My Knife Vlog episode 16- Musashi Rosewood Shirasaya Katana

[PSOperro]

I Have a black one, the wood is like a piano-gloss-kinda finish, and its kinda annoying for that because it gets covered with fingerprints. All in all still a great sword!

[maxinpains]

Toy sword isn't called "MUSASHI" or "KATANA" is that simple.

[commandouma]

I'm getting a black one of these in a few days... Epic.

[GrecoWrestlerNJ70]

You dont have to yank the sword out like that just because it doesnt have a tsuba. Grip the tsuka and push the side of your index finder with you thumb, like you would do with the tsuba.

Its a safer way of doing it too. Great video by the way.

[ScandinaviansAreCool]

The sword handle, and scabard are not accually made of rose wood because rosewood is a softwood. I think softer than pine even. Its proabably made of a hardwood like maple, and it is stained to look like rosewood. By the way i think the hamon on that sword is fake.

[Street1ife]

soo..... You're preparing for zombie invasion?

[inthetoilet4456]

If you got swords for more than the shirasaya and they're more expensive... YOU GOT RIPPED OFF. The Rosewood shirasaya is an okay sword. Hamon isn't real. HAHA!!! Thats what you get for 60 dollars. And this sword is mass produced so its not good quality.

[Necromal]

To clarify Pine is not a Hardwood. Hardwoods are from any deciduous trees and softwoods com from coniferous trees.

[MisterTNoob]

That's a great katana.i have one liked that only $47

[CollapseSakanade]

That doesnt look like a real hamon, from what i can tell the ones that are not really clay tempered are wire brushed to mimic a real hamon, and the ones with "Repetitive mounds" are considered to be printed on probly acid etched. The blade is very nice, the sword all together seems to be a good deal.

[acsnowboarder13]

u can fix it by taking your sword apart and reassembling it more snug than when u took it apart

[Dante169]

a real katana have a tsuba... and if you know what the tsuba do, then you realize what i mean.

you called yourself a samurai and creat those videos? bushidô its only a word for you or?...

[iamafrendoffiend]

@Dante169 you know that shirasaya swords dont have a tsuba and traditionally its made out of 1 peace of wood...

[Dante169]

@iamafrendoffiend Sure, Shirasaya. But i need see one Samurai in the year 1500, who fight with that.

16 Dollar or 60 Dollar? Whatever, so low price, is not a Katana. No original Shirasaya, no Shinken and no Katana.

Its not a real Hamon!

And i dont think, that is weapon-steel

This steel, i used for my food...

[tendoking48]

@Dante169 It's carbon tool steel, tempered, tough, and well sharpened. Yeah the hamon is asthetic, but with tool steel and modern forging techniques you don't need differential tempering.

Mushasi may not be top of the line, but they are fully functional and great quality for the price.

Good luck footing the multi-thousand dollar bill to get a sword made in Japan from tamahagane using traditional techniques.

This steel, I use for blades, quit trying to be elitist.

[Dante169]

@tendoking48 If you use that, for tameshigiri every day, then you will get hurt... You recommending that sword and other user, will get damage to and why? I can tell you that, why you say, that sword is "good".

That sword have a bad quality, for that, who it forged for... That sword, is nothing, only for the wall, not more...

Dont be the reasen for people, who hurt yourself...

[tendoking48]

@Dante169 I do use one, perhaps not this one specifically, but it is a Musashi with the same blade and it works just fine. Like I said, it's not top of the line, but it's definately not some flimsy twenty dollar wall hanger.

If someone hurts themself with this blade then they have only themselves to blame for being stupid.

[Supnext]

@Dante169 A few points I have, that blade is carbon steel and tempered, it is full tang and is pegged. If you hurt yourself with that sword it's because you're an idiot. And no you don't use carbon steel to eat, you use stainless steel. The sword is actually rather high quality for the price. I actually have a job selling high quality knives and I can personally tell you that the steel it is made from and the way it was forged, that blade is worth a hell of a lot more than 60$. In short, STFU.

[Dante169]

@Supnext Sorry, but i do since 11 years, Shinkendo and since 8 years, Kyudo. I know, what we need for tameshigiri and i know, that this "sword" is a "mass production".

No company creat a product with no profit, so please, use your brain.

BTW since 3 years, i be able to do "sundome", if you know, what is it. Please get reale "know how" about swords and dont be so arrogant or naiv.

