Bugei Samurai Katana
Dec 23, 2013 4:51:33 GMT
Post by Matthew.Jensen on Dec 23, 2013 4:51:33 GMT
Introduction
Bugei has always had a good rep when it comes to production katana. They also seem to have some appealing themes in the higher end production pieces. When I started buying production katana I remember looking at the Bugei offerings and drooling a bit. I have to admit I was always after one of their Samurai katana. I think it is one of the largest blades they work with. When the opportunity came up to buy one second hand I jumped right on it (metaphorically speaking).
Full Disclosure
I am not being paid to write this review.
I am not an employee of any sword company. I do however buy a lot of swords and sell a good chunk of them.
I am a novice sword collector/practitioner. I still have a lot to learn about every subject in this review but I have the swords, so why not share right? Everything that I write in this review is based on my opinion and limited knowledge. Please take that into account as you read.
This sword was purchased second hand and is approximately 8-12 years old as of 2013.
Initial Impressions
My internal impressions were somewhat lackluster. When I bought this blade second hand the previous owner was a little nervous about selling the katana in a public space. Everything looked solid so I paid for the blade and went on my way. It was not tell I got home I realized the blade was not the 29.5/11 it was the 28.5/11 model. I was really after the 29.5 inch blade, this one not quite the right size for me. Still I was happy to have gotten a chance to play with one. Anyway, that does not have anything to do with Bugei, just the dumb luck of buying used stuff. It seems to be a common problem for me. It seems like most people measure the blade wrong...
Statistics
Tsuka/Handle: 11”
Nagasa/Blade: 28 ½” (measured without habaki)
Motohaba: 1 1/4 “
Sakihaba: 1 “
Motokasane: 4.75/16”
Sakikasane: 3/16"
Torisori: 7/8 “
Kissaki: 1 3/4 “
Weight: lb 12 oz
POB: Aprox 5 3/4” from Tsuba
Overall: 40 1/2” (no Saya)
Overall : 44 1/2” (in Saya)
MSRP: $1250 (NEW)
The Blade/Nagasa
The blade is what looks like KC120. I got this blade second hand so I can’t be sure but the railway steel blades seem to have a much different look. The hada is easy to see and quite pleasant. I like the look of the hada on the earlier blades that used KC120. The look has a bold hada with a good amount of activity. The profile of the blade also gives it the appearance of a big strong cutter. I am not sure how easy it would be to cut with given that it is quite a thick blade but I find the appearance attractive. The hamon is the somewhat standard Hanwei frosted hamon. I think a lot of character gets lost in it but I am trying keep in mind it is a production sword.
I like the overall geometry of the blade. It is hefty and simple but it does not feel out of balance in my hands. Also I think the kissaki on this blade is well formed.
My main complaint about the blade is the surface of the blade is not smooth. It is hard to explain and harder to photograph. If I point the tip of the blade at a light and look down the blade at the shinogi or shinogi-ji, I see ripples rather than a smooth plane. I know this is not a small ask but I think very highly of Bugei and their quality control. I am guessing that newer models are more refined as this type of issue seems more common in some of the older Hanwei pieces I have seen. I have seen glass like shinogi and shinogi-ji on $300 swords from Munetoshi and other companies including Hanwei’s lower line products. Also, I have owned a few other Bugei pieces, I remember the Crane katana had a very nice polish. It had a glass like shinogi and shinogi-ji. I don’t think it would cause an issue using the blade but it is something that I find appealing in a well made sword. That level of detail tells me someone really took the time to make the blade right and I was disappointed not to see it in this particular Bugei. I will acknowledge that this point goes into a high level of scrutiny for a production sword, so please take it with a grain of salt. (Remember it was second hand too)
The Handle/Tsuka
The tsuka had some signs of handling when I got it but all the good stuff was still intact. I know this blade is an older one. The tsuka core is still intact and the tsukamaki is holding up after years of use. I think that is a good sign overall. The tsuka itself is a little smaller in profile than what you expect from blades put together at Hanwei. Less axe handle like or so they say. I would like to see more shape in the tsuka personally but that is more of a preference than a complaint.
Another plus about the tsuka was the large nodules on the samagawa. They are quite large and easy to see. The tsuka was also not a huge pain in the butt to take apart. Many production blades tend to get stuck on there but this one came off with a few good thumps of the wrist. It went back together with the same ease.
The Guard/Tsuba
The tsuba is a simple design. I am not sure if the newer Samurai katana have the same looking tsuba or if it has changed a bit over the years. The tsuba has a slightly larger diameter than most and it suits the blade well. It seems like the theme of the blade is simple overall and these fittings work for it. Not gaudy or overstated.
