Totally awesome. His son has a rad dad....he's going to be having tons of fun while growing up. I always wanted some "ninja sword"/Katana while growing up...but my dad was nice enough to let me get a few knives and bb guns, and eventually at least a machete. Unfortunately for his large sunflower plants though, they saw the bitter end as their flower heads were lobbed off by my machete shenanigans. LOL. Fun times though, and again, his son has already got to be having a blast, with dad's help at least at that young age. Anyway, my katana days have only just recently began, with some cheaper yet sufficiently nice display models. I'm probably getting pulled in a bit deep though while watching all these videos of very nice, very quality katanas. But still, having still some valid katanas now has really been a dream come true. Now, if I go to cutting down sunflower plants, my dad's at least are long gone. Gonna buy some pool noodles soon to play around a bit with what are only display models, for now.
Thank you Matthew for the continued high quality and entertaining content. As my membership faulters, please know that it has nothing to do with your content quality. but rather my current financial issues. Thanks again for the distraction. ;-)
Thanks for the kind words and for your patronage. No hard feelings from me about needing to stop membership. In the best of times there are better things to spend your money on than a largely forheaded man talking about swords on the interwebs. If you are not in a place that you feel comfortable donating, then please don't. Thank you for contributing while you could and happy swording to you.
I love this channel, the no nonsense, no bloaty presumptuous talk, just straight forward and helpful with an honest opinion by a true fanatic of swords (my particular interest is in the katanas). Awesome insight and opinions and video display of the swords. Very thorough.
Might I add, I am just a bit envious of Matthew's amazing hobby (but not so negatively jealous.... I'm happy that he has all the cool stuff he does) that he gets to have so much hands-on with these amazing swords. Also, that he gets to test and play around with the swords...it looks so fun, cutting pool noodles and tatami, branches, etc.
Thank you for another amazing review! I just sent payment for my shadowdancer musashi basic clay temper. Based on your review of similar swords from them, I saw it as a perfect fit for me and the finish aligns with something I wanted to add to my collection. Cheers!
Matt, you are such a pleasure to watch and listen to.. Your Such great guy. Your eye for detail is much appreciated. You take us on a peaxful, relaxing educated review...Be interesting if you branch out to other subjects as well...Thanks Again Matt...😎
This is the second time I've noticed you've brought up issues I've mentioned. Thank you :) Very happy you listen to your community. Very good points. The boxes don't do a whole lot for me either. I agree that it's money better spent on the sword. If they want to offer a box or other stuff, they should be separate items, so they don't take away from the sword. Same with the shoddy decoration on the saya. Put the money where it matters. Good observation on the tsuba. A bit embarrassing to have a bird's ass as the front-facing part. I have to add that I've used your videos to decide on where to order from. It's been helpful to be able to get such a good overview of the market. I hope the producers of swords take your reviews into account, because they should.
I have to agree. I don't own any darksword armory pieces, but they do pretty decent work. The mistakes they made with things like the tsuba aren't unreasonable for a European sword manufacturer to make. I've had a messer styled katana before with the wood slat handle and exposed tang and really enjoyed it, I'd love to see a darksword piece done like that.
I agree, there needs to be more euro-katanas. There are tons of these import swords on the market. I wish people would accept the fact that japanese swords development was held back by the limitations they had in technology. I find it hilarious when the ‘purist’ shun mono-tempered spring steel katana when if you took that sword back and gave a real samuari the option between it or a differentially hardened one they would (i would bet) take the much stronger and resilient one every single time…
As someone who’s life has relied solely on the quality of my equipment MANY times, there is no doubt in my mind you are 100% correct. Give ANY warrior the option they will grab the S5 mono temper EVERY TIME.
i found out that if you use cord(i used cotton) you can really tighten up loose cord, i wrapped it with the side that has the menuki having straight across cord, and the cord on the other side moves up by one space, between the original silk ito, there are some more additional basic steps, like before using the cord tightening, move the original ito so that there is some space in the middle of the handle, where you can start. anyways, the end result is that the knots are really tight, and i can barely feel the cotton cord, since it's deep in-between the gaps
Iron Tiger Forge Heron Straight Blade Katana has the exact same fittings, but with the tsuba reversed, and the casting looks crisper, at least in the product photos.
Would you be able to do a cutting and destruction test of a Ryujin 5160 Elite katana? By their description it's supposedly "a grade higher" than their custom T10 swords and is also DH which is odd to see of 5160 but was curious to buy and kind of wanted to see someone like you test it.
