MAS Kame
Apr 12, 2015 19:01:43 GMT
Post by The Lone Stranger on Apr 12, 2015 19:01:43 GMT
At long last, here is my review of the MAS Kame.
Introduction
As a little present to myself, I decided to get something Extra Nifty for my Iaido studies. After some research and questions from the board here, I decided on the MAS Kame.
Full Disclosure
I bought this sword from Martial Arts Swords for full price and am not affiliated with the company and will not receive any benefits, freebies, etc.
Initial Impressions
After a long day at work, there was a long cardboard tube waiting for me. What, oh what, could be inside?
After a thick layer of packing tape was removed, we could finally get into that tube. Inside, lots of bubble wrap wound round an object…a sword in a bag! As far as packaging goes, the tube was a bit scarred from its journey from Canada but the contents were undamaged thanks to the heavy layer of bubble wrap.
The first thing that you will notice is that the sword bag is made from 100% genuine Grandma Couch skin. I think it is quite nice considering those creatures were hunted to near extinction in the 1970’s and 80’s for used car salesman suits or hotel curtains. But seriously I did like the bag.
Next I checked the tsukamaki. The ito is a nice leather that isn’t slippery but is tacky/tactile without being sticky feeling. It was very tight with no movement though the diamonds were uneven and it appears that hishigami are not used. However, what the tsuka does have going for it is a kind of combination between haichi and rikko shape. Very comfortable and it is not thick and chunky feeling at all.
After that, I checked the saya, koshirae, habaki and blade. The saya had zero rattle and noto was smooth as butter. The habaki to koiguchi fit was tight but effortless for nukiuchi. All the fittings were tight and there were no gaps in the habaki to blade fit. The blade was straight with a very sedate suguha hamon. The yokote is cosmetic and just barely visible. This may bother some but it is not a big deal to me.
Statistics
Steel: Differentially hardened L6
Weight: 2.2 pounds
POB: 6 inches
Tsuka: 10.5 inches
Blade: 27 inches with .5 inch sori
Base of Habaki to tip: 28 inches
Ito: Leather
Sageo: Synthetic silk
Fuchi: Backened brass
Kashira: Blackened brass
Menuki: Blackened brass turtle shell
Handling Characteristics
To test out handling, I just did Mae which consists of a horizontal cut from the draw (nukiuchi) and then a vertical cut from the high guard or Jodan whilst kneeling. Man, it was very smooth and easy. And as I mentioned, smooth as butter noto. It has a forward oriented blade presence so it facilitates cuts very nicely. However, do not take that for it being a sluggish blade. It wasn't especially when I got on to cutting.
Test Cutting
It sailed through a double roll of tatami like it wasn't even there...very cleanly at that. The follow up cut was quick as well. I think the photos speak for themselves.
Conclusion
It is an excellent sword! Handles great, cuts great and looks fantastic. Is it expensive? At $1,830...Yes. It was akin to driving a Ferrari really. You can get where you're going in a Corolla but the Ferrari is much more fun.
Pros:
Nice fittings and blade.
Handles great.
Well shaped tsuka and saya.
Lifetime warranty on the blade.
Cons:
Tsukamaki is alright but not awesome.
Expensive.
Bottom Line
If you're serious about your studies in JSA or backyard cutting and have the shekels, get one.
Thanks for your time, y'all!
Introduction
As a little present to myself, I decided to get something Extra Nifty for my Iaido studies. After some research and questions from the board here, I decided on the MAS Kame.
Full Disclosure
I bought this sword from Martial Arts Swords for full price and am not affiliated with the company and will not receive any benefits, freebies, etc.
Initial Impressions
After a long day at work, there was a long cardboard tube waiting for me. What, oh what, could be inside?
After a thick layer of packing tape was removed, we could finally get into that tube. Inside, lots of bubble wrap wound round an object…a sword in a bag! As far as packaging goes, the tube was a bit scarred from its journey from Canada but the contents were undamaged thanks to the heavy layer of bubble wrap.
The first thing that you will notice is that the sword bag is made from 100% genuine Grandma Couch skin. I think it is quite nice considering those creatures were hunted to near extinction in the 1970’s and 80’s for used car salesman suits or hotel curtains. But seriously I did like the bag.
Next I checked the tsukamaki. The ito is a nice leather that isn’t slippery but is tacky/tactile without being sticky feeling. It was very tight with no movement though the diamonds were uneven and it appears that hishigami are not used. However, what the tsuka does have going for it is a kind of combination between haichi and rikko shape. Very comfortable and it is not thick and chunky feeling at all.
After that, I checked the saya, koshirae, habaki and blade. The saya had zero rattle and noto was smooth as butter. The habaki to koiguchi fit was tight but effortless for nukiuchi. All the fittings were tight and there were no gaps in the habaki to blade fit. The blade was straight with a very sedate suguha hamon. The yokote is cosmetic and just barely visible. This may bother some but it is not a big deal to me.
Statistics
Steel: Differentially hardened L6
Weight: 2.2 pounds
POB: 6 inches
Tsuka: 10.5 inches
Blade: 27 inches with .5 inch sori
Base of Habaki to tip: 28 inches
Ito: Leather
Sageo: Synthetic silk
Fuchi: Backened brass
Kashira: Blackened brass
Menuki: Blackened brass turtle shell
Handling Characteristics
To test out handling, I just did Mae which consists of a horizontal cut from the draw (nukiuchi) and then a vertical cut from the high guard or Jodan whilst kneeling. Man, it was very smooth and easy. And as I mentioned, smooth as butter noto. It has a forward oriented blade presence so it facilitates cuts very nicely. However, do not take that for it being a sluggish blade. It wasn't especially when I got on to cutting.
Test Cutting
It sailed through a double roll of tatami like it wasn't even there...very cleanly at that. The follow up cut was quick as well. I think the photos speak for themselves.
Conclusion
It is an excellent sword! Handles great, cuts great and looks fantastic. Is it expensive? At $1,830...Yes. It was akin to driving a Ferrari really. You can get where you're going in a Corolla but the Ferrari is much more fun.
Pros:
Nice fittings and blade.
Handles great.
Well shaped tsuka and saya.
Lifetime warranty on the blade.
Cons:
Tsukamaki is alright but not awesome.
Expensive.
Bottom Line
If you're serious about your studies in JSA or backyard cutting and have the shekels, get one.
Thanks for your time, y'all!