This sword is beautiful, but it's a display only piece. The blade is dull and I have strong doubts about it being 440 stainless as other ads for the same sword make no mention of it. The pommel is hollow plastic and would probable shatter under your hands pressure if you struck something. The claws on the Tsuba are extremely sharp, but they are also hollow. The dragon's head is cast, but looks good unless you look directly into the mouth at with time you notice the cheesy plastic tongue and the zero detail in the mouth. The scabbard is probably the most impressive part of the sword. The wrap is very beautiful. I would never unwrap it to use it because the metal piece looks like it would easily pull from the scabbard. The sword is very beautiful, especially from across the living room. I am proud to display it on my mantel. It is very worth the $ that my wife paid for it, but not if you are actually going to use it in combat.

I would be hesitant to hit an actual target with these. Also they come with a warning sticker on them that is difficult to get off without marring the finish. The inlays on the lotus flower and dragon eyes are cheap and cheesy. I do like the three strand cord attachment (though it's a half inch long for my hand). However, the knotting restraining them is held in with hot glue. Not the best chucks out there, the $. But as for functional quality I have owned better.