MAKOTO Handmade Sharp Katana Japanese Samurai Sword, Black, Choose Your Tsuba

Over the years, I have collected a variety of different swords, some have also varied in cost/quality, but all have been pretty decent at minimum.This sword, however, I can't say the same for. When I looked at it, I liked the design and the reviews seemed mostly positive. Now I know they say you get what you pay for and since the price was fairly inexpensive, I didn't expect perfection by any means. As long as it looked decent and good solid work, that would have been fine.When I first received the sword, it was in a cloth sword bag, already I could see the bag was not wide enough for the square Tsuba, since one corner had put a hole through the bag.When I took the sword out, I looked at the scabbard and it looked terrible. It was all scratched up on both side and towards the bottom, it was cracked and paint was all chipped off.I then removed the sword itself, even as I tilted it to do so, the handle was making noise as if it were filled with sand. When I pulled the blade out and looked at it, it too was scuffed up on both sides up and down the entire blade; the portion of the blade closest to the handle even had deep grooves in it.Again, all in all, I wasn't expecting the greatest sword and I would even be fine with a little scuffed areas, but this whole thing was terrible. As I stated previously, if the sword was fairly presentable and solid, that would have been fine, but by the looks of this, it seems that this company takes very little pride in the product they make and send out.

This is my 9th Katana so far but my first from this seller MAKOTO and i gotta say #9 is pretty nice. I was sceptical because I've never bought this brand before but im legitimately impressed. No loose parts, wrapped nice and tight, no damage to the blade, not heavy and the guard looks really nice. The blade itself is as advertised good ol' carbon steel nice and strong and sharp enough,none of that cheap stainless steel here. This is a great sword at it's price range too. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a nice katana at a reasonable price. I'll probably buy from MAKOTO again to be honest, they left a good first impression.*my only nitpick with this is that the sword doesn't come with a sword bag, i hate when my katanas get dust on them. Sword bags aren't always a given but if this came with a sword bag it would be perfect

The quality of katana was much better than I anticipated.- Great hamon (seems hardened) and sori (for slashing strikes)- Metal alloy seems tough and slightly bends without breaking (didn't see a point of standing 200 lbs on it, but cut pig carcass in 2 with signature (,-coma shape) katana curve- great balance point and quality put in handle - really like habaki and tsuba- perfect weight with balance let me handle it one-handedly near tsubaHowever it had some small imperfections but it's a sword, not a knife, so it was expected it went through some testing before being delivered.- Noticed small abrasions on ha - almost invisible to eye, blade had 3 small dents on ha about 1mm deep, most likely from test striking.- Had to water-stone sharpen it to 10,000 and blade became perfect.- Seems it comes sharpened only with 6,0000 or 8,000 wet-stones (if it was sharpened over 10,000 - 15,000 those blade defects wouldn't probably occur during testing)- Saya is made nice, however, coiguchi (sword opening) is a little bit loose - could've been easily fixed with a layer of epoxy resin inside - sword would've easily cut it's perfect shape inside epoxy resin, so it wouldn't shake inside. and protect blade instead.Oh well, considering great craftsmanship of this sword and few imperfections - I've decided to keep it and sharpened with 15,000 wet stone accurately so it wouldn't scratch hamon. Once the handle starts wearing out I'll check mei signature and see if master left any notes behind.

This will be the second Makoto brand blade I've purchased and first impressions are very good. It came with everything described. Pros are it's sturdy with a double peg full tang blade it's sharpened and smooth. I can feel places where the blade was hammered and folded multiple times. Cons are my blade appears to rattle around when swung even slightly, but with careful testing I've found it doesn't effect quality. China is stamped on the gold plate separating the tsuba from the grip. 4 stars because it's a relief it isn't laser printer on the blade.

The sword is heavy, sturdy, and sharp. However, I had to knock off two stars because it has a "China" laser mark on the blade, and because the blade's finish was not impressive like another Makoto sword I've ordered. IT is flat with no grooves or detailing, and not "mirror" quality. I would recommend paying the extra $10 and getting one of the Makoto swords in the $52 range. This swords seems good as more of a practical slicer or machete because it is not ornate.

The marksmanship is fine, sword is sharp enough for combat but did purchase a sharpening stone to enhance the blade. Arrived quick always wanted a sword for my house.

Keeps It's Sharpness Way Better Then All The Stainless Steel Pocket Knives I Have I Stabbed An Aluminium Can With It And Then Afterwards I Was Able To Cut The Box It Came In In Half, After I Cut The Box In Half I Was Able To Cut Paper With Ease. It Is Also Way Easier To Sharpen Then A Stainless Steel Blade

Katana are very nice swords to own, Makoto Katana is a great way to start with katana, they know how to make a good quality katana for a far cheap price, if you want to start collecting swords, train with one, and need a good gift then Makoto katana swords are for you