Post by fhideg on May 5, 2013 17:37:09 GMT -5
Highlander H1 made byTexas Steel Props & Replicas with Ronin katana 1060
Hi the following is a review of my custom made Highlander H1 fully funtional katana handcrafted by Daryl Kyle owner of Texas Steel Props and Replicas and The Point Gallery, using a Ronin Katana 1060 through hardened blade.
This was orginaly reviewed on SBG website. Thought it would be cool here also, due to it having a Ronin Katana blade. I will add pictures soon. Til then you can see pictures at SBG site here. www.sword-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14931&hilit=Highlander
This was an amazing surprise Christmas present from my wife. How she managed to make this happen, while completely keeping me in the dark, is still a mystery. Just a tip, sometimes they do pay attention, when your trying to explain, or just rambling on about all the differences of swords, their parts, steel types, etc, etc.
Introduction
I have been in the pursuit of this katana ever since sneaking into the movie theater at age 17 in 1986 to watch this R rated movie. Many people have, that one movie, that movie which hooked them forever on swords. For me this is the one! From this point on I was hooked, I watched every sword themed movie I could find,( Excailber, Beastmaster, Conan, Sword and Sorcery, the Challenge, Sinbad, yojimbo, Lone Wolf and Cubs, Sanjuro, Hawk the slayer, etc).
In this review, not only will I review this Katana, but also give a history of all 4 hero Katana's used by Sean Connery (Ramirez) and passed on to Christopher Lambert (Connor Macleod) in the Highlander movies. Each movie featured a different, but yet similar hero Katana.
I will also feature in the review, what Highlander Connor Macleod Movie Katana's are, and have been available since the movie debut in 1986. This sections purpose is to help others that are in pursuit of these beautiful Katana's and hopefully help them reach their goal of finding the perfect Highlander katana that will suit what they are after. And hopefully avoid companies or individuals who are out their trying to pass off inferior Highlander Katana's, like in this review, posted on SBG.
www.sword-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7549&p=94143#p94143
I know I will probably make some mistakes in covering this amount of info, so I plan to re-edit this from time to time, to correct any errors on my part. If you catch any errors please let me know.
History:
Highlander 1986
The original katana's screen presence was thought to be somewhat lacking. Thus someone on the set, presumably one of the prop personnel, molded a Chinese Lion or dragon head and tail onto a stock Marto of Spain, plastic, fake ivory, wall hanger masamune katana. They replaced the stock tsuba with one of their own design and added a brass screw to the tsuka and painted the tsuka white. The Katana on screen is always shown with the screw. Their was multiple Katana's made for the movie as evident by screen shots in the movie. The screw on the different props was not always in the same place. One would be closer to the Dragon Head, another would be further away from the Dragons Head, and still another, had the s rew head reversed. I have seen actual props from the movie that have no brass screw. I am guessing, that this one was a stunt prop. Thus the Highlander H1 katana was born.
Movie description of the katana:
ivory-handled Masamune katana is a weapon like no other. It was forged in 590 B.C. by the legendary master swordsmith for Immortal Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez, as a dowry for his marriage to Princess Shakiko. Using revolutionary techniques which would not become common until the 14th century A.D., Masamune folded the metal in the blade over two hundred times, creating the katana's infamous razor-sharp edge
During the movie the katana had only one good screen shot. This takes place at the beginning, during the fight scene in the garage. The katana is knocked from Connors hand and he has to retrieve it from under a car. Their was another scene were Connor and girlfriend Brenda are in bed. He shows her the katana. This scene was cut from the movie and the surviving footage was destroyed in a studio fire. However their we're some photographs that survived the fire. This scene would have been the ultimate close-up in the movie.