I know some folks are more interested in the theme than others. Honestly the samurai theme does not do much for me but I do appreciate that the theme is not so boldly stated that it detracts from the blade.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
The fittings are the olde blued steel that was common on Hanwei blades many years ago. They have a pleasant and simple look to them. The newer fittings seem to have more texture on them now but these have a simple machined look. They are still in place after several years and don’t show a lot of ware. It seems like these hold up well over time. I have had copper fittings on my Bugei Bamboo that showed more ware.
The Scabbard/Saya
The saya has a smaller profile than I would expect. I find that many saya tend to be thicker than necessary. This is a simple gloss black with the standard horn parts. The saya holds the habaki a little tight. It would be easy to sand a bit but I’m going to pass on it. Still I would rather it be too tight than too loose. The saya is also oddly long for the length of the blad. It has an extra 3 inches or so, still it does not rattle in the saya. I would have thought the extra saya length might have lead to a little rattle but it is solid.
Handling Characteristics
The blade feels reasonably balanced in the hand but has a sense of heft. It almost 3lb so it is no light sword. The way this blade moves makes me think it will be a really solid cutter. I would not say it is difficult to control but I would not call it easy. Its right at that spot where fluidity is more important. If you try to muscle the blade around it tries to run away from you a bit. Still that heft does not seem to be a burden when I move it. Bugei offers these blades in a variety of sizes so I don’t think each one of them will have a consistent feeling. An extra oz here and there makes big difference on how the blade handles.
Other notes around the handling subject are pretty straightforward. The ito is comfortable, the saya is tight but the blade can be drawn and sheathed easily, and there were no stand out complaints about the overall feeling.
Test Cutting
I am planning on selling this blade so I am going to avoid the test cutting. (I know, I’m a big jerk) The blade looks like a good cutter and there are no functional issues that would make me apprehensive about using it. If it were a different size, I would reconsider hanging onto it but it is a little short for me.
Conclusions
Even though this is a second hand blade I think it is fair for evaluation. The blade has some less than desirable unevenness along the shinogi-ji and shinogi. The MSRP on this blade new is $1250 and that is somewhere in the middle of high end production swords at least as price is concerned. I think Bugei has gotten a little more refined over the years but so I would guess newer pieces would be of a higher quality in terms of the unevenness I see on this blade.
Other than that the rest of the blade was very pleasant. I liked the geometry. It is sold as the largest blade in Bugei’s offerings and I think it shows. It has a nice heft without being overdone. Also the fittings, ito, tsuka, and saya have all stood up well to the test of time. Everything is still in good solid shape. I would not describe the blade as overly feature rich. No fancy bohi/shoi or special fittings or tsukamaki. It is a simple and classy heavy cutting blade.
Pros
Nicely profiled tuska and saya
Good shape for 10 years old
Large nodules on the samegawa
Attractive hada
Well formed kissaki
Disassembles for cleaning easily
Neutral
Hefty feeling when moving the blade
Large profile geometry
Simple theme and fittings
Cons
Uneven surface along the blade (shinogi/shinogi-ji)
Saya is longer than it needs to be and is a bit tight
The Bottom Line
Bugei has a reputation for consistent quality and I this blade shows why. Its not perfect but the blade is sturdy and strong. It does show that blades from forges in china have come a long way in 10+ years. There are a lot more options now, when compared to what was available then. Still for $1250 its a solid blade. I think the polish could be better but the blade is still very nice for the money. I am guessing newer versions of the Bugei samurai have a more refined feel to them. I don’t think its too crazy to pay $1250 for the blade considering the other options out there. Bugei has not raised their prices much in the last several years. The real trick is the amount of options available for hefty blades at the $1250 price point. I think the main selling point of this blade is the consistency. Bugei has a rep for giving you a good blade and there is less risk of getting a dud. Still, It seems like there are equivalent options available and there was nothing about the blade that made me love it. Keep in mind that I never cut with it, but I did handle it a bit.
I don’t mean to sound negative, because the blade is very nice, I just think I was over hyped on the reputation of a Bugei blade alone. It’s not perfect, just solid and comfortable. I would probably be a little frustrated if I paid $1250 for it but I am happy with the used price I paid. I can see why people would enjoy it but it is hard to put a strong endorsement behind it based on the price of the blade and the other options available in the price range. The tsuka and saya are shapped better but other than that I have difficulty seeing what makes this blade better than the less expensive Hanwei KC120 pieces. If this is the geometry or look you want, it might be the right choice for you. If you are not set on either of those things there are a lot of other options to consider.
