I wanted my sword to have, and they accepted them all.
Historical overview
The sword I custom ordered was based on a japanese katana. The data sheet of the original can be found here: www.e-sword.jp/sale/2009/0910_1086syousai.htm
It is a Shinogi-zukuri with relatively small sori and length.
Full Disclosure
This was my first custom ordered sword and my fifth sword in total. The review will be based on my observations from the day I received it around one year ago and how it performed since then.
Initial Impressions
Sinosword provided me with pictures before they shipped the finished sword, so I knew what to expect for the most part.
They made a mistake with the saya color and made a dark red one, which was later replaced by my original design because it got damaged at final inspection. I had the option to ask for a replacement at any time, but I liked both colors, so I didn't. This is why the saya color is not consistent in the pictures.
I always disassemble my swords when they arrive and this one was no exception. I found several problems, both aesthetic and functional that I will list below.
Functional problems:
I was looking for a sword that is very similar to my teacher's old japanese katana. I checked most big companies, contacted them by E-mail and asked for advise on several forums, but ended up with nothing. Then I heard of the option to order custom made swords for cheap. Following reviews, I selected two makers, Huawei and Sinosword.
Huawei didn't reply to my E-mails, so I went with Sinosword. I gave them a very detailed list of properties I wanted my sword to have, and they accepted them all.
Historical overview
The sword I custom ordered was based on a japanese katana. The data sheet of the original can be found here: www.e-sword.jp/sale/2009/0910_1086syousai.htm
It is a Shinogi-zukuri with relatively small sori and length.
Full Disclosure
This was my first custom ordered sword and my fifth sword in total. The review will be based on my observations from the day I received it around one year ago and how it performed since then.
Initial Impressions
Sinosword provided me with pictures before they shipped the finished sword, so I knew what to expect for the most part.
They made a mistake with the saya color and made a dark red one, which was later replaced by my original design because it got damaged at final inspection. I had the option to ask for a replacement at any time, but I liked both colors, so I didn't. This is why the saya color is not consistent in the pictures.
I always disassemble my swords when they arrive and this one was no exception. I found several problems, both aesthetic and functional that I will list below.
Functional problems:
- The saya was cracked. It seems to me that the habaki simply did not fit and was forced in. I was able to glue the cracked parts together to mend it.
The tsuka is split; it is not cracked, but on one side, where the two pieces of wood should meet, a small gap can be found. I inspected this, but luckily it does not pose any danger.
The tsuka is really tight; not a big deal, I just have to be really careful when taking it apart, since a level of force is required.[/list:u]
Aesthetic issues;
- The tang was not cut off in an appealing manner. I could say that the smith only paid attention to the visible parts.
The kashira and the tsuka-ito are not exactly on the same level.
[/list:u]
Apart from these, I was rather impressed with everything else.
- The saya fits the blade just right, I can use it for iai with no problems.
The tsuka-ito wrap is very tight, makes holding the sword feel secure.
The blade geometry is exactly how I wanted it to be. This is the most impressive part; I gave specifications down to the millimeters and they did it.
The hamon looks excellent. I only regret asking for mirror polish, which makes it hard to see.[/list:u]
Statistics
I will list the specifications I used for the blade. These are the numbers I gave to Sinosword to create the sword.
These numbers are actually almost exactly the same as the final product, only diffrences around 0,5mm can be found in some places.
- Blade steel: T10 monosteel
Hamon Type: Differential hardened. 60% of the hamon is suguha (starting from the yokote) and 40% is sanbon-sugi
Yokote: geometric yokote
Blade length(HA-CHOU) - 70.5cm
Curvature(SORI) - 1.3cm
Width at the hamachi(MOTO-HABA) - 3.2cm
Thickness at the Moto Kasane - 0.61cm
Shinogi - 0.65cm
Sakihaba - 2.4cm
Sakikasane - 0.46cm
Kissaki size - 4,8cm
Tsuka Length - 24cm [/list:u]
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
The blade is made in shinogi-zukuri style, with geometric yokote. It is made out of T10 steel, unfolded, not laminated.
It has a special hamon, with suguha style changing into sanbon-sugi around halfway.
I think it is better to let the pictures speak for themselves than try to explain whatit looks like;
Pictures of the hamon (low resolution)
The Tsuka
Tsuka has full wrap same (rayskin). The tsukamaki is default style, very tight with hishi-gami. It is shorter than most production katanas, but the right size for me.
The Tsuba, Fuchi-Kashira
The fittings are made out of copper, supposedly gold and silver plated. They all belong to the quality line of Sinosword's fittings and pushed the price up quiet a lot.
The Scabbard/Saya
I custom ordered a saya from Sinosword. The combination of my selected color and horn was not avaiable by default, however they were able to make it with no problems.
I told my contact to make sure the saya fits nicely, since I will use the sword for iaijutsu. When the sword finally came, the saya was cracked, but after mending it, I was able to use it for iai with no problems. The sword fits real nicely.
Handling Characteristics
The point of balance is close to the guard. This and the low sori make it very easy to handle in iai, however it is not the best for cutting. Basically it is a very light blade, with not much power, so I would not use it to cut any heavy targets.
This can be seen as a downside, but since I never intended to use it for cutting practice, just for iai, I am happy with it. It does feel very similar to it's template sword.
Test Cutting
I have had several cutting sessions with this sword. Always on light targets only. It cut through plastic bottles with no problem. No scratches were visible on the blade afterwards.
On one occasion I made a bad cut and hit the neck of a bottle (very thick and hard plastic there). This resulted in two chips on the blade. I would contribute this to my error and not the sword's. Since the blade is very narrow, it can not handle hard hits.
Conclusions
After using the sword for a year, I must say that I am glad I bought it. Full customisation for the price of a production sword (318 USD) sounded very risky at first, but now I have no doubt that it was the right choice. I can say for sure that the smith work is very good quality, but if someone wants a good sword, the wooden parts should be remade.
Pros
- Full customisation.
Affordable price.
Good quality metalwork.
Did not need any mending after the initial ones.[/list:u]
Cons
- Wooden parts were not on par with the rest of the sword.
Took a long time to create because of Chinese holidays.[/list:u]
The Bottom Line
All in all, I am very satisfied with Sinosword's work and would recommend it to anyone who wants a fully customised sword at basic production price.