As a "what the heck" move, I purchased this sword as an entry level one for initial training in Iai. At the price, if I made a mistake, it was no loss. I expected my Sensei would look at it and tell me to buy a "real Iaito".
Surprise! After taking this sword in hand and performaing a few kata, Sensei said it was not a bad basic sword with decent balance. He said I could use it in the dojo.
I have been training with it for about 6 months and intend to continue for some time.
It is standing up well. The ito, saya koiguchi, and mekugi still are tight, there is no "loosening", and all metal parts show no signs of deterioration of any kind. (I do clean and oil the blade regularly.)
I am actually going to purchase another one of these which I will mainly use for the blade as well as the tsuka wood core, to which I'll then add custom furniture.
I think this sword is a real bargain for the new iaidoka who is not ready to spend hundreds if not thousands on a practice sword.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Great, Afordable Sword
February 9, 2010
Reviewer:
Bryan Basan from MI United States
I required a new practice sword for Iaido and this fit the bill nicely. The Sword has a good feel when swung and the fittings are tight. Over all great deal!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Good basic unsharpened high carbon blade.
January 20, 2010
Reviewer:
LQ from Cheyenne, WY United States
If you want to swing or practice form without bleeding, this is the blade for you. Proper balance and weight/dimensions . Edge unsharpened, point still pointed so be careful, comes with a cotton bag in a cardboard box. Could use the matching wak. carbon blade still requires oiling.
Musashi Full-tang Carbon Steel Blade Iaito 
Great, Afordable Sword 