I was a bit nervous about choosing this sword, given that it is the 'oddball' of Musashi's 1060 series. But fear not, there's nothing remotely awkward about this sword in either the functional or aesthetic department. I would actually go so far to say it actually much more easy to wield as well as more interesting than a regular katana...which leads me to ponder why I am the first one to review this remarkable item. <br /><br />Pros<br /><br />I received this sword right on Christmas eve thanks to the fast shipping...made a wonderful gift. As with most Musashi swords, the Katana looks even more stunning in person than it does in the product photo. It has a beautiful real hamon that is most prominent when you reflect it in the light at the right angle, it is otherwise rather subtle. The blade fits PERFECTLY into the saya, easily is pushed out by the thumb, but wont fall out of the blade if you tilt the sword downward while it is sheathed. Beautiful black lacquer finish. It seems a lot of people complain that the ito wrap is 'shoelacy' in texture, but I really don't mind it, considering I've been using an old katana without any wrap whatsoever for the longest time. It's tight, firm, comfortable, and hasn't come lose after some vigorous swinging and training with it (against the air of course...I don't even want to risk damaging this treasure of a sword by cutting through anything, not even milk jugs.) The sword came well oiled, with no defects at all in which to mention of. Even though this is the first 1060 katana I've owned, I can guarantee this is the lightest sword from the 1060 line, thanks to the double bo-hi lightening some serious mass off the blade. By far, it is the most agile and light weight sword of this length I've wielded in my entire life, and I've owned many swords. You can swing it with much more finesse than a traditional katana, and endure twice as long before you fatigue...it can be easily wielded in one hand, given that aspect. I definitely recommend this to people of smaller physical stature, or those lacking in strength – this thing is as light as a feather – I can't stress that enough. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy it if you are of larger statue and physical strength, for it will amaze you just how quickly you can slash and cut with this sword. As the product information states, the back edge isn't sharpened, which doesn't really matter. Most people are going to purchase this using the same forms and techniques as they would a traditional katana, using the spine of the blade to parry, ect. They are going to be more allured by the overall finesse of the weapon, as well as it's unique design. It's something you should get if you want something different than a traditional katana. But don't feel that you are being intrepid about buying it...it may look a bit strange at first, but it's really quite beautiful...definitely unique, and something that catches people's attention that are familiar with katanas. I also love the artwork on the tsuba (guard) and fuchi kashira (end cap). The fuchi kashira is as it is presented, with the iconic samurai complimenting the tsuba. I do imagine however, that people are confused about the artwork on the tsuba as I was. At first, we can vaguely distinguish warriors engaged in some sort of clash...let me get into that with a separate paragraph.<br /><br />Tsuba features.<br /><br />The product picture has the tsuba actually positioned upside down. It's difficult to see on the photo, but there are actually 2 unarmored samurai fighting against one armored samurai warrior on the tsuba. I don't recommend doing this if you don't have a laptop, but if you tilt the screen upside down, you can see what I'm talking about. Two warriors on the left, one on the right if you have it upside down. Of course, if you have the real sword right in front of you, they are properly positioned where they are supposed to be. One of the unarmored warriors is using a naginata, his comrade wields a katana and they are fighting a samurai with full yoroi. Now I'm sure you're all wondering what's on the other side. It came as a surprise. It was a rather peaceful and picturesque scene...like something you'd expect to see on either a completely different katana tsuba, or perhaps on a Japanese painting. Mt Fuji is the most salient icon of this side of the tsuba, which is beautiful enough by itself, but I can also see faint outlines of the valley and the small rivers within it in which the mountain is situated in. There are also two little quaint birds nestling in some grass near one of the little rivers towards the bottom left corner of the tsuba. I can also make out some detail of the clouds behind Mt. Fuji. So, for anyone who isn't fond of the samurai's engaged in combat on the tsuba, the other side has a more serene and reflective motif for you to enjoy with this classy sword. I happen to love both images... it gives you a myriad of things to enjoy about this katana.<br /><br />Cons (These aren't really cons, actually.)<br /><br />I haven't found any real cons in this sword...just a minor preference-based issue that isn't really a 'issue' whatsoever. Anyway, my 'problem' is that I assumed from the product picture alone that the tsuba was much bigger than what it was actually was. It's one of the features that drew me towards this sword, because I've recently had problems with smaller tsubas with hollowed out sharpened edges in them. While this one isn't as large as I thought, it's no big deal. This sword actually 'seems' pretty small overall, but that's just my mind fooling me. I keep thinking I'm wielding a Wakizashi because of this. Yet of course, it is as long as a standard katana, I've measured it...I just feel stupefied sometimes because it is indeed as long as a katana should be, yet wielded like a smaller, lighter blade, almost like a machete.<br /><br />Conclusion<br /><br />So, other than that insignificant issue of the tsuba not being as large as I expected, there's absolutely NO cons I found in the sword... this katana is worth much more than it is being sold for, as are the rest of the 1060 Musashi blades, I am sure. Don't hesitate to buy this blade....and do NOT chose any other sword within this price range in place of a Musashi 1060...you will not get your money's worth. And as always... purchase it from Trueswords. Not only do they offer the cheapest price and faster shipping...but their customer service is outstanding...I only have this sword thanks to their outstanding compassion to replace a sword I wasn't happy with. <br /><br />Thank you so much for the katana Trueswords. I will cherish this unique and beautiful sword for a lifetime.
4.8 ( 6 reviews )
