Makoto Handmade Sharp Japanese Samurai Shirasaya Katana Sword w/High Gloss Wood Saya

Okay....first a disclaimer. I am NOT a sword expert. I know about good knives, but swords are totally foreign to me. So this review is from an average guy.... like many of you. Okay, let's get to it. First, the heft was impressive. Not heavy, but you know you're holding something. The sword was well packed, so there was absolutely no damage such as scuffs, dings, or knicks. The sword comes in a black soft sleeve to further protect it from being scratched. Upon visual inspection, the finish is a beautiful glossy light honey color. It fits tightly in the sheath with no rattling whatsoever. Upon drawing it, the blade was sharp. Not razor sharp, but if you took a sincere swing at a soft target, it would definitely do respectable damage. I'm confident I can put a much better edge on it with a stone and some patient grinding. The edge has that wavy line along it....I know there is a specific term for it, but again, I am not an expert or versed in Japanese. Overall, it is simplistic and elegant in its design. I didn't want an overly ornate sword with wraps, etching, or even a hand guard (again there is a term, but offhand, I'm at a loss). For $50, I was solidly impressed. I do know that swords can range up to the thousands, so I wasn't expecting much. I'm happy to report I was pleasantly surprised. It's beautifully crafted for its price, and the blade itself certainly warrants a respectable nod. The description says full tang, and another buyer stated they took it apart, and found it to be indeed, full tang. I'm inclined to believe that it is. For the money, I would say this one is certainly worthy of consideration. I'm a hardcore critic, but really found no shortcomings to speak of. For decorative purposes, it's a beauty. Even for you water-bottle killing samurai, I'm sure you'll be capable of littering the yard with fallen Dasani bottles.For you hardcore sword aficionados, you may find fault with its design....but remember, this is NOT a high end several thousand dollar Shirisaya. I don't know if I'd depend on it during the zombie apocalypse, but for the average Amazon shopper.....it's $50 very well spent in my opinion. I hope this aids you in your decision.

The packaging was superb, the sword itself is made very well with a secured seal between the sword and the Saya.The sword arrived sharpened,straight,and balanced with a perfect clearcoat finish on the Tsuka and the Saya!

A few mentions at the start:I realized that I was not buying a work of art or an 'addition to my collection of fine swords'. In truth, I purchased it accidentally. I should know better than to shop late at night, when I'm tired, especially when not wearing my glasses. Long story aside, it ended up in my cart with a handful of other items, and with such a low price, especially compared to the other things I was buying, I didn't know it was there until my confirmation email was viewed the next day.What the heck, thought I, it can always be returned. That was well over six months ago, and I still have it as I am truly pleased with the craftsmanship! THE ONLY REASON I AM KNOCKING ONE STAR OFF IS DUE TO FALSE REPRESENTATION WITH REGARD TO THE PICTURE, AS STATED BELOW...What others have said is true of mine as well as: the wood doesn't match (slight variation in color or shade), there is a black band, about as wide as a piece of electrician's tape, marking the point at which the handle and scabbard meet,( I know, not the proper terms, but neither have I mastered the use of chopsticks.) It is at this point that the disappointment stops.Use a bit of caution when withdrawing the blade, or have your wife learn to sew back together various lengths of rips in meat (mainly your own), as the dangerous side of this edged weapon is sharp!! I heard a saying some time ago that once a blade tastes blood, it develops a hunger for it. I tend to believe that whomever first said that must have been as spastic as I am when handling long, pointy, sharp objects.The wood has a glass-smooth high gloss to it, great for looking at, bad for killing "Walkers" if you have even marginally sweaty sword-holders. The scabbard fits exceptionally well, as a fairly stout tug is required to deploy the sharp pointy thing, unless, of course, you merely want to tenderize your zombies by beating them with the scabbard on.I have yet to hear one single rattle from either scabbard, sword, or complete device when assembled. The tang stops approximately 1 1/2 inches from the end of the handle. Of course I had to disassemble it, or how would I ever get all of the zombie blood and zombie entrails out of all the cracks and crevices? Just imagine the smell after a battle or two!Now I feel safer every time The Walking Dead comes on, knowing that I can protect my dear wife and myself! Practically every week, I pick up pointers from Michonne, if she happens to go out on a supply run. That reminds me, I need to get more bandaids.

First off, I was a little hesitant about buying the sword from stock photo. Photo shows saya and tsuka to be different in color. The one I received not only is the same color, but also made from matching wood. Grain can definitely be seen flowing into one another. Pin in tsuka is hardly visible.I just noticed the pictures that I posted, are a little off color. It is actually lighter.With that said, the sword is fantastic.Very well balanced and light to handle.Blade is extremely sharp.Word of caution, because there is no tuba, guard, I suggest that you hold the sword as usual, but push away using your thumbs. Mine is super tight and just holding with your hands and pulling apart, you may slip and the blade will be baptized.Hamon line is very even and visible.Not much more I can say, except that I doubt you'll be disappointed in buying one.I'm not!No worries!