Chubby handle on a budget katana?

by Aldwin P.
(Metro Manila, Philippines)

QUESTION: I was browsing eBay looking for a budget katana. I stumbled upon this listing. The tsuba is pretty nice and so is the wrapping on the tsuka. But one thing I noticed is that the handle is a bit "chubby" compared to other katanas. I've sent a message to the seller, and have yet to receive a reply.

But are my eyes deceiving me? I really think that the handle is a bit wide.

Here are the url of the seller's pictures of the sword:

http://roninkatana.com/katanapics/willows1.jpg
http://roninkatana.com/katanapics/willows2.jpg

Hope you can help me out with this one.

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Aldiwn,

No, it looks ok - I have seen the same handle on some Katana before (generic Chinese after market fittings) and it is not overly large or uncomfortable.

These swords are pretty good for the money. There is a review on my forum here which shows that they are definitely strong.

Hope this helps.

- Paul