Post by Marc Kaden Ridgeway on Oct 5, 2010 14:20:47 GMT -5
Wiwingti Sword Supply Ko-Katana
Marc Kaden Ridgeway
5 Oct 2010
Atlanta Ga
When Marc asked me to review a WSS ko-kat, I was happy to do so... when it arrived , I was even happier.
The blade is done is the shobu Zukuri style. Many believe that shobu blades are defined by their lack of yokote, but there is more to it than that. Shobu also have high shinogi... that is a diamond crossection. Shobu blades are thick through the shinogi, and the shinogi-ji then taper to a mune a with relatively little kasane. This crossection, to my mind, is far more definitive than the lack of yokote.
Specifications
Nagasa 25in
tsuka 12 in
motohaba 1.25 in
motokasane 6mm
sori .3 in tori
weight 2 lbs 5 ounces
pob 3.5 in
Aesthetics
Sugata is shobu-zukuri. The through hardened blade has a nice satin polish on the ji , and a mirror polish on the shinogi-ji. The fucigashira are nickle-silver , as is the habaki, the seppa and menuki. The 12 inch tsuka is pannelled in black laquered same, and wrapped in dark blue silk ito-maki. The fuchigashira and menuki sport a wave theme, while the tsuba is blackened steel in the famous WWS tattoo motif.
The saya is "tree bark" textured , meaning it a multi layer finish that creates a blue vein pattern to contrast with the black outer finish. The sageo is blue.
The habaki is well fit and the entire sword presents nicely.
Handling Characteristics
I guess this handles about like you'd expect a katana with a 25 inch nagasa to handle. By that I mean quick and responsive.
The tapered tsuka-ho and the tight, tactile , silk ito make for a great interface with the sword. Add to that the POB of just 3.5 inches, and the weight of about just over 2 lbs. and youve got sword that handles like a madman.
I don't know what else to say about this... so I won't.
Superb handling.
Superb handling.
Cutting[/b][/size]
I had a bit of trouble cutting... not because of the sword... because of me. I've got a broken toe(or maybe gout)... some femoral nerve damage really messing with my legs, I'm used to much heavier swords... and I havent trained in over 2 years now... there ... is that enough excuses? At any rate , the sword is a wicked effing cutter, and I cut fine... my edge alligment was great... my form... lousy.
At any rate... this little beasty eats plastic and spits out bamboo slivers...
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Well this is the critical section... where I pick the sword apart... Theres not too much to say...
Everything is tight and well fitted on the sword , and it cuts and handles well. It is nicely presented and well built. I have only a couple of complaints: I'd have liked just a bit more sori... but that is subjective... and the other, the sword is a bit loose in the saya, an easy fix.
Have to say that the Good is abundant, the Bad hard to find, and the Ugly, nonexistant.
Conclusion
The WSS ko-kat is a winner. It is aesthetically appealling from the color combination, to the well set fittings. The blade is sturdy and sharp and it is a wicked cutter. The swords quality speaks for itself.
Then there is the fact that Marc (Wiwingti) has won many fans through his great prices and customer service... the fact that this is a WSS special edition should appeal to those folks...
Finally, in true WSS fashion, the price is simply great... IMHO the WSS Ko-Kat is definitely worth piucking up.
Thanks for reading.
Marc Kaden Ridgeway
5 Oct 2010
Atlanta Ga
When Marc asked me to review a WSS ko-kat, I was happy to do so... when it arrived , I was even happier.
The blade is done is the shobu Zukuri style. Many believe that shobu blades are defined by their lack of yokote, but there is more to it than that. Shobu also have high shinogi... that is a diamond crossection. Shobu blades are thick through the shinogi, and the shinogi-ji then taper to a mune a with relatively little kasane. This crossection, to my mind, is far more definitive than the lack of yokote.
Specifications
Nagasa 25in
tsuka 12 in
motohaba 1.25 in
motokasane 6mm
sori .3 in tori
weight 2 lbs 5 ounces
pob 3.5 in
Aesthetics
Sugata is shobu-zukuri. The through hardened blade has a nice satin polish on the ji , and a mirror polish on the shinogi-ji. The fucigashira are nickle-silver , as is the habaki, the seppa and menuki. The 12 inch tsuka is pannelled in black laquered same, and wrapped in dark blue silk ito-maki. The fuchigashira and menuki sport a wave theme, while the tsuba is blackened steel in the famous WWS tattoo motif.
The saya is "tree bark" textured , meaning it a multi layer finish that creates a blue vein pattern to contrast with the black outer finish. The sageo is blue.
The habaki is well fit and the entire sword presents nicely.
Handling Characteristics
I guess this handles about like you'd expect a katana with a 25 inch nagasa to handle. By that I mean quick and responsive.
The tapered tsuka-ho and the tight, tactile , silk ito make for a great interface with the sword. Add to that the POB of just 3.5 inches, and the weight of about just over 2 lbs. and youve got sword that handles like a madman.
I don't know what else to say about this... so I won't.
Superb handling.
Superb handling.
Cutting[/b][/size]
I had a bit of trouble cutting... not because of the sword... because of me. I've got a broken toe(or maybe gout)... some femoral nerve damage really messing with my legs, I'm used to much heavier swords... and I havent trained in over 2 years now... there ... is that enough excuses? At any rate , the sword is a wicked effing cutter, and I cut fine... my edge alligment was great... my form... lousy.
At any rate... this little beasty eats plastic and spits out bamboo slivers...
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Well this is the critical section... where I pick the sword apart... Theres not too much to say...
Everything is tight and well fitted on the sword , and it cuts and handles well. It is nicely presented and well built. I have only a couple of complaints: I'd have liked just a bit more sori... but that is subjective... and the other, the sword is a bit loose in the saya, an easy fix.
Have to say that the Good is abundant, the Bad hard to find, and the Ugly, nonexistant.
Conclusion
The WSS ko-kat is a winner. It is aesthetically appealling from the color combination, to the well set fittings. The blade is sturdy and sharp and it is a wicked cutter. The swords quality speaks for itself.
Then there is the fact that Marc (Wiwingti) has won many fans through his great prices and customer service... the fact that this is a WSS special edition should appeal to those folks...
Finally, in true WSS fashion, the price is simply great... IMHO the WSS Ko-Kat is definitely worth piucking up.
Thanks for reading.