kriegschwert Swordmaster Review Team Member member is offline
Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 2,766 Location: Land of Copper & Cacti, USA Karma: 102
Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Thread Started on Mar 15, 2007, 6:44pm »
My Zetsurin arrived the other day and I have looked it over quite carefully, though I haven't had the chance to cut with it yet (hence, the Initial Review part of the title).
The sword came in a plain square cardboard box with the actual sword box encased in newspaper inside. Meh...your basic box: functional but plain. Inside the sword box was the sword in its black sword bag with some styrofoam inserts to hold it in place.
The blade is the same as the rosewood shirasaya Paul reviewed, so specs can be found there. The blade is polished pretty evenly (though it isn't super shiny) throughout except where the wire-brushed hamon is. The edge is a true convex with pletny of "niku", and it is just shy of "razor sharp". I performed my half-a**ed version of the British Proof Test, where I place the tip on a piece of wood on the floor and brace it between my feet, then push down on the hilt. The blade is very rigid, so I could only bend it maybe 4" out of line. I did so 3 times in each direction and the blade returned to true each time. As Paul noted in his shirasayareview, the heat treat seems quite good.
The saya is very similar to the ones that come with Cheness and Masahiro. A simple black lacquered affair that fits snugly without being too snug. The main difference, of course, is the addition of a slot for the kozuka, or small accessory knife. The strange thing on my saya is that the sageo was largely untied. It looked like the guy who was tying it got bored halfway through and just left it loose. Well, I've always wanted to learn to tie sageo, so here's my chance. Sword in saya:
Speaking of the kozuka, the first thing that popped into my mind was letter opener. Seriously, that's what it looks and feels like. Since this had absolutely nothing to do with my interest in this sword (in fact, I would be just as happy if they left it out and just had a normal saya), it's no big deal, I just thought it was worth noting. It isn't sharp, but (if so desired) should be very easy to sharpen, given its thinness.
The tsuba-less hilt and white ito wrap were the main things of interest to me. The tsuka core is wood wrapped in black fake same. The same is actually attractive enough, though a bit on the shiny side for my taste. The ito is white cotton and exceptionally flat. That was the first thing I noticed, was how thin the tsuka felt. Compare in this photo next to my Masahiro "Bamboo". The ito is definitely thinner than that on the "Bamboo" but it doesn't seem thatmuch thinner! Since the actual core doesn't appear to be significantly thinner (I'm going to disassemble tonight and take a close look), the whole thing is a bit of a mystery to me, since I know zero about wrapping a tsuka.. ANyway, the ito feels pretty tough and is wrapped very tightly. The wrap could be more even, but isn't horrible (considering the price).
The habaki is brass, cleanly done, and has the Musashi name and logo on the left side. The menuki are brass colored plastic, and are really the only items in the hilt that I don't like (because they are plastic [another cost consideration, but still...]). The fuchi and kashira seem to be zinc alloy (nicely cold to the touch) and are very nicely finished with a common theme of a three-pronged "swirly" figure (I'm sure this symbol will be recognized by someone here, I'm not well-versed enough in Asian symbology to know exactly what to call it). Here, you can see it on the end of the kashira. The tsuka is held on by two mekugi and is rock solid and tight.
Overall, I really like this sword. Of course, I'd like metal menuki and real same, but those are aesthetic aspects dictated by cost. The blade is nicely-shaped, well-tempered, and sharp, and (as stated above) the tsuka is tight and solid. Considering that $55 USD (only good while the dual discounts are in effect) won't even buy most of the crap, 420J2 stainless, rat-tail tang wallhangers available nowadays, I'm impressed as hell with this offering from Musashi.
More (and hopefully better) pics, further review, and test cutting still to come! Stay tuned!*
*I tend to write reviews in spurts these days, as it allows me to do a bit at a time (so I don't get bogged down writing and posting pics, etc.) and gives me more time to "get to know" the piece.
Okay, some more pics to tide you guys over.
The tang from the side (two small Chinese characters on the tang and the Musashi logo on the habaki can be faintly seen here)
A slightly different angle to show thickness (it's thick!)
The "letter opener" nestled in its home
And, the untied sageo (I looped it around a few times so it wouldn't fall off)
A further note: the tsuka fits the tang very snugly (observe the rubber mallet and homemade splint [made last night for a total cost of $4]). The mukegi were also very snug, well fitted, and look like real bamboo. No wonder the hilt feels so solid.
BTW, the tsuka core and fittings are, in fact, thinner than those of the "Bamboo", though only by maybe 1/8" (approx. 3mm) total.
« Last Edit: Mar 15, 2007, 7:57pm by kriegschwert »
"Few civilizations were as good at stabbing people as the Romans. I mean, Romans stabbed EVERYBODY. Legionnaires stabbed with pilums (spears) and swords. Gladiators stabbed with swords, spears and tridents. Heck even politicians got involved; practically the entire senate stabbed Julius Caesar."
-Strongblade
"I don't need a "Battle Ready" sword. "Bottle Ready" is good enough for me."
