Firstnos Handmade Katana Red Black Damascus Folded Steel Sword Sharp Edge Katnan Full Tang Blade Sword

I have owned many swords in my life, and fought both sport and historical fencing. Historical fencing I've done has been with weapons with real size and weight blades, just blunted. This has all been Western-style, and included thrusting weapons (court and dueling swords), cut and thrust weapons (rapiers of various types), cavalry sabre, etc. I only own one other katana, although my spouse has many, including one I custom assembled for her. So I know something about katana, although my fighting experience is minimal.So what are you really looking for in a sword like this? You would not use this in fencing of any kind - the blade is too sharp and the ornamentation and finish of the weapon would be heavily dulled and damaged within an afternoon. And although we have have many swords and knives in the house, if someone breaks in we two old ladies aren't grabbing for a katana, we're grabbing for the nearest firearm.So why did I purchase a sword like this? Because of many features better described in other reviews, plus the ridiculously low price. A sword like this may be used in sharp kata or demonstrations, and for that purpose it needs to be light, balanced, solidly assembled, and beautiful - eye-catching. And this sword is all of those. First, upon picking it up it immediately felt "alive" - that feeling when a sword is both light and well-balanced. My Del Tin court sword, a very fine weapon, is the only other sword I have that feels this "alive." Although the balance point appears to be 5.4 inches from the tsuba (guard; people argue endlessly about the perfect balance point, with most saying from 4-6 inches out) the metal removed from the blade and the long handle make using the leverage very easy for smaller persons. This sword in fact may feel "too light" in the hands of a larger, much heavier person. For me, a 5'4" 108-pound woman, it feels very maneuverable. The week before it arrived I had broken my dominant hand, but even within another week I could hold it without pain due to its lightness. Weeks later I practiced cuts, thrusts, taking positions, etc. and it just moves with me and doesn't wear me out. It may be a quirk of my size and weight but again, aside from my very expensive Del Tin court sword, no other sword I have feels like an extension of my own arm(s).I'm very sensitive to fit-and-finish - a sword that rattles, buzzes, has any loose parts immediately makes me distrust it. The sword I received was tight - only the tiniest buzz when struck hard with my hand, and that was easily fixed by tightening the attachment of the tsuka (handle). The sole thing I found lacking was the saya (scabbard) - the sword rattles inside of if. There are ways to fix this, but overall I was expecting better from the saya fit. Solutions vary and include stuffing a small bit of non-oxidizing plastic in the end of the saya, an oil cloth soaked in choli oil, to using a fitted piece of oil-soaked light, soft wood like balsa...you would be best asking for professional advice, however.The metal of the sword is stunning - this is not quite master-grade Damascus steel, but it is much better than you would expect for under $400-500. The red Damascus pattern looks dull under indoor incandescent light, but just take it outside or in a brightly-lit area, and it positively glows. I was so disappointed seeing it after I unwrapped it, until I took it outside in full sun, and then I felt like I should be on a fantasy novel cover.Would I use this for tameshigiri (test cutting bamboo)? No - while another review claimed the sword metal is not bad and it will hold its edge, I have concerns about the ease of cutting bamboo due to the light weight (I have seen a review where this sword was used for bamboo cutting and did well, considering its light weight). I might also have concerns about marring the etched pattern of the steel. Would I use it in a "real fight"? Yes, provided this is the real world of the 21st Century and my opponent is not wearing armor, because the blade is lightning-fast and seems solid. And in 2022 if my opponent is coming at me wearing actual armor, something has gone horribly wrong in my life...Overall, as I've been practicing movements and kata with it, it just feels more and more "right" in my hands. It's a subtle feeling that just makes me happy, and the "ooohs" over the blade pattern and color play to my ego. It was a purchase I'm quite happy with.

I have over a dozen katanas, and this really was a great deal for a nice katana. It feels great and has held together after use better than some of my more expensive ones.Nothing has gotten loose, the blade has cleaned up perfectly after every use, and it looks as good as the day I got it. The saya fit didn’t need any adjusting other than half a cotton ball. I’ve spent more and gotten a lot less. Very pleased with this one.

This sword is a beautiful work of art, very well crafted. All fittings are tight, and every piece looks good. The blade is pretty sharp, but I don't use it for cutting. It looks too good as a decorative piece and I wouldn't want to scratch it up. It's light, and well balanced. Very easy to handle and great for practicing sword form and technique. The Damascus finish is stunning, with the red and black patterns it appears deep dark red from a distance, up close it amazing.

It looked better in the pictures

Really love how much it actually showed color wise I bought another one like it but the color was faded but this one is a very unique sword and the red fade is bright

I've studied sensei Miyamoto Musashiden's teachings for decades now. I wasn't looking for a collectors piece, or a show piece, I was sensing the soul of bushido as I understand it from sensei Miyamoto Musashiden view. They used a very wonderful junk katana, whittled down an oar and killed a "true" bushido with one hit and much aiki (or, that's what I'd describe that phenomenon as). The name Ferocious Widowmaker came to me, and, the taoist IAm knew that blade, black and red, Damascus, hand forged, great care taken in the full process... Almost like a Deadpool blade who, Deadpool, ffs, purest comic line for Deadpool is Merc with a Mouth.... Thus, I'd imagine some sort of inspiration from both the history and the soul of Musashi's books... Granted... Reading between the lines is a bit of "Hey Miyamoto, zen kaon for you and Bruce Lee, how do you stop stupid people from coming after you incessantly for being "too good"? Oh, side rant...My point, though, is I bought this katana with actual quality in mind... Something sensei Miyamoto didn't necessarily care about. Me neither, but, yes... In all seriousness, as an ordained Unitarian Minister, I am marrying this katana. It's very well the purchase for this level of, rare, craftsmanship. I could tell a smith hammered the blade with passion. Well worth the price.

I have not used it to cut anything, but it looks good and is very sharp.

It's a nice sword good balance and fit for my hands, very sharp.