The artwork is pretty good, the sharpness is what I was hoping for and the sheath will protect me from accidenal lacerations.
Whatever your purpose for purchasing this item, I am sure it will meet your needs. I call my sword "˜The Persuader'. Meaning just a glimpse of this bad boy is enough to persuade people to keep there hands off me.

This is my seventh samurai sword that I have purchased over the past 25 years. I must say that I was very impressed with the overall quality of this sword. It has a great feel of balance and strength and looks like a sword that you might otherwise pay around $800. The Tsuba (handgaurd) is beautifully detailed along with the rest of the sword ornamentation. I am extremely happy to add this beautiful sword to my collection.

The craftsmanship is pretty good and I am pleased with this purchase. I was wanted to build a sword when I found this one and just couldn't pass it up. From all of the parts that I found this one had the best detailed and unique parts. It also came in well packaged and sharp.

This was the first product I've ever purchased from HandmadeSwords. It exceeded expectations. Not only did it arrive quickly but it was in better than described condition.

The blade was straight, sharp, sturdy and beautiful.. The grip is nice and tight with no looseness whatsoever due to the quality of the Rayskin.

All in all this is a great product and I would highly recommend Handmade Swords as I have no doubt the quality will be as good if not better than described.

Only real review I have ever left in my entire life, they deserve it. I'll admit I was very skeptical about buying from a company I had never heard about before. No longer. This blade is beautiful. Not a single part is loose or rattles. The gold and silver REALLY pop out in the sunlight. I really like how there is no "Made in China" or any brand name visible on the sword. It looks fully handmade (no pun intended) and I would not hesitate to show this blade off to any of my friends or family. I will definitely be coming back to buy one of your nicer, more expensive, Damascus blades. I am no longer worried in the slightest about ANY blade they craft. Oh, by the way, the way they package these swords for shipping is incredible. Blade is oiled and wrapped, but the tube they ship it in holds the blade in place very well. If you get fast shipping, don't worry about Mister (Insert Carrier) throwing your package around. Its extremely well packaged. No review or pictures give this blade justice. Once you hold it in your hands, it will put any other sword (equal in price) to shame. If you are looking for a nicer Samurai sword for display, or practice, then look no further. I just can't word it any other way, it is just beautiful. Oh ya, by the way, it is VERY sharp. I wasn't treating it with as much care as I should have and it cut a chunk off my finger. I can post pictures to prove it. It is NOT a toy. I am not trying to "promote" this sword, only giving my input. Anyone is free to go click and buy a different sword. It won't compare, and you will regret it. Once I held this sword I immediately started setting aside more money to save up and buy one of their more expensive Damascus swords. I am no longer skeptical in the slightest about buying from this seller. The only problem they have is their pictures do not give justice to their swords. In fact, I don't think ANY pictures could truly show the beauty of these. