Musha Bushido Crimson Rain Shirasaya Sword

So far, not bad. A little blade heavy, but magnet check suggests the tang goes all the way back to about 3" from the end. The mekugi (bamboo peg that holds the blade in the handle) was misfitted. It should be an interference fit. It should be too big, and wedged in there. The thing practically fell right out.

I absolutely love this sword, the condition it came in was great. The blade is very sharp and well crafted. Since crimson is my favorite color, it’s my favorite new toy.

I was given this sword as a gift when I was a child, and since have made a hobby and obsession of competitive sword fighting and armed martial arts. This sword begun my collection, and by chance I came across this site selling what I recognize as my own blade (though many years used, weathered, and repainted). I wanted to leave a review to show respects to a sword that has went through more than most men and continues strong to this day.

For a price like this I was surprised how well it handled all my abuses and didn't have any chips on the blade at all, only damage was the tip bending a little when i tried to thrust it through a piece of plastic. Only thing I don't like is how the handle sometime slips down and I'll have to push it back up, and because of the location of the peg, I can't slip a tsuba onto it.

Took a little while for FedEx and USPS to get it here, but more than worth the wait. Absolutely gorgeous, well sized, well weighted. Sheath is perfectly made and it slides and locks perfectly.

I was pleasantly surprised with this piece. Musha makes products for those of us who do not want to use our higher end katanas on everyday cutting so they make some “no frills” blades. At this price, and at the time a 20% off sale, I consider this a bargain. The hamon is not real, but in no way does that have any bearing on the blade’s ability to cut. It is a 1045 steel. Mine was very sword sharp – sliced the shipping box in two with virtually no effort. Being a shirasaya style, it is blade heavy but feels good when swung. My blade was perfect in that there were no scratches, nicks, etc. All the fittings were tight. The saya was smooth with no blemishes. The rose wood finish is flat/matte, but I plan to experiment with some lacquer to see if I can make it look like all my others. If you are looking for an inexpensive cutter, this should serve you well.

I was pleasantly surprised with this piece. Musha makes products for those of us who do not want to use our higher end katanas on everyday cutting so they make some “no frills” blades. At this price, and at the time a 20% off sale, I consider this a bargain. The hamon is not real, but in no way does that have any bearing on the blade’s ability to cut. It is a 1040 steel. Mine was very sword sharp – sliced the shipping box in two with virtually no effort. Being a shirasaya style, it is blade heavy but feels good when swung. The red wood finish is flat/matte, but I plan to experiment with some lacquer to see if I can make it look like all my others. If you are looking for an inexpensive cutter, this will serve you well.

My wife ordered this shirasaya for a gift. i am happy with it its worth, more than the price tag. it is as they describe, practical. Thank you true true swards. i will be using it for practice, and yes it cuts.

NOT MY FIRST ORDER. THE PRICE WAS RIGHT. PUT ORDER IN. SHIPPING IS CAREFULLY DONE NO DAMAGE FROM DELIVERY. BLADE IS SHARP. THE SCARBOARD IS TIGHT. I LIKE THE WOOD COLOR. LAST IS I WONDERED HOW SOLDIERS CARRIED THIS WEAPON ON THEIR BODY??? AROUND THE WAIST OR OVER THE SHOLDER. I WAS COURIOS ON THE BELT OR SHOLDER HARNESS.

great sword hands down! beautiful balence, everything it tight fitting, blade came sharp, and arrived very quickley.

oh this sword... beautiful. the dark red/blackish finish is so beautiful itself. the handle is secured by a single wooden peg, the blade is beautiful, came oiled already, nice blood groove, and a nice wrapping. just a bit longer/heavier than I am used to but it is still an amazing sword, a must have.

I collect swords and I wanted one that was build this way.. Shirasaya style.I was afraid this was going to be just a cheap wall hanger but to my surprise it is a well made sword and very nice workmanship...The blade is sharp and straight and balanced very well. Very happy with this purchase...

I ordered this sword on July 17th and i got it today and I can say that this sword is a beautiful work of art<br /><br />I'm thoroughly pleased with my purchase<br /><br />A Must for first time buyers looking for a reliable sword at a cut rate price

What a wonderful sword! It's perfect for beginners, given the low price and that it's a Shirasaya. I have had issues with the blade staying in the hilt; but they have been minimal. I heavily recommend this for beginners and collectors.

Great blade for a great price. It's sharp balanced beautiful and durable only complaint is some scratches in the scabbard

sheath is a lil loose...cut my finger...LOVE IT!

This sword is beautiful and just pure amazing. Im starting my sword collection and this was the first sword I have bought. I am amazed at the overall price for this amazing quality. VERY SHARP! I sliced the edge of the box it came in with just the tip alone, not even the body of the blade. Point blank, I LOVE IT!!

Another great blade by the Musashi/Musha forge. Though unlike the picture my came with a small black stripe of paint around the mouth of the saya and tsuka, but that's not a major thing. Blade itself is what I've come to expect from Musashi, pure awesome cutting power and strength (for this price range at least). The saya and tsuka match up quite nicely which is a concern for a shirasaya. It is half tang, and because of the nature of the handle lacks any sort of proper grip. I would not suggest this blade as a regular cutter, or to be used as an actual shirasaya. (look up the history of shirasaya if you want to know more) Still an awesome display piece, one I've been waiting for a long time to get my hands on.

good blade for the price sharp right out of the box

I can only say good things about this sword. The way it looks and handles is amazing, but it feels like something so good you dont want harm to come to it.... nevertheless, its an incredible blade to add to a collection or to start one with!

ive been wanting to buy this for a good long time the wood is good strong wood nice blood grove its a good buy for collectors and first time buyers

Great starter sword at a great price :D

Beautiful sword, I am completely satisfied with my purchase. As noted by others, there is a black band where the saya and sword meet. The blade came fairly sharp though it was not RAZOR sharp... which is a small thing anyways. The blade came lightly oiled; which I wiped off and applied my own. I did not have an issue with excess wax coming off on the blade (as some seem to have experienced) though due to the fact the saya is completely made of wood, some small bits of organic residue do stick to the blade... though it isn't very noticeable and wipes off easily. <br /><br />Overall I am very pleased with this sword! It has far exceeded my expectations and is by far my favorite sword so far.

For a first buy, not bad.<br />Was a bit surprised at how heavy it was at first. A beautiful piece all in all.<br />Best part is, it arrived quickly!