Forgive my bad english, but that is not my language.

P.S.: I dont hurt myself with that sword, but other.

[Dante169]

@Supnext Ah, i forget something. ^^ In German (i dont know in english): Selbstkostenpreis + Gewinnzuschlag = Barverkaufspreis + Kundenskonto + Vertreterprovision = Zielverkaufspreis + Kundenrabatt = Nettoverkaufspreis + Mehrwertsteuer = Bruttoendverbraucherpreis = That is that, what you pay for a product. And now tell me, that this sword will be great, without a real hamon and without a honsanmai, kobuse or soshu kitae build. Please be serious...

[Dante169]

@Supnext And now, we come to my highlight and in the same way, to my last post for that.

All say, that blade was "forged" and "tempered". I think not.

This is a real hamon from my katana (shinken) named Kyougetsu. img148.imageshack.us/img148/43­92/dsc00209kc.jpg (PSP-Cam)

And that is the "fakehamon", from that blade, what we see here. img828.imageshack.us/img828/71­36/fakehamon.jpg

I think, that will be answer many questions, thanks.

[Supnext]

@Dante169 And unfortunately you just exposed another flaw in your intelligence. Just because the hamon isn't real does not mean that it isn't tempered, it means it isn't clay tempered. I worked with a knife maker for some time and I know that for a fact. Don't believe me? Go look at a KA-BAR and look for a hamon. :)

[Dante169]

@Supnext In the front, forgive me my bad english.:

A "Katana", what was "tempered" and what be usefull for Tameshigiri, dont need a "Fakehamon". The "Fakehamon" is for swords, who need it. And that sword, isnt for any usefull "action's" but he say, it is.

Now, my questions:

1. Why you cant answer on my other "posts"?

2. You tell now, that you work WITH a "Knifemaker", why you dont use the true word for them?

3. Why you think, that knifes are the same as swords like the katana?

Be seriously...

[johnster769]

Hello samuraij89, after seeing your video i went out and bought the rosewood sharisaya, and when i recieved it i dont believe it was "Razor sharp" but it was sharp enough to cut a bottle, would you reccomend i sharpen it and if so what should i use to sharpen it. My friends tell me it should be razor sharp. Thanks!

[MrMrSteveC]

Anybody ever tell ya you look like the Night Stalker? just sayin.

[MarioAIII]

just a minor thing. "shirasaya" lit. translates to "white sheath." reffering to it's plain design and simple fittings. did you say you ordered this from true swords? I've ordered this from them and want the black version of this sword

[poljoprivreda]

cut your hair,you look like jungle boy

[SaracenWarrior]

This is a high quality Musashi 1045 or 1060 High Carbon Steel. The lower ends would be the 440 High Carbon that Musashi does not make but is what most cheap High Carbons are. I would not buy a 440 or Stainless Steel. However, this Shirasaya Storage Sword is AWESOME and it is either 1045 or 1060 High Carbon Steel.

[SaracenWarrior]

Musashi are handmade and the best swords in their class. Also, SHIRASAYA is not meant for actual use. Shirasaya means 'SWORD STORAGE'. In an emergency you can use the sword, but it's not meant for sustained repeat battle. Shirasaya fittings are meant to hold expensive swords until they are fitted properly with "battle ready" fittings such as a tsuba, ito, etc. I just ordered this sword, so I can fit it for actual use. The blade is that of swords that cost $129. 1045-1060 High Carbon Steel

[eminemd11]

damn i want a sword like that =(

[JO3a]

So Would pulling the sword out cause the blade to become mroe and more lose?

[samuraij89]

@JO3a not quite, the pin in the handle stops the blade from being pulled out further than a certain point, so the blade is only pulled out so far before it has nowhere else to go.

[JO3a]

@samuraij89

Alright, this hasnt "hurt" the sword or bothered you too much right? Because I'm going to be placing an order for this sword soon.

[samuraij89]

@JO3a Yeah, it's not a huge problem and doesn't affect functionality in any way, it's just a minor defect.

[LotusDragon09]

@JO3a Any katana will become loose over time. Thats normal. For a shirasaya, since it technically isnt meant for combat use, it should be very tight fitting, both around the habaki and the blade. A regular mounting will have a little bit of room around the blade and the tightness around the habaki will be very secure, but more loose than a shirasaya should. Most "shirasaya" katana dont have real shirasaya scabbards and are more combat build than they should be. I can explain more in a PM.