Screen shot
Highlander 1 screen used katana specs
Blade: 26 1/2 inch stainless steel blade
Hamon: none
Habaki: yes
Finish: white, off white, no black outline of carvings
Fuchi: none
Highlander 2 the Quickening 1991
Their are at least three versions of this movie that I know of. As far as I can remember, their are no truly good screen shots of the katana during the movie. I do however have a good picture of it. The katana for this movie was re-sculpted from the original mold. The lion or dragon head was more re-fined, scales were changed, as well as the maine was made more uniformed and sharp. The tsuka color was changed to an off white, bone color, with the handle details outlined in black. The tsuba was also change. As far as the screw in the handle, I've seen a version with a brass pin in the same position as the brass screw on the H1, and I've seen versions with no pin. The whole of the katana was supposed to be made to look more aged and used. Thus the H2 was born.
Highlander 2 screen used katana specs
Blade: 27 inch stainless steel
Hamon: yes, fake
Habaki: none
Finish: off white, bone color with black outline.
Tsuba: different from H1
Fuchi: none
Highlander 3 final dimension (US), Sorccerer (overseas name) 1994
Their are two versions of this film. Theatrical and directors cut. For this movie they once again reworked the hero tsuka. This time they brought in Jose C. De Bragga to rescuplt the Connor katana and also to create a villain katana (Dark Magic). The Connor katana went back to the all white tsuka reminecent of the H1 and different tsuba. The scenes on the tsuka are, for the first time re-done as well as a new sculpted head and tail. This tsuka is considered to have the most detail of all the 4 Katana's.
Highlander 3 screen used katana katana specs
Blade:28 inch stainless steel
Hamon: yes, fake
Habaki: yes
Finish: white, no black outline
Tsuba: different from H1 & h2
Fuchi: yes
Highlander 4 Endgame 2000
Their are three versions of this film that I know of theatrical, directors cut, and a different rough cut, which I think is the best. The katana used by Connor had been changed once again. This time Connors katana was an actual marto katana. In between H3 and H4, the producers of Highlander had "Marto of Spain" create a production "Sword of Connor Macleod". Marto at that time had been providing the swords for the Highlander tv show. This version was based on the H1 katana. The tsuba was almost dead on to the H1. The tsuka was the same tsuka as the "Sword of the Dragon" Duncan's sword, with a close, but not the same, Lion or dragon head and tail. It was also outlined in black, similar to the H2. Thus the H4 was born.
Highlander 4 screen used katana
Blade: stainless steel
Hamon: yes, fake
Habaki: yes
Finish: off white with black outline
Tsuba: similar to H1
Fuchi: yes
Highlander production Katana's
"Sword of Connor Macleod" (Highlander 4 Endgame) Marto of Spain
-stainless steel blade
-exact replica used in Highlander 4 Endgame
- close to the H1 version
-manufactured by Marto of Spain.
Highlander Connor Macleod United Cutlery
-1045 carbon steel blade or Damascus steel blade
-combination of all 4 Katana's
-H2 head with a bat like nose, gold pin from H1
-H1 tsuba body, rounded H2 tsuba edge
-designed by Kit Rae
-manufactured by United Cutlery
Highlander global gear
-5160 spring steel blade
-tsuba is thinner version of H1
-Chinese knock-off tsuka
-extremely good cutter
-manufactured by Global Gear
www.sword-buyers-guide.com/highlander-sword.html
Highlander Custom made swords handcrafted at Texas Steel Props & Replicas & Point Gallery
texasspr.com/Home.html
www.pointgallery.com/
Highlander H1 1:1 replica
Highlander H2 1:1 replica
Highlander H3 1:1 replica ( Also known as the 3rd Tatsu ) SBG review here.
sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... read=17484
1st Tatsu:
Jose C. De Braga who sculptured the H3 katana, also re-sculpted the Highlander H1 katana and named it, 1st Tatsu ( 1st Dragon ). This is a highly detailed remake of the Highlander H1 katana. This katana has never appeared in any of the Highlander movies.
Mentor:
This is a fan made H1 katana. Wanting an Highlander H1 katana, this fan went and took pictures of one of the actual screen used props and had a professional tsuka and tsuba made. While this sword is close, it's not exactly the H1. This sword in itself, while not an exact replica, is a beautiful work of art that deserves its own place in Highlander history.
