Paul Chen Practical Katana

This is my first review on a product so forgive me if my review seems a bit odd. When I first bought this sword I was very pleased with the balance and the weight of the blade. I had my Practical Katana for close to three years and outside of one tiny knick, the blade has stayed in nearly the same cutting ability and sharpness as it was when I first bought it...which is to say, amazing. Unfortunately the only major disappointment I had with it was the fact that the mekugi (pins) where glued into the tsuka which left you without the ability to take it apart for customization. Overall, this product has been the best katana I've owned, surpassing the abilities and expectations of the Practical Plus Katana I also own. I give it a 9/10 for anyone just starting to look to own a katana.

First of all, of course, there are people out there who prefer traditional fittings and all... Personally, what I look for in a sword is functionnality. This sword is just it; I've had mine for two years, now, and it never failed --even though I mistreated it more than once. The blade started two become dull not a month ago; it didn't make the paper test pretty good any more (because of chips). I fixed it and now it cuts as well as when I first unpacked it! NOTE : on the way I fixed it... Sure, I'd be the first one to call you crazy if you told me you'd be using power tools on a functional blade; you don't want to lose the geometry of the blade, its temper, etc. But I found an exception : flap wheels on a press drill. It may sound crazy, and I don't think I would try it on a $5oo+ blade... but try it (on a cheaper blade first, just to be sure, but FIRST try it and then if I'm crazy, tell me, not the other way around)! All you have to do is follow the surface of the blade by stroking it gently on the wheel. No sparks/heat/etc. It works the same way than whin wetstones, from the coarsest grit to the finest. I partially restored a hada on a folded blade like the raijin (there are grit limitations after which you must continue by hand). For a practical blade, this is just perfect, 'cuz you don't need it to be extremely shiny, just polished enough so that the geometry lets it cut. So back to the practical : the real hamon is subtle and pretty. (sorry for this part, it's just that I want people to know it is possible) Buy the practical if you want a beater that, even though not traditional by its fittings, is elegent, agile, efficient. Also, if this is your first time asking yourself if you should buy a sword, go for it! It may cost a little more than other affordable blade, but it will last more longer, trust me!

Perfect sword, looks, feels, and cuts perfectly. Quick delivery.

Great katana. I was surprised at how thin this blade is. was expecting something a little bit more robust. However, this katana is very light & manuverable. It is lightning fast & a delight to wield. The tsuka is put together very well & is super tight. The blade is flawless w/ a strait line hamon. Not highly polished, but the grain of the metal is vissible & appealing. The hammer marks are also visible & very uniform. Definately worth the economical price tag, if you are considering purchasing this Katana, don't hesitate.

Great sword overall for the price. Light, well balanced, tough. I like simple aesthetics, and the new rounded iron tsuba is perfect. The swede-feel wrap is very comfortable and secure. The hamon is straight but prominent, though the blade-plane polish is not fine (no worries scuffing it cutting). The blade is a bit narrow (edge to back) but so far seems strong. The only cons: The fake same has one visible seam (odd) and the scabbard mouth developed an early hairline crack (doesn't effect security). Otherwise, this is my current favorite all around training sword (vs. the PC practical plus and practical pro).