Musashi - 1060 Carbon Steel - Best Miyamoto Sword

I really felt like I was taking a flyer, buying this sword from Amazon.I have done considerable research on the subject and often encountered confusing and conflicting information from dedicated swords/weapons/martial arts sites, a well known on-line encyclopedia, and countless reviews. What follows should be taken less as fact, but more as my evaluation of the general consensus along with my personal opinions.Most writers would have you purchase from one of the "expert" sites based on the knowledge and specialization they apparently possess. Once I had gained sufficient insight to decide what I really wanted, I ultimately bought from Amazon because of my satisfaction with their pricing and superb customer care. I knew that if I made a mistake or received something other than what I expected, things would be made right.I settled on the Musashi 1060 carbon steel series because although it is primarily for display, I wanted a quality katana that was robust enough to use for cutting. "Wall hangers" or "mall swords" are typically made of inferior (for this application) stainless steel, they do not have a full tang with pegs fixing the blade into the handle, and they are not differentially tempered to allow a fine edge combined with flexibility and toughness. This weapon has all the attributes of a real sword.While it is hand forged, what it does not have is pedigree or provenance: It is made in China as opposed to Japan, it is made from only one type of steel, and it is not a folded (sometimes called Damascus) blade. To acquire a quality example of a true sword with every item on the wish list checked off, be prepared to spend five or even six (!) figures.What his "daito" (long sword) does include has me fully satisfied:* It is the correct shape, length and weight for a katana with a good balance point.* The "hamon" (temper line) is not pronounced but it is real, indicating proper forging and quenching techniques. This is essential for both aesthetic and functional reasons.* While I have not yet disassembled it, there are two "mekugi" (pegs) visible in the "tsuka" (handle), characteristic of a full tang.* Critically, the "tsuba" (hand guard) is real metal, as are the "kashira", "fuchi", "seppa", and "habaki" (hey, you'll need to discover some things on your own).* On the handle, the "same" (eel skin) is genuine, and while the "tsuka ito" (handle wrapping) is cotton as opposed to silk, the pattern of the wrap itself is correct.* The "saya" (scabbard) is indeed a glossy piano black and has all the appropriate "koshirae" (hardware or mountings), sometimes known as "furniture".* It is subtly branded "MUSASHI" as opposed to "MUSHA", and as such is more prestigious since the less sophisticated $50-60 swords are identified with the latter. There are no outward indications of its Chinese origins.* It arrived in a MUSASHI branded cardboard box with decent Styrofoam packaging, a cloth sword bag and a numbered certificate of authenticity.I will try to post some photos as time allows, but in conclusion, this katana appears to be very well made with excellent fit and finish. Even if others live up to their claims, I am unaware of anything representing a better value in this class of swords. It is beautiful (in a subtle sense and not the flashy, multicolored style of some), it is sharp (as in lethal) and it fully meets all of my criteria for a prized possession. Now, for my next sword... I' gonna need a bigger budget.3/18/14 Update:Sharp out of the box... sorta. Bought the King 1000 Grit Whetstone with Plastic Base and it is now SHARP! I enjoyed the process, and the result is extremely satisfying.4/27/16 Update:Finally added photos in my home. Stand hand painted "Bushido" by my friend Mariko.

First thoughts, wow! This is not my first sword, but it is my first real Katana. As with anything I have ever purchased, I did extensive research in materials, methods of manufacture, quality of work, authenticity, and value. I have seen other so called Katanas, and those can't even begin to compare with this offering from Musashi.Now my experience with the supplier. In one word, excellent! Product was shipped fast, arrived undamaged, and as described. The box was sturdy, within the box was another box wrapped in bubble wrap. That box was marled Musashi. Inside the Musashi box, suspended in Styrofoam was a black well wrapped sword bag. Within the bag was the sword.The product. Upon removing the sword from the sword bag I immediately see an very nice and flawless Saya. No dents, scratches, or blemishes of any kind. At this point I can feel the heft and solidarity as there is no rattle or play in the katana to saya fit. So I release the habaki and slowly pull the sword out of the saya about two inches to inspect the habaki, tsuba, mekugi, tsuka, and fuchi/kashira. Everything was solid,unmarred, and clean. Nothing was loose,missing,or out of place. Mekugi were tight,tsuka tight, habaki, tight,and tsuba tight. No play whatsoever. So I continued to remove the blade from the saya, and noticed that the blade itself was wrapped very tightly in thin plastic with very visible oil or grease underneath to protect the blade from the elements during shipping. Next I removed the plastic very carefully as I immediately notice this blade is extremely sharp. Once the plastic was off I inspected the blade. Now I can honestly say that this does appear to be genuine, as the hamon is clearly visabl and not painted or machined in any way. The grease that coated the blade is adequate and similar to cosmoline. So I cleaned the blade in the traditional way immediately to remove the protective grease,and further inspected the blade. Things I saw in my sword were what you would expect from a hand forged blade, tool marks from hammering and the functional polish. The bo hi is cleanly done with slight imperfections from the forging process,again these are expected and almost unnoticeable and therefore acceptable. The blade is straight and well made,this is most definitely where the money is. The hamon is beautiful, and the edge is extremely sharp,not razor sharp but almost there. With a little bit of work it can be razor sharp. There is no doubt in my mind as to the sharpness of the blade. It did shave hair from my forearm very easily, so for me that is good enough.In closing I can say that this will not be the last sword I purchase from Musashi, and I would most definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a real,hand forged, usable, and affordable katana made in the old way. Just because is says China on it doesn't automatically mean its cheap. Sure there are plenty of swords out there that say China as well as pocket knives that are !Ade from cheap steel, but when you pay 10 bucks at a flea market for it do you honestly expect it to be anything bit cheap? As far as swords from China use some common sense,do your ho!ework before handing over your hard earned money, and shop around. There are plenty of quality swords and knives out there,just gotta be smart. Thanks for reading and I hope this has helped you to decide which sword you want to buy. My next one is going to be the Odachi also made by Musashi, can't wait to see that one as well as I have always loved that massive and intimidating blade.

Excelente

Over all its not bad. It's really not.the swords want add sharp as I would have liked but it didn't take much time at all to get it where I like it. The scabbard was broken on arrival, however after contracting Top Swords (which they responded very quickly to several e mails and were very patient with a few difficulties in sending the pictures and even offered to replace the scabbard befor I could), they made every effort to replace it. A brief conversation with a friend proved that replacement wasnt necessary as the damage could be fixed relatively quickly and easily. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a sword that's actually very decent quality that doesn't cost a lot. I gave 3 stars because it's very difficult for sword to get 5 stars from me. It needed some help so I can't give 4. All in all, it was a good experience and worth the cost. 3 stars is good on this case. Definitely much better than it could have been. Customer service made all the difference in the world.

I was very impressed by the quality and build of this blade, especially for the price.I had a Mushashi Daito by Paul Chen 15yrs back which cost more than double this one.Highly recommend to anyone.....

There is nothing to say on this sword but quality and perfection. The blade is very sharp and well cared for when shipping. If there was ten stars, I would give ten. This is a beautiful sword. Donald Fraser

Best sword I own!! I've been a collector of katana's for years, and I can honestly say that it's worth every penny and more! Quality and value are exceptional!

Bought for my son. It's not the same quality as a hand made from Japan Katana but it's much better than the entry level swords I looked at.

What a ripoff, Received my Musashi 1060 Best Miyamoto Box. inside all the proper paper work, with serial no and all but alsothe much cheaper SS-676 model.Serial no given is 31686. The sword also looks used, nicks in the edge, scratches on blade. Too mad right now to keep going.