Brian Brazier
August 30th, 2008, 07:59 PM
Pics Coming Soon
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t97/bbrazierkendo/art_perf_KT_blade.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t97/bbrazierkendo/art_perf_blade_profile.jpg
Sword Terminology Reference http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm
Initial Impression
It took about 7 days from the time I ordered the Tori Elite from Jason to the time it arrived at my doorstep, and let me tell you that was the longest week I have had in a longtime. Labeled the #1 sword for Tameshigiri by Mike Femal at Nihonzashi, a man who's opinion I take very serious, I knew that I had to try the Tori out for myself. The sword was packaged the same as most Paul Chen products, a cardboard box with styrofoam holding the sword in place. The sword comes in a very nice burgundy sword bag that has a velvety feel, also included but not listed in the description is a premium sword maintenance kit, a nice addition to a top of the line sword. Upon grasping the Tsuka (handle) to draw out the blade, I knew I was in for a treat cause it fit my hand like a glove, it felt as if it was custom made for me. Once I started removing the blade from the Saya (sheath) I saw that the sword had allot more Niku (meat of the blade) than I expected from a Performance Series sword, a very welcome addition. The Tori feels like a Katana should, like an extension of your arm, swinging this sword is effortless, and I am really looking forward to doing some serious cutting with this blade. The Elite series has a more classic Shinogi Zukuri shape that appeals more to collectors, and with the added Niku and edge strength it can handle both soft and hard targets with ease.
Fit and Finish
Once I removed the heavy layer of protective oil, I was able to get a good look at the Hada (folding pattern) which has the Mokume (wood burl) pattern, I was surprised to see that the Hada wasn't as prominent, but is done in a more traditional subdued polish. Most Nihonto (sword made in Japan) are polished in the same manner, almost as though they are trying to hide the fact that it is folded, but in the right light you can see the beauty of the Hada. Sharp isn't a strong enough a word to describe the edge on the blade, I found out the hard way that I need to pay special attention to this blade, that was the first time I have cut myself in years. The Hamon (temper line) is done in the Notare pattern, I would really like to see something different, especially on a $1,000 sword, but that is a minor detail. As with all Paul Chen Hanwei swords the Hamon is enhanced, there are a couple small spots on mine that weren't done very well, but they will polish out. The Tsuba (handguard), Fuchi (collar), and Kashira (buttcap) feature a flying Crane theme, with a reed plant of some kind that is finished with gold, bronze, silver, and brass details. The Menuki (ordainments) are Kabuto (helmets), one is the Date Masamune http://www.casiberia.com/product_details.asp?id=AH2088, and the other is Oda Nobunaga http://www.casiberia.com/product_details.asp?id=AH2083. The Tsuka has black Same (rayskin), and is wrapped with premium suede leather. This is the first sword I have owned with suede ito, I have ones with cotton, and silk, but suede leather is in my opinion the best way to finish a Tsuka, the gripping quality is amazing, and I am seriously considering having my Dynasty Forge custom redone with suede it made that much of an impression. The shape of the Tsuka has a small amount of curve and some waisting, this is really the only area I think Paul Chen swords have room for improvement, again this is being really nit picky and is really more of a personal preference than anything. The Seppa (spacers) and Habaki (blade collar) are done in brass, the Habaki features the falling rain pattern which is standard for the Performance line of swords. The Saya is one of my favorite components of this sword, it has buffalo horn at the Kurikata (knob), Koiguchi (throat), and Kojiri (tip), and instead of the standard black it is brown and fits very well with the theme of the sword. The throat of the Saya is wrapped with rattan and finished in a high gloss black, the rest of the Saya is brown with a stone or textured finish. The contrast of colors is really nice, especially since the Tsuka is done in the same way, it really sets this Katana apart from the rest, and is worthy of the higher price tag. The Sageo (chord) is a real Japanese Sageo, most likely cotton, and very quality.
Handling
I thought I knew what to expect from another Elite Katana, but after holding the Tori for the first time I knew this is something special. The Tori cuts like the proverbial hot knife through butter, it is that good, and very deserving of the label #1 sword for Tameshigiri. The balance is 5" from the tsuba which is perfect for a larger style blade, Paul Chen swords are IMO the best balanced swords on the market, their work on the Nakago (tang) is one of their biggest accomplishments. The Sori is close to .75" as listed in the description from Paul Chen, but that is one of those measurements that is different for every sword. The balance, weight, and Sori all work in harmony to make this a quick and nimble instrument, it is really one of those things that words cannot describe, you have to experience this sword for yourself to understand. I would venture to say that the Tori rivals any of the Bugei swords which really isn't much of a stretch since they all come from Paul Chen Hanwei, but I think many people put Bugei swords in a class all by themselves, and I am here to say make room for the Tori.
