|
Post by Valandur on May 14, 2013 1:40:26 GMT
So I came home from picking my daughter up from school to find a package awaiting me! This is what I ordered- www.swordsoftheeast.com/tenryuha ... sword.aspx Initial observation revealed an intact box, and upon opening it the inner branded box was likewise unmarked as this image shows - Upon opening the box the sword was inside a nylon bag. Only problem was the size and shape of the Tsuba made getting it put of the bag difficult. I was afraid I was going to rip the bag getting the blade out. But once free of the bag I got my first look at the sword - As these images show there aren't any obvious flaws, everything seems tight. The sword does rattle a bit in the Saya if you hold the saya about a foot from the point, but doesn't rattle if held near the tsuba. The only blemish I've found are two spots on the blackened habaki where some of the blackening has rubbed off, I'm sure a sharpie can fix that though. Here is a pic of that spot - The blade, when drawn seems to be picking up a bit of waxy residue from inside the Saya, but the blade is surprisingly evenly blackened and looks pretty good for a sub $150 sword as these images show. If you look closely you can make out faint "Damascus" lines, although I've still not found out what type of steel the blade is made from, nor just now Damascus it really is. - Sorry guys, the images came out cropped a bit. All of them are supposed to show more of the sword on the right and left of the image. Review to be continued....
|
|
|
Post by Valandur on May 14, 2013 4:11:54 GMT
The sword seems heavy to me. It's listed weight is 2.3 lbs. but seems heavier then that. I've not had a chance to weigh it yet. I guess partly its due to the meatiness of the blade, which is think can be a good thing? It's sharp, but not razor sharp, touching the edge doesn't cut my finger like a pocket knife I recently bought did. I'm real curious as to what the gold parts (sorry, I don't know what they are collectively called) are made of. Honestly they seem plastic if that's possible! Not sure how to test them? Here are a few images - The blade has decent balance, it's point of balance is 6 inches from the Tsuba, along the blade. I have noticed another point where the blackening will wear, that is right below the Bo hi where the edge is there are already two small marks partway down the blade. Honestly though I'm under no illusions that the blade will remain totally blackened. Once I'm sure it's free of defects I'll try some hard and soft cuts with it which will, I'm sure, remove some of the blackening. Overall I'm pleased with the blade. It's actually a replacement of a sword I had years ago that I pawned for a foolish reason when I was 20. I've always wanted another and am glad I got this one for $149 shipped because the next blade I buy is going to be a katana in the $400-500 price range and can get a better quality blade while having this functional sword to play around with. It's spring and prime snake season so it will see plenty of action ending the lives of copperheads and rattle snakes Pros: decent price. Fittings seem tight, no loose pieces yet It does look mean. I'd hate to be an intruder, well that is if my dogs don't maul them too badly : P It feels good despite its apparently being on the heavy side. Cons: the gold pieces on the sword and Saya are of unknown material and I'm thinking they might be plastic. ( anyone that's got a Ten Ryu blade, I'd be interested in knowing what your fittings are made of?) It could be sharper honestly. I'm not sure if there isn't a better method to blacken the blade then they used? It seems like gun blueing which will rub off fairly quickly. (I've got a number of guns, M1A and an AR15 as well as a couple of pistols which I've experienced wear marks on the blueing.) Sorry for this being so wordy. And I'm also sorry for any terminology errors I've made, I'm learning as I go along. Update: I removed the Sageo. When I did both Shito Dome came out. They weren't glued nor fixed in place.
|
|