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Post by uchiha998 on May 2, 2020 5:31:36 GMT
Now normally, I am not one to even give a second thought thought to purchasing a katana from and ebay vendor, aside form Hauwei, however Hauwei has been very limited as far as inventory selecition, and I one day when I was checking into their ebay store to see if I saw anything new, that I like from Hauwei. Mostly I look for DH blades with the nice hamon we have all seen Hauwei produce at fairly cheap prices fror what you get.
So anyway upon my search I found two vendors I hadn't seen really noticed before though I am sure many of you have. Tsunami Katana and Tsunami Dragon. They are likely the same seller but that is beside the point. I bring them up because I have a very small hope that another Hauwei will emerge, someday. Or at least a few of the swords they produce. I have not actually bought anything yet and do not know if I will. But for what it appears you get on a few of these katana for the price points is seemingly quite nice. A couple examples I will post. If you only want to spend about $165-$175, there are a few DH with an average polished hamon. The hamon itself looks like something you find on a typical $200-$350 DH katana from Munetoshi, Iron Tiger Forge, probably the Hanwei practical too, except of those, Hanwei's of that price are frosted over, so you can't see the real one underneath.
As you will see for that price this actually seems have really nice features, the saya is a step above your regular or glossy lacquer or sometimes even an ishime matte finish you might find at this price but, generally not with ox horn koiguchi. The hamon appears to be nicer than most at this price point. The boshi is fully visible, at least in this picture. The battle wrap is a cool feature, IMO. Others may not like it though. However the tsukamaki does alternate.
Now here what I found that really caught my attention for the price: Around $300. Now the polish on this hamon(at least from the image on the website). It looks pretty incredible for the price, really. And in both of these price ranges there are many more you can choose from around the same price and same features.
Now, I have to admit I have no idea, what the heat treatment and overall temper of the blade is like. I have not really seen them in action so I can't attest to how well they cut in a live situation. So i cannot advise anyone to purchase anything from this vendor/vendors just yet.
I was hoping some out there has had a decent amount experience using any of the DH T10 katana at either price. Especially the one for $158.00 though it doesn't look nearly as nice polish wise as the $300 katana, but it would be almost worth it just to try it and see at that price if it was a total lemon it wouldn't really cost much to find out. Still, it is hard to trust these ebay vendors.
Please let me know what everyone thinks, whether you have used any of them or not. I'm just curious about them.
Thank you,
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Post by paulmuaddib on May 2, 2020 8:31:58 GMT
Both links go to the same sword. At least for me. And I don’t have any experience with those vendors. Sorry
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Post by RaylonTheDemented on May 2, 2020 10:25:10 GMT
They are likely the same seller but that is beside the point.
......
Please let me know what everyone thinks, whether you have used any of them or not. I'm just curious about them. Same seller.
Bought a DH kissaki moroha-zukuri from him, took over 3 months. Asked for extra hishigami and horn koiguchi and got them for an extra. He communicates using a translator, so it can be problematic.
Now, for an extra quick review:
- Saya: Well made overall, black lacquer is ok, well done koiguchi, no rattle... because the blade is held at the kissaki by the too tight saya. Issue 1. - Blade: Nice shape, nice hamon, nice bo-hi... Hamon run very close to the ha a few inches from the kissaki. Issue 2.
Sharpness is uneven, mostly paper cutting sharp, some places not. Issue 3. First half of the sharpened mune side is shoddy work and is quite rough, blunt and you can feel and see the grind marks until it taper to sharp. Issue 4.
- Habaki is has an ok fit, not the one that was on the picture, but it is actually nicer. Right.
- Tsuba, fuchi, kashira and menuki are made of brass painted silver, silver wears off easily. Visible cast lines on the tsuba. Everything is tight.