Genei:
This sword was made by Sal D' Aquila. He was the prop maker for the Highlander series, Duncan Macleod katana (Musashi). He purchased the rights to use the same Lion/Dragon head from the maker of the Mentor katana. Then used the Mentor head on his Musashi katana tsuka. Thus the Genei was born. His version of the Connor Macleod katana. The Genei and the Musashi have the same panels as the H1 & H2, but reversed. This too, like the Mentor, not an exact replica, but is a beautiful work of art, that deserves its own place in Highlander history.
* their are also cheap Chinese knock off versions of all these swords available. Buyer beware of these. If you are buying these to hang on the wall, these will serve just fine. Using these for anything other than display is not advised.
The review:
Highlander H1 custom made Texas Steel Props & Replicas katana
Full Disclosure:
I am not affiliated with any sword manufacturers, distributors or sellers. I did not receive the sword under review for free, nor was I paid in any form to write this review. The intent of this review is to share information with others who share my love of Highlander swords.
Katana conception:
My wife contacted Daryl Kyle owner of Texas Steel Props & Replicas by email on or around the month of November. She asked him if he could make a Highlander H1 katana in time for Christmas. She wanted the katana to be just like it appeared in the first movie. They talked thru emails, text messages and on the phone, throughout the process to get everything just right. What follows are photos he sent to her during the process of re-creating this sword. While this being a fully customized katana. I had no input in its creation aside from conversations in the past about how I would have this sword, with my wife. I had no idea that she was actually paying attention to anything I said about it.
Impressions:
Upon opening the Katana on Christmas Day I was stunned. I could'nt believe what I was looking at. An exact replica of the Highlander H1 Connor Macleod Katana. This to me is the Holy Grail of swords. I honestly thought I would never have this elusive Katana in my hands, but yet here it is. It made me feel like a kid again. The first thing I noticed is the tsuba. It's solid brass, quite larger in person than in the pictures and on the screen. The outer edge of the tsuba was highly polished, while the inside, top and bottom had an aging finish to it. The tsuba was a flat white, with light aging on it, to match the original H1 katana. Towards the end of the katana, between the two sections of tail, a single brass screw, just like the movie. The Lion or dragon head on the end, beautiful. The habaki brass with the same aging as top, bottom and inside of tsuba. The blade, a Ronin katana 1060 dojo pro, with no Hamon, just like the original prop. It also had two seppa, top and bottom. These were missing from the original prop. But I'm thrilled that they were included. It came with a certificate of authenticity of which this is number 3. Beautiful katana.
Specifications:
Overall length: 39.5 inches
Blade length: 27 inches
Blade width at habaki: 1.25 inches
Blade width at yokote: .75 inches
Tuka length: 11.3 inches
Weight: 2 pounds 14.9 ounces
Building Process:
Tsuka & Tsuba
Notice the Kurgan helmet and sword guard in background
Tsuba and screw
Work in progress
Tsuka aging
Tsuba aging
Screw installed
Completed
Tsuka:
The tsuka is what makes this sword. The mold used to make the tsuka, is an actual screen used mold. It is a special mixture of resin and carbon kevlar fiber. It's about as close to indestructible as a tsuka of this design could be made. If anyone has ever held one of the Marto or Chinese highlander tsuka, this feels nothing like them. Totally different. Feels really solid and strong. The tang goes goes an inch and a half into the head. The tsuka is thinner than the typical Marto Highlander Katana's. it feels great in hand. The Lion or dragons head is slightly turned to the heads left. I never knew this, I always assumed it was straight. You can tell the head was added as quickly and crudely as possible. This is maybe the reason for the lack of close-ups in the film. Both sides are alittle different, with alot of imperfections in it, which I love. All the imperfections make this tsuka special. It feels like someone could have actually sat down and carved this out of ivory. The later screen versions, while awesome and beautiful, look too machined and perfect to have been made in 590 BC. The screw looks to be solid brass and goes threw the tang and out the other side, just like in the movie. I like having this screw, especially for cutting purposes. On this particular sword I do wish the screw was a little more flush with the tsuka. Its off just a little, it may have been made this way on purpose, as Crystal wanted it to be exactly like the original. This model as well as all the others offered can be made with, or without the brass screw. As I'm sure they are still safe for cutting without having a visual pin. I personally like being able to visually inspect the pin or screw that is keeping the blade secure. For esthetic appearances, the screw in the 1st Tatsu is replaced with a hand carved brass pin, much better looking, but for that screen accurate appearance, the screw is a must. I always pictured this as having a brass pin like in the 1st Tatsu, that throughout time it broke and Macleod, for simple modern convenience, replaced it with what was on hand, a simple brass modern screw. Is the tsuka removable? I don't know, I'll have to ask Daryl. I think he double pins the tsuka, one hidden, one visible (brass screw). I'm sure he can make them removable or un-removable as these are totally custom made. As far as mine goes, I have no interest in removing the tsuka, so it really doesn't matter to me, one way or the other.
