I would say that this weapon is of great use for the purpose of practicing Tai Chi forms, and possibly some of the Wudang or general Shaolin kung-fu sword forms. The only thing about it is that the first one they sent me broke in the box, and I examined why. The blade itself goes all the way through the crossguard, which is realistic to sword design. It continues through into the hilt, which is also very sturdy. However, when it goes into the crossguard, the system is square, in other words the blade goes into a square peg that fits in a square hole in the crossguard. This is excellent for sturdiness, because the blade fits tightly into the crossguard and will not flex or bend from excertion. However, when it gets past the crossguard and goes into the hilt, it becomes round, and this is where the design weakens. It was right at the point where the square hilt followthrough became a round dowel that the first blade broke.



In any case, the second one shipped without a scratch (mainly because it was packed a lot better), and it has been able to stand up to everything I've done with it. It's not a combat sword by any means, unless you intend to do touch level sparring or lower. It is very excellent for forms practice, as it is balanced appropriately and includes the standard tassel you see on this general wudang straightsword design.



It is rather light, however, and thus practice with it will by no means be the same as practice with a genuine steel blade, but it is excellent for the point of learning the forms and becoming comfortable with the balance of the blade before you try something pointier and more lethal. The only reason I give it four stars is that the overall production value (gluing, finishing) is not 100% professional. The glue sticks out from where it has been fixed at the hilt to the crossguard, and the crossguard is crosscut so the splinters on the sides are hard to sand (if not impossible).

But for the price, I say it's a great deal! GO FOR IT!