A very good point about the protective 'lube', Boxer :tup:.
Now I've had the chance to look at it closer and put it through a few kata, my opinions dropping somewhat.
The ito is not as tight as I thought - it shifts quite a bit when you apply tenouchi. I can see that it wont take long for it to become dishevelled.
The 'hamon' is quite uneven (supposed to be straight but forms a distinct crescent). There are scratches on one side of the habaki and a discolouring of the steel adjacent to it as if a larger one had been forced on and then removed.
Sorry to hear of any lack of satisfaction, but "you get what you pay for"
AFAIK, it's virtually impossible to get a completely "even" or symmetrical hamon when they are actual signs of the heat treat.
The symmetrical ones are normally decorative add-ons/colorings.
OK, some are the result of "pickling" metal-hardening treatments, but are not at all the same thing as a real heat treat and are not particularly desirable.
I can't decide whether to complain and see if they offer me a better QA'd example or just send it back (especially as it was advertised as a live blade and the accompanying label says that if it's used as anything but an ornament ... ).
"live blade" and the "ornamental" warning "do not compute" for me.
My major concern would be if the ornamental statement was in their advertising.... as in "truth in advertising", which would handily explain "everything". Reread the advertising very carefully. If there is "room" for misinterpretation, I might approach them over the phone in your "most helpful manner", telling them how much you like their line, etc and emphasizing your intent to make future purchases, including the more expensive one you indicate you're contemplating....
On the plus side, it does match my Paul Chen katana (which was the point of buying it) and it did only cost just over £100 so I'd feel a bit of a heel complaining about 'low' quality. If the tag was £200 I might feel more justified.
If they replace it, please go by your experience and use it as a decoration only.... it *is* in that price range. (although there are scads of *really* cheap **** out there)
I shall be getting (or attempting to get) a wakizashi to match my Tozando Hon Jidai Koshirae and I'm expecting a price in about that region (given that the katana was over £400) ... and a quality boost to match.
That would be my expectation, as well.
As an ex-CAS, what do you think, Boxer? Are the niggles only to be expected for this price range? Or should I try and get a better example?
Personally, that seems to be about what I'd expect in that range.
I'd try *nicely* for a clean replacement *and* buy a better model if you feel that the earlier example was up to your expected standards.
IME, they were always reasonably consistent quality-wise and I don't recall ever having to return anything.
The early example I mentioned loosening up didn't bother the fellow who bought it.... he loved the blade and I assume that he did whatever was necessary to fix it to his tastes.
:lol:!). The habaki is snug and the ito seems good and tight. The sageo is a bit on the 'cheap' side, as is the saya (altho' the laquerwork is thick around the kurigata).
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