Tsuba:
The tsuba appears to be solid brass. I love the appearance and thickness of the tsuba. The edge is bright and shiny. The top, bottom and inside have been aged to give it that 1600 year appearance. If I would have been working on this with Daryl, I would not have had this done. But I'm glad they did it. I really like it, especially now that I have it in hand. Crystal told me, that he wanted to make this extra special for me, and this was the first H1 that he had used the aging process on the tsuba. The tsuba is slanted just a tad more on one side than the other. This is due to using the original mold. The original mold was this way, it's hardly noticeable and I almost didn't even mention it. 99% of people would never notice it, I'm just extremely anal about things and notice every little detail. This in no way takes away from it.
Seppa:
The screen used blade had no seppa. But thanks to Crystal listening to my prattlings, she had these included on this katana, just like a traditional katana.
Saya:
Not screen accurate. Typical great Ronin katana saya. He does make a screen accurate saya complete with all the bells and whistles. This will be added to my wish list.
Blade:
Ronin Dojo Pro 1060 carbon steel blade. No Hamon, through harned, tough as nails, blade. Nice and sharp, except for about 1 inch above the habaki, it was dull. But no longer, a little bit of time with a wet stone and perfectly matched sharpness throughout the entire length of blade. Their are a couple of scratches on the blade, these I think were caused during assemble, while being placed in a vice. But they could have already been their. These can be polished out when I get some free time. This does not take away from this katana, I only mention this as I am anal and notice everything. Ronin Katana's have been reviewed here many, many times. This, in my opinion, is the perfect blade for a screen accurate fully functional H1 katana. The screen used katana had no Hamon, although it was supposed to have been a folded blade. On screen it was not a folded blade. So it's a toss up for what you would want. A folded blade as described in the movie, which would have had a real hamon, or screen accurate blade with no Hamon. Crystal choose the Ronin, from listening to me. Yes, they do pay attention sometimes.
Cutting:
This katana should perform just as we'll as any Ronin 1060 katana. I haven't done any cutting as of yet. Probably won't do any til spring.
Pros:
Original screen used tsuka mold
Original screen used tsuba solid brass
Tsuba aging
Tsuka coloring
Brass screw
Ronin Katana 1060 blade
Cons:
None, love it, any nick picks mention above are just that, fantastic piece!
Conclusion:
10 out of 10. This katana has the authentic "look and feel" that I have always imagined the Highlander H1 to have. After being disappointed, year after year, by the different manufactures "close but no cigar" versions. " There can be only One" and this is it! I can't imagine this katana being made by anyone other than Daryl Kyle. Super nice guy, extremely passionate about what he does. He genuinely loves making these swords. These are not some Katana's being run down some assembly line. These are hand poured, hand crafted, fully funtional and assembled right here in the greatest country in the world, in the great state of Texas. Each one, a individual work of art. Most of us were waiting for someone to make the perfect Highlander katana. Daryl took up the challenge and went on a quest to make sure this happened. Thanks Daryl, keep up the great work. Texas Steel Props and Replicas doesn't only make Highlander Replicas, they make Captain America shields, the Clive Owen Excaliber sword, Sleepy Hollow horseman sword, He Man swords, and just about anything that has been, or can be dreamed up. Can't wait to get an H2 & H3 to complete the collection.
Also thank you very, very much Crystal, for paying attention and teaming up with Daryl Kyle to make this, the best Christmas gift.