So, I just got the beautiful sword today, and I gotta say that I was impressed. Eventhought as soon as I opened it I almost cut my freakin finger off. But other than that, its quiet impressive, very sharp, and I think im in love. Im definatly gonna buy another sword from trueswords. Thanks

everything good i have to say about it is based on the low price- this sword is verry nice, and the smooth hilt fits nicely in my hand. its snug in the sheathe, and sharp, but not razor sharp as i cannot shave my forearm with it (thats my test of razor sharp). a very good buy!

Great sword! Like everyone said, it was hard to open at first, but loosened right up. One thing i noticed was the black rings around the scabbard and tsuka portions that meet up when the sword is sheathed. I got this particular sword for the color, and the fact that the picture does not have the black. <br />Very minor though compared to the quality. A little heavier than expected too. <br /><br />Its a great item to have, and completely sharpened (although Ill have to sharpen it to taste ;) <br />I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a collection with multiple styles of swords. Thanx alot!

Awesome Sword. Crazy sharp, wood looks great, havent really tried chopping much with it so dont know how it would hold up against a tree or random couch you felt like destroying, its kinda for show, but seems like it would get the job done.

Very nice. Very satisfied. Now to get the other two...

When i first saw this sword i have to say it looked beautiful. And when i received it, i was just a awed. For the price this is a must get. Shipping was moderate, but it was worth the wait believe me. The sword was coated in oil (which i appreciate) so the blade was in great shape. The wood body looks spectacular, they did a good job on the finish. Plus i got a cloth bag to protect the sword. Overall 5 out of 5. Great buy for the price. Good addition to your collection. First True Swords buy. But i WILL be getting more of the products. Very satisfied!

really made people. you need to take care of this blade! what people dont know is they need to oil this thing so it stays in top beautiful condition.<br /><br />now dont go choppin trees and crap in half, doesnt work. the top of the kissaki will bend if u lightly put it down point end down on a hard surface.<br /><br />you cut anything make sure u wipe the blade. especially fruit. this blade is wonderful for back yard use and a beautiful unique piece<br /><br />take care of it. oh and it came perfect great service. wipe the oil it comes with, its supposed to be there new guys

This is the BEST SWORD i HAVE!!!!!! :D

What a beauty this sword is. The wood handle and scabbard feel very firm and tough, and the blade is deadly sharp and very well balanced. It's about as heavy as I thought it would be, which is sufficient to wield single handedly. The rosewood finish also looks great.<br /><br />I was originally skeptical about buying this item, but I'm personally enamored by the look of a shirasaya, so I decided to swallow by buyer’s remorse and purchase it. Now the only thing I regret is that I cannot take it out in public to show my friends (swinging a large blade in public is a big no no, says the police). The finely made blade is perfectly straight, based on what my keen eye can see. No warping or manufacturer imperfections on the blade. It also ships in a cloth carrier, which is a nice addition in general, or for those (like me) who like to play pretend behind his locked bedroom door.<br /><br />If I may nitpick, because the scabbard is 100% wood, the razor sharp blade tends to catch on the inside of the scabbard if you insert it too fast or not perfectly straight, which will shave little slivers of wood off the inside and usually leave it stuck on the blade's oil (the shirasaya ships pre-oiled). Also, removing the blade from the scabbard is somewhat tight. Not as smooth as I had hoped. Please remember that I'm nitpicking.<br /><br />Overall this is a great buy for someone who enjoys the beauty of Japanese steel and style. I recommend this for any responsible sword collector/admirer. Notice I said 'responsible'. The thing is VERY sharp.

im not really up to par on writing reviews for swords for i do not know all the terminology it involves but if your going to get a sword, i would go with this one. the blade is very sharp, its full tang, the scabbard and handle are both hard wood and very very stable. when i got it and took it out of its sword bag (it comes with a sword bag) i was amazed at the beautiful look of the sword. it was absolutely beautiful.<br /><br />another thing i really liked about it was how snuggly the scabbard fit onto the sword. if you hold it upside down by the handle and kind tug around on it, it doesnt fall off. it you hold the scabbard with the handle closer to the floor, you have to jerk the sword around really hand to make it fall out.<br /><br />i would get this sword if you are going to get one :)

You just can't beat these prices and the thing that kills me is, you'd think by the price tag that the product is crap, but I got this sword and it is BEAUTIFUL! That aside, beauty won't help in a battle but the blade is actually very well balanced. I love the weight, its easy to wield but definitely heavy enough to defend in a time of need, and this blade is sharp enough to remove something! Another thing is the sword fits very well into the scabbard and doesn't side out.

I like the Shirasaya, although I don’t consider it a true shirasaya. But not being a purist Musashi’s version is what I expected and more than good enough for me. It’s a great piece for the price as are all of the Musashi products by equaling or exceeding other vendor’s products that cost at least twice as much. The closest sword that I have to the Shirasaya is a Hanwei’s sword stick SH2267 that now has a full retail price of $190 (I didn’t pay that much). Musashi’s Shirasaya has more quality, not to mention better balanced and is faster.<br />I was prepared for a difficult to draw. That seems to be most people’s complaint. But I was totally unprepared for what I received. I was unable to draw it. I finally got my 240 pound friend to take one end and me the other, then out it popped. That was bad enough, but every time I wanted to draw it afterwards I had to ask his help. A woman couldn’t do it. At least the ones that I know, thank goodness. It was embarrassing. On close examination I discovered a bur on the mune directly in front of the habaki which I removed with a file and much care. After which I was able to draw the blade by myself. It was still a tight fit and with a little care I managed to loosen things up. It is now what I would call a prefect fit. The tsuka and saya come together very well and is hard to see the separating line, and the colour of the two closely match. There is no rattle and when cased the sword has a most solid feel. I could not expect anything better here.<br />The hamon is brushed on and is the only thing that I dislike. It is well done, I just don’t like false hamons whether brushed, etched, or whatever. Unfortunately for me that is to be expected with low end swords. <br />The mekugi was not stained and looked raw and stood out like a sore thumb. So I stained it and now it is more to my liking.<br />One thing that I liked was that after disassembling it fit into my 37” travel bag. Just barely but it went. I took a gamble on the length and won. It is something that most people could care less about, but is important to me.<br />As received the sword was very sharp. I could slice paper held in hand. However, when draping the paper over a line, my favorite test, the blade failed to cut it. I passed it over ceramic a few times then stropped, after which it sliced the hanging paper with ease.<br />I find the Shirasaya a good buy. The quality is there, at least on mine, and it handles well. The only thing that I am not sure of is how well it will hold up. I think for light cutting there will be no problem.

very beautiful sword and EXTREMELY sharp!! BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN HANDLING!!! i learned the hard way...not even 3 minutes after receiving my package, i wasn't fully paying attention and when i unsheathed it, i did not notice that my thumb was over the line where the sword comes out of... had to get 9 stitches.. still healing.. Learn from my mistakes, HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION!!