[JO3a]

@LotusDragon09

Well I already got the sword like 3 weeks ago. I know what it's like though. But thanks anyway...?

[maxinpains]

That's a well made TOY.

[JO3a]

@maxinpains Dude I've got the sword for 2 years now, I don't see why anyone would be selling "toy samurai swords" online.

[reginaninja]

If you grip the saya just behind where it meets the handle, you can use your fist as if it were a tsuba, and use your thumb against the first knuckle of your fist to release the sword more safely.

[jolebossjg]

I am sure to have met you somewhere i wonder where i i see you before?

This weapon for 60 dollars it's good!

I don't remember if you told what type of blade is it?

PS: Your bladeis quite interesting because some people believe that Musashi used this kind of sword to cheat and win the fin against Sasaki Kojiro but I don't think so...

[xXxnejifangirlxXx]

-glomps- Omg!! That's sooo cool ^^

Caqn I watch you do that somnetime?

[LuzObscuridad]

wow... I haven't heard this song in a long time, on of my favs, and I believe this will be a secured trueswords purchase for me, many thanks for the demo.

[BlueDragon20012000]

I paid 40 for mine

[Dannybroadsword1]

get the blade for that price, then you could make a tsuka with ito, and a tsuba and all the other fittings for a good functional sword.

[airsoftlrd911]

not the best katana it needs a hend gourd and if any of u r looking 4 aperfect battle ready low priced katana go to swords of might they have every killing knives swords all of it lol im buying a 20 dollar katana from there

[thepublicdude27]

shirasayas dont have hand guards

[NarutoFireFox84]

1st its not a katana its a shirasaya which is supposed to be designed without a "hend gourd" as you wold call it. 2nd any 20 dollar katana must be a load of shit

[downtoearth1990]

Seriously? are they hand-forged of Carbon steel, prolly not but im gonna go check, oh did i meantion that they are fully funtional REAL swords, oh and that sword type that he has is desinged for stealth and conceilment so it dosent have a hand gard on purpose

[MonoxideChild1219]

@airsoftlrd91

You fool, shirasaya aren't made with tsuba. And swords of might sells cheap stainless steel katana.

[cardiacthapoet]

i think if you were face with a situation where you needed to pull your weapon swiftly, then your adrenaline alone would let you draw the weapon fast enough and the sticking wouldn't be a problem. nice vid. straight to the point.

[Nlrvana99]

Put your soul and emotions into your swings and the bottles will never move out of place, and your love for all blades is present keep it up the world needs people like you! =3

[RadkLuzz]

zjebany film... mam lepszy miecz metalowcu jebany ^^

[TheWitnesserer]

In response to the video:

As far as your concern with the habaki tightness and the blade pulling out of the tsuka, I wouldn't worry. I have the same sword (three actually, black, red, and plain wood), and the mekugi keeps the nakago inside the tsuka very well.

You mentioned that you weren't aware of the wood type used. I've contact multiple sellers of this sword and they all say that it is made of birch, which isn't very hard at all compared to other types of wood.

Handle length...

[TheWitnesserer]

...is short because of the nature of shirasaya, to store and not for combat, as some have already pointed out before me.

Metal used is 1045 steel with an etched hamon, not authentic. Not totally sure of the forging process, probably not differentially tempered since the hamon is not genuine (though I may be mistaken). Definitely a blade of good quality, not superb.

I wouldn't recommend this for tameshigiri unless you're VERY confident of yourself, have tested yourself in an isolated...

[TheWitnesserer]

...place with no one around several times, and have a pretty damn good grip. If you do use it for extended test cutting, I have to warn you that the wood (birch, as mentioned before) is too soft to withstand the constant blows against dense targets. I have had some shirasaya tsuka shatter in my hands during a strike against a thicker tatami mat. Those shirasaya have since been refitted and converted into katana (hard work, believe me).

[TheWitnesserer]

As an owner of this sword, I would say it is of quality much better than its price suggests. The only reason I can think of that it would be so inexpensive is because of the nature of shirasaya and the utter lack of decor on the dressing. The proof of its quality lies in its ability to be refitted as katana should the current tsuka and saya become unusable. Of course, this depends greatly on how you care for your sword. Vaseline and paraffin wax work great as rust retardants.

