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View Full Version : Ryumon Shogun Katana

Torawashi
August 4th, 2008, 09:50 PM
got my new Ryumon Shogun Katana today. Comes in a nice wooden display box with Kanji on the cover. The sword bag has a Samurai wielding a katana on it. the sword itself: well, first off the tsuba, as Jason advised me over the phone when I ordered it, is, to say the least, disposable. I removed the tsuka (very tight on the tang. that's a GOOD thing) and replaced the tsuba with one i had that was waiting for a sword to grace. Re-assembled the sword and it's a real beauty now. the saya is natural Brazilian rosewood with black buffalo horn tip and throat. the sword fits snugly in the saya which is always a plus. the tsuka is wrapped in genuine same and is double pegged and the ito is black cotton, very tight. now to the real showpiece; the blade. the blade is folded steel in a Damascus-like pattern. very pretty to look at and the edge is sharp enough that it should be a good cutter. It feels light in my hands and has good balance. I'm very happy with it and with the exception of the tsuba the entire sword is a great piece for this price range. I can readily recommend this katana, but I recommend also that if you buy it, change out the tsuba as I did.
In my opinion it's a 4 out of 5.

(sorry no pics, but it's shown at the Swords of Might store page under Ryumon swords).
Brian Brazier
August 4th, 2008, 10:06 PM
how is the balance and overall quality of the fittings?
Torawashi
August 5th, 2008, 10:27 AM
how is the balance and overall quality of the fittings?

Brian;
as I mentioned in my review, the balance is good. I didn't measure the balance point but it feels like it's right where it should be. The sword feels nice and light in your hands. the quality of the fittings is what you would expect of a sword in this price range. Not luxurious but good quality. the fuchi and kashira have a nice antiqued brass look. the only fly in the ointment is the tsuba. it's quite crude so you'll want to replace it. the tsuka is on the tang very tight. I had to take a cloth covered hammer and pound against the tsuba to get it off. Once I had changed out the tsuba I was really pleased with this sword. It has a quality blade and should be a good cutter as well as a great showpiece.