Beware the REDBLADE-BK brand = switcheroo
6 de noviembre de 2025
Deep Blurple..
This had been on my list for a good long while, and my only regret is delaying the purchase.The other commenters are correct - this is a pretty stunning katana for the price.This could easily be one of the highest value (sword) deals of 2025, along with the LSWYBJ (Blue Blade) katana.There's a ton of junk out there being passed off as a legitimate sword - read (study) all the comments, look for the blade thickness, look at the Habaki area, and most of these will show themselves to be ornaments and decorations.Finding the legitimate, high-value, "good stuff" takes some effort and risk, but it is still possible, and at a bargain sometimes.THIS is one of those good deals..Siwode, Ttamankua and Handmade Sword (HMS) also build a very decent katana.This is my first Towatiwe brand katana, and everything appears to be fitted very tightly together - no wobble or rattle.The (28.75") blade is beautifully polished, straight and sharpened. That purple color plays lighter and darker, as you wipe down the blade - very much like hot bluing does..I haven't yet whacked it against anything stiffer than cardboard, and it is so nice looking that I almost don't want to....ALMOST..The Tsuba does not attract a magnet (as most made today don't), but the tang does until the last 2 inches of the Tsuka handle. That detailed Tsuba is the same design Siwode uses on their Graphene Dragon katana (Fengwolongtan).The Tsuka handle is 10.5" long, and doesn't appear exceptional, aside from being nice to look at.The Samegowa is artificial, but I'm fine with this design choice. I did not notice any hot spots from that decorative (swirly mitzidome pattern) Fuchi collar, before I wrapped it with a tight wrap of hockey stick tape - which also remedies any potential hot spots, as it prevents the diamonds from moving out of shape.The Kochira pommel has one large "swirly mitzidome" that matches the Fuchi collar very nicely, if that is a concern.Point Of Balance is 5.75" from the Tsuba.Thickness of the blade is about 7.5mm at the Habaki, and about 4.5mm at the Kisaki. Blurple does have a (slightly) tip-heavy feel due to this minimal distal taper, but not so much that it ruins the balance in hand.Sori angle is an optimal 13/16" which is the same as my Siwode and HMS katanas.Weight is 2lb and 7 ounces (without the Saya installed), which is mid-weight compared to many other katanas.The Saya/Habaki fit is perfectly adequate, with a snug tension and zero blade slap. The appearance of the Saya matches up with the katana fairly well, compared to the contrasting color scheme of so many others.The painted pattern does a fair job of masking finger smudges - better than the standard "fingerprint magnet" glossy-black piano finish on most Saya.Packaging was adequate, with 6 pieces of U-shaped Styrofoam and a plastic sleeve, inside of the Towatiwe labeled box. The blade also had its own plastic sleeve.---Everything did arrive very clean and pristine, but I would (seriously) recommend some end pieces to protect the product from the (exposed) staples inside the box - even some recycled cardboard cutouts would do the job.Expect to get yourself a sword bag because no sword bag or sword stand was included, but none were mentioned. Fortunately the product box arrived inside the plain, nondescript (and much appreciated) Amazon shipping box.Honestly, the quality of just the katana alone makes this a pretty great value deal already.Recommendation: Absolutely. I have zero regret with this katana. You are seriously missing out, if you've been eyeballing this katana and pushing it back (on your list), just as I did..If this isn't going to be your final sword purchase, maybe consider the LSWYBJ Blueblade katana.Siwode sells an excellent katana, but rarely do they offer any budget grade option.Lastly, because of the dark bluish/purple color, I ask Towatiwe to consider naming the this katana "Deep Blurple," or "Blurple Reign," or just "Blurple," maybe....If for no other reason than just my own selfish amusement..Ver másVer menos
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