[projectcrazy12]

Would you suggest this sword as a first time 15 year old sword buyer who has a low budget or do you know of any better katanas for 50- 70 dollars or is that a suggested sword because im thinking to start a collection could you please comment back it would be very helpful swords have always fascinated me ever since i was 7

[soul111smasher]

And to comment on the video, maybe you could do a little light sanding if the blade fits too tightly in the saya?

[TheWitnesserer]

It'll loosen up eventually. After enough draws and strikes against tatami and bamboo, I had to improvise to get the fit nice and snug again.

[TheWitnesserer]

And you might not wanna sand anything if you don't wanna end up ruining your sword inadvertently.

[erictaehokim]

shirasaya the blind man's sword

[TheWitnesserer]

It's actually a shikomizue. Shirasaya are storage for katana, not combat ready. Shikomizue are intentionally designed to look like walking sticks are are usually straight, not curved like regular katana.

[camlost]

Shirasaya means "white scabbard"

白=shira=white

鞘=saya=scabbard

Its originally meant for long storage of display. The lacquered finish on saya tend to capture moisture, so it was better to store a blade in unfinished wood where it could breathe better. This is also probably why the handle seems short in proportion to the blade.

Thanks for the video.

[samuraij89]

Thakn you for the informative comment.

[lalalaboy655]

@samuraij89 would you recommend the shirasaya for legitimate fighting or for decoration and the occasional cutting?

[samuraij89]

@lalalaboy655 even though it's a very well made sword, I would only use this for occasional cutting, If you're looking into a fighting blade I would invest in a legitimate hand made sword rather than a mass produced one like this.

[tomastomas11]

how often do u gut urself ?

[darkshinobimattse]

is it just me, or does this sword look like Seijuro Hiko's (Kenshin Himura's master) sword?

[tj11245]

hey im debating wether to get the Bushido Musashi Zetsurin Sword the red saya or to get the Bushido Musashi Orient Pearl which should i get

[samuraij89]

The fit and finish and overall quality of the swords will probably be about the same. Just pick the one that you like best.

[blaznskate92]

ill stick with guns

[rancorx]

guns fine unless you get up close or don't want to be heard

[tomastomas11]

knives nvr run outta ammo of stick or jam

[Adamantinia]

does anyone realize dat no one uses these swords to kill anymore

[soul111smasher]

You just don't get it do you.

[shortperson20]

Sweet! I was contemplating buying this one, but now that I've actually seen a review on it, I'm definitely saving up for one.

[imintz]

Mushashias are very dangerous, becouse they hasnt got handle protection, so the handle can slip and katana would cut you apart. Pretty nice, althout its to wide for mushahi, and the handle doesnt fit perfectly the full line. 60 dols. nice, where did u bought it?

[samuraij89]

I got it off of trueswords(dot)com.

[TwiceVicodin]

I recognize your technique!

Baseball technique, nice!

I use it too...

[knarf1990]

you where pretty close on the whole walking stick, But the way that sword is, is almost like a display state when the swords where sold the samurai would discard the wood handle and attach there old handle witch is suppost to feel most fermilyer to them : )

[blarglenator]

i agree. the walking stick ones are straight. this one seems for more of what you described.

[FireMynx]

That's a sharp sword! nice. :)

[wizard1025]

that sword was made from a movie the blind swordsman and he held the sword with one hand thats why the handle is short

[swordlvr]

This is not a replica of the Zatoichi sword that sword is much shorter (around 23 inches) and is also a straight bladed sword. A good replica of that sword is made by Paul Chen.

[TheForestDragon]

Not to be presumptious, but the fuller is called a "Bo-hi".

[Beta464]

would you say it's worth $60.00 overall cause im thinking of buying 1

[samuraij89]

Definately, the quality is superb for $60.

[Beta464]

ok i'll be buying 1 rosewood,black or natural are they all the same?

[samuraij89]

They should be, you just get to pick the color you like best.

[Beta464]

thanks do you know why youtube keeps swallowing my vids?

[gorg0004]

small handle, because its meant to be one-handed

[carbonsteelblade]

man,your growing up

[teddharris]

I have 2 comments.

Try this. Grip the saya in the left hand and the handle in the right hand. Push your thumbs against each other.

2. Hold the sword with the blade upright. Then tap the handle on a padded, solid surface. The tang should then reseat itself in the handle.

Drill a hole in the center of the tang 1-1 1/2 inches back from the exposed habaki and put a pin in.

