Cheness Oniyuri
Jan 14, 2013 16:15:51 GMT
Post by Appletree on Jan 14, 2013 16:15:51 GMT
Introduction
I have been looking at this sword from afar for 3 or 4 years now. I followed a link on a forum that led me to the review and I have had to have one ever since. With the review that Paul gave it there was just no denying that this was a sword that could do anything. I bought the sword from the SBG store, there were no issues. The sword arrived within a week of being ordered and there was no shipping damage.
Historical overview
Based on the ‘Togakure Ryu Ninja to’ – a sword belonging to the esteemed Soke Masaaki Hatsumi (founding father of the Bujinkan Federation) the Oniyuri was custom made at the request and to the specifications of some senior Bujinkan members to emulate this famous authentic Ninja sword.
Full Disclosure
I was paid 7.2 million dollars to give a positive review of this sword. However back on planet Earth where the sword was made, sold and shipped only myself and SBG knew anything about my purchase of the sword (at full price) and no additional incentive was given to me.
As I already stated I have been looking at this sword for some time and do not know how much fault I can find with it until the "new" wears down a bit, but I will see what comes out.
Initial Impressions
Under the packing was a somewhat flimsy box that contained the sword. The sword was in the sword bag and had a card from Cheness stating what it was. I did not notice any type of shipping damage with any of the received materials. I of course pulled the blade free and did a quick check for any overall damage/flaws. I did not notice anything that stood out. The first thought that I had upon unsheathing the blade was that the "fake" hamon was going to have to go. It was not unattractive it just seems out of place.
Statistics
Stats from the site:
Steel 9260 Spring Steel
Weight 2lbs 8oz (bo-hi)
Point of Balance 2.5" (bo-hi)
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
As I stated the fake hamon stands out and IMO has to go.
The Handle/Tsuka
The handle was on extremely tight and there was not any free movement. When i took the sword apart for inspection the Tsuka gave me some trouble coming apart, however it was not near as hard to get off of the blade as the Tsuba. There was some powdery metal in the Tsuka and on the Tang that wiped off easily. I belive it was some ground metal that was probably just loose in the shop. Maybe it was left from the signing that was done on the blade.
The Guard/Tsuba
Was attached to the sword. And I do mean attached. When I took the sword apart I had some trouble getting this to come off. After it was put back together it was still tight and there was still no free movement.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
nothing special here.
The Scabbard/Saya
When the blade is in the Saya there is no movement. The sword slides in/out with no issues not too tight not too loose. The glossy black is fine to look at there is one minor nick in the Saya that has been glossed over so must be from when it as being formed.
Handling Characteristics
This sword feels balanced when I swing it. The POB is about correct to what is listed on the site. Depending on how you choose to hold the sword makes a big difference on how it feels when you handle it. so far I am really liking the long Tsuka.
Test Cutting
I did not realize how bad my cutting skills were until I did some test cuts. I will say that this sword did not handle anywhere near the same as the boken that I have used.
I had saved up some bottles in anticipation of the arrival of the sword, and had planned to film several cuts, however my camera crew were not as on the ball as the should have been.
Conclusions
I am happy with this purchase, the only thing that I would change would be the fittings, I would like to see them not as tight, however this will probably happen in time, I still have not been able to remove the Habaki (have not given it much of a try yet either).
I would also like to get a shorter Saya (I have no real use for the longer one that comes with the sword). Other than that I would keep it all the same.
Pros
Long Tsuka (that I prefer)
Options on how it is handeled (makes it like having several different swords)
The wrapping on the Tsuka was tight
No rattle on the handle or Saya
Shipped quickly with no problems
The feel of the sword is really nice to me
Cons
Some of the fittings are on too tight (may just be me)
Small ding in the Saya from production
FOD in the Tsuka (ground steel powder)
No tracking available when shipped (this may have saved my sanity)
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this sword to anyone wanting to get a lower priced starter to kick off a collection or to an experienced cutter wanting to get something a little different.