Very beautiful! At first it's hard to get out of the shieth, but it gets easier. and it's more sword heavy than i imagined. Thanks Trueswords!

An absolutely stunning sword; it handles my cutting practice as if the mats were butter; No complaints at all, unless you count a personal quirk about double-pegging. The slight looseness caused by having only one peg causes eventual hairline cracks around the collar and the saya mouth. But that's well, worth the function ;)

Beautiful sword and great customer care. The rosewood is stunning! Thanks for yet another great item.

I just received my sword. I have to say, it's gorgeous. The rosewood contrasts the blade perfectly, the blade is keen, and the balance is perfect. This blade is mandatory for any collection.

grate...really? Literacy at it's finest -.-

This sword is awesome. The blade is razor sharp and high quality. It is well balanced and everything I expected. I did a ton of research and this is one of the best swords for the price. It is a grate sword for people who want to chop shit up and it is also grate for collectors like myself.

Im not Cathrine thats my mom. She ordered it for christmas one tuesday we got it on thursday. Really great sword and I like the sword bag that comes with it. No complaints and I plan to get more thinghs from here. I also plan to get my friend a gift from here to.

I just got this sword today and I LOVE IT!!! I didn't have any trouble pulling the blade out for the first time and the blade looks really sharp. I can't really test it on anything but I'm glad I bought it. ^_^

This is the best deal iv ever had on a sword. i ordered it on a Thursday and got it Saturday. Its just what i wanted. The blade is razor sharp, like i'm ready to start killing ninjas. This sword is worth a lot more than the price listed here. <br />yuh

The shipping was fast. 4 business days from California to Southwest Florida (Not sure how that was humanly possible with ground transit; good freaking job True Swords and UPS! You're the best!).<br /><br />Let me start with the flaws. Keep in mind ALL of these flaws are minor, and do not affect it's amazing backyard beat-ability, or even it's stealing-priced value:<br /><br />- Mine came with (only a couple) small buffs in the blade. It's not a big deal, but it affects the pretty look a little bit. They're hardly noticeable unless looking for imperfections, like I did.<br />- When making the Hamon, musashi smiths messed up a bit toward the top of my blade, breaking the wave pattern slightly and burning in a flat design (at least I know the Hamon is real).<br />- The blade fits a little too snugly into the saya. Though, this isn't a big issue, due to the fact that it's a shirasaya, and I doubt anybody wants to perform any quick-drawing arts with it, due to the dangerous lack of tsuba.<br />- The wood isn't naturally the beautiful velvety-red that it appears to be. It's actually a brown hardwood. I believe it shares the same wood-type as the natural shirasaya.<br /><br />Here are the ups of the sword:<br /><br />- The blade is very sharp.<br />- The Hamon is real (though it looks machined, until they screwed up on my blade).<br />- It's a light sword. A bit heavier than one would expect, missing all it's traditional fittings, but it's still pretty light overall.<br />- The paint on the wood is VERY nicely done. It's a beautiful dark-red color that really stands out.<br />- The Bo-Hi makes a wonderful noise when the sword is swung.<br /><br />Other notes:<br /><br />- Now, I know this is a monosteel piece. But it's still very strong and resilient (but still ultimately only a light cutter, due to its monosteel nature. DO NOT USE THIS FOR HEAVY ABUSE OR YOU'LL BREAK IT!)<br />- The hamon is REAL, but made with a wirebrushed (sometimes referred to as "frosted") finish, which makes it look very machined, and in my opinion very ugly. But you guys might like it. I'm more of a traditional kinda guy.<br />- The Kissaki looks machined, though I don't think it is.<br />- It's EXTREMELY hard to take out the meguki (that so-called "ugly wooden dot" that everyone seems to take for granted. This piece is the most important, as it keeps the blade in the handle, or tsuka. Keep in mind to make sure that a katana HAS a meguki when you buy one, or it's a cheap imitation that'll fall apart in a swing or two. Meguki = full tang.)<br />- It's very sharp. However, it's not even CLOSE to razor sharp, as said in the description.<br />- The hamon on mine was done badly about an inch from the kissaki.<br />- I recommend it's bought with the Musashi Sword Cleaning Kit. Offered on this website for about 10 bucks. I did, and I'm glad I made the investment. My total, with shipping, came to $81.89. This is a stealing-priced total for such an order.<br /><br />Conclusion:<br />This sword has to be the most worth it's price in my collection (this thing is worth a much much higher price. I'd say a few times the selling point it's at now. Maybe $160?). It's very sturdy (with no rattle that you may get with cheaper swords). This is NOT a toy, like some of the machined, stainless-steel trainwrecks floating around, ready to maim their owners. This is a legit sword. Clean it alot or it'll rust. Also, last but not least, I recommend this more for sword-builders or collectors than practitioners of any art, as the tsuka gets slippery when your hands sweat, and that could lead to training-tragedy.<br />5/5

I'll keep this short.<br /><br />If you're in the market for a sword that is beautiful, practical, and unbelievably cheap for it's quality, this is what you want. The blade is very sharp and sturdy, and the rosewood is smooth and free of dents or scratches. I have no complaints about this sword.<br /><br />Now then, I'm going to go use this sword on the box it was delivered in. :D

Great sword. Shipping was fast and it came out of the box looking spotless. I had read previous reviews that had said the Saya was a bit snug. That is a GIGANTIC UNDERSTATEMENT. It took me about 2 or three minutes to get this thing out the first time. It does seem to loosen up after a few draws, but wow. My only other complaint with it is the Tuska was a bit loose. I could feel and hear it rattle a bit when I swung it. After disassembling it to clean, I just added a little clear tape to the tang and poof, problem solved. Overall very happy with this one!

I've owned many weapons in my life, and the common factor between all of them is simple. You get what you pay for. This is one exception. This sword is a steal at $60. The blade alone should be sold for atleast $120. Having a single peg in the saya, is usually only found in more expensive swords. I have no complaints with this sword. I bought this one after reading Sword Buyers Guide forums, and i am pleased that this delivers what is advertised. <br /><br />I'm a 9 year veteran of the U.S. Army, I have traveled extesively throughout the world, I guarantee that you will not find a better deal anywhere. True Swords, is truly one of a kind.<br /><br />As for people saying this isn't practical because there is no cross guard, This is a Shirasaya, there isn't supposed to be one. The Musashi line sells many swords with cross guards, if you think that is what makes a sword practical.<br /><br />People need to use caution with any sword they buy, a cheap stainless steal sword, can be sharpened enough to be deadly. If you know how to handle Swords without the Tsuba(crossguard), this is a great place to start. And, for the price, you can always refit this sword to make it more traditional.

