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Shinken Katana Comments Page 2 (Prev/Next)

Toshi Katana (#1) - Prototype

Sales Pitch (Tozai Imports)

There are a wide variety of Japanese style swords available in today’s market ranging from production blades made in China to semi custom, and custom blades made in the US. Each manufacturer holds offerings that cater to specific applications. One of the more popular applications is Tameshigiri, or test cutting. Tameshigiri is most commonly associated with the practice of cutting tatami-omote. Different ryuha approach tameshigiri differently, and some not at all. Tozai Imports is proud to offer the Kotetsu design by Hataya Mitsuo Sensei and Kenpaku Yasutoshi of Sagamihara.

Comments

There is allot of variation between these katana.  This was the prototype and the fittings are of higher quality than production models.  Toshi Katana #1 is the heaviest sword tested and has mixed reviews due to it's weight.  It is rated high by those who like kissaki heavy swords, but most reviewers consider it too heavy for them.  The fittings are still the original.  Toshi #1 cuts awesome, but is fairly easy to bend.

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Nosyuiaido Steel Iaito

Sales Pitch (SwordStore)

We offer two kinds of steel iaito. Our steel iaito are not marketed as "shinken" because frankly the steel is not made by Japanese Toshyo (smiths) nor is there a mei or signature of a Japanese smith on the nakago (tang). Whereas shinken production is regulated by the Japanese government thus limiting production, there are no such limits on steel iaito. Unlike true Japanese swords that start with tamahagane or iron-sand, steel iaito start from ingot. Steel iaito are a response to the growing need for affordable and reliable swords for martial arts practice and are therefore more of interest to the practitioner than the collector.

Hi (pronouced "hee") is a groove that runs the length of the blade and is engraved on the shinogi. They are used to reduce weight, as a source of decoration and to improve the cutting ability of the blade. Many, but not all Japanese swords have this hi or bo-hi. Although there are many different styles of engraving we only provide a straight bo-hi at this time.

 Iai-yo (#7007 model) has a Hi and is balanced more in keeping with a traditional Japanese sword. It is suitable for the repetitive motions of iai practice or for cutting, albeit it is not as thick or as heavy and therefore not as forgiving as the #6006.

Comments

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Wind and Thunder Katana

Sales Pitch (Wind and Thunder Katana)

This cutting katana from CAS/Hanwei is designed specifically for the martial artist that needs a sword for the demands of rigorous tameshigiri. The Wind & Thunder features a heavier and thicker blade with traditional furniture and fittings. The Wind & Thunder is fitted with the black iron Raiden tsuba and Tomoe motif fuchi and kashira. The handle is wrapped in genuine same (ray skin) and the tsuka-ito is premium Japanese black cotton. The saya is done in a traditional black lacquer and the sageo is also black cotton. This sword is an excellent choice for those interested in batto-jutsu.

Comments

Reviewer either loved or hated the feel of the Wind and Thunder.  This is a heavy sword and is pretty tip heavy.  Those who love heavy swords with presence rated it high.  Many reviewer found the Wind and Thunder a bit too much to handle.  The katana performed well for tameshigiri.

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Momo-no-Saru (Peach Monkey) Katana

Sales Pitch (Momo-no-Saru Katana)

Limited to 500 Katana and 125 Wakizashi worldwide, the swords are built on folded Swedish powder-steel blades with the finest quality furniture. The blackened iron Tsuba and Fuchi/Kashira depict monkeys raiding a peach tree – a traditional favorite in Japan. Each sword comes with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Available in October, these highly collectible pieces will go quickly.  Order the Daisho 大小 (paired katana and wakizashi) and save.

Comments

This katana scored third on the quality category.  It was only beat by two different blade styles of the Tori Katana.  Some reviewers did not like the bright menuki, but everyone liked the folded blade and the rest of the fittings. 

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