Katana from ebay seller Even-Sword, review
Dec 11, 2015 13:51:46 GMT
Post by spiro on Dec 11, 2015 13:51:46 GMT
Introduction
I ordered this katana from tsunami-dragon/even-sword e-bay seller. I am not affiliated with him in any way except as customer. This katana is custom made by my specifications. It is my first katana so I don't have much experience with live blades. I placed order at 1. Oct. and pay 5. Oct. Total cost of blade with shipping is 400$. Shipping was not free in my case because it must go thru Hong-Kong. Even-sword is very helpfull when you communicate with him. His English is not so good so sometimes you need keep patience.
Initial Impressions
Blade was done in two weeks. I know because even-sword discouraged from bo-hi because it could damaged core. Whole sword was done 6.Nov. Original shipping date was set on 26. Oct. Even-sword couldn’t send it directly but first it must be send to Hong-Kong and then to me. He send it to Hong-Kong 8.11. where it arrived to Hong-Kong 23. Nov. It arrived to customs 2. Dec. finally got delivered 4. Dec.
Statistics
Blade/Nagasa Length: 73.5 cm
Handle/Tsuka Length: 27 cm
Overall Length: 101 cm
Guard/Tsuba Width: 8 cm
POB (Point of Balance): 15 cm from tsuba
Weight: 1035 g
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
Blade have Shihozume lamination. Edge is from 1095 steel, with 1060 at sides and back. Core is from iron. Originally I asked for Honsanmai but even-maked made his first mistake. Blade is SHINOGUI-ZUKURI 2.3 cm width with CHU-KISSAKI. Hamon is really nice and it cover whole edge. What is even better is sanmain line which have really nice detail in middle of blade. Blade is sharp and can easily cut paper but not razor sharp.
The Handle/Tsuka
Ito is from black synthetic silk. One mekugi is partly covered by ito. Ito is firm and evenly wrapped. At one point you can see part of same is sticking out. Kashira have plastic look because it have little to much paint on it. It is from metal though.
Tsuba is from iron and coated in black paint. It could be little thicker but I like that motif. Second mistake which even-sword make is habaki. Originaly I wanted brass hand carved habaki. (I wanted H2#
habaki but end up with HB#2). In the end I am glad because it may look even better as whole sword is black so gold haba would stand out.
The Scabbard/Saya
Saya is really nice look. Koiguichi have nice finish and habaki fit there nicely. Katana doesn't fell of even if I shake it.
Handling Characteristics
I must say that this katana is heavier than katana of other friends from my kendo club. I don't have much experience on katana handling but I'll ask my sensei what he thinks about this katana.
Test Cutting
I plan to do some tatami mats cutting later and will update this review then.
Conclusion
I think is really nice. What is lacking is quality if fittings mainly fushi and kashira. Owerall I am satisfied and if I end up buying wakizashi it will be from this seller again. Feel free ask any questions or make sugestions what I should add because this is my first review.
I ordered this katana from tsunami-dragon/even-sword e-bay seller. I am not affiliated with him in any way except as customer. This katana is custom made by my specifications. It is my first katana so I don't have much experience with live blades. I placed order at 1. Oct. and pay 5. Oct. Total cost of blade with shipping is 400$. Shipping was not free in my case because it must go thru Hong-Kong. Even-sword is very helpfull when you communicate with him. His English is not so good so sometimes you need keep patience.
Initial Impressions
Blade was done in two weeks. I know because even-sword discouraged from bo-hi because it could damaged core. Whole sword was done 6.Nov. Original shipping date was set on 26. Oct. Even-sword couldn’t send it directly but first it must be send to Hong-Kong and then to me. He send it to Hong-Kong 8.11. where it arrived to Hong-Kong 23. Nov. It arrived to customs 2. Dec. finally got delivered 4. Dec.
Statistics
Blade/Nagasa Length: 73.5 cm
Handle/Tsuka Length: 27 cm
Overall Length: 101 cm
Guard/Tsuba Width: 8 cm
POB (Point of Balance): 15 cm from tsuba
Weight: 1035 g
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
Blade have Shihozume lamination. Edge is from 1095 steel, with 1060 at sides and back. Core is from iron. Originally I asked for Honsanmai but even-maked made his first mistake. Blade is SHINOGUI-ZUKURI 2.3 cm width with CHU-KISSAKI. Hamon is really nice and it cover whole edge. What is even better is sanmain line which have really nice detail in middle of blade. Blade is sharp and can easily cut paper but not razor sharp.
The Handle/Tsuka
Ito is from black synthetic silk. One mekugi is partly covered by ito. Ito is firm and evenly wrapped. At one point you can see part of same is sticking out. Kashira have plastic look because it have little to much paint on it. It is from metal though.
Tsuba is from iron and coated in black paint. It could be little thicker but I like that motif. Second mistake which even-sword make is habaki. Originaly I wanted brass hand carved habaki. (I wanted H2#
habaki but end up with HB#2). In the end I am glad because it may look even better as whole sword is black so gold haba would stand out.
The Scabbard/Saya
Saya is really nice look. Koiguichi have nice finish and habaki fit there nicely. Katana doesn't fell of even if I shake it.
Handling Characteristics
I must say that this katana is heavier than katana of other friends from my kendo club. I don't have much experience on katana handling but I'll ask my sensei what he thinks about this katana.
Test Cutting
I plan to do some tatami mats cutting later and will update this review then.
Conclusion
I think is really nice. What is lacking is quality if fittings mainly fushi and kashira. Owerall I am satisfied and if I end up buying wakizashi it will be from this seller again. Feel free ask any questions or make sugestions what I should add because this is my first review.