Excellent sword. Sturdy, sharp, and very pleasing.

Great looking sword in all senses. While not practical due to not having a cross-guard, that doesn't subtract from its simple beauty in the slightest.<br /><br />I did have issues with the sheath and sword REFUSING to seperate on my first one, but I simply e-mailed trueswords and within hours they had a replacement Shirasaya on the way. Very, very helpful customer support--- more than I expect from any company.<br /><br />On the same subject as the above, it's highly suggested that you be wary that the Rosewood's sheathing fit is quite tight, and may require pinpoint filing. Otherwise, great product!

thought Paul Southren's review was alittle to pro musashi,but boy was i wrong. this is an amazing weapon.balanced sharp and beautiful...and the price haha do I owe you more money what a deal..all kidding aside I ordered one for my best friend this is a great sword and is better than my $200 paul chen.thanks true sword

One of the best buys I have ever had the pleasure of making. The balance of the sword seems as if it was made just for me. The length supplements my stlye of use very well. I haven't taken it out for cutting practice and durability test yet, but I do hope it is as sturdy as it feels.

I just got one of the swords last week after ordering two of the Musashi Natruaj Finish swords, the quality is the same in a less costly form than the "Well Known Names". I hear several bitch about the tight fit with the handle and the case, to me that is a fine quality of workmanship. I use my blades, not just hang them up for display and after several...several drawing the wood will loosen up some. But having a stiff draw seems to help with the Laido, Ialdokd, and the art of Nukisuke The drag of tight shirasaya seems to increase the speed when I draw my cold steer katana...NO DRAG WITH THAT ONE!!!!

Great sword! Much lighter than I expected but that only means a quick draw and better control for me. The blade comes very sharp, so sharp that on its first test cut of the two boxes it was shipped in both boxes were fully severed and momentarily stayed in place. If you're looking for a great site to shop its TrueSwords.com.

I'm incredibly impressed! For only 70ish dollars including shipping, this has got to be one of the best purchases I've made. Not a scratch on the blade, sturdily built, solid, though of course not a true cutting blade (as most shirasayas aren't). If you are looking for something to cut up stuff in your backyard then I beg of you not to destroy this beautiful sword in your crazy antics =(<br /><br />Highly recommended, I'd give more than 5 stars if I could.

This sword is pretty sharp but not razor sharp. This is an excellent sword and came in perfect condition. It even came with a fine sheen of oil on the blade. It has good balance and is sturdy in construction and most importantly, looks beautiful in hand or on display. A fantastic buy for the quality to price ratio!

Whoa! A nice sword, nice looking, well put together. No nicks or substandard wood. Fits nicely in the saya. Beautiful to look at and nice to hold. Be advised, the blade is sharp and is coated in a thin layer of oil, so don't get any on your clothes (like I did by accident.) This is an excellent sword. You know you will want one (or two.) You cannot find a better blade at a lower price if you tried.

This sword is amazing the rosewood by it self is amazing the looks of this sword are dazzaling this truly is a butiful sword the hamon is amazing an it has a good blood groov it made qucik work out of the box it came in. it shipped fast and had enough oil on it to gresee up an engine. I ordered another katana with it it is amazing to this is only my first in a soon to be long line of orders from true swords!!!!!!!!!!!

To Be Perfectly honest, i think that sword is one of the best under 80 dollar sword there is, no scratches saya was tight however there are three slashes in the tsuka that are not shown it is not damage but they are ment to be there, the blade is very sharp sword bag is lined very light, very rich red tone, only thing that if you get any scratches on the sword at all they will stick out so be careful when hanling it if you are on the fence buy this sword

PERFECTION!!!!!<br /><br /><br />This sword is absolute perfection. I am trying to find a fault in it as we speack and I CAN'T. Right out of the box I could cut the box mid air. After I took the acusharp that I also bought from this site to it, I cut down a evergreen tree IN ONE SLICE! I mean this tree was about as thick as the box it came with. I was speachless. I was running a damage test to see how damaged it would get. Boy was I suprised. The picture does not give justice to the sword at all. It is sooooo red. The bamboo peg most say looks tacky but I think it adds a nice look to it.<br /><br />100/10

Great blade. Fantastic condition. Recommended for show, however, due to warping of the wooden peg holding the blade in the handle when used. I also recommend cleaning it after receipt if you have the means to do so.

Very nice beautful sword sharp good feel to it and great price.I had no problems with anything with ordering or reciving the product

What can be said about this sword that hasn't already been stated. It's absolutely beautiful and very sharp. I love the how the Rosewood looks and how well it fits together. It made very short work of the box it came in as well hehe. Thanks True Swords!!

Holy Swiss Cheese! this is by far the best sword i have bought from an internet site!!! came fast, perfect condition and was RAZOR SHARP!!! looking to buy from them again in the future.

I just got it today along with a stand I ordered seperately, the finish is incredible on both products and the katana is not too light but not super heavy either. being a huge perfectionist , TrueSwords kept great attention to detail and it isn't flimsy or cheap feeling either, GREAT buy for the price and would definitely buy from here again. when I did open the sword from the scabbard, there was oil on the blade but I assume it was just for protection and after wiping it off, it has a true gleam and shine to it. very very pleased. A+++++

extremly sharp, i ordered this a few months ago and i am very happy with this order. my only complaint is that its hard to remove from the sheath

damn...the perfect sword.

Great Sword and Great Service. True swords is #1 with me. Just order this piece and had a crack in the Scabbard but True swords sent me another in two days for FREE. Great service, Great Sword must buy.

I must say I am impressed with this sword. As a general rule, I try to buy my swords in person, so I can see what I am getting. However, I doubt I would have found this one in person. It is too great to sell. Once you have felt it, you will know what I mean. I highly reccomend this one....

