Katana Iaito, Unsharpened Aluminum Alloy Samurai Iaido Training Sword

This is a nice training weapon. I was rather skeptical when I placed my order with the thought that I would return it if it does not have the balance that it should have but I was pleasantly surprised. I do recommend it for a student on a budget.

This sword cannot be used in any practical sense for Iaido training. It is so poorly constructed my Sensei told me not to bring on the mat and loaned me one of his swords. There is no weight to it. The blade is not properly finished, the tang itself has no weight and is flimsy at best. It did not mate to the saya correctly which make a smooth draw impossible. I should have taken heed of other's reviews. This is nothing more than a display piece for your mantle or to be used in a restaurant as a novelty piece. Obviously very disappointed. Thankfully its Amazon and I can return it.

The sword is decent quality. There was one small imperfection on the spine of the blade near the handle, hopefully the aluminum does not crack there. The handguard had some extra bits of metal; easy enough to remove.The only other thing that I got understood was that the blade length. It is 28" including the habaki, 27" if not including it in the measurement. It would be nice to have the extra inch.I will add an update once it's been used for practice for a while.

nice sword for practicing forms. good quality.

Okay, I just had my iaito delivered today. It was in long package with another long package and finally in a long tube with a plain black sword bag. taking it out the saya was tight and I mean tight probably shouldnt be that tight it draws easily and the weight ah its keiryo (lightweight) I will say good for beginners starting may want to get a tozando standard weight. Now don't expect an actual japanese sword from japan. mekugi I feel may have to be taken out and placed again because it seems to only be in half way? I am not an expert but that does not seem correct. This sword has a nice swinging sound heard it when striking shomen-uchi. All in all I think I will end the review here, it does seem well built so I was kinda skeptic reading the other negative reviews. Oh, tsuba is dirty so um yeah gonna have to wipe it or somethingUpdate: ... See picture thats just sadYou cant even practice iai outside with this pocHMS must be a crap company disappointed

Great training sword! High quality, fantastic fittings!

Own 2 of these swords, and both fell apart. I've bought 2 of these swords and each of them had the handle end piece fall off and unravel the wrap. Once that problem happens, it's not possible to put it back together and have it look or feel correct. I cannot suggest anyone buy these swords.