Hi the following is a review of my custom made Highlander H1 fully funtional katana handcrafted by Daryl Kyle owner of Texas Steel Props and Replicas and The Point Gallery, using a Ronin Katana 1060 through hardened blade.
This was orginaly reviewed on SBG website. Thought it would be cool here also, due to it having a Ronin Katana blade. I will add pictures soon. Til then you can see pictures at SBG site here. www.sword-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14931&hilit=Highlander
This was an amazing surprise Christmas present from my wife. How she managed to make this happen, while completely keeping me in the dark, is still a mystery. Just a tip, sometimes they do pay attention, when your trying to explain, or just rambling on about all the differences of swords, their parts, steel types, etc, etc.
Introduction
I have been in the pursuit of this katana ever since sneaking into the movie theater at age 17 in 1986 to watch this R rated movie. Many people have, that one movie, that movie which hooked them forever on swords. For me this is the one! From this point on I was hooked, I watched every sword themed movie I could find,( Excailber, Beastmaster, Conan, Sword and Sorcery, the Challenge, Sinbad, yojimbo, Lone Wolf and Cubs, Sanjuro, Hawk the slayer, etc).
In this review, not only will I review this Katana, but also give a history of all 4 hero Katana's used by Sean Connery (Ramirez) and passed on to Christopher Lambert (Connor Macleod) in the Highlander movies. Each movie featured a different, but yet similar hero Katana.
I will also feature in the review, what Highlander Connor Macleod Movie Katana's are, and have been available since the movie debut in 1986. This sections purpose is to help others that are in pursuit of these beautiful Katana's and hopefully help them reach their goal of finding the perfect Highlander katana that will suit what they are after. And hopefully avoid companies or individuals who are out their trying to pass off inferior Highlander Katana's, like in this review, posted on SBG.
www.sword-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7549&p=94143#p94143
I know I will probably make some mistakes in covering this amount of info, so I plan to re-edit this from time to time, to correct any errors on my part. If you catch any errors please let me know.
History:
Highlander 1986
The original katana's screen presence was thought to be somewhat lacking. Thus someone on the set, presumably one of the prop personnel, molded a Chinese Lion or dragon head and tail onto a stock Marto of Spain, plastic, fake ivory, wall hanger masamune katana. They replaced the stock tsuba with one of their own design and added a brass screw to the tsuka and painted the tsuka white. The Katana on screen is always shown with the screw. Their was multiple Katana's made for the movie as evident by screen shots in the movie. The screw on the different props was not always in the same place. One would be closer to the Dragon Head, another would be further away from the Dragons Head, and still another, had the s rew head reversed. I have seen actual props from the movie that have no brass screw. I am guessing, that this one was a stunt prop. Thus the Highlander H1 katana was born.
Movie description of the katana:
ivory-handled Masamune katana is a weapon like no other. It was forged in 590 B.C. by the legendary master swordsmith for Immortal Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez, as a dowry for his marriage to Princess Shakiko. Using revolutionary techniques which would not become common until the 14th century A.D., Masamune folded the metal in the blade over two hundred times, creating the katana's infamous razor-sharp edge
During the movie the katana had only one good screen shot. This takes place at the beginning, during the fight scene in the garage. The katana is knocked from Connors hand and he has to retrieve it from under a car. Their was another scene were Connor and girlfriend Brenda are in bed. He shows her the katana. This scene was cut from the movie and the surviving footage was destroyed in a studio fire. However their we're some photographs that survived the fire. This scene would have been the ultimate close-up in the movie.
Screen shot
Highlander 1 screen used katana specs
Blade: 26 1/2 inch stainless steel blade
Hamon: none
Habaki: yes
Finish: white, off white, no black outline of carvings
Fuchi: none
Highlander 2 the Quickening 1991
Their are at least three versions of this movie that I know of. As far as I can remember, their are no truly good screen shots of the katana during the movie. I do however have a good picture of it. The katana for this movie was re-sculpted from the original mold. The lion or dragon head was more re-fined, scales were changed, as well as the maine was made more uniformed and sharp. The tsuka color was changed to an off white, bone color, with the handle details outlined in black. The tsuba was also change. As far as the screw in the handle, I've seen a version with a brass pin in the same position as the brass screw on the H1, and I've seen versions with no pin. The whole of the katana was supposed to be made to look more aged and used. Thus the H2 was born.
