Shinwa Zatoichi Wood Handle Sword

It was priced at $110 retail and on sale for $50 so I honestly did not expect much, especially after seeing so many other poorly constructed katana at a $100-$150 price range. I was pleasantly surprised. The katana had a good heft and there was absolutely no rattle or wiggle in the whole length of it. Such looseness is a hallmark of cheap katanas. In all knives and swords there is a fit and finish rating. For this katana the fit, the degree to which all parts meet and are mated, was very good. I would give it a B+. The finish, of course, is less. There are light grind marks and there is no mirror finish. The Habaki is ok but nothing but functional. That is why I bought it. I wanted something to use as a bokken for training and as a training device to practice positions and strokes. Rod Norman

as stated before, the handle is rather wide and not comfortable to grip, but that is the only complaint I have on this sword. it's solidly made and very appealing to the eye, if only it didn't feel so cumbersome in my hands I would be totally thrilled with it. if you have large hands and a regular katana feels too small for your grip, then this is your sword.