Best sword I ever owned, it feels and looks amazing, you wont be disappointed with a sword like this, a must buy!!!

i love this sword! i was hoping that it would be this good, after reading sword buyers guide and it was! I cut through 4 sprite cans in a row with the blade! Definitely worth the price! My only complaint is that the scabbard(which is beautiful btw, picture can't describe it's beauty) is very delicate. But i am completely 110% satisfied with this sword, thanx true swords!!! =P

OMFG!!!<br />Very nice I just got it, it shippe in only 2 days, when I got the House shipping(which is very good). I dont really know what else to say, it's very sharp, but i had some problems getting the blade out of the sheath. Dont close it all the way or you'll really have to PULL it out of the sheath. But overall for my First sword I'm very happy, and give it a 5 out of 5!

a very well made sword for the price i was very pleased with my purchase would rec to anyone who likes katanas.

This sword is amazing!Stunning blade, extremely sharp, lovely sheath and handle. Color of the rosewood is amazing and just adds to the swords beauty.It was my first purchase from true swords and I was very pleased. Just speechless when i took the sword out the the sword carrying case. This is an impressive sword.Reviews do not lie, this is an impressive piece. This is such a simple sword, and affordable, but I also think this may be my favorite! Amazing product! everything in this sword is perfect. It's good looking,sharp etc...I will never go anywhere else for swords again.

This sword is amazing! This is by far the most beautiful Sword I have ever seen or bought! This sword is a must buy for amature and pro collectors.

just got mine today! awesome shirasaya mine wasn't quite as sharp as the hype would suggest, but me and my whet stone have more than fixed that. overall the sword is extremely solid and has a great weight to it. When you get the swing right you can clearly hear the two part tachi kaze. The balance is great. The tuska and saya just plain look awesome!!! if you want a semi-functional katana that also looks like a showpiece then this is the blade 4 u!!!

Stunning blade, extremely sharp, lovely sheath and handle, the prize of my collection by far

A truely beautiful sword. the color of the rosewood is amazing and just adds to the swords beauty and it is razor sharp and the blood groove along the blade is a nice touch. when i got mine it was in perfect condition. a little tough to get out of the sheathe at first but it's now a lot easier. truely worth the money

this blade is 100% worth the money , the blade only cuts it will not push what ever it is your cutting with it , its truely a good looking sword that can deliver, the picture does not capture just how red it is , this sword can worth be 4 times the price , hmm you could add traditional fittings to the blade if ya wanted to, mostly to make it ready for a duel but i'm going to keep mine simple (even if i do get into a duel with it that would be so cool ..if i win.. ) go for the buy (mine came in perfect condidition i looked all over to find a scratch on it and i could not find any)

First blade I have ever bought and don't regret. Nice weight to it and great color. You could notice some very minor little nicks, but you have to be looking for them. Blade is beautiful with the blood groove. Just wipe it down and it is superb. Get it while you can.

Just arrived. Sword is in great condition and quite sharp! It doesn't exactly 'glide' through paper unless you put a bit of force on it. But it is still one of the best swords you will get for the price! I would definetely recommend it as a low budget sword!

This sword is beautiful. It was my first purchase from true swords and I was very pleased. There is a small scratch in the saya, but hardly noticeable.

I just got this sword yesterday and it ROCKS!!!!! I thought it would be smaller but I was wrong. This is the best sword in my collection right now. It is not only beautiful but it's also insanely sharp. My only complaint is the scabbard had to little chip in it but they're hardly noticeable so I don't really care. But word of warning make sure you have a good grip. I was using it in a duel with my friend and I lost my grip for a second and when I grabbed at it I was grabbing the blade. SO now I have stitches in my hand but at least I know it's sharp hahaha. Seriously though buy this sword it is amazing. ^_^

I just can't believe how kind AND courteous the staff @ T.S. has been to me; ESPECIALLY Mr. E. Johnson! I had a bit of trouble with the Rosewood Shirasaya I received & Mr. Johnson sent out a hand-picked inspected replacement THAT DAY! KUDOS!!! <br />The sword is a beaut, BTW...

I was just speechless when i took the sword out the the sword carrying case. It truly is a beautiful work of art.

I bought this a couple months ago and this was my first sword and first time ordered from trueswords, very fast delivery(2days) and sowrd was very good for the price

Just recieved sword and admit its real nice. Very good for customization for you. I fixed mine up nice! Real nice buy!

It a very sharp sword and beautiful made.

This is a awesome sword and very sharp. when i got it i tried slashin through the box it cut right through it like nothin. so its very different from my other swords.<br /><br />And Very Beautiful Sword Love It

This is a great sword and it's very sharp. It is defenitly worth the money.

Just arrived, really good looking sword, pretty damn sharp, only bad thing I've seen is that its kind of a tight fight into the scabbard

My first purchase from this website. A plain looking sword with a certain elegance. The blade is very sharp and well balanced. This is not a light weight sword, while not overly heavy it does have a good heft. The Tsuka on mine though is nearly impossible to remove. All in all one of the better swords in my collection, I'm very happy with it

An elegant blade, great balance, and very well made...

This is an excellent sword, for the price it is one of the best I own. The color in the photos DO NOT DO IT JUSTICE. It must be seen to believe. I love it so much that I decided to ordered a second one just to have a match pair.<br /><br />One Flaw in the first one I ordered and that is the wooden plug in the handle was oversize. I pushed it out and hit it with some sand paper. It fits perfect now and otherwise the sword is perfect.

I bought this sword out of my love for Shirasayas. Little did i know i was buying a very high quality sword. I wanted to see what everyone else thought so i checked all the reviews. Out of the 41 reviews there were only 4 4Stars given and the rest 5s. Anyone who has looked at this and wondered should buy it immediately before it is gone for ever.

nice good cutter.(with mods)<br />sharp!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />have had a lot of swords<br />this IS the sharpest<br />but NOT so sharp is to make it weak

Another fine purchase ,I am very pleased with thisShirasaya as I was with my first one.Again great quality and it will definitely be on my first stand with the black one I purchased,I will be ordering something different from True Swords next month, good Lord willing and the creek don`t rise.

this is a good sharp sword. my first buy from truswords and not my last. the blade was nice sturdy and very sharp ive cut myself on actident 3 times in one day. the thing i dont like is the dot because when u push it in it come out the other side and if u push it in all the way it will come out and u would have a hole threw your handle. THIS IS A #@[email protected] GREAT SWORD <br /><br />ps. the cheapest carbon steel razor sharp sword i can find<br /><br />ps dont cut apples with it the juice in the apples will stain the blade trust me i know

A great sword, thick blade, very sharp. The saya didn't fit properly, but im kind of a perfectionist.... overal... a GREAT buy

this was the first sword i purchased from this website. it came super fast, and is in awesome condition. i couldn't be happier with it.