Bugei has always had a good rep when it comes to production katana. They also seem to have some appealing themes in the higher end production pieces. When I started buying production katana I remember looking at the Bugei offerings and drooling a bit. I have to admit I was always after one of their Samurai katana. I think it is one of the largest blades they work with. When the opportunity came up to buy one second hand I jumped right on it (metaphorically speaking).
Full Disclosure
I am not being paid to write this review.
I am not an employee of any sword company. I do however buy a lot of swords and sell a good chunk of them.
I am a novice sword collector/practitioner. I still have a lot to learn about every subject in this review but I have the swords, so why not share right? Everything that I write in this review is based on my opinion and limited knowledge. Please take that into account as you read.
This sword was purchased second hand and is approximately 8-12 years old as of 2013.
Initial Impressions
My internal impressions were somewhat lackluster. When I bought this blade second hand the previous owner was a little nervous about selling the katana in a public space. Everything looked solid so I paid for the blade and went on my way. It was not tell I got home I realized the blade was not the 29.5/11 it was the 28.5/11 model. I was really after the 29.5 inch blade, this one not quite the right size for me. Still I was happy to have gotten a chance to play with one. Anyway, that does not have anything to do with Bugei, just the dumb luck of buying used stuff. It seems to be a common problem for me. It seems like most people measure the blade wrong...
Statistics
Tsuka/Handle: 11”
Nagasa/Blade: 28 ½” (measured without habaki)
Motohaba: 1 1/4 “
Sakihaba: 1 “
Motokasane: 4.75/16”
Sakikasane: 3/16"
Torisori: 7/8 “
Kissaki: 1 3/4 “
Weight: lb 12 oz
POB: Aprox 5 3/4” from Tsuba
Overall: 40 1/2” (no Saya)
Overall : 44 1/2” (in Saya)
MSRP: $1250 (NEW)
The Blade/Nagasa
The blade is what looks like KC120. I got this blade second hand so I can’t be sure but the railway steel blades seem to have a much different look. The hada is easy to see and quite pleasant. I like the look of the hada on the earlier blades that used KC120. The look has a bold hada with a good amount of activity. The profile of the blade also gives it the appearance of a big strong cutter. I am not sure how easy it would be to cut with given that it is quite a thick blade but I find the appearance attractive. The hamon is the somewhat standard Hanwei frosted hamon. I think a lot of character gets lost in it but I am trying keep in mind it is a production sword.
I like the overall geometry of the blade. It is hefty and simple but it does not feel out of balance in my hands. Also I think the kissaki on this blade is well formed.
My main complaint about the blade is the surface of the blade is not smooth. It is hard to explain and harder to photograph. If I point the tip of the blade at a light and look down the blade at the shinogi or shinogi-ji, I see ripples rather than a smooth plane. I know this is not a small ask but I think very highly of Bugei and their quality control. I am guessing that newer models are more refined as this type of issue seems more common in some of the older Hanwei pieces I have seen. I have seen glass like shinogi and shinogi-ji on $300 swords from Munetoshi and other companies including Hanwei’s lower line products. Also, I have owned a few other Bugei pieces, I remember the Crane katana had a very nice polish. It had a glass like shinogi and shinogi-ji. I don’t think it would cause an issue using the blade but it is something that I find appealing in a well made sword. That level of detail tells me someone really took the time to make the blade right and I was disappointed not to see it in this particular Bugei. I will acknowledge that this point goes into a high level of scrutiny for a production sword, so please take it with a grain of salt. (Remember it was second hand too)
The Handle/Tsuka
The tsuka had some signs of handling when I got it but all the good stuff was still intact. I know this blade is an older one. The tsuka core is still intact and the tsukamaki is holding up after years of use. I think that is a good sign overall. The tsuka itself is a little smaller in profile than what you expect from blades put together at Hanwei. Less axe handle like or so they say. I would like to see more shape in the tsuka personally but that is more of a preference than a complaint.
Another plus about the tsuka was the large nodules on the samagawa. They are quite large and easy to see. The tsuka was also not a huge pain in the butt to take apart. Many production blades tend to get stuck on there but this one came off with a few good thumps of the wrist. It went back together with the same ease.
The Guard/Tsuba
The tsuba is a simple design. I am not sure if the newer Samurai katana have the same looking tsuba or if it has changed a bit over the years. The tsuba has a slightly larger diameter than most and it suits the blade well. It seems like the theme of the blade is simple overall and these fittings work for it. Not gaudy or overstated.