Highlander 2 screen used katana specs
Blade: 27 inch stainless steel
Hamon: yes, fake
Habaki: none
Finish: off white, bone color with black outline.
Tsuba: different from H1
Fuchi: none
Highlander 3 final dimension (US), Sorccerer (overseas name) 1994
Their are two versions of this film. Theatrical and directors cut. For this movie they once again reworked the hero tsuka. This time they brought in Jose C. De Bragga to rescuplt the Connor katana and also to create a villain katana (Dark Magic). The Connor katana went back to the all white tsuka reminecent of the H1 and different tsuba. The scenes on the tsuka are, for the first time re-done as well as a new sculpted head and tail. This tsuka is considered to have the most detail of all the 4 Katana's.
Highlander 3 screen used katana katana specs
Blade:28 inch stainless steel
Hamon: yes, fake
Habaki: yes
Finish: white, no black outline
Tsuba: different from H1 & h2
Fuchi: yes
Highlander 4 Endgame 2000
Their are three versions of this film that I know of theatrical, directors cut, and a different rough cut, which I think is the best. The katana used by Connor had been changed once again. This time Connors katana was an actual marto katana. In between H3 and H4, the producers of Highlander had "Marto of Spain" create a production "Sword of Connor Macleod". Marto at that time had been providing the swords for the Highlander tv show. This version was based on the H1 katana. The tsuba was almost dead on to the H1. The tsuka was the same tsuka as the "Sword of the Dragon" Duncan's sword, with a close, but not the same, Lion or dragon head and tail. It was also outlined in black, similar to the H2. Thus the H4 was born.
Highlander 4 screen used katana
Blade: stainless steel
Hamon: yes, fake
Habaki: yes
Finish: off white with black outline
Tsuba: similar to H1
Fuchi: yes
Highlander production Katana's
"Sword of Connor Macleod" (Highlander 4 Endgame) Marto of Spain
-stainless steel blade
-exact replica used in Highlander 4 Endgame
- close to the H1 version
-manufactured by Marto of Spain.
Highlander Connor Macleod United Cutlery
-1045 carbon steel blade or Damascus steel blade
-combination of all 4 Katana's
-H2 head with a bat like nose, gold pin from H1
-H1 tsuba body, rounded H2 tsuba edge
-designed by Kit Rae
-manufactured by United Cutlery
Highlander global gear
-5160 spring steel blade
-tsuba is thinner version of H1
-Chinese knock-off tsuka
-extremely good cutter
-manufactured by Global Gear
www.sword-buyers-guide.com/highlander-sword.html
Highlander Custom made swords handcrafted at Texas Steel Props & Replicas & Point Gallery
texasspr.com/Home.html
www.pointgallery.com/
Highlander H1 1:1 replica
Highlander H2 1:1 replica
Highlander H3 1:1 replica ( Also known as the 3rd Tatsu ) SBG review here.
sbgswordforum.proboards.com/inde ... read=17484
1st Tatsu:
Jose C. De Braga who sculptured the H3 katana, also re-sculpted the Highlander H1 katana and named it, 1st Tatsu ( 1st Dragon ). This is a highly detailed remake of the Highlander H1 katana. This katana has never appeared in any of the Highlander movies.
Mentor:
This is a fan made H1 katana. Wanting an Highlander H1 katana, this fan went and took pictures of one of the actual screen used props and had a professional tsuka and tsuba made. While this sword is close, it's not exactly the H1. This sword in itself, while not an exact replica, is a beautiful work of art that deserves its own place in Highlander history.