Joined: Feb 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 94 Location: Irvine, CA. Karma: 5
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #1 on Mar 15, 2007, 8:29pm »
Great review kriegschwert!!, informative and thorough. Thats one helluva nice sword! My first three swords are Musashi's, they are a great value, nice quality, excellent fittings and finnish. Thanks for sharing with us!
kriegschwert Swordmaster Review Team Member member is offline
Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 2,766 Location: Land of Copper & Cacti, USA Karma: 102
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #2 on Mar 15, 2007, 8:31pm »
Thanks. The flex test is a must, as far as I'm concerned (on a monosteel blade, at least). It really gives a good idea of the overall temper of the blade. Another test I'm going to do (aside from cutting) is to jam the tip into a piece of particle board a few times. If a blade is insufficiently hardened, the tip WILL bend in this medium. Yes, I'll be careful, since there's no tsuba... I'm planning on doing some cutting with several pieces this weekend, so should have something posted by Monday.
Ah, 88mm posted while I was writing this, so let me add: yes! Musashis appear to be excellent values (if this example is any indication). I can safely say that this sword will be a great bargain when it goes up to its full price, and at $55 it's an absolute STEAL!
« Last Edit: Mar 15, 2007, 8:35pm by kriegschwert »
"Few civilizations were as good at stabbing people as the Romans. I mean, Romans stabbed EVERYBODY. Legionnaires stabbed with pilums (spears) and swords. Gladiators stabbed with swords, spears and tridents. Heck even politicians got involved; practically the entire senate stabbed Julius Caesar."
-Strongblade
"I don't need a "Battle Ready" sword. "Bottle Ready" is good enough for me."
-Me
rammstein Guest
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #3 on Mar 15, 2007, 8:52pm »
ShooterMike Firearms Moderator Review Team Member member is offline
Mild Mannered Forumite
Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 3,980 Location: Texas, USA Karma: 333
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #4 on Mar 15, 2007, 10:09pm »
Great review, Kriegschwert.
I too am glad you incorporated the flex test (gotta go add that to my Cold Steel saber review. I did the British proof test, then forgot to add it to the review. DOH!)
This is a great combination of info and photos. I will second the value of seeing the disassembled sword. Seeing the tang is good info and a picture really says a lot more than words in this case.
If you keep this up you may...just may mind you, get me interested in Japanese swords. I actually found myself spending my whole lunch hour looking at Cheness Katanas on the SBG store this week. I gotta stop before it's too late.
Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 1,376 Location: Australia Karma: 168
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #5 on Mar 16, 2007, 12:56am »
Very cool Kreigschwert, the more I see of Musashi swords, the more impressed I am.
Karma and a Gift Voucher to you sir!
P.S. I wonder if you had this sword in your car and were pulled over by the police if you could argue 'I work at the post office. See, this is the letter opener... And this is for opening big boxes'. Lol. Actually, on second thoughts, probably wouldn't work. Postal workers aren't supposed to open letters and parcels really are they...
Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 243 Location: Mesa, Arizona Karma: 9
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #6 on Mar 16, 2007, 1:16am »
Wow, great review indeed. And yes, it looks like next payday I'm gonna be shoveling out a few dollars for this pretty shiny. Thanks for taking the first plunge Kriegschwert!
"Few civilizations were as good at stabbing people as the Romans. I mean, Romans stabbed EVERYBODY. Legionnaires stabbed with pilums (spears) and swords. Gladiators stabbed with swords, spears and tridents. Heck even politicians got involved; practically the entire senate stabbed Julius Caesar."
-Strongblade
"I don't need a "Battle Ready" sword. "Bottle Ready" is good enough for me."
Joined: Feb 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 128 Location: Sunny Southern California Karma: 10
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #8 on Mar 16, 2007, 3:50am »
Funny you should mention the sageo. Something I noticed before also, so I open up several boxes to take a look. Seems they are all like that for some unknown reason. I guess it's part of the design, trying to make it look all flowly i guess
Mark Mowrey Swashbuckler Review Points: 5 member is offline
Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 494 Location: Ohio Karma: 60
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #9 on Mar 16, 2007, 10:04am »
Quote:
If you keep this up you may...just may mind you, get me interested in Japanese swords. I actually found myself spending my whole lunch hour looking at Cheness Katanas on the SBG store this week. I gotta stop before it's too late.
If you have thought about it, it is already too late.
You can't control the wind but you can adjust your sails.
kriegschwert Swordmaster Review Team Member member is offline
Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 2,766 Location: Land of Copper & Cacti, USA Karma: 102
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #10 on Mar 16, 2007, 1:33pm »
Quote:
Funny you should mention the sageo. Something I noticed before also, so I open up several boxes to take a look. Seems they are all like that for some unknown reason. I guess it's part of the design, trying to make it look all flowly i guess
Thanks for the review!
That is strange. At least I know I'm not alone. Like I said, though, to me it's not a big deal, and it gives me something to fool around with and learn from.