Tedd Harris, Bladesmith

[thalanoth]

im glad you made this video, as i was thinking about ordering a rosewood shirasaya off trueswords. id love if you could put something in the description sort of like to this affect however.

A shirasaya is not meant for cutting stuff up in your backyard if thats what you are looking for. A shirasaya (especially mass produced models these days) is meant to look beautiful at your side.

[thalanoth]

hence why the habaki is a tad bit larger than normal swords, its not something you can simply pull out and start hacking away with (not something you should "simply" do with any sword of course, but you know what i mean). Theres no wrapping, so its hard to get a good grip especially during a swing. Swing this around too much and it /will/ fly out of your hand lol.

Just a warning to people thinking its a practical katana

[ColdPlayMusicStudio]

NICE

[neoviper76]

Beautiful shirisaya!!!!!! I just ordered one myself. Extremely sharp!!!! Great choice on the music also!!!!

[ChoyaMan]

I have 2 of there swords. A Hryuu katana and there silver ninjato (clearance) the katana is beautiful though I think the fittings are more ornamental than functional, but like Im ever going to be in a sword fight XD. The ninjato is tough as all get out. Its a little heavier and feels more rugged may not be pretty but its pretty beastly. Its a little slower than the katana, but they are wielded differently so I cant compare my apples and oranges there.

Great vid btw

[miltonrd3]

that sword is the most beautiful thing i've ever seen *crys softly* just add some calm music and i would have fell down

[sooprcool]

DUDE!! AMON AMARTH. nice choice

[ColdPlayMusicStudio]

do you have a AIRSOFT GUN

[samuraij89]

I have two bb guns, they're not really airsoft though.

[maurixiom]

HEY yo tambien amo las espadas las navajas, y todo lo que tenga filo, estudio "el filo perfecto" y practico aqui en mexico, casi diario, ya sea con espada o machete, vivo en zona rural, y los machetes son comunes tanto como los celulares jajaja, desciendo de una casta de asesinos, y con todo respeto, y sin ofender, tu tambien veo que tienes un parentesco con asesinos o mejor dicho cara de ingles cruzado, cabello negro y ojos de fuego,jajaja, ractica mas los cortes, yo uso shirasaya corte rapido

[BigMeatDoDiddily]

Just ordered mine...

I take it everywhere I go...

[gunsarecool1985]

This is a great sword for the price. I have one, and it compares well to more expensive katana's I own. You should try cutting mats, bottles are very easy to cut and you can get away with improper technique. Tatami mats will fine tune your cutting skills.

[katanasam1]

Actually cutting with katana in shirasaya is not recommended. If you really like the blade remount it in actual koshira and then cut with it. Shirasay is normally not safe to cut with - as its meant as a transportation/storage saya set after a blade has been polished. Shirasaya is not as strong in the tsuka nor is it meant for cutting.

[gorg0004]

as long as it is full-tang does it really matter???,

[TheWitnesserer]

Yes. With this particular sword, the tsuka isn't nearly strong enough to withstand the stresses of repeated impacts over a length of time. Maybe the first dozen or so strikes, you don't notice much, but after a while, you will definitely see unpleasant results.

[TheMechAlchemist]

aw I use to love your videos but this makes me lose faith in you

[samuraij89]

What am I doing to make you feel this way? What am I lacking and what could I be doing differently?

[ShunKazami13]

cool...i got the black one

[noturcuzin]

What band is this? You should check out a band called Turisas, they're a sick Viking Metal band.

[samuraij89]

The first was Amon Amarth and the second was Wintersun.

[noturcuzin]

Cool, thanks! Sweet video and sword man.

[tollios6553]

nice man

[mslizzyborden]

Wo. Pretty awesome on the 5 bottles.

[Phatboy3206]

lol 5:34 raising the bar lol

[Phatboy3206]

badass sword

[swatm4a1goldde]

but i forgot to mention for those looking to buy this sword the wood is RED i mean like RED not like red toned RED with like a wook grain

[swatm4a1goldde]

nice i got mine 2-3 weeks ago

but to be honest i like the really tight shirasaya because most of my swords i have used them so much that if you hold the tsuka upsidedown the saya falls right off so it gives me a sense of sercuitity that i can take it out of its saya alot and not be too loose

but nice review through

[Riku1135]

Very nicely done

[oOSkillzThatKillzOo]

Uh cool.

[edudrepus]

You handle that sword quite deftly.