While I tend to agree with you about sword boxes as mine are stored on a rack, not in a box, I also wonder if some manufacturers have gotten fed up with shipping damage and view more robust boxes as multi purpose.
Hi, I have a question since you're a experienced sword owner. I just got my first sword new, the Ronin katana Euro #7 and I cleaned and oiled it and literally the next day I looked at it and almost the entire blade especially the spine is covered in a yellow brown color. According to my research it seems to be patina what should I do about this? It seems to be a good thing but I don't know. Please let me know.
You can send me a photo on facebook. It could be something else but it sounds like some light rust forming. Cleaning the blade is a good idea to clean off the rust. For the euro swords there is not much to worry about in terms of removing detail from a polish. Mothers Mag or Flitz have been good polishes to clean. I would keep the blade out of the scabbard for a time and leave the scabbard in a warm dry place. It is possible some kind of moisture is in it. I only have bad ideas for getting the moisture out of them. Fans and dehumidifiers have worked for me.
Oof. Not even to the fuchi and the deal has been broken. Speaking purely as a heavy consumer, I would be pissssssssed if I paid half a stack for that. Wow. Like how could you let something like that make it to market? Like that bald dude doesn't have 1 person near him that has basic knowledge of Japanese swords? I am shocked and appaled.
Last comment I promise. That euro inspired Japanese sword idea is brilliant dude. If they don't do it, have that done by some maker or company. That's a must.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for the exhibition! Your son becoming a kenshi is easily the best part! I love the saber rattling and the battle roar! 👍
Totally awesome. His son has a rad dad....he's going to be having tons of fun while growing up. I always wanted some "ninja sword"/Katana while growing up...but my dad was nice enough to let me get a few knives and bb guns, and eventually at least a machete. Unfortunately for his large sunflower plants though, they saw the bitter end as their flower heads were lobbed off by my machete shenanigans. LOL. Fun times though, and again, his son has already got to be having a blast, with dad's help at least at that young age.
Anyway, my katana days have only just recently began, with some cheaper yet sufficiently nice display models. I'm probably getting pulled in a bit deep though while watching all these videos of very nice, very quality katanas. But still, having still some valid katanas now has really been a dream come true. Now, if I go to cutting down sunflower plants, my dad's at least are long gone. Gonna buy some pool noodles soon to play around a bit with what are only display models, for now.
Thank you Matthew for the continued high quality and entertaining content. As my membership faulters, please know that it has nothing to do with your content quality. but rather my current financial issues. Thanks again for the distraction. ;-)
Thanks for the kind words and for your patronage. No hard feelings from me about needing to stop membership. In the best of times there are better things to spend your money on than a largely forheaded man talking about swords on the interwebs. If you are not in a place that you feel comfortable donating, then please don't. Thank you for contributing while you could and happy swording to you.
That's adorable cutting with the little one! What a smile i think you got a big fann!!!
I love this channel, the no nonsense, no bloaty presumptuous talk, just straight forward and helpful with an honest opinion by a true fanatic of swords (my particular interest is in the katanas). Awesome insight and opinions and video display of the swords. Very thorough.
Might I add, I am just a bit envious of Matthew's amazing hobby (but not so negatively jealous.... I'm happy that he has all the cool stuff he does) that he gets to have so much hands-on with these amazing swords. Also, that he gets to test and play around with the swords...it looks so fun, cutting pool noodles and tatami, branches, etc.
Thank you for another amazing review! I just sent payment for my shadowdancer musashi basic clay temper. Based on your review of similar swords from them, I saw it as a perfect fit for me and the finish aligns with something I wanted to add to my collection. Cheers!
Let’s go little man!!! 🎉 fell like he will remember that moment forever. ❤
I am a big fan of this channel! Keep the videos coming.
Matt, you are such a pleasure to watch and listen to.. Your Such great guy. Your eye for detail is much appreciated. You take us on a peaxful, relaxing educated review...Be interesting if you branch out to other subjects as well...Thanks Again Matt...😎
I appreciate the honest review! Great video!
This is the second time I've noticed you've brought up issues I've mentioned. Thank you :) Very happy you listen to your community. Very good points. The boxes don't do a whole lot for me either. I agree that it's money better spent on the sword. If they want to offer a box or other stuff, they should be separate items, so they don't take away from the sword. Same with the shoddy decoration on the saya. Put the money where it matters. Good observation on the tsuba. A bit embarrassing to have a bird's ass as the front-facing part.
