I JUST WANT TO TELL ALL OF THE READERS THAT THIS SWORD IS LISTED FOR 400 DOLLARS ON OTHER SITES! NO LESS THAN THAT EITHER! I DON'T OWN THIS "YET", BUT I'M NOT GONNA BE STUPID AND NOT GET IT! IF YOU LIKE SWORDS AND/OR PRACTICE THE ARTS OF KENDO, YOU ARE CRAZY FOR NOT GETTING IT! SOME OF YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW EXPENSIVE HAND FORGED KATANAS ARE!

This is one of the few true happy ending stories I have had in purchasing swords over the internet. I usually get an inexpensive one with decent steel and polish/sharpen/balance the blade myself, and completely re-wrap and re- mount the hardware in order to get a sword that is remotely functional. I decided to take a chance with this sword, and have been amazed for the several months that I've had it with the quality of the materials and crafstmanship of this sword. It is razor sharp, and the quality of this sword is at least equal to many of the swords I own that were several times more expensive. This is a "real" sword at a fantastic price! I'm gonna buy a couple more!!

I >have looked it over and have also had my sensai look the blade over. > My >first impression was that it looked like a nice blade and >hardware/furniture >for the blade was above average for a blade in that price range. My >sensai >agreed it was above average for the price of the blade. The hamon >is real >(although faint) which means it was differentially tempered in the >traditional Japanese way. The blade fits snugly into the saya with >no >rattle. This alone can be difficult for some manufactures to get >right. I >have a couple of Paul Chen's blades and this one is on par with them >(and a >little superior to the practical series). I was really looking >forward to >cutting with it. This last Sunday we had cutting class at the >Shinkendo >dojo that I train at. Needless to say I was a bit apprehensive >about >cutting with it. I have had similar blades that could not cut the >tatami. >This blade cut the tatami just as easily as my Chen blades. The >bo-hi helps >with audible feed back if the blade is swung correctly. Great value.......very pleased!!

WELL...WELL...LET JUST SAY THAT THIS SWORD IS ALL IT CLAMS TO BE..I'VE BEEN INTO KEMPO FOR OVER 13YRS. AND I TOOK THE ONE I JUST GOT LAST MONTH TO MY KEMPO MASTER,WHO IS ALSO A 5TH DEGREE MASTER IN WEAPONS AND HE WAS SO IMPRESSED THAT HE SHOW THE CLASS SOME OF HE SWORD SKILL...THE SWORD WAS SO BALANCE AND SHARPED THAT HE CUT A 1"ROUND CANDLE SO FASTED,THE TWO HALVES NEVER CAME APART UNTIL HE TOUCH IT WITH HIS FINGER...IT TAKES A GREAT SWORD TO DO THAT TEST BECAUSE IF THE SWORD IS'NT WELL BALANCED AND RAZOR SHARP JUST RIGHT,THE CANDLE WILL NOT DO THAT NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE MY TEACHER TOLD US...I'M GOOD WITH A SWORD AS WELL BUT IT TOOK A TRUE MASTER TO PUT THIS SWORD TO THE TEST..MUST TELL MY SISTER ABOUT THIS SWORD SO SHE MAY WANT ONE AS WELL....

It was not the same as the picture, and the guard is loos and can not be tighten. But still it is a nice sword. The price in a catalog was $50.00 dollars less, they need to adjust their prices!.

This sword looks incredible. And to have an oil kit like this has, is amazing. And to the guy below me, you may have a .45, but any idiot can shoot and hit something. However, it takes real skill and discipline (sp?) to use a sword wisely and safely. A sword is merely an extension of one's self awareness with the blade. It's no wonder that this particular sword is on back order, but I guess I can wait a little longer.

This sword is sweet i bought it the other day and it will cut through anything! oh yea and this guy under me, One .45 to the chest will take you down with or without your sword.

I would like to say that this is the sword my heart has been searching for.... Forever... I have practiced w/ many weapons all of my life from 12 yrs old chopping bushes down in the woods, /w flea market sickl among other things, to appllying real martial arts in a spiritual way. Not many people have the full understanding of real martial arts and what it teaches. When a pupil exceeds his instructor that has been waiting years on end for the right trusted student to pass his knowledge on to... A great transaction takes place.. In my own view master roshi, can die peacefully knowing that he accomplished his purpose in life. That knowledge is meant to be passed down generations. It is out there for the few of us that seek it and will be a goal I have yet to achieve... Umm... yeah.. sword.. ---> If you ask me... I would give it a 4.5 bullet review however, it takes a lot to impress me. Quality of this sword I have yet to own on 1-10.. A fair.. 8.5... Braveheart scale... Lets just say.... THEY MAY TAKE OUR LIVES, BUT THEY CAN NEVER TAKE... OUR MAKEUP!!! This sword would cut off his wrist before he could take that two hander out... Moving on.. It's custom made, self explanitory.. READ the HISTORY, and learn it's made from good minerals and tough as hell. I personally require durability, cuz the only things that seems to survive these days is my bod. No, not bragging, just saying I train rigorously, and try to actully beat myself.... (Someone out there may understand.) Its not 10000% original and I have no predjudice against any ethnicity, so as far as spending your money frugally this is prolly your best bet...

This is a very nice sword. Even though not made in Japan, it is the same as the one I have that was. Considering the original art came from the Chinese, I have no complaints. Fit, finish, ballance are all awsome. This is the real deal sword. Thank you very much. Andy K, in Portland, Or

Nice sword. Good quality and workmanship. Very sharp edge on sword. I am in training for the short sword and was ready to train with the real thing instead of the bokken. Pleased with everything except being made in China.

Oh my gosh! This sword is worth the money. I have bought swords from all over and spent $30-$250 for them but this is by far the Baddest of all swords I have seen. I am afraid to twirl this sword because I might hit myself and with this blade so sharp I could do major damage. This is a Real Deal Sword with all the trimmings. I did some searching on the web to see how to use all the accessories but I am like Michael in the other review I don’t want to mess up trying to get this back together considering I don’t know a Katana-smith here in Kansas. I gotta have another one! So I guess I will save up for it.

A real sword, most of the Chinese swords we buy are just play things for the boys to wack tree limbs or chop grass and play around. I bought this real sword and oh my gosh it is cool! I have about 20 handguns and I never felt so deadly as when I was swinging this thing around! It is so sharp I could actually shave with it and the sheath fit so tight I had to use two hands to draw the blade. Comes with a neat box of oils and tools to take the handle off, but I thought I would not get it on right so that stuff is not needed. I am not sure if you can legally carry this in your car, but boy you could sort any fight in about five seconds with this sword. Really makes you think how deadly a Japanese expert would be with this thing. Very cool.