Orcaman, there is a difference between a samurai sword and a ninja sword. Samurai needed the longer blade on horses and practiced a different way of fighting. The ninja stealthily moved in upon their enemy. They used a different way of drawing and they usually hung it across their back. It looks to be a very sturdy sword and I might buy it.  Permalink

This sword is absolutely beautiful but not in the pansy kind of way.. It's beautiful because it truly feels functional. The sword is not to long, not to short, plenty of leverage with the large handle and full tang construction. The blade is quite sharp as well.  Permalink

Appearances:

I ordered this product because it was the closest to the traditional length and blade type as a traditional Korean sword. (I needed a quick gift for a Tae Kwon Do student.) Unfortunately, When it arrived, I discovered that the grey spot you see near the hilt on the sheath is a depiction of a man in a Japanese-looking head dress. Furthermore, there are characters inscribed on the blade, the exact nature of which I'm not certain, but which appear to be Japanese. Not a bad conclusion to draw when there is an accompaning label about samauri. Again, I'm not an expert, but were not most Japanese blades longer than daggers curved away from the edge?



Concerning quality:

I have definitely seen more resiliant metals. How much more I cannot say without having broken it. I could probably snap it with one hand though. On which note -- the guard is sufficiently large to cover all of my unusually large hands, and the handle is plently long as well. The guard is made of some metal stronger than the blade, and has a slot large enough for a sturdy strap. A ''utilitarian'' (ugly but sturdy) looking wood is affixed with three pins, without the precision of an artisan. Sharpness on delivery: Would cut cuticle without pressure, if dragged.



Usefulness:

I would take it over a pipe of equal length were both offered freely, but pipe is cheaper and more readily available.  Permalink

Although not traditional, this sword is spectacular when used in slicing. Very heavy feel with the full tang handle but light and balanced when swung. I'd recommend this sword to anyone who intends on a powerful feel with a functional weapon, this sword is no toy and definitely doesn't deserve to be hung on a wall! five stars * * * * *  Permalink