Well I've had this sword for around half a month and I will say that I'm very pleased. It feels right when I'm training alone or doing some full contact practice with my friends. When first using the blade the hilt would rub against my skin and it caused slight irritation but after a day or so of using it my hands became tougher and it hasn't turned red or become tender at all. As for the blade, it was very well done, made from red oak I believe. The dragon carving was also very nicely done save for a slight blemish in the wood, but my hand covers that anyway. Great buy, all in all.