- Seppa: Both the saya and tsuka are nicely centered on both seppa... which is a problem, since they are vertically offset by a full 2mm. Issue 5. - Tsuka is haichi, well shaped and follows the curvature of the blade. Tsukamaki is black leather, tight, alternating and diamonds are even (hishigami) and it is even with the fuchi/kashira, with a slight overlap on the ha side of the fuchi. Knot is shoddy work. One of the mekugi is right under one of the (tight) fold, that is going to be a problem if/when I ever want to disassemble the sword. Samegawa is subpar and not lacquered, looks like its been painted with dull black spray paint.
- Kashira's holes looks like they have been shoddily enlarged with a dremel to fit the leather itokamaki. I fear the rough edges are likely to bite and cut the leather over time if the sword is used long enough. Issue 6.
I asked for pictures (twice) for when the sword was finished and before shipping, didn't get any except for excuses when I noted it to the seller. Issue 7.
I have read (and observed) that production swords are going to have some issues, I'm okay with this, given the price. But this one have an issue on about every part of the sword, some minor, some not so much. At least there is no visible fatal flaw.
I may have been unlucky, wouldn't know since I won't buy another sword from him.
o7
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Post by juardian on May 2, 2020 14:25:02 GMT
While I can't speak for this seller specifically, you asked if anyone had experience with a DH T10 at that price and I figured I'd give my two cents.
My buddy bought a DH T10 from katana1980 at around $150, and it ended up taking a set from the first pumpkin we cut that fall. It was his first nice looking sword, so it really bummed him out considering I was using some cheap 1045 swords at the time and cut through way more with no issues. Could've been a lemon, but y'know. Basically I'm just saying that they might not be tempered the best at that price and it's probably a "get what you pay for" situation. If you just want it for light cutting or training then I think it would be a fine sword.
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Post by sebastian on May 2, 2020 15:49:38 GMT
Its hard to find reviews but on some scowering I did a few months ago they don't look that bad.
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Post by Cottontail Customs on May 3, 2020 1:47:50 GMT
the links both go to the same $158 sword. there are a few things I don't like about this one but for this price, I can't really complain much. if I bought one, I would hope it has a hamon that doesn't go quite so close to the edge.
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Post by shepherd214 on May 5, 2020 19:43:17 GMT
I have what >looks< like a really nice Tsunami Katana wakizashi on the way. Im just trying out different vendors and seeing what I get. I asked him to change a couple fittings, he was very nice about it. If you want I'll let you know what I think of it when it arrives. Attachments:
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Post by RaylonTheDemented on May 5, 2020 20:16:00 GMT
I have what >looks< like a really nice Tsunami Katana wakizashi on the way. Im just trying out different vendors and seeing what I get. I asked him to change a couple fittings, he was very nice about it. If you want I'll let you know what I think of it when it arrives. Yes, please do.
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Post by jayotterstein on May 5, 2020 21:14:16 GMT
I have what >looks< like a really nice Tsunami Katana wakizashi on the way. Im just trying out different vendors and seeing what I get. I asked him to change a couple fittings, he was very nice about it. If you want I'll let you know what I think of it when it arrives. Yes, please do. I'll second that. I've been shopping waki as well.