Conclusion
I don't know what else I can say, it is an experience you should not deprive yourself of
Historical Accuracy 4/5
Fit and Finish 5/5
Handling 5/5
Structural Integrity 5/5
Value for the Money 5/5
Overall 5/5 Buy it, if you have to sell your soul it will be worth it
Where to buy
Sword of Might, as if there was another choice http://www.swordsofmight.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=91
CAS Hanwei Product Details
http://www.casiberia.com/product_details.asp?id=SH6007KFE
If you have any questions I will be happy to answer them
Brian Brazier
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t97/bbrazierkendo/art_perf_KT_blade.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t97/bbrazierkendo/art_perf_blade_profile.jpg
Sword Terminology Reference http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm
Initial Impression
It took about 7 days from the time I ordered the Tori Elite from Jason to the time it arrived at my doorstep, and let me tell you that was the longest week I have had in a longtime. Labeled the #1 sword for Tameshigiri by Mike Femal at Nihonzashi, a man who's opinion I take very serious, I knew that I had to try the Tori out for myself. The sword was packaged the same as most Paul Chen products, a cardboard box with styrofoam holding the sword in place. The sword comes in a very nice burgundy sword bag that has a velvety feel, also included but not listed in the description is a premium sword maintenance kit, a nice addition to a top of the line sword. Upon grasping the Tsuka (handle) to draw out the blade, I knew I was in for a treat cause it fit my hand like a glove, it felt as if it was custom made for me. Once I started removing the blade from the Saya (sheath) I saw that the sword had allot more Niku (meat of the blade) than I expected from a Performance Series sword, a very welcome addition. The Tori feels like a Katana should, like an extension of your arm, swinging this sword is effortless, and I am really looking forward to doing some serious cutting with this blade. The Elite series has a more classic Shinogi Zukuri shape that appeals more to collectors, and with the added Niku and edge strength it can handle both soft and hard targets with ease.
Fit and Finish
Once I removed the heavy layer of protective oil, I was able to get a good look at the Hada (folding pattern) which has the Mokume (wood burl) pattern, I was surprised to see that the Hada wasn't as prominent, but is done in a more traditional subdued polish. Most Nihonto (sword made in Japan) are polished in the same manner, almost as though they are trying to hide the fact that it is folded, but in the right light you can see the beauty of the Hada. Sharp isn't a strong enough a word to describe the edge on the blade, I found out the hard way that I need to pay special attention to this blade, that was the first time I have cut myself in years. The Hamon (temper line) is done in the Notare pattern, I would really like to see something different, especially on a $1,000 sword, but that is a minor detail. As with all Paul Chen Hanwei swords the Hamon is enhanced, there are a couple small spots on mine that weren't done very well, but they will polish out. The Tsuba (handguard), Fuchi (collar), and Kashira (buttcap) feature a flying Crane theme, with a reed plant of some kind that is finished with gold, bronze, silver, and brass details. The Menuki (ordainments) are Kabuto (helmets), one is the Date Masamune http://www.casiberia.com/product_details.asp?id=AH2088, and the other is Oda Nobunaga http://www.casiberia.com/product_details.asp?id=AH2083. The Tsuka has black Same (rayskin), and is wrapped with premium suede leather. This is the first sword I have owned with suede ito, I have ones with cotton, and silk, but suede leather is in my opinion the best way to finish a Tsuka, the gripping quality is amazing, and I am seriously considering having my Dynasty Forge custom redone with suede it made that much of an impression. The shape of the Tsuka has a small amount of curve and some waisting, this is really the only area I think Paul Chen swords have room for improvement, again this is being really nit picky and is really more of a personal preference than anything. The Seppa (spacers) and Habaki (blade collar) are done in brass, the Habaki features the falling rain pattern which is standard for the Performance line of swords. The Saya is one of my favorite components of this sword, it has buffalo horn at the Kurikata (knob), Koiguchi (throat), and Kojiri (tip), and instead of the standard black it is brown and fits very well with the theme of the sword. The throat of the Saya is wrapped with rattan and finished in a high gloss black, the rest of the Saya is brown with a stone or textured finish. The contrast of colors is really nice, especially since the Tsuka is done in the same way, it really sets this Katana apart from the rest, and is worthy of the higher price tag. The Sageo (chord) is a real Japanese Sageo, most likely cotton, and very quality.
Handling
I thought I knew what to expect from another Elite Katana, but after holding the Tori for the first time I knew this is something special. The Tori cuts like the proverbial hot knife through butter, it is that good, and very deserving of the label #1 sword for Tameshigiri. The balance is 5" from the tsuba which is perfect for a larger style blade, Paul Chen swords are IMO the best balanced swords on the market, their work on the Nakago (tang) is one of their biggest accomplishments. The Sori is close to .75" as listed in the description from Paul Chen, but that is one of those measurements that is different for every sword. The balance, weight, and Sori all work in harmony to make this a quick and nimble instrument, it is really one of those things that words cannot describe, you have to experience this sword for yourself to understand. I would venture to say that the Tori rivals any of the Bugei swords which really isn't much of a stretch since they all come from Paul Chen Hanwei, but I think many people put Bugei swords in a class all by themselves, and I am here to say make room for the Tori.
Conclusion
I don't know what else I can say, it is an experience you should not deprive yourself of
Historical Accuracy 4/5
Fit and Finish 5/5
Handling 5/5
Structural Integrity 5/5
Value for the Money 5/5
Overall 5/5 Buy it, if you have to sell your soul it will be worth it
Where to buy
Sword of Might, as if there was another choice http://www.swordsofmight.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=91
CAS Hanwei Product Details
http://www.casiberia.com/product_details.asp?id=SH6007KFE
If you have any questions I will be happy to answer them
Brian Brazier