This sword is awesome, It looks so perfect I cant even believe it, it is my 6th sword and my third full tang and I have to say that out of all of my other swords this one was the sharpest for out of the box, even sharper than the black ninja Koga sword, my swords handle and scabbard match up perfectly with each other, 5/5 1000% awesome and the price cant be beat.

Wow...just wow. I got this thing today, and I must say that True Swords did not glorify it enough. This thing is amazingly well made! They claim that it's razor sharp, but this thing is sharper than that. It's also the sturdiest sword I've ever seen. It does not wobble at all, has virtually no scratches or marks, and is perfect. I must also say that it is the most beautiful sword in my collection. The color of the wood is the best. From now on, I will not buy a katana unless it is a Musashi or better, and I don't know if that's possible! This sword breaks the scale of 1 to 10 so much, I don't know what number to put on it!

This sword is beautiful! It feels awesome!it is well worth the price!

An excellent weapon, at a great price. Very well balanced, easy to control, very practical. I never leave home without mine.<br />Arrived razor sharp.<br />Paid for 3 day shipping, got it in 2 days.<br />TRUE SWORDS is the Best.

Gorgeous. I will never go anywhere else for swords again. Beautifully crafted, incredibly sharp. It arrived much faster than I expected, and came in excellent shape. A must for any collection.

I've been collecting swords and studying swordsmanship for a few years now and I can honestly say this sword is a real piece of work. It's beautiful and well-made. The rosewood has a great finish and the blade is very sharp. I highly recommend this weapon for anyone who wants a great sword at a great price. Also, shipping is very fast.

I didnt get to see the sword yet, but my family said it was great. They said the rosewood was extremely nice.

This sword is gorgeous, from the end of the handle to the tip of the blade. It came pre-oiled, and with a nice & dandy sword bag. The sword bag was a little dirty, as if cat fur had been thrown upon it (?) but nothing a little pat-down didn't get rid of. The package came extremely quick and everything was safe in the box; which had another box holding the sword inside.<br /><br />The weight of the blade from the handle itself is very light; making the blade easy to wield. The rosewood finish gives the blade a great feel when holding it, as well; its very smooth as well as having a great look withal. When sheathed the handle and the sheath go together, matching almost completely to give the appearance that it may not be a sword; or not that on first glance, at least.<br /><br />The handle is very sturdy to the blade itself, sometimes you'll get those knockoff copies of swords and you can actually feel the blade move within the handle if you were to swing it--none of that with this sword, friends. The blade itself is very sharp as well and seems to be of the quality stated; 1050 carbon steel.<br /><br />Due to this, though, you need to make sure to take good care of the blade because it is a higher quality steel than 420/440 stainless.<br /><br />Great product. Highly recommended.

Wow. Simply Wow. This is my first sword and i an very impressed. A friend of mine was here when i got it, he was skeptical about it cause of the low price. When he saw it, he changed his mind and now wants one too. A great buy.

One word. BEAUTIFUL! One of the finest swords I've bought from TS. Very recommended.

High quality and simply a work of art.When they saidn as deadly as it is beautiful it was no bluff it is true.I am proud to own the sword.

Beautiful, The Blade is great and perfectly crafted. The wooden dot is nice from a distance but close up it's pretty ugly. Over all it is great a bit heaver than you would think but it still is nice.

looks good, a little hard to get the handle off, I WOULD like to have a look at the tang, but i guess i will just have to let it loosen up with admiration.<br /><br />nice and sharp, when i got it, i removed it from the box, removed the bag, and sliced the box clean in two, straight-line, 45 degrees.<br /><br />i always worry about the sturdyness of a handle. so i havent given it a real good swing with both hands.<br /><br />But it seems well worth the money. and I had to pay a thrid party too as im in canada and True wont ship here.<br /><br />still happy.

Amazing product! everything in this sword is perfect. it's good looking,sharp etc. it really worth its price!

This sword is absolutely perfect and beautiful. It's a rock solid piece too. And it is deffinitely razor sharp (I've got the cut on my hand to prove it). The scabbard and sword sheath perfectly and they line up too.

Just recieved this work of art today. "Stunning"! The craftsmanship is excellent for what "little" this jewel cost me. The handle and scabbard go together seamlessly, and the finish of the hardwood is like satin!! Beautiful rosewood stain! Being a woodcraftsman, I love attention to detail, and this is impressive! The blade is flawless, as expected. Being my first purchase from "True Swords", it will NOT be my last! The "Musashi" collection will be mine!! Thank You for the quality!! R.Newman

Just got a chance to hold this piece today. It is beautiful, sharp (took a piece of skin off my finger) and sturdy. Perfect.

Superb sword. The quality is magnificent ( especially considering the price ) and it's razor sharp. Super fast shipping ( got it overnight although I only live 30 minutes from Marietta =) ) but it's the effort to get it to me that counts.<br /><br />This is my second sword ( first was the Tensa Zangetsu ) from True Swords and with this sword it will not be my last by far. I'm sure I will have quite a few more Musashi swords in my collection before too long.

This sword is truly amazing... The quality was outstanding like all of my other Musashi swords. Something about the Rosewood and simple lines of this sword make it stand out in my collection. It is the sword people always want to see and know more about.

hey man this sword is awsome probobly my favorite sword its so awsome

This is an impressive sword.<br /><br />As I look at the blade I see no scratches, nicks, or minor flaws usually seen on blades at this price (and higher also). The housing is very nicely done. I bought this planning on using just the blade to make a katana, but after seeing it, it was so nice I couldn't bear to do it. <br /><br />The blade is very sharp. Its' cutting ability was tested on Sword Buyers Guide and it did very well.<br /><br />How anyone can sell the housing for $60, let alone the hole sword is beyond me.<br /><br />If you buy this sword you will not be disappointed.

Yea this sword is very elegant. Very clean rosewood. The edge is really, really sharp as everyone else has said. The sword bag is a cool little freebie.

I have just recieved my rosewood shirasaya, and I must say, I have rarely been so pleased with a catalog purchased sword. I have been collecting swords since the age of ten, and I have never handled a sword of such high quality that did not cost five hundred dollars or more. This sword is easily comparable in my estimation to swords made by cold steel or cas hanwei. My early cutting tests show the sword to have considerable cutting power, further tests will hopefully show it to have edge endurance in addition to its pleasing appearance and excellent balance. New Collectors: Please use EXTREME caution when handling this sword. It's razor edge is surprisingly sharp for a factory edge. Once again, I am VERY pleased with this weapon. It will have a cherished place in my collection.

the other reviews do not lie.<br />this is an impressive piece.