I know some folks are more interested in the theme than others. Honestly the samurai theme does not do much for me but I do appreciate that the theme is not so boldly stated that it detracts from the blade.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
The fittings are the olde blued steel that was common on Hanwei blades many years ago. They have a pleasant and simple look to them. The newer fittings seem to have more texture on them now but these have a simple machined look. They are still in place after several years and don’t show a lot of ware. It seems like these hold up well over time. I have had copper fittings on my Bugei Bamboo that showed more ware.
The Scabbard/Saya
The saya has a smaller profile than I would expect. I find that many saya tend to be thicker than necessary. This is a simple gloss black with the standard horn parts. The saya holds the habaki a little tight. It would be easy to sand a bit but I’m going to pass on it. Still I would rather it be too tight than too loose. The saya is also oddly long for the length of the blad. It has an extra 3 inches or so, still it does not rattle in the saya. I would have thought the extra saya length might have lead to a little rattle but it is solid.
Handling Characteristics
The blade feels reasonably balanced in the hand but has a sense of heft. It almost 3lb so it is no light sword. The way this blade moves makes me think it will be a really solid cutter. I would not say it is difficult to control but I would not call it easy. Its right at that spot where fluidity is more important. If you try to muscle the blade around it tries to run away from you a bit. Still that heft does not seem to be a burden when I move it. Bugei offers these blades in a variety of sizes so I don’t think each one of them will have a consistent feeling. An extra oz here and there makes big difference on how the blade handles.
Other notes around the handling subject are pretty straightforward. The ito is comfortable, the saya is tight but the blade can be drawn and sheathed easily, and there were no stand out complaints about the overall feeling.
Test Cutting
I am planning on selling this blade so I am going to avoid the test cutting. (I know, I’m a big jerk) The blade looks like a good cutter and there are no functional issues that would make me apprehensive about using it. If it were a different size, I would reconsider hanging onto it but it is a little short for me.
Conclusions
Even though this is a second hand blade I think it is fair for evaluation. The blade has some less than desirable unevenness along the shinogi-ji and shinogi. The MSRP on this blade new is $1250 and that is somewhere in the middle of high end production swords at least as price is concerned. I think Bugei has gotten a little more refined over the years but so I would guess newer pieces would be of a higher quality in terms of the unevenness I see on this blade.
Other than that the rest of the blade was very pleasant. I liked the geometry. It is sold as the largest blade in Bugei’s offerings and I think it shows. It has a nice heft without being overdone. Also the fittings, ito, tsuka, and saya have all stood up well to the test of time. Everything is still in good solid shape. I would not describe the blade as overly feature rich. No fancy bohi/shoi or special fittings or tsukamaki. It is a simple and classy heavy cutting blade.
Pros
Nicely profiled tuska and saya
Good shape for 10 years old
Large nodules on the samegawa
Attractive hada
Well formed kissaki
Disassembles for cleaning easily
Neutral
Hefty feeling when moving the blade
Large profile geometry
Simple theme and fittings
Cons
Uneven surface along the blade (shinogi/shinogi-ji)
Saya is longer than it needs to be and is a bit tight
The Bottom Line
Bugei has a reputation for consistent quality and I this blade shows why. Its not perfect but the blade is sturdy and strong. It does show that blades from forges in china have come a long way in 10+ years. There are a lot more options now, when compared to what was available then. Still for $1250 its a solid blade. I think the polish could be better but the blade is still very nice for the money. I am guessing newer versions of the Bugei samurai have a more refined feel to them. I don’t think its too crazy to pay $1250 for the blade considering the other options out there. Bugei has not raised their prices much in the last several years. The real trick is the amount of options available for hefty blades at the $1250 price point. I think the main selling point of this blade is the consistency. Bugei has a rep for giving you a good blade and there is less risk of getting a dud. Still, It seems like there are equivalent options available and there was nothing about the blade that made me love it. Keep in mind that I never cut with it, but I did handle it a bit.
I don’t mean to sound negative, because the blade is very nice, I just think I was over hyped on the reputation of a Bugei blade alone. It’s not perfect, just solid and comfortable. I would probably be a little frustrated if I paid $1250 for it but I am happy with the used price I paid. I can see why people would enjoy it but it is hard to put a strong endorsement behind it based on the price of the blade and the other options available in the price range. The tsuka and saya are shapped better but other than that I have difficulty seeing what makes this blade better than the less expensive Hanwei KC120 pieces. If this is the geometry or look you want, it might be the right choice for you. If you are not set on either of those things there are a lot of other options to consider.