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on May 6, 2020 1:55:28 GMT
Although I do not have experience with those 2 models / price points specifically, I have ordered from "Tsunami-Dragon" back in 2017. I believe back then was when he was just trying to get his name out there, so was having a massive sale. I picked up a custom "Soshu Kitae" katana for quite cheap. I figured: If it's good - score! If it's just okay - then it'll be as good as any other katana at the price point I paid. The sword is currently stored away, so this is going off memory: - The blade was nicely forged. Very nice polish, but you could still make out a few of the different steels used. Whether or not it's true "soshu kitae" I guess can't really be known lol, but it is a nicely made blade. - The tsuka was better than i expected. The overall shape was okay. I mean, I've handled better, but also worse. The ito was decently tight, still some movement. - I paid extra to upgrade my fittings - which were nicely made. Pretty much like the top tier of any standard online China ebay seller... so nothing special, but still nice. - My biggest issue was you can tell the blade and saya were made separately. I found the top 1/3 of the blade to be rubbing in the saya, I guess the blade sori was a bit deeper than the saya's. I mentioned this to the seller, and he said he'd try to make sure this doesn't happen again to future blades he makes. - Only other issue was the tsuba I chose was slightly bent. Still useable, but quite noticeable. I mentioned this issue as well. He gave me 2 or 3 different options to help rectify the problem. - Overall, shipping took a bit longer than quoted. But communication was prompt and very professional. - Keep in mind this was 3 years ago; a lot can change in that time (for better and worse lol). - From my experience, i would recommend Tsunami-Dragon. Although i would not pay full price for any multi-steel made blade from any eBay seller (just me being cautious), i wouldn't hesitate to do another custom lower end katana from him again. Hope that helps
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Post by soulfromheart on May 6, 2020 19:34:59 GMT
Hello, I actually bought three swords from Tsunami Katana/Dragon/Even/Shinken-Sword last year : - this katana
- this "handachi"
- this tachi(I learned of all the horror stories about ebay laminated blades only after buying them, shame on me for impulse buying ) All were ordered with hishigami (for extra cost). The swords are all very beautiful, habaki seem to fit snugly, handle very nicely. Initial communication was very smooth and Even very helpful. Lamination lines are visible ( "Handachi" blade, Katana), however there are some "splotches" (bad weld ?) too ( Tachi). (I am sorry, I am bad at photograph...) Shipping was slow and difficult (which was understandable with the Hong Kong crisis). All were ordered at the same time, ready by the beginning of July 2019...and that's where it became really difficult. The katana was first sent and arrived around september. The two others arrived this January 2020. In the beginning, pictures were sent ( Katana and tachi) but not afterwards. The katana was all like advertised, hishigami and all. But the kashira was already a little loose. The tachi he sent wasn't mine ( compare with the photo sent), hishigami were notably missing. The handachi saya was a little damaged. However, their buttcaps were not glued nor attached in any way (Expletives were said when they slip off in their first handling). At least Even (Evan ?) offered compensation in the form of another sword, free of charge. Ready since march but then, no news anymore since. He might be on a business trip in Thailand though. Would I recommend Tsunami-Katana ? Very amiable and personable (inquires about your health and family too) but you may need some patience with shipping. Quality control may vary : fittings are great but assembly could sometimes be faulty.
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Post by soulfromheart on May 6, 2020 19:44:52 GMT
you can tell the blade and saya were made separately. I think so too. The blade forge, the "saya maker" and the assembler for the fittings are not the same as he "sent the saya for repaint" once before "sending it to the assembler" (at least, he was honest with that with me).
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Post by LG Martial Arts on May 6, 2020 23:30:35 GMT
Word of advice - stay away from Tsunami Dragon/Tsunami Katana... overpriced swords that can be purchased from most eBay vendors for less. There are dozens of eBay "vendors" that are all affiliated with each other, including Tsunami Dragon. These "companies" buy "old stock" from each other to raise their seller's profiles, and leave positive feedback for each other, artificially raising their scores as well. There are better sources for swords if you have the patience and/or ask for recommendations.
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Post by shepherd214 on May 7, 2020 5:31:44 GMT
Hard to tell if they are overpriced without having one in hand. But I mean they range from like 150 bucks all the way up to 500, with many different prices inbetween. I wouldnt say that's overpriced assuming they work as they are supposed to.
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Jash
Member
"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!"
Posts: 297
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Post by Jash on May 13, 2020 21:29:32 GMT
you can tell the blade and saya were made separately. I think so too. The blade forge, the "saya maker" and the assembler for the fittings are not the same as he "sent the saya for repaint" once before "sending it to the assembler" (at least, he was honest with that with me). I believe that's true for pretty much all China eBay vendors - or at least it seems that way as they all have the same online customization offerings lol. That being said - how did you like just the blades on your 3 swords from Even? It's always possible to remount them *Edit - sorry, I mean in addition to your above review - would you purchase from him again?