Genei:
This sword was made by Sal D' Aquila. He was the prop maker for the Highlander series, Duncan Macleod katana (Musashi). He purchased the rights to use the same Lion/Dragon head from the maker of the Mentor katana. Then used the Mentor head on his Musashi katana tsuka. Thus the Genei was born. His version of the Connor Macleod katana. The Genei and the Musashi have the same panels as the H1 & H2, but reversed. This too, like the Mentor, not an exact replica, but is a beautiful work of art, that deserves its own place in Highlander history.
* their are also cheap Chinese knock off versions of all these swords available. Buyer beware of these. If you are buying these to hang on the wall, these will serve just fine. Using these for anything other than display is not advised.
The review:
Highlander H1 custom made Texas Steel Props & Replicas katana
Full Disclosure:
I am not affiliated with any sword manufacturers, distributors or sellers. I did not receive the sword under review for free, nor was I paid in any form to write this review. The intent of this review is to share information with others who share my love of Highlander swords.
Katana conception:
My wife contacted Daryl Kyle owner of Texas Steel Props & Replicas by email on or around the month of November. She asked him if he could make a Highlander H1 katana in time for Christmas. She wanted the katana to be just like it appeared in the first movie. They talked thru emails, text messages and on the phone, throughout the process to get everything just right. What follows are photos he sent to her during the process of re-creating this sword. While this being a fully customized katana. I had no input in its creation aside from conversations in the past about how I would have this sword, with my wife. I had no idea that she was actually paying attention to anything I said about it.
Impressions:
Upon opening the Katana on Christmas Day I was stunned. I could'nt believe what I was looking at. An exact replica of the Highlander H1 Connor Macleod Katana. This to me is the Holy Grail of swords. I honestly thought I would never have this elusive Katana in my hands, but yet here it is. It made me feel like a kid again. The first thing I noticed is the tsuba. It's solid brass, quite larger in person than in the pictures and on the screen. The outer edge of the tsuba was highly polished, while the inside, top and bottom had an aging finish to it. The tsuba was a flat white, with light aging on it, to match the original H1 katana. Towards the end of the katana, between the two sections of tail, a single brass screw, just like the movie. The Lion or dragon head on the end, beautiful. The habaki brass with the same aging as top, bottom and inside of tsuba. The blade, a Ronin katana 1060 dojo pro, with no Hamon, just like the original prop. It also had two seppa, top and bottom. These were missing from the original prop. But I'm thrilled that they were included. It came with a certificate of authenticity of which this is number 3. Beautiful katana.
Specifications:
Overall length: 39.5 inches
Blade length: 27 inches
Blade width at habaki: 1.25 inches
Blade width at yokote: .75 inches
Tuka length: 11.3 inches
Weight: 2 pounds 14.9 ounces
Building Process:
Tsuka & Tsuba
Notice the Kurgan helmet and sword guard in background
Tsuba and screw
Work in progress
Tsuka aging
Tsuba aging
Screw installed
Completed
Tsuka:
The tsuka is what makes this sword. The mold used to make the tsuka, is an actual screen used mold. It is a special mixture of resin and carbon kevlar fiber. It's about as close to indestructible as a tsuka of this design could be made. If anyone has ever held one of the Marto or Chinese highlander tsuka, this feels nothing like them. Totally different. Feels really solid and strong. The tang goes goes an inch and a half into the head. The tsuka is thinner than the typical Marto Highlander Katana's. it feels great in hand. The Lion or dragons head is slightly turned to the heads left. I never knew this, I always assumed it was straight. You can tell the head was added as quickly and crudely as possible. This is maybe the reason for the lack of close-ups in the film. Both sides are alittle different, with alot of imperfections in it, which I love. All the imperfections make this tsuka special. It feels like someone could have actually sat down and carved this out of ivory. The later screen versions, while awesome and beautiful, look too machined and perfect to have been made in 590 BC. The screw looks to be solid brass and goes threw the tang and out the other side, just like in the movie. I like having this screw, especially for cutting purposes. On this particular sword I do wish the screw was a little more flush with the tsuka. Its off just a little, it may have been made this way on purpose, as Crystal wanted it to be exactly like the original. This model as well as all the others offered can be made with, or without the brass screw. As I'm sure they are still safe for cutting without having a visual pin. I personally like being able to visually inspect the pin or screw that is keeping the blade secure. For esthetic appearances, the screw in the 1st Tatsu is replaced with a hand carved brass pin, much better looking, but for that screen accurate appearance, the screw is a must. I always pictured this as having a brass pin like in the 1st Tatsu, that throughout time it broke and Macleod, for simple modern convenience, replaced it with what was on hand, a simple brass modern screw. Is the tsuka removable? I don't know, I'll have to ask Daryl. I think he double pins the tsuka, one hidden, one visible (brass screw). I'm sure he can make them removable or un-removable as these are totally custom made. As far as mine goes, I have no interest in removing the tsuka, so it really doesn't matter to me, one way or the other.