"Few civilizations were as good at stabbing people as the Romans. I mean, Romans stabbed EVERYBODY. Legionnaires stabbed with pilums (spears) and swords. Gladiators stabbed with swords, spears and tridents. Heck even politicians got involved; practically the entire senate stabbed Julius Caesar."
-Strongblade
"I don't need a "Battle Ready" sword. "Bottle Ready" is good enough for me."
kriegschwert Swordmaster Review Team Member member is offline
Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 2,766 Location: Land of Copper & Cacti, USA Karma: 102
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #12 on Mar 22, 2007, 4:21pm »
Update: Horrible News! So, I'm out chopping a few jugs today and I accidentally chop through a jug and deep into the corner of my 50+ pound laminated wood block cutting stand. Like so: I immediately knew the sword was done for. I mean, after all, I just knocked over my super heavy chopping block with it. Well, I look down at the blade and find that the only evidence of what I had just done was a few almost invisible dark lines where the metal met the wood (they don't even show up in the photo). The marks are inside the red circle, but they can't be seen by the camera. The impact point is about 7" from the tip (the kissaki is just out of view on the right hand side of the photo. I could feel the blade flex in a quite pronouced manner at th emoment of impact, so I sighted down the blade and it is still straight as an arrow.
So, you may ask why I said this was horrible news at the beginning of this post? I should have been more specific: horrible news for people who say that swords in this price range are pure, worthless crap that will break or bend under the slightest use. Everything is still snug and solid, as far as the tsuka goes. The only downside to this sword is that the white ito is getting dirty from being handled so frequently.
"Few civilizations were as good at stabbing people as the Romans. I mean, Romans stabbed EVERYBODY. Legionnaires stabbed with pilums (spears) and swords. Gladiators stabbed with swords, spears and tridents. Heck even politicians got involved; practically the entire senate stabbed Julius Caesar."
-Strongblade
"I don't need a "Battle Ready" sword. "Bottle Ready" is good enough for me."
Joined: Jan 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 1,396 Location: The land of Oz. Karma: 59
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #13 on Mar 22, 2007, 4:57pm »
I think its 1045 isn't it ? That ,while not as strong as others, is still a remarkably strong steel. I would have thought less considering the price(good forging drives the price up) but as you know some cheap katana can surprise you ! However, the next time you may not be so lucky.
If the white ito is bothering you getting dirty I recommend a rewrap with a white polyester sageo. The polyester doesn't absorb the sweat and any water as easlily as the cotton sageo, therefore retaining its whiteness better. Also, in my opinion, the polyester ito doesn't seem to get that fuzzy look after loads of kata or tameshigiri handling.
The only thing that would make me a little hesitant to use this katana is just the lack of tsuba. As I've always trained with a shinken/iaito/bokken that has a fixed tsuba, I get used to one being there.
May the gods of many fingers take favour on your cutting kreigschwert and may the milk cartons cringe in fear !!
“I hope for nothing, I fear nothing. I am free” - Nikos Kazantzakis
kriegschwert Swordmaster Review Team Member member is offline
Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 2,766 Location: Land of Copper & Cacti, USA Karma: 102
Re: Musashi Zetsurin Initial Review « Reply #14 on Mar 22, 2007, 6:15pm »
I have assumed (I know, I know) that most of the swords in this range are likely 1045 or equivalent. Maybe Zinge knows or can find out?
I know if I've been pretty darn lucky, so far, and I have taken that into account. Let's see: 2 Masahiro "Bamboos", Musashi Zetsurin, Musashi Hand Honed, 2 Furubushidoo tanto...I won't include my Cheness Mokko wak, since it cost twice as much as any of the others...Damn! Do I really have that many? These things have a way of creeping up on you. Anyhow, in the lot of them I haven't run across any serious troubles, but I know other people have had issues, so I always keep that in mind and act accordingly. Who knows, one of them could snap tomorrow, but so far so good (crosses fingers).
"Few civilizations were as good at stabbing people as the Romans. I mean, Romans stabbed EVERYBODY. Legionnaires stabbed with pilums (spears) and swords. Gladiators stabbed with swords, spears and tridents. Heck even politicians got involved; practically the entire senate stabbed Julius Caesar."
-Strongblade
"I don't need a "Battle Ready" sword. "Bottle Ready" is good enough for me."
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Sword in saya:![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/GSH70/zet03.jpg "[image]")
Seriously, that's what it looks and feels like. Since this had absolutely nothing to do with my interest in this sword (in fact, I would be just as happy if they left it out and just had a normal saya), it's no big deal, I just thought it was worth noting. It isn't sharp, but (if so desired) should be very easy to sharpen, given its thinness. ![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/GSH70/zet07.jpg "[image]")
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Since the actual core doesn't appear to be significantly thinner (I'm going to disassemble tonight and take a close look), the whole thing is a bit of a mystery to me, since I know zero about wrapping a tsuka.. ANyway, the ito feels pretty tough and is wrapped very tightly. The wrap could be more even, but isn't horrible (considering the price).![[image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/GSH70/zet06.jpg "[image]")
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