I have to add that I've used your videos to decide on where to order from. It's been helpful to be able to get such a good overview of the market. I hope the producers of swords take your reviews into account, because they should.
Excellent as always.
I have to agree. I don't own any darksword armory pieces, but they do pretty decent work. The mistakes they made with things like the tsuba aren't unreasonable for a European sword manufacturer to make. I've had a messer styled katana before with the wood slat handle and exposed tang and really enjoyed it, I'd love to see a darksword piece done like that.
I agree, there needs to be more euro-katanas. There are tons of these import swords on the market. I wish people would accept the fact that japanese swords development was held back by the limitations they had in technology. I find it hilarious when the ‘purist’ shun mono-tempered spring steel katana when if you took that sword back and gave a real samuari the option between it or a differentially hardened one they would (i would bet) take the much stronger and resilient one every single time…
As someone who’s life has relied solely on the quality of my equipment MANY times, there is no doubt in my mind you are 100% correct. Give ANY warrior the option they will grab the S5 mono temper EVERY TIME.
i found out that if you use cord(i used cotton) you can really tighten up loose cord, i wrapped it with the side that has the menuki having straight across cord, and the cord on the other side moves up by one space, between the original silk ito, there are some more additional basic steps, like before using the cord tightening, move the original ito so that there is some space in the middle of the handle, where you can start. anyways, the end result is that the knots are really tight, and i can barely feel the cotton cord, since it's deep in-between the gaps
Iron Tiger Forge Heron Straight Blade Katana has the exact same fittings, but with the tsuba reversed, and the casting looks crisper, at least in the product photos.
A good functioning sword, but missed many marks, on the fit n finish, agreed with you on your assessment and value needed...
Would you be able to do a cutting and destruction test of a Ryujin 5160 Elite katana? By their description it's supposedly "a grade higher" than their custom T10 swords and is also DH which is odd to see of 5160 but was curious to buy and kind of wanted to see someone like you test it.
While I tend to agree with you about sword boxes as mine are stored on a rack, not in a box, I also wonder if some manufacturers have gotten fed up with shipping damage and view more robust boxes as multi purpose.
KOA has a katana from Iron Tiger Forge with very similar fittings, if I'm not mistaken.
this is a sandblasted hamon, or as you say just etched. so there is no metallurgical effect produced by this, AKA its a fake hamon.
Cool scene cutting with your son. That was cool.
Hi, I have a question since you're a experienced sword owner. I just got my first sword new, the Ronin katana Euro #7 and I cleaned and oiled it and literally the next day I looked at it and almost the entire blade especially the spine is covered in a yellow brown color. According to my research it seems to be patina what should I do about this? It seems to be a good thing but I don't know. Please let me know.
You can send me a photo on facebook. It could be something else but it sounds like some light rust forming. Cleaning the blade is a good idea to clean off the rust. For the euro swords there is not much to worry about in terms of removing detail from a polish. Mothers Mag or Flitz have been good polishes to clean. I would keep the blade out of the scabbard for a time and leave the scabbard in a warm dry place. It is possible some kind of moisture is in it. I only have bad ideas for getting the moisture out of them. Fans and dehumidifiers have worked for me.
ermagherd that "hamon" is ghastly
I bought this model around 2013 for $250.
Break it!!!
Do it... do it...
This looks like one of those $150 folded katanas from longquan with a fake hamon
About what I expected I suppose. Looks like it at a glance but misses most of the nuance that comes from understanding the object you're replicating.
Sell me that box it came in.
Whaaaaaaatttt????? This is gonna be interesting.
Oof. Not even to the fuchi and the deal has been broken. Speaking purely as a heavy consumer, I would be pissssssssed if I paid half a stack for that. Wow. Like how could you let something like that make it to market? Like that bald dude doesn't have 1 person near him that has basic knowledge of Japanese swords? I am shocked and appaled.
Only thing it's got going for it is it's sori and kissaki bulge.
Last comment I promise. That euro inspired Japanese sword idea is brilliant dude. If they don't do it, have that done by some maker or company. That's a must.
Looks more like a ronin katana
Not a fan Cotton!!!
Darksword armory 🤮🤮🤮
Honestly looks like they use the same manufacturer that ronin katana uses ....
500$ for an fake hamon........smh