Tsuba:
The tsuba appears to be solid brass. I love the appearance and thickness of the tsuba. The edge is bright and shiny. The top, bottom and inside have been aged to give it that 1600 year appearance. If I would have been working on this with Daryl, I would not have had this done. But I'm glad they did it. I really like it, especially now that I have it in hand. Crystal told me, that he wanted to make this extra special for me, and this was the first H1 that he had used the aging process on the tsuba. The tsuba is slanted just a tad more on one side than the other. This is due to using the original mold. The original mold was this way, it's hardly noticeable and I almost didn't even mention it. 99% of people would never notice it, I'm just extremely anal about things and notice every little detail. This in no way takes away from it.
Seppa:
The screen used blade had no seppa. But thanks to Crystal listening to my prattlings, she had these included on this katana, just like a traditional katana.
Saya:
Not screen accurate. Typical great Ronin katana saya. He does make a screen accurate saya complete with all the bells and whistles. This will be added to my wish list.
Blade:
Ronin Dojo Pro 1060 carbon steel blade. No Hamon, through harned, tough as nails, blade. Nice and sharp, except for about 1 inch above the habaki, it was dull. But no longer, a little bit of time with a wet stone and perfectly matched sharpness throughout the entire length of blade. Their are a couple of scratches on the blade, these I think were caused during assemble, while being placed in a vice. But they could have already been their. These can be polished out when I get some free time. This does not take away from this katana, I only mention this as I am anal and notice everything. Ronin Katana's have been reviewed here many, many times. This, in my opinion, is the perfect blade for a screen accurate fully functional H1 katana. The screen used katana had no Hamon, although it was supposed to have been a folded blade. On screen it was not a folded blade. So it's a toss up for what you would want. A folded blade as described in the movie, which would have had a real hamon, or screen accurate blade with no Hamon. Crystal choose the Ronin, from listening to me. Yes, they do pay attention sometimes.
Cutting:
This katana should perform just as we'll as any Ronin 1060 katana. I haven't done any cutting as of yet. Probably won't do any til spring.
Pros:
Original screen used tsuka mold
Original screen used tsuba solid brass
Tsuba aging
Tsuka coloring
Brass screw
Ronin Katana 1060 blade
Cons:
None, love it, any nick picks mention above are just that, fantastic piece!
Conclusion:
10 out of 10. This katana has the authentic "look and feel" that I have always imagined the Highlander H1 to have. After being disappointed, year after year, by the different manufactures "close but no cigar" versions. " There can be only One" and this is it! I can't imagine this katana being made by anyone other than Daryl Kyle. Super nice guy, extremely passionate about what he does. He genuinely loves making these swords. These are not some Katana's being run down some assembly line. These are hand poured, hand crafted, fully funtional and assembled right here in the greatest country in the world, in the great state of Texas. Each one, a individual work of art. Most of us were waiting for someone to make the perfect Highlander katana. Daryl took up the challenge and went on a quest to make sure this happened. Thanks Daryl, keep up the great work. Texas Steel Props and Replicas doesn't only make Highlander Replicas, they make Captain America shields, the Clive Owen Excaliber sword, Sleepy Hollow horseman sword, He Man swords, and just about anything that has been, or can be dreamed up. Can't wait to get an H2 & H3 to complete the collection.
Also thank you very, very much Crystal, for paying attention and teaming up with Daryl Kyle to make this, the best Christmas gift.
