sub $100 Masahiro 'Holywood' Ninjato
Jan 3, 2009 4:04:54 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2009 4:04:54 GMT
This is a review of a sub $100 ninja sword, and where ever you look, its name will be different.
now that is totally ninja already and we're not past the name.
some names include, but are definately not limited to;
Ninja Master Sword
Dragon Ninja Sword
Elite Ninja Sword
Ultimate Ninja Warrior Sword
....(list to update)
but basicly what it is is the Masahiro Ninjato
not sounding as good now huh?
www.swordsdirect.com/ninja-swords-masahiro.html
ninjatos have no place in history aside from hollywood.
but, due to hollywood, they do have a market.
my reason for owning these is three fold;
1- after the sword ban came in here several companys had to sell up, i picked these up for £40 each.
(i also got a hanwei edward III for £75)
and some other un-name-worthey bits of junk.
2- as they were clearing stock at half the normal selling price, i decided to get 2 for the price of 1, and 'sacrifice/throw one to the dogs' if you will
ie- let pals use it for backyard cutting.
3- i figured it would be my last chance to buy anything cheap like this, and for it to actually be cheap.
i was right.
although these points are valid, i, especially now being an iaidoka, have no use for these things and am trying to sell them on to friends etc...
oddly, in searching for some links for you guys, i found a UK site still selling these
swordmart.co.uk/ninja-master-live-blade-swords-samurai-knives-c-21-pr-8653.html
a lot of stuff on there is VERY overpriced
but these are still selling at around £80 which is what they were before...
the only US link i have so far is
www.swordsdirect.com/ninja-swords-masahiro.html
its $100 there
but im 100% sure you will be able to find this for under $80 somwhere.
now onto the sword
heres whats written on the site;
Masahiro Hand Forged Nija Sword. Ray skin and leather wrapped handle. Engraving on both sides of the blade with dragon Tsuba. Laquered finished wooden scabbard. Includes cotton sword bag.
41 1/2" overall,
28" blade,
11 1/2" handle.
as you can see, they dont tell you much.
now onto what i /assume/ to know;
The Blade;
id say this is 1045 steel.
im assuming this because its cheep and masahiro
and for a reason i'll get to in a minute
id say this is mono tempered.
im assuming this because its cheap and masahiro
and as there is an etched hamon.
id say it is sharp
this has been proven.
it is double pegged.
there is a different engraving on each side of the blade.
on one side there is a spear
on the other side there is a dragon
i think the engravings are well done for the price to be fair.
the polish job (aside from the etched hamon) is pretty decent.
in all fairness also, the etched hamon isnt too prominent, sometimes it blends in really well.
a ninja definately needs to be able to see behind him
and check if he looks cool
The Fittings
firstly the dragon tsuba
a nice looking dragon
i like this tsuba and i think it fits with the sword.
secondly the saya, a standard black gloss saya, with a standard sageo, and a rather standard snug fit.
the saya is pretty standard.
thirdly the tsuka
it has cast iron fittings, with detail.
real same & 'leather' ito
whilst the ito isnt exactly 'decent leather'
it is;
wrapped tight
feels hard
and provides plenty of grip
i wonder if you have noticed yet, something i havent mentioned yet...
last chance...
the menuki (ornaments) under the ito are on the palm sides.
this is most likely a goof.
the same goof cheness made once.
but i honestly think that they feel better in the palms.
so much so, that on the hanakage iaito i just ordered from brian i requested the menuki placed this way.
