Musashi Japanese Tactical Samurai Sword with Full Tang Hand Forged 1060 High Carbon Steel Blade, Katana, Wakizashi for Collections or Gifts

The sword came very sharp out of the box. It was sharpened to the correct rice shape curve, which is much harder to sharpen comparing to the V shaped cheap blades. The Kissaki (point) was sharpened into the correct shape. The entire blade was polished very well, especially for this price range. There is a Hamon line, but I am not sure it was acid etched or clay. There is also a Bohi (groove), which I am not a big fan of, but it does make this short sword even lighter. I showed a photo of the Tsuka (handle). The blade is a full tang blade, which very generous, beefy, and long grip. The Mekugis are made of brass, so they won't break as easy as the bamboo ones. Grip is made from 2 pieces of checkered hard plastic, which is surprisingly comfortable and easy to hold. If you worry about the material being too slick when wet, then you can wrap it with para-cord or cloth cord. Blade also has a hole in the end with a length of para-cord attached. It feels weird when swinging the blade, so I removed it. The Saya (sheeth) is decent quality, and made from hard wood. It was lacquered with a dull textured black paint, and Sageo is made from paracord. The only part I did not like was the pastic Tsuba (guard). But I guess if I am not crossing swords with someone, it would not really matter much.Handing is extremely good. Because of the long and heavy Tsuka, it practically swings itself. It is also short and light weight enough for one hand use, or even off hand if you want to dual wield. I did some practice paper cuts by hanging a piece of paper from the ceiling, and it cut the paper cleanly in half. It is made from 1060 steel, so sharpening/polish would not be easy. Therefore it was a pleasant surprised to see it came with a nice edge. It is light and short enough to fit into a decent size backpack, maybe with the grip sticking out of the top side for easy access.Overall, this sword is an excellent addition to your zombie slaying arsenal. It is basically maintenance free comparing to traditional katanas. Everyone should have one in the bug out pack.

I am absolutely delighted with this sword. The martial art I practice uses a shorter sword than normal, and while this one is a few inches short, is still serviceable. First, I tested the hardness with some scratch gauges I had from when I was making knives. The cutting edge is 60RC for most of it's length. In a couple places the file started to cut a little, and I'd guess it's right between 58-59. The spine hits right around 40RC.Really, really solid little sword, for what it is. It's modern. It has a plastic handle. The grinds are good.Overall, the only thing I'd change is add a little distal taper on both the tang and the blade to add a little liveliness to the blade.The only little things I don't like is that the blade feels a little dead in the hand, it does not swoosh when swung, and the choil area looks a little weird design-wise. Buuuuuut, I do not expect any of that from a sword of this price. The saya is nice, better than I expected, but I would clean up the throat a little. Overall, beats anything else at this price point.

Probably the best, most solid swords you can get in this price range. I'm not a martial arts "master" nor particularly "tactical" obsessed -- just a guy who likes stuff that's solid and functional for its purpose. This fits the bill. I don't know how well it'll work as a weapon -- hope to gods I never have to find out, even if the answer would be "really well."As mentioned, the weapon is solid and relatively light for its size. True to the photos, it's a fusion of traditional and modern design cues. One way this disappoints me a little personally is that the guard is pretty minimal -- but that's an aesthetic gripe. Not like you're likely to get into full on life or death sword fights with this baby. The handle impresses me by being spacious enough for a two handed grip if needed. Speaking of the handle, another of the modern influences is in its material -- it feels very much like the material used for pistol grips, complete with a grippy checkered texture.

This is the best short sword or machete of it style I've owned. At 31 in the Tang is bigger than the blade, mine came razor sharp. I have own Cold Steel,cobra, winless and others. For the money this is worth every bit of it I'm going to buy two of them before they get expensive because that's always what happens when you find good Steel.

Great functional wakizashi. This sword is lightweight and well balanced compared to a much heavier one I owned. The handle is the perfect size for a good grip, not super thick (like the previous one I owned) and comfortable to keep a hold of with its functional plastic grip.I like this better than the more decorative wakizashis.

It swings well, quite sharp, full tang, and makes that noise you hear in Kung Fu movies when you do I nice even chop.For the price this is a wonderful weapon! You may have to wrap the handle yourself, I used old boot laces. The wrist strap can hit you in the face as you practice so tuck it, remove it, or adjust it. The guard is so small it will only stop your hand from sliding down on to the blade (more than some other Cold Steel products, I have 5), but if you were in combat it wouldnt save your knuckles from the enemy sword sliding down your blade. I do love the way it feels, but it is heavy, almost like a baseball bat, so be mindful!First target, of course the box it was delivered in!I was disappointed not to receive that to receive that seal of authenticity displayed in the picture, but I have renewed confidence in my chances against a zombie horde! This is my first Katana, and I'm overall quite pleased.The scabbard has a parachord glued to it and wrapped, I assume this is to tie it to a belt???Not for putting on your back, trust me don't try it! Slight rattle too, could fit more snug in the scabbard.

This is going to be my "beater" wakizashi. I won't have to worry about the ito getting wet or worn (there is none). The blade stock is solid. Holds an edge, but still easy to sharpen. It's a lot more fun cutting stuff without having to worry about damaging a more pricey wakizashi. And it DOES cut stuff! :-)