Sokojikara Night Thief Hand-Forged Katana - T10 High Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Blade, Genuine Ray Skin, Copper And Brass Tsuba, Brass Pommel - Length 40 9/10”

I had a damascus katana for the last three years. But, I wanted to try a T10 blade. First thing out of the box was to compare the two side by side. The T10 is only 3/4 inch longer than the damascus but weighs 12 ounces more. Ten minutes later it was out for the first test cuts. One and two inch pine trees were clean cut from a mid ready position. The three inch tree required a second cut. I had expected as much. A touch of the stone is normally needed on a new blade. The heavier, straighter blade needs more follow through and more input for the same speed. No whiffle in the air, no bend from a short stop in the thicker tree. Nice. Then the Iaido draw and cut which had me worried. Twelve ounces is a big difference. The first leaf cut was four inches high. A terrible miss. It only took six more draw and cut to have the first lateral and second vertical cut within a quarter inch of aim point. Acceptable accuracy for two cuts in less than two seconds including draw. I gave the damascus to my son.

This blade has a great midare hamon, and the mekugi, and handle are very nice. I switched tsuba to use the other tsuba for another project, and the tang shape was clean, and the tsuka fit perfectly. It was tight enough where it was still strong, but not dangerous to remove. I white vinegar etched, and I have little to no doubt that the hamon real. Hamon came out smoother and brighter. Steel etched in a way that showed it was a higher carbon content, believably t10. The sword preforms in every way to it's depiction. It is definitely oriented towards cutting, but is s good decoration regardless. It definitely has a good edge, so handle with caution. Good tachikaze. Would recommend as a first sword.