masahiro help, opinion, and advise

[biddlestix]

i own a few swords but none that are masahiro. i have done some research on masahiro and there is little to none information.
i am interested in a few of the swords but would like to ask around so im sure that my purchase is a complete satisfaction.

-masahiro white shadow

-masahiro golden dragon

-masahiro ikusa folded

i am interested in these three but would like to know more about them. detail, handling, sharpness, quality. open for any opinion and advise.
also i would like to know the main difference in having a sword with bo-hi or having it without it. and what it is :)
thanks!

[Taygrd]

First off I would like to welcome you to the forum. Thanks for joining.
I do not own any of the swords that you are interested in, however I can refer you to a review that was done by one of our members on the white shadow. Here is the link: http://swordsofmightforum.com/showthread.php?t=318

The Golden Dragon and Ikusa are both fairly new to the Masahiro line. Jason would be a good person to ask about those.

The bo-hi lessens the weight of the sword and some say it makes the sword "quicker"- I do not know if that is correct but it is an opinion floating out there. I think it also has a great deal to do with the actual geometry of the blade with how the bo-hi effects cutting. The structural strength of the blade is slightly lessened as well with a bo-hi, however it would not be a major deciding point for me. The bo-hi has a more pleasing look on a a sword in my opinion.
Hope this helps

[Jason Moore]

I have to say that the ikusa is a really nice sword. Very sharp and great fit and finish.

The golden dragon is ok, but not great.

The White shadow is our best selling sword on the whole site.

[Taygrd]

Jason I forgot we already had a good conversation about the Ikusa. It is an awesome looking sword.

Biddlestix here is a previous post that describes a little history behind the tsuba:
Great looking sword. I love this tsuba and it is very close to the original. The Tsuba depicts the fight between Saito Musashibo Benkei and Yoshitsune. Benkei has collected swords from those he defeated who had tried to cross the Goyo bridge, Yoshitsune was smaller and more agile defeated Benkei. After the fight Benkei became a loyal vassel to Yoshitsune and fought with him during the Genpei Wars. After the Taira were defeated Yoshitsune brother decided he did not like successful brother hanging around. After being pursued for some time Yoshitsune was finially surrounded and commited suicide. Benkei loyal to the end died with multiple arrows in him still protecting his lord.
It is great to see this tsuba on a sword, has a lot of history to it. Keep on finding new things for me to put on my wish list.

[biddlestix]

thanks taygrd that is actually very interesting. the ikusa might be the choice for me. the thing about the white shadow i am afraid of is that every where i read reviews i hear of its inconsistency in quality and knowing my luck, i would be the one getting a loose, dull not well put together sword.
so now its between the white shadow and the ikusa.
i really appreciate you guys this will deicide what i purchase.
i am aware that folded steel would make the sword more durable and better quality so wouldnt the ikusa be an automatic pick?

what do you say jason??

[Jason Moore]

I think the Ikusa is really nice, but I have not received much feedback because it is so new. From what I can tell, this is the better of the two.

[biddlestix]

sweet it might be the ikusa that ill end up buying then. i was in love with the white shadow for a very long time but as i researched i kept hearing about its impurities...and i mean if the owner himself says the ikusa is the better one, then i have no room to argue, haha thanks guys for all the help

[Brian Brazier]

I don't have any of the ones listed but I have owned 5 or 6 Masahiro swords, and I have alway found Masahiro swords to exceed my expectations, you really can't go wrong with a Masahiro for that price range.

[bobO]

QC, can be a bit touch and go with these guys but I feel I got my moneys worth with mine. The blade, even though flawed has a nice feel to it, and cuts like a big dog. Folded, at this price point, does not mean better!

[biddlestix]

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[Nanshoji]

Welcome to the forum, Im glad to see Im not the only Toshiro Hitsugaya fan on here. If you want a high quality sword that is razor sharp and slightly cheaper than the ones you personaly listed, buy the philosophy katana. Its cheaper, extremely sharp, and is only $110. I own it, and might buy another for cutting if they get more in stock, hopefully they will. If you go with the philosophy, you will save $10,$20, or $30 dollars depending on which one you were going to buy. Of course, none of this matters if you dont like the philosophy, but it is something worthy of thought, no doubt.

[Brian Brazier]

I would just like to add that my Masahiro Date Masamune has the best fitting saya of all my katana's (PC's included) and the tsuka has more shape than my PPKE

[Brian Brazier]

I guess this is as good a place as any to ask Jason if you can get the Mashiro Musashi from the Historical Series (like the flower and philosophy), Handmade Sword appears to have them, as we discussed the other day I would really like a sword with a Musashi Tsuba that is reasonably priced and after hearing everyone boast about the Philosophy Katana, I think the Musashi will fit the bill

[Jason Moore]

What about this one?

[biddlestix]

hhaha yea man hitsugaya is a beast and probably the best character on the show. ill check the philosophy out thanks.

[biddlestix]

jason what is that swword about let me get some detail i like it

[biddlestix]

i checked the philosophy out man sounds like a solid blade. the tsuba though is a bit simple which is why i liked the ikusa folded for its battle motif tsuba. i would need more info on the philosophy to be guaranteed that its the sword for me

[Jason Moore]

What more info do you need?

[jwilliams]

i checked the philosophy out man sounds like a solid blade. the tsuba though is a bit simple which is why i liked the ikusa folded for its battle motif tsuba. i would need more info on the philosophy to be guaranteed that its the sword for me

The only guarantee would be to hold the sword and have it speak to you. All the info in the world can't guarantee anything.

[bobO]

J, Well put. I've checked out swords three ways to sunday, only to go 'huh' once I've had it in hand. But still time well spent, and worth doing.

[Jason Moore]

Well, the philosophy has been discontinued. Might make the choice easier.