This is the coolest sword in the world. When I took it out of the box I knew that I had gotten exacty what I paid for. Every time I show it to people they are wide eyed. Then when I tell them it is not a wooden sword they become so wide eyed their eyes almost fall out. This is definatly the best sword in my collection.

This is the second sword I have ordered from Trueswords and I have to say that I am as happy with this one if not more so than when I got my first from this website. This one is just as exceptional quality as the other one ( musashi gladius). I love this site and I just wish I had found out about them sooner. I am going to be making all of my purchases from them from now on. The shipping time is quick, the products are great and the ordering process is just so simple and easy. I especially like the way that I can track the progress of my shipment on the site with the Fedex tracking number. What a great idea! Thank you Trueswords and keep up the good work!

This is such a simple sword, and affordable, but I also think this may be my favorite!<br /><br />The wood looks just as nice as in this picture, and the blade is what you'd expect from a Musashi (nice, and very very sharp). I'm still amazed at how Musashi seems to make swords this nice, and cheaper than lesser-quality models out there.<br /><br />It even makes that whistling "whoosh" sound when you swing it. Not all swords can do that. ;P

I will start with that I am a collector of almost fourty swords and have study swordsmenship for almost 15yrs. <br />1 Superb fitting of blade in saya<br />2 almost if not as sharp as my hand polished tameshigiri blades<br />3 the fit of the blade is tight and proper in handle<br />4 the look is more impressive than the picture which I think is excellent. <br />I could still go on but if you are considering this blade you can rest assured that it is better than what you are expecting.<br /><br />I am thourghly impressed on several or I will give you credit by saying many fields. One your speed of processing and shipping along with a tracking number link, two in that I got my sword with in two days, three the handling of the packaging. Oh and the quality and price of this blade. I will look to you in the future for my sword purchases, which with a collection of almost fourty I sure there will be more. I will mark your sight and look in my searches now on. Thank you very much and I will look for a feed back colum on your site as well. Thank you again very much.

If you are considering buying this sword keep in mind that it is actually very plain and doesn’t make a great decoration, it is after all a traditional Shirasaya. That aside, it is a spectacular sword and a must buy if you collect swords… or if you just want a weapon that can maim somebody (this blade is very sharp).

Musashi did it again, another piece to my collection. I honestly can't think of anything else to say.

One of the best swords I own. Worth twice the price.

Katana arrived quickly, this shirisaya is well made and beautiful rosewood finish, single mekugi, no wiggle or jiggle, blade Is sword sharp not razor sharp, fits very snug with saya, couple knicks in blade(not edge) and habaki slightly scratched, for the price this sword is a must buy, full tang 1045 carbon steel with beautiful hardwood. Came oiled, would suggest cleaning yours asap, oil was goopy due to long period of storage. Well balanced and fully functional sword. Thanks Musashi. now known as Musha btw. 4 stars.

I received my sword today it's great, sharp, balanced, but disappointed after opening and looking at the sword I have some of the coating at the end of the handle peeled off I guess since its not real rosewood? Well thanks anway truesword and will shop again!

Have not received this product yet but from what it looks like It's gonna be bad (bad as in awesome!!) I personally have never owned a katana, besides a cheap anime sword. I cannot wait to get it!

I am very happy I decided to purchase this sword. The shipping was fast as always, and I got it two days after ordering. This is the second MUSASHI I have bought. The first was, the more expensive samurai sword, that had the clay temper and authentic hamon. It was very nice, although, it did not come as sharp as I would have liked. The rosewood shirasaya, on the other hand, came razor sharp, right out of the box. I chose this sword, mostly for it's simple, clean look... but was quite happy to learn, that it was fitted with the same blade that MUSASHI uses for their Bushido series swords. The 1045 steel, and impressive sharp edge, make this sword perfect for light cutting ; tatami mats or water bottles. All around it is a great starter sword as well, and I would not hesitate to give it as a gift to someone just beginning their collection. This sword is very well balanced, although, it is slightly heavier than I am accustomed to. It's still a good weight though, and feels very sturdy in the hand. As for it's faults, I can only come up with two. The first is merely cosmetic; This sword is etched with a fake hamon. It's not ugly, but it looks fake, it's wavy peaks and valleys all perfectly even, as opposed to a real hamon, being less pronounced and more uneven, fading in and out as the light catches it. I have seen many a cheap sword, with similar, wire etched blades... this is a quality sword, pretending to look like a flea market knock-off, make no mistake. The second fault, is more important to note; The sword IS full tang, but the handle is secured by only a single bamboo peg. It's fitted perfectly snug and tight, but it raises a concern of mine... I know This sword will stand up very well to light cutting, but I have a hunch, that if you tried to cut through something, like a tree branch, that the impact ,could possibly crack the wooden handle. If you find yourself purchasing this beautiful sword, be mindful when using it... this is not a machete, but a finely honed cutting instrument ( with no Tsuba to protect your fingers ). If you respect this sword when using it, it will serve you well.

I must say i like my new sword it is nice and the fact that alittle effort is put in to pull the blade out insures no accident will happen with it. so i love my new blade thanks!

I've always wanted a shirasaya katana and the rosewood color was an instant turn-on. Very simple yet elegant; it's not glossy at all and it's simplicity is understated. Beautiful katana and tight fittings, but I ran into an issue where the top part of the handle was chipping slightly and it is sort of noticeable. Construction looks to be a bit shabbier compared to the next step up by Musashi. Not as nice as the $80 offerings by Musashi but from what I read it's still functional. If you're looking for a shirasaya katana with simple yet elegant looks but can functionally cut, this is the one!

My order was delivered only two days after I placed the order! This sword is solid and appears to be made of quality materials. I recommend this sword to martial arts practitioners and collectors alike. It is a beautiful sword that has great functionality.

This Blade is alright everyone i showed it to half the people i know and everyone likes it the problem is it will get @#$%ed up if you actually use it this would really be ideal for self defense such as if somebody broke into your house pull out this puppy and it will do more than intimidate them if you try and play with it you will end up screwing it up but if you take care of it you shouldnt have a problem its a sweet sword for the price the gold thing at the bottom of the blade comes a like loose but its nothing G. Glue wont fix all in all the sword really is good but its def. not amazing for the price but its a darn good buy id buy another one

Received this today, and I must say;<br />This is completely beautiful.<br />The detail is STUNNING, and the blade is nice quality.<br />The ad was a bit misinforming though.<br />It said that it would be "EXTREMELY SHARP", which, of course, it wasn't.<br />Even still, It's a nice addition to my collection.<br />Definitely worth $60.00, if not more.<br />Not a first time buyer, not the last time i'm buying either.<br /><br />_3 TrueSwords.

