9260 Steel Unokubi Zukuri Katana Reviews

5 Rating 8 Reviews

About Swordis:

Swordis, an online retail store, specializes in a wide array of swords, showcasing selections from some of the most esteemed brands in the industry. This emerging startup has expanded its scope by incorporating SwordEncyclopedia, a blog known for its extensive sword resources and recognized as a leading authority in this niche. Swordis' shop section offers an impressive range of over 1000 products in various categories. Their collection not only includes Japanese swords, Historical European Swords, and Military swords, but also extends to specialized items such as Technical knives, machetes, and a fascinating variety of fantasy swords and more. Featuring 19 distinguished brands, Swordis caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from historical enthusiasts to imaginative collectors.

Visit Product Page

How's the Blade?

How are the Handle and Fittings?

“Very well put together sword with better than expected quality fittings. The matching fuchi and kashira have a vine/ floral theme to match tsuba, which has what I believe to be a chrysanthemum motif, in a nice relief carving style; the metal has an antiqued brass look (black paint polished off high points) which is decent, and the “raised carving” details are very crisply done; tsuba is about 4.5mm thick at the edge and no rough spots to irritate the hand anywhere; menuki are black cherry blossoms and are held in place firmly. With hishigami pro the very uniformly wrapped ito is extremely tight and with good texture for a sure grip on the ergonomically carved haichi style tsuka. Real samegawa has emperor’s node visible through bottom diamond, it was slightly damaged adjacent to the single mekugi but quality is fine; mekugi placed at an angle holding the blade tightly to tsuka. Habaki and seppa are standard brass and perfectly centered with no gaps or any movement anywhere. Blade is machined well and has nice distal taper with balance point approximately 4 3/4” or 120mm from tsuba; unsheathed sword weighs 2.068 lbs or 938 grams. Sword fits well in saya with no chance of unintentionally falling out; well made wooden saya has brass shito-dome in place but no horn parts; koiguchi and kojiri have what seems to be adequate plastic parts there instead. Sageo is good, nice and thick material with ends tied. Overall I am very pleased with the sword, especially for the price point; I would definitely recommend it. I had this sword in hand one week after ordering it, it came well packaged and protected.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 weeks ago

Ryan Thomas

Verified Reviewer

Incentivized

Show Details

How's the Blade?

How are the Handle and Fittings?

“First blade, and it is beautiful, it comes ready to cut straight out of the package. Everything fits perfect. Blade is thin which cuts down the weight of it. The kissaki is expanded to allow for a reference point when striking. The scabbard is beautiful, and the gold accents of the habaki and the top of the handle are great additions. Delivery also came weeks before it was estimated. 10/10. Will buy again.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 2 months ago

How's the Blade?

How are the Handle and Fittings?

“Very nice katana! Ito is very tight, fittings are tight. Came very sharp and very well balanced and the blade shape is very attractive. Fits tight in the saya but not so tight it’s hard to get out. Comes out very easily but won’t fall out on its own. Love this katana”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 months ago

How's the Blade?

How are the Handle and Fittings?

“If you want a tough, lively trainer/cutter, this is a lively sword. compared to my other shadow dancer swords with a bohi, this moves quick and feels lively in the hand. blade is razor sharp, fittings are tight and crisp, Ito is tight.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 months ago

How's the Blade?

How are the Handle and Fittings?

“A good option for those who are looking for a lighter blade due to the combination of blade shape (unokubi zukuri) and bohi. Very affordable yet high quality piece. Performance-wise, I haven't tried to use it yet.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 months ago

How's the Blade?

How are the Handle and Fittings?

“My first Unokubi Zakuri blade and I love it, it’s super light with the bohi and Unokubi Zakuri shape and moves around easily and swiftly. All the fittings in the sword are tight, same goes with the Ito which i got hishigami pro on and it is solid. The Saya uas not rattle and is slightly tapered which is nice. Overall the build quality is very nice along with it being a tough spring steel. Very good buy!”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 10 months ago

How's the Blade?

How are the Handle and Fittings?

“I purchased this because I wanted a sword to practice cutting with and I found this particular blade shape appealing. For the price I feel the fit and finish is very nice and well worth it. The buying experience was excellent.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 10 months ago

How's the Blade?

How are the Handle and Fittings?

“Shadow Dancer has developed a positive reputation and this sword is a good example of why. This katana is very well made. Mine has hishigami and the ito is very tight, and the fittings are well done. The sword is light, fast, and cuts well. If you want a katana for daily practice, or backyard cutting this is a great option. 9260 is an excellent steel for people who want a katana focused on value and practical usage instead of the aesthetics of hamons, metal patterns, etc. and Shadow Dancer does a good job executing the Unokobi Zukuri blade shape.”

Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago