I am an adult and I purchased this for myself as an alternative to the far too short, far too light SHOTO....and it does succeeded as a good practice short sword. I also find this handy as a training substitute for the medieval German Messer. Short, heavy, and solid... do with it whatever you want. The tsuba doesn't fit close when does that EVER occur? A little electrical tape will help make the fit sound.

Nice and heavy....strong, yet beautiful. This is a pleasure to wield.