Tell you the truth, if your reading this, then your probably in the same position I was in a couple of days ago. I didn't know much about this website, and was skeptical about purchasing these swords.<br />But, Im here to rest your worries away, because this sword is absolutely amazing for its price. When I first got it I only noticed a couple of things I didn't like. One, the foam which protects the sword was kinda banged up and got stuck all over the swords bag, which really isn't a problem. All you need to do is shake it off. And the sword itself doesn't come out of its sheath easily, you have to put some muscle into it. <br />Generally, overtime the sheath dilemma will go away, and the sword is very sharp, with a good quality blade. This sword is a must buy, and it looks just like a beast which is elegant on the outside and deadly on the inside.

Very attractive from the box, both in furnishing and blade. Ineffably sharp edge comes stock as well, as I found out first-hand (literally) while cleaning it. Good for light cutting, but not meant to be employed as an offensive weapon. My only complains are the slight dings in the saya from the shipping, and a hairline crack running down the edge area of the saya as well. Do not swing this blade around without care, it will slip from your hands and cut whatever it touches.

let me start off by saying that this sword is a steal at only 60 bucks. yeah i know the box says made in china on it but what the heck isn't made in china now a days. i haven't tested out the blade to see how sharp it is but then again i didn't buy it for that. the rosewood finish is ready nice an i just like the over all look of this sword. its got a real simple look to it.

I must say I was very excited to receive my new Bushido Musashi today! It’s a wonderful looking sward for sure, the rosewood was without flaw I am not a negative person by far, but I must say I would defiantly not call this sward “Extremely Sharp” the one I received was not, It also has a nick in the blade on the edge close to the handle so it will not really effect performance. I took my diamond stick to the edge and it became extremely sharp quite fast!<br /> Another thing that concerned me is that it is listed here under Japanese swards and it clearly says made in China on the box? The wood is very nice, over all it is a very good sward, went out back with a old us mail triangular box and it cut most the way through but did not go all the way through only tore the rest of the box.<br /> All aside, you could definitely defend yourself with this sward without hesitation. So for the price, you are getting a very nice blade and good real functionality for sure. Just not a Japanese blade it’s china.<br />Todd.

Nice sword. I only have two problems with it:<br /><br />Very heavy from wood, so if you're expecting something like a light chopper you'll be disappointed. Also, it was a bit difficult to get out of the sheath.

You wouldn't expect a sword at this price to be any good if you collected swords had have a high standard, as I do. But this thing will surprise you. Remarkably sharp, good balance, and beautiful blade. Anyone who admires a japanese sword and cutting power will enjoy one of these, I promise.

This was my first order of this site <br />and it is one great built sword. I have<br />not seen such quality sword for so cheap<br />this the rose wood Shirasaya was my <br />first order but it won’t be my last... the <br />only thing is they need to be packaged better<br />because when I got mine it had a crack in <br />the sheath.<br /> Thanks Michael

very good, sharp, however, the blade was hard to take out of the sheath and they were different colors. highly recomended, but the word and sheath didnt match up perfectly andthe woodedn dot, lol, is very ugly. Still, very coo and keep it up true swords

this sword is awsome and very sharp, butwhen i got it the tip was cipped a little, that could either be from the shipping or my freinds. The other thing is that the sheath and the handle dont match up perfectly, but its just slightly off nothing big. But overall greaat sword and everyone should get it.

not bad at all for the price, i think the blade is made from 1045- 1050 monosteel (not 100% sure). its very sharp like my PPK,(no crappy bevel edge on this sword) and have a great bohi thats sounds nice when swing. the hibiki fits tight in the saya (thats a good thing) only thing that get to me is the hamon, i don't think its tempered (looks wireburshed) but never the less its still a good blade for the price.

An excellent sword and a great buy for the money. Very well-made and the wood is beautiful. No hand guard though.

Good sword and all but the sheath is so tight that when I pulled it out for the first time it made the metal piece between the blade and handle a little loose. I carved the inside of the sheath a little to fix the problem and its fine now, but gonna have to get some super glue or something to fix the loose part

I got to admit i was surpised by the thickness of the blade.It comes very sharp i had my older brother test it for me untill i get my cast off.It cuts very well for the most part.The main problem i feel is that the tkuka is a little loose for my taste .Also the choji oil on the blade when i got it was smeared on but other then that its a good buy for sixty dollars.

I just perchused this sword along with the black gloss version and i will write back when i get them. this is to anyone buying them try not to notice the posts that have a 3 star. you are note sapossed to swing the thing around like a play thing. to me each sword i buy is a beautiful reminder of human enginuity. STOP PLAYING WITH THEM, and just injoy the fact that metal made all equel

i posted an earlier review on this sword and true swords fixed the problem right away! very pleased with the service the best of all the suppliers i have dealt with!

i was very pleased when reading the other reviews on this sword, but i was a little bit disappointed when i received it. the paint on the saya chips off easily if hit, and he metal of the blade is porous. cutting tall weeds in my back yard stained the metal to the point where mild acids and bleach doesn't help. the blade is also poorly secured within the handle. after a couple swings the blade slid out 2mm and i cant get it back in. was also very hard to pull the sword out of the saya. for the price, is not bad. needs sharpening. good beginners sword aside from the blade sliding out of the handle. i would buy musashi again if their blades were of higher quality. the whole fake scrubbed line down the blade angered me but hey, $60. thats what ya get

The blade itself is of high quality but there is one, serious flaw i found in musashi blades, they are a little thing on the thin side. I have other swords that are thicker and they feel safer. That is the only real concern i have with the blade. The next issue is with the handle. There is only one peg which hold the entire tang. It jsut feels like it wont hold. also i took the sword out for a little practice and the handle became very slippery after about five minutes. The blade is very sharp which gives the entire sword this false sense of security. You can't thrust with it, becuase you risk the chance of cutting your fingers off. Overall a nice sword for decaration, other than that buy i sword for cutting.

ok the internet crashed, so i'm going to sum up cause i don't feel like re-typing everything<br /><br />For a blade thats advertised as "as deadly as it is beautiful" i was very dissapointed. Mine came with a black band (it appeared to be either painted or finished on) around the area where the scabbard and handle meet. This was never mentioned in the description, nor did it appear in any of the pictures of the blade that i found. It completely ruined the simplistic beauty of the blade! and for a weapon that is advertising by its beauty, this is a major problem!<br /><br />besides that, the only other complaint is that it is very tough to draw from the scabbard