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Post by soulfromheart on May 14, 2020 16:08:19 GMT
I actually really like the blades and fittings of my 3 swords, only upset because of the two kashira that fell off on their own when I first picked them up. The leather ito seem quite thick with the hishigami and a little heavier than normal (they are my first swords with hishigami so I don't think I am qualified to say if they are adequate or not but nevertheless the swords handle very well). The tachi, with silk ito but without hishigami (that I paid for ), is fantastic even one-handed but that might be due to the curvature of the blade. The itomaki koshirae looks very very nice, better than on photos. Would I recommend Tsunami Dragon ? For the blades, yes (I just like them I guess ). For the fittings, yes (but mine seems to be more on the "premium" scale, so take caution and compare with other vendors*). For the ito, I am not sure. Even with hishigami, the leather ones seem a bit on the "thick" size. BUT...If only the QC was more consistent and the shipping not an exercise in frustration (Even can disappear and stay silent for months after saying that your sword is ready...like right now where I am waiting for a last sword that was ready since march... ), it would have been easy to recommend him. *As said before, be careful about the prices. They seem quite higher than some other offerings. If planning to buy on eBay, make use of the "make offer" button (his prices are quite inflated on his shinken-sword site too). Compared to his own aliexpress stores (tsunami-katana store and shogon-katana store maybe) there can easily be a difference of 100$...
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Post by soulfromheart on May 14, 2020 16:25:00 GMT
There are dozens of eBay "vendors" that are all affiliated with each other, including Tsunami Dragon. These "companies" buy "old stock" from each other to raise their seller's profiles, and leave positive feedback for each other, artificially raising their scores as well. There are better sources for swords if you have the patience and/or ask for recommendations. (I didn't have the patience and didn't ask for recommendations, shame on me for impulse buying ) I agree. Something "funny" I found with aliexpress is that on most "premium" swords offered by Tsunami-Katana, the manufacturer is listed as..." Hanbon Forge" (the same and not only it seems). Even stranger, these offerings are not listed anywhere on Hanbon Forge site whereas the "Shogon-katana store" seems to offer a blend of Hanbon Forge and Tsunami-Katana. The mystery thickens...
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Post by shepherd214 on May 14, 2020 18:12:14 GMT
There are dozens of eBay "vendors" that are all affiliated with each other, including Tsunami Dragon. These "companies" buy "old stock" from each other to raise their seller's profiles, and leave positive feedback for each other, artificially raising their scores as well. There are better sources for swords if you have the patience and/or ask for recommendations. (I didn't have the patience and didn't ask for recommendations, shame on me for impulse buying ) I agree. Something "funny" I found with aliexpress is that on most "premium" swords offered by Tsunami-Katana, the manufacturer is listed as..." Hanbon Forge" (the same and not only it seems). Even stranger, these offerings are not listed anywhere on Hanbon Forge site whereas the "Shogon-katana store" seems to offer a blend of Hanbon Forge and Tsunami-Katana. The mystery thickens... Are you sure? I just looked up Tsunami Katana on AliExpress and browsed their store and I dont see anything relating to Hanbon. Hanbons work looks nothing like Tsunami Katana as well
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Post by soulfromheart on May 14, 2020 18:32:20 GMT
On the sword I linked, if you check the specifications tab, it says "Hanbon Forge" for the manufacturer. I don't think it is general. Some swords have it, others not. May be a copy paste thing too. Worryingly, despite not responding to me on eBay, I had an answer about shipping almost immediately on Aliexpress...until I asked about the last sword I am waiting for. Now, silence. Yeah, not feeling hopeful.
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Post by RaylonTheDemented on May 14, 2020 20:49:34 GMT
On the sword I linked, if you check the specifications tab, it says "Hanbon Forge" for the manufacturer. I don't think it is general. Some swords have it, others not. May be a copy paste thing too. Worryingly, despite not responding to me on eBay, I had an answer about shipping almost immediately on Aliexpress...until I asked about the last sword I am waiting for. Now, silence. Yeah, not feeling hopeful. Had something similar happen to me on my one and and only order from Even. I suspect he likely doesn't know and have to call or maybe move over to the forge(s) he subcontracts from and ask.
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