Musashi Asuka Tanto

I got to thinking, that this tanto had to come apart, and after some tool adjustments, it came apart quite well. Okay, I was able to get a better edge on the blade without too much effort; so I feel much better about it now. I used some of the techniques I learned on the SoM forum to fix the blade collars looks, so that is happy too, as am I. Lastly,the tang was the sharpest part of the entire blade, but hitting it with a file and then dressing the edges with a medium stone made that a safe place for future generations. I have to say that the tsuka is a real gem, made well and fits very snugly, and all the hardware is the real deal, looking to be brass. I bump my rating up to a four after giving this a item a little massage and seeing how well it was put together. JDH

Reading the other feedbacks here, made my decision to purchase this tanto over the others I was considering. I really have to wonder if we all got the same item? Upon getting it delivered, I was initially disapointed by the rough condition of the habaki; I am glad I did not get this to be gift for a special person as described; but as a knife intended for daily use, it is not all that important. Not very sharp either; but the only thing I can compare the blade to was a Cold Steel San Mai tanto that I once owned; it feels like I got one that was used to cut lots of paper with. The tip is very sharp though. Still, it was too pretty to return, and this way I do not have to worry about that first ding with use. The directions and the manufactures website indicate this item does come apart, but the tsuka seems glued on even with the mekugi removed. It feels very nice in the hand, and is tough as nails in construction, but the items mentioned above made me give it a 3; perhaps a 3.5 would be closer to the truth. JDH

Good looking tanto razor sharp.But the box was not stamped with the chinese lettering like in the photo and no certificate of authenticity was mailed with sword.The tanto has one of the best damascus layered blade i have ever seen.Also the color was black instead of blue.Thanks

Jost got mine. Pretty impressive for the price. The ito is wrapped neatly and tightly, and the same is both real and pretty. Overall the Tsuka is very nice in both correctness and functionality. The saya on mine caught a little funny the first couple times I put it away, but it stopped. The habaki fit was a little loose for my taste, but it stays sheathed well enough that it doesnt worry me. The kurigata knob and sageo are tight and nicely finished. Overall the saya is well made, and it sits tightly in my obi. My blade came reasonably sharp. Not dull by any means, but not incredibly sharp. This was my main reason for giving it a 4 instead of a 5. The hamon is not real, as I new it wouldnt be when I bought it, but it's faked well enough that it'll fool non-sword people ;). I was suprised to find that it's very well balanced, and as long as it's in your hand you cant forget it's a weapon even though it's pretty. It is not by any means the top of the line, but for the money it's a pretty good deal. I find mine to be more attractive than my Paul Chen practical Plus, although the blade on the Chen is sharper and of considerably higher quality. Can't go wrong with it for this money.

I recieved my tanto and was truly surprised by the quality.This not just a knock off the damascus blade was razor sharp.The wooden box was as nice as i have seen.Thanks for recommending this over the ryumon the extra money was well spent.