SBG Pro Kuramono Katana
| Steel | T10 Tungsten Alloy Tool Steel |
| Weight | 2lbs 7oz |
| Point of Balance | 6.25" |
| Price Range | US$329 |
Statistics
Overall Length: 41 1/4 inches
Blade Length: 29 inches
Grip Length: 11 inches
Blade Width at habaki: 1 1/4 inches
Blade Width at yokote: 15/16ths of an inch
Blade Thickness at habaki: 7.5mm
Blade Thickness at yokote: 5mm
Sori: 3/4 inches
Balance Point: 6 1/4 inches
Center of Rotation: 1/8 inch from tip
Tsuba Width: 3 inches
Tsuba Thickness: 4.4mm
Weight: 2 lbs 7oz
The SBG Pro grade swords were never advertised as being the most historically accurate swords on the market, or the best swords to challenge the highest end production models, but were instead intended to revolutionize what is possible on a $300-ish production sword. I have never wielded a katana before, having instead only experienced the European Longsword, so I was extremely interested to try out something different. Just when I thought I couldn't wait any longer, I finally received my Kuramono via UPS yesterday.
Initial Impressions
The sword arrived securely packed in a reinforced cardboard tube, with plastic caps on each end held on with packing tape, plus eight staples each.
Inside, the sword was wrapped tightly in bubble wrap.
Additionally, the tsuka was wrapped with clear plastic.
I was extremely impressed by the care in packing the sword to ensure that it was not damaged in transit.
The Hilt
The ito wrap was extremely tight, and I could not get any of it to budge no matter how hard I pushed, which is a good thing because I don't want anything to happen to those nice even diamonds.
I thought the menuki were tastefully done.
The kashira was secured to the point where I could not move it when I tried.
The tsuba is definitely the advertised iron, and is beautiful in its simplicity.
I disassembled the Kuramono and everything was put together nicely with no cracks in the tsuka core.
Oh, and the habaki is also perfectly aligned.
The Blade
The blade is simply amazing. The material of course is T-10 high speed tool steel. This steel is not to be confused with the plethora of T10� swords that you see coming out of many Chinese forges that are, in reality, simple 1095 steel; this blade is the real deal here.
The blade is just stupidly stupid sharp. Forget paper cutting. This sword is literally hair-splitting sharp. Seriously, I could shave with this blade if I wanted. Not that I've tried, I'm just saying...
As for aesthetics, the blade also does not disappoint. It is mirror polished along the shinogi ji, and the ji is satin polished. The kissaki has a cosmetic cross-filed yokote, but for what it is, it is extremely well executed. And as for the hamon - well...
Need I say more?
The Saya
It's simple, yet elegant. The texture is nice for avoiding scratches and fingerprints. On the whole, it provides a nice home for the blade.
Handling Characteristics
Sporting a 29" blade, this sword is slightly on the larger end of the katana spectrum. However, it is surprisingly light in the hand, and it feels virtually weightless to me when swinging it. Normally, that would be a bad thing, as I like to feel some blade presence, but because of the absolutely stellar dynamics of the blade, it doesn't need to have a huge presence to sail through targets, as its balance and mass distribution promote a "sweet spot" that is a fraction of an inch from the tip of the sword, which results in effortless cuts utilizing the full speed of the tip.
Test Cutting
I've prepared a video demonstrating the cutting ability of this sword against light targets, including an empty plastic bottle, and an empty plastic laundry detergent container.
As this is my first time ever wielding a katana, my first cut came up a bit short as I was used to the longer reach of my 38" longsword. However, once I adjusted, I quickly realized what a powerful cutter I was holding. I can't wait to try some of my more creative cuts with this sword.
Conclusions
I am honestly blown away by the quality of the assembly of all the components, as well as the blade harmonics and handling dynamics. The polish on the blade is phenomenal, with a very stunning and beautiful hamon. And although the yokote is not geometric, it is one of the prettiest cosmetic ones I've seen, rather than some others that look like they were cross-filed with a cheese-grater. Oh, and did I mention the blade was wicked sharp?
PROS- Quality, tight-fitting assembly that is virtually unheard of at this price point
- Beautiful aesthetics, especially the hamon
- Great handling dynamics
- Excellent quality-for-the-price
- The wait. I feel kind of bad putting the wait in the cons, as not only was it out of everyone's control, but this sword is also 100% completely worth the wait. However, for the prospective buyers warning, I do have to point out that if you're a buyer who absolutely needs the sword for your anime cosplay convention that's coming up in two weeks (sorry, I jest!), you should consider purchasing a sword that is already in stock somewhere, as one of these will take some time to arrive.
BOTTOM LINE
This is a sword that definitely has a place in any collection, as its quality for the money is completely off the roof.