Cutting
as i said, i have literally thrown one of these to the wolves.
it has featured in the ever so famous;
'ashs first tameshigiri'
and it has starred in such youtube classics as;
'wills birthday backyard tameshigiri'
and everyones favourite
'ninja sword tameshigiri'
i have had a bit of a cut here and there with it,
it handles really quite fast and
it does cut surprisingly well.
considerably better than my first ever katana the 'masahiro cherry blossom' lol what junk that was...
the ninjato has successfully cut mats bottles branches cardboard boxes and tubes and a whole host of other things...
this ninja sword has also had some accidental
Destructive Testing
TWICE has the same one of my friends whacked my best stand with this sword
both times taking out really fat chunks of wood.
i have pained over them now, but the chips are easy to see.
this is a 6''x6'' post, 4' high.
not at all a lightweight stand
there was absolutely no damage to the sword, no set, no edge rolling, barely a scratch, i was amazed both times, i didnt think 1045 could take much
i was wrong.
now onto another occasion
this sword has been stabbed through a metal bin, i cant for the life of me think why i allowed someone to do this with my sword...
oh yeah i can, it was soo cheap, lol
i have no photos of the bin as it was thrown away long ago, but it was a full size iron (soft iron i think) rusty bin, certainly not an aluminium 'wrestling' bin.
TWICE this sword was thrust stabbed into this bin,
and twice did it go right in past the kissaki and leave a nasty hole.
i would never have allowed this if i only had one of these, but having two, one is in for a harsh life.
as you can see, after stabbing through metal, the tip only suffered minor damage.
on this sword, cheap ass 1045 steel has impressed me.
in summary;
historical accuracy
0/5
hollywood ninjas and backyard ninjas arent historical
theyre just fun.
fit and finish
4/5
when considering the cost im tempted to rate 5/5, but i wont
honestly its finished better than a LOT of $200 swords.
decent fittings, well put together.
its tight, functional, tough, and looks very ninja.
handling
4/5
the handling is good, i dont see how it could improve, but im not giving a ninjato a 5.
structural integrity
5/5
this surprised even me.
i certainly wont fear it breaking after what ive seen it put through.
value for money
5/5
for the $40 i paid id rate it 6/5, but for $80-$100 it still gets a 5.
all these fittings and engravings are just far more than id expect on such a cheap sword.
overall i rate this sword
4/5
and say this
"if you are in the market for a ninjato*, this is definately an option."
*ie you are a backyard ninja in training etc..
now that is totally ninja already and we're not past the name.
some names include, but are definately not limited to;
Ninja Master Sword
Dragon Ninja Sword
Elite Ninja Sword
Ultimate Ninja Warrior Sword
....(list to update)
but basicly what it is is the Masahiro Ninjato
not sounding as good now huh?
www.swordsdirect.com/ninja-swords-masahiro.html
ninjatos have no place in history aside from hollywood.
but, due to hollywood, they do have a market.
my reason for owning these is three fold;
1- after the sword ban came in here several companys had to sell up, i picked these up for £40 each.
(i also got a hanwei edward III for £75)
and some other un-name-worthey bits of junk.
2- as they were clearing stock at half the normal selling price, i decided to get 2 for the price of 1, and 'sacrifice/throw one to the dogs' if you will
ie- let pals use it for backyard cutting.
3- i figured it would be my last chance to buy anything cheap like this, and for it to actually be cheap.
i was right.
although these points are valid, i, especially now being an iaidoka, have no use for these things and am trying to sell them on to friends etc...
oddly, in searching for some links for you guys, i found a UK site still selling these
swordmart.co.uk/ninja-master-live-blade-swords-samurai-knives-c-21-pr-8653.html
a lot of stuff on there is VERY overpriced
but these are still selling at around £80 which is what they were before...
the only US link i have so far is
www.swordsdirect.com/ninja-swords-masahiro.html
its $100 there
but im 100% sure you will be able to find this for under $80 somwhere.
now onto the sword
heres whats written on the site;
Masahiro Hand Forged Nija Sword. Ray skin and leather wrapped handle. Engraving on both sides of the blade with dragon Tsuba. Laquered finished wooden scabbard. Includes cotton sword bag.
