Post by Marc Kaden Ridgeway on Mar 31, 2009 21:55:44 GMT -5
"Masahiro Bamboo" One Year Later
I'd like to note that this review was written 2 years ago. The sword is now 3 years with me, and every bit as good. Turns out these never were Masahiro, but actually mad by JianLong Swords... You can't find this one anymore, but if you run into any JL swords out there, they are worth a look. I'll update this by posting a 3 year review in a couple of weeks.
Hello again folks. It was one year ago this week that I recieved my first Masahiro "Bamboo".
My initial overly enthusiastic review on SFI , and my subsequent eBay buying guide created a lot of buzz for these swords. One year later I can say that these are perhaps the most sought after low end katana out there.
My enthusiastic praise was met with some resistance on SFI, many proclaiming the sword would last a month or less. I fervantly agreed to let the SFI community know as soon as the Bamboo failed in any way...One year later I am happy to say there is still nothing to report.
Here are the stats on the Bamboo, some are approximate:
Nagasa: 27"
Weight : 2.2 lbs
Tsuka: 12 " including fuchigashira
Motohaba : 1.25 "
Sakihaba : 1.0 "
Motokasane : 7.5mm
Sakikasane : 6.0mm
The Bamboo are hand forged, and as such there are some variances in the stats...
I have owned several, some have a nagasa as much as .75 inches longer, these also have thinner sakikasane and narrower sakihaba.
Aesthetics
In looking at the Masahiro Bamboo, one must consider it's pricepoint. This is a sub $100 sword.
When viewed in this light, the Masahiro Bamboo is the best looking sword anywhere near it's price.
The fittings are bronze, and cast, but subtle and not overly gaudy like most in the price range.
The ito is black, and is what most of us know as the"fluffy" ito that comes on so many cheaper katana. However it is tight and even.
The same comes in panels , and is real.. a rarity in budget swords.
The hamon is etched...an improvement over the wirebrushed hamon many have...and a bit of a mystery.
One assumes swords at this price are through hardened, but several owners have reported polishing to find some wild activity.
The bohi just tapers off rather than terminates, like most economy swords.
The polish is well done...a near mirror finish every where except the hamon
The kissaki is a ko-kissaki , and counter polished.
Handling Charteristics
The Bamboo handles like a dream.
With a balance point of just 5 inches from the tsuka , this sword is lightning fast.
It seems to weigh nothing when put through kata, and one can swing it for hours without tiring.
Changing directions is effortless, as is starting or stopping momentum.
Cutting
Here is an area where the Bamboo really excells. It came sharp as a razor, and is still that way.
I have cut everything with it, and everything was cut.
It has cut thousnds of plastic bottles, dozens of bamboo stalks, rolled newspaper, mats, aluminum cans, saplings, and inadvertantly, a hard plastic planter and lumber.
From the soft targets to the hard, the Masahiro Bamboo has yet to have any trouble.
I'd be remiss here if I didn't say something about the durability.
This sword has been abused really, and has showed very little effect.
The blade is still almost pristine, and everything is tight , with no wiggles. It should be noted there was a little play in the tsuba when I got it, I replaced one of the seppa with a thicker Lohman seppa, and it's been rock solid ever since , even thousands of cuts later.
In the following pictures you will see bamboo that was cut with the Bamboo, the hard plastic planter that the bamboo is on was also cut by this sword.
You will see a picture of my cutting stand ,, and the splits and cuts on it from the bamboo.
Conclusion
Everyone that likes swords should have one of these. This is a functional, durable , well made economical sword that anyone can afford.
These swords cost $49.99 on eBay, plus $25 shipping.At this price these are the best value bar none that this reviewer has ever seen.
On eBay look for it at the links I provide in my buying guide
reviews.ebay.com/Buying-cheap-katana-on-eBay_W0QQugidZ10000000000848136
[
I'd like to note that this review was written 2 years ago. The sword is now 3 years with me, and every bit as good. Turns out these never were Masahiro, but actually mad by JianLong Swords... You can't find this one anymore, but if you run into any JL swords out there, they are worth a look. I'll update this by posting a 3 year review in a couple of weeks.
Hello again folks. It was one year ago this week that I recieved my first Masahiro "Bamboo".
My initial overly enthusiastic review on SFI , and my subsequent eBay buying guide created a lot of buzz for these swords. One year later I can say that these are perhaps the most sought after low end katana out there.
My enthusiastic praise was met with some resistance on SFI, many proclaiming the sword would last a month or less. I fervantly agreed to let the SFI community know as soon as the Bamboo failed in any way...One year later I am happy to say there is still nothing to report.
Here are the stats on the Bamboo, some are approximate:
Nagasa: 27"
Weight : 2.2 lbs
Tsuka: 12 " including fuchigashira
Motohaba : 1.25 "
Sakihaba : 1.0 "
Motokasane : 7.5mm
Sakikasane : 6.0mm
The Bamboo are hand forged, and as such there are some variances in the stats...
I have owned several, some have a nagasa as much as .75 inches longer, these also have thinner sakikasane and narrower sakihaba.
Aesthetics
In looking at the Masahiro Bamboo, one must consider it's pricepoint. This is a sub $100 sword.
When viewed in this light, the Masahiro Bamboo is the best looking sword anywhere near it's price.
The fittings are bronze, and cast, but subtle and not overly gaudy like most in the price range.
The ito is black, and is what most of us know as the"fluffy" ito that comes on so many cheaper katana. However it is tight and even.
The same comes in panels , and is real.. a rarity in budget swords.
The hamon is etched...an improvement over the wirebrushed hamon many have...and a bit of a mystery.
One assumes swords at this price are through hardened, but several owners have reported polishing to find some wild activity.
The bohi just tapers off rather than terminates, like most economy swords.
The polish is well done...a near mirror finish every where except the hamon
The kissaki is a ko-kissaki , and counter polished.
Handling Charteristics
The Bamboo handles like a dream.
With a balance point of just 5 inches from the tsuka , this sword is lightning fast.
It seems to weigh nothing when put through kata, and one can swing it for hours without tiring.
Changing directions is effortless, as is starting or stopping momentum.
Cutting
Here is an area where the Bamboo really excells. It came sharp as a razor, and is still that way.
I have cut everything with it, and everything was cut.
It has cut thousnds of plastic bottles, dozens of bamboo stalks, rolled newspaper, mats, aluminum cans, saplings, and inadvertantly, a hard plastic planter and lumber.
From the soft targets to the hard, the Masahiro Bamboo has yet to have any trouble.
I'd be remiss here if I didn't say something about the durability.
This sword has been abused really, and has showed very little effect.
The blade is still almost pristine, and everything is tight , with no wiggles. It should be noted there was a little play in the tsuba when I got it, I replaced one of the seppa with a thicker Lohman seppa, and it's been rock solid ever since , even thousands of cuts later.
In the following pictures you will see bamboo that was cut with the Bamboo, the hard plastic planter that the bamboo is on was also cut by this sword.
You will see a picture of my cutting stand ,, and the splits and cuts on it from the bamboo.
Conclusion
Everyone that likes swords should have one of these. This is a functional, durable , well made economical sword that anyone can afford.
These swords cost $49.99 on eBay, plus $25 shipping.At this price these are the best value bar none that this reviewer has ever seen.
On eBay look for it at the links I provide in my buying guide
reviews.ebay.com/Buying-cheap-katana-on-eBay_W0QQugidZ10000000000848136
[