I have been looking at this sword from afar for 3 or 4 years now. I followed a link on a forum that led me to the review and I have had to have one ever since. With the review that Paul gave it there was just no denying that this was a sword that could do anything. I bought the sword from the SBG store, there were no issues. The sword arrived within a week of being ordered and there was no shipping damage.
Historical overview
Based on the ‘Togakure Ryu Ninja to’ – a sword belonging to the esteemed Soke Masaaki Hatsumi (founding father of the Bujinkan Federation) the Oniyuri was custom made at the request and to the specifications of some senior Bujinkan members to emulate this famous authentic Ninja sword.
Full Disclosure
I was paid 7.2 million dollars to give a positive review of this sword. However back on planet Earth where the sword was made, sold and shipped only myself and SBG knew anything about my purchase of the sword (at full price) and no additional incentive was given to me.
As I already stated I have been looking at this sword for some time and do not know how much fault I can find with it until the "new" wears down a bit, but I will see what comes out.
Initial Impressions
Under the packing was a somewhat flimsy box that contained the sword. The sword was in the sword bag and had a card from Cheness stating what it was. I did not notice any type of shipping damage with any of the received materials. I of course pulled the blade free and did a quick check for any overall damage/flaws. I did not notice anything that stood out. The first thought that I had upon unsheathing the blade was that the "fake" hamon was going to have to go. It was not unattractive it just seems out of place.
Statistics
Stats from the site:
Steel 9260 Spring Steel
Weight 2lbs 8oz (bo-hi)
Point of Balance 2.5" (bo-hi)
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
As I stated the fake hamon stands out and IMO has to go.
The Handle/Tsuka
The handle was on extremely tight and there was not any free movement. When i took the sword apart for inspection the Tsuka gave me some trouble coming apart, however it was not near as hard to get off of the blade as the Tsuba. There was some powdery metal in the Tsuka and on the Tang that wiped off easily. I belive it was some ground metal that was probably just loose in the shop. Maybe it was left from the signing that was done on the blade.
The Guard/Tsuba
Was attached to the sword. And I do mean attached. When I took the sword apart I had some trouble getting this to come off. After it was put back together it was still tight and there was still no free movement.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
nothing special here.
The Scabbard/Saya
When the blade is in the Saya there is no movement. The sword slides in/out with no issues not too tight not too loose. The glossy black is fine to look at there is one minor nick in the Saya that has been glossed over so must be from when it as being formed.
Handling Characteristics
This sword feels balanced when I swing it. The POB is about correct to what is listed on the site. Depending on how you choose to hold the sword makes a big difference on how it feels when you handle it. so far I am really liking the long Tsuka.
Test Cutting
I did not realize how bad my cutting skills were until I did some test cuts. I will say that this sword did not handle anywhere near the same as the boken that I have used.
I had saved up some bottles in anticipation of the arrival of the sword, and had planned to film several cuts, however my camera crew were not as on the ball as the should have been.
Conclusions
I am happy with this purchase, the only thing that I would change would be the fittings, I would like to see them not as tight, however this will probably happen in time, I still have not been able to remove the Habaki (have not given it much of a try yet either).
I would also like to get a shorter Saya (I have no real use for the longer one that comes with the sword). Other than that I would keep it all the same.
Pros
Long Tsuka (that I prefer)
Options on how it is handeled (makes it like having several different swords)
The wrapping on the Tsuka was tight
No rattle on the handle or Saya
Shipped quickly with no problems
The feel of the sword is really nice to me
Cons
Some of the fittings are on too tight (may just be me)
Small ding in the Saya from production
FOD in the Tsuka (ground steel powder)
No tracking available when shipped (this may have saved my sanity)
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this sword to anyone wanting to get a lower priced starter to kick off a collection or to an experienced cutter wanting to get something a little different.