Shikoto Damascus Embassy Katana & Wakizashi Set

I buy the Shikoto Yoru Doragon 3 Combo set 15 years ago, that its was the older version of this beauties and still be my favorites Tameshigiri competition and practical swords. The construction, materials and weight compared to my Japanese made swords with a difference in price by more than $2000.00 less and always recommend to my students this set as a good and affordable entry swords package that for sure you keep on to develop the good (Kihon) Basics and still have with proud when you master the advance fastest practice. Keep on mind that Damascus blades are sometimes forged hand or machine made that need to be carefully and periodically honed and polished to sustains a constant edge and symmetry, mostly for competition practice. With this ones its more easy, due to the boldness on the blade spine and balance that its almost impossible to bend or breack on high impact at the hands of a good and responsible performer - practitioner.

The swords themselves are perfect. They are some what sharp and can hold an edge. The sheaths with the wrappings around them are a little annoying but easily removable. All fittings are strong and tight. Love the leather wrapped handles, feels great when swinging. Blades are a bit thin, can be delicate compared to other katanas. Do not go outside and chop wood with these.

So I ordered this and I have to admit it is a great pair of swords even for the price. Its hard enough to find a Wakizashi let along a matching one. I'll start with the pros of these 2 blades. Pros: (1) Very Sharp (2) very tight wrapping (3) The leather feels good in the hands and grips well (4) The steel seems to hold up well to cutting tests. And now the cons. Cons: (1) Very hard to unsheathe (2) No idea what type of Damascus metal this is (3) If you are a practitioner of the Katana you will not be able to perform Lai or Quick draws. Considering everything I said I still like the swords. They looks great. Feel great. But there are some flaws I got with mine. Maybe if some of these things were fixed I would increase the rating but for now this is what you get.