Stitch
May 21st, 2009, 12:42 PM
Today, at exactly 9:18 am the UPS driver came knockin'. He handed me a package which contained my new Raptor Shobu Zukuri. (http://www.swordsofmight.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=776)
I quickly rushed to the backyard, and like a kid on X-mas morning I (almost carelessly) cut open the box and pulled out another box which displayed the word "Raptor". This was done so fast that the packing peanuts erupted in a volcano effect. "I'll deal with the clean up in a bit" I thought. Then I grabbed a gravy basted rawhide bone for my dog Chewie and threw it to the other side of the yard so that he would stay away while I examined and handled my Raptor.
Pros: The overall look and appeal of this sword was stunning despite it's simplistic design. The matte finish saya adds a fine touch as I'm not too fond of the laquered sayas. The blade was without flaw and was almost blinding as it reflected the sunlight. I LOVED the battle wrapped tsuka, and the refined cotton felt like velet as I handled the sword. The overall katana was light as a feather compared to the 4 lb/blade heavy Chinese war sword I bought here recently. Moreover, the balance was superb and it allowed for quick and controlled katas. I did some test cutting on some 3 inch branches which the raptor cut with no difficultly what so ever, and NO damage to the blades edge!
Cons: My only real beef here would be the guard. This was a dislike that seemed to be mutual to most members here on the forums. Needless to say, I'm going to start searching the SOM store to see if I can find a guard that matches the fuchi and kashira.
My overall conclusion, quit saving your money for a $2,000 sword and get a Raptor A.S.A.P.!!!
I quickly rushed to the backyard, and like a kid on X-mas morning I (almost carelessly) cut open the box and pulled out another box which displayed the word "Raptor". This was done so fast that the packing peanuts erupted in a volcano effect. "I'll deal with the clean up in a bit" I thought. Then I grabbed a gravy basted rawhide bone for my dog Chewie and threw it to the other side of the yard so that he would stay away while I examined and handled my Raptor.
Pros: The overall look and appeal of this sword was stunning despite it's simplistic design. The matte finish saya adds a fine touch as I'm not too fond of the laquered sayas. The blade was without flaw and was almost blinding as it reflected the sunlight. I LOVED the battle wrapped tsuka, and the refined cotton felt like velet as I handled the sword. The overall katana was light as a feather compared to the 4 lb/blade heavy Chinese war sword I bought here recently. Moreover, the balance was superb and it allowed for quick and controlled katas. I did some test cutting on some 3 inch branches which the raptor cut with no difficultly what so ever, and NO damage to the blades edge!
Cons: My only real beef here would be the guard. This was a dislike that seemed to be mutual to most members here on the forums. Needless to say, I'm going to start searching the SOM store to see if I can find a guard that matches the fuchi and kashira.
My overall conclusion, quit saving your money for a $2,000 sword and get a Raptor A.S.A.P.!!!