41 1/2" overall,
28" blade,
11 1/2" handle.
as you can see, they dont tell you much.
now onto what i /assume/ to know;
The Blade;
id say this is 1045 steel.
im assuming this because its cheep and masahiro
and for a reason i'll get to in a minute
id say this is mono tempered.
im assuming this because its cheap and masahiro
and as there is an etched hamon.
id say it is sharp
this has been proven.
it is double pegged.
there is a different engraving on each side of the blade.
on one side there is a spear
on the other side there is a dragon
i think the engravings are well done for the price to be fair.
the polish job (aside from the etched hamon) is pretty decent.
in all fairness also, the etched hamon isnt too prominent, sometimes it blends in really well.
a ninja definately needs to be able to see behind him
and check if he looks cool
The Fittings
firstly the dragon tsuba
a nice looking dragon
i like this tsuba and i think it fits with the sword.
secondly the saya, a standard black gloss saya, with a standard sageo, and a rather standard snug fit.
the saya is pretty standard.
thirdly the tsuka
it has cast iron fittings, with detail.
real same & 'leather' ito
whilst the ito isnt exactly 'decent leather'
it is;
wrapped tight
feels hard
and provides plenty of grip
i wonder if you have noticed yet, something i havent mentioned yet...
last chance...
the menuki (ornaments) under the ito are on the palm sides.
this is most likely a goof.
the same goof cheness made once.
but i honestly think that they feel better in the palms.
so much so, that on the hanakage iaito i just ordered from brian i requested the menuki placed this way.
Cutting
as i said, i have literally thrown one of these to the wolves.
it has featured in the ever so famous;
'ashs first tameshigiri'
and it has starred in such youtube classics as;
'wills birthday backyard tameshigiri'
and everyones favourite
'ninja sword tameshigiri'
i have had a bit of a cut here and there with it,
it handles really quite fast and
it does cut surprisingly well.
considerably better than my first ever katana the 'masahiro cherry blossom' lol what junk that was...
the ninjato has successfully cut mats bottles branches cardboard boxes and tubes and a whole host of other things...
this ninja sword has also had some accidental
Destructive Testing
TWICE has the same one of my friends whacked my best stand with this sword
both times taking out really fat chunks of wood.
i have pained over them now, but the chips are easy to see.
this is a 6''x6'' post, 4' high.
not at all a lightweight stand
there was absolutely no damage to the sword, no set, no edge rolling, barely a scratch, i was amazed both times, i didnt think 1045 could take much
i was wrong.
now onto another occasion
this sword has been stabbed through a metal bin, i cant for the life of me think why i allowed someone to do this with my sword...
oh yeah i can, it was soo cheap, lol
i have no photos of the bin as it was thrown away long ago, but it was a full size iron (soft iron i think) rusty bin, certainly not an aluminium 'wrestling' bin.
TWICE this sword was thrust stabbed into this bin,
and twice did it go right in past the kissaki and leave a nasty hole.
i would never have allowed this if i only had one of these, but having two, one is in for a harsh life.
as you can see, after stabbing through metal, the tip only suffered minor damage.
on this sword, cheap ass 1045 steel has impressed me.
in summary;
historical accuracy
0/5
hollywood ninjas and backyard ninjas arent historical
theyre just fun.
fit and finish
4/5
when considering the cost im tempted to rate 5/5, but i wont
honestly its finished better than a LOT of $200 swords.
decent fittings, well put together.
its tight, functional, tough, and looks very ninja.
handling
4/5
the handling is good, i dont see how it could improve, but im not giving a ninjato a 5.
structural integrity
5/5
this surprised even me.
i certainly wont fear it breaking after what ive seen it put through.
value for money
5/5
for the $40 i paid id rate it 6/5, but for $80-$100 it still gets a 5.
all these fittings and engravings are just far more than id expect on such a cheap sword.
overall i rate this sword
4/5
and say this
"if you are in the market for a ninjato*, this is definately an option."
*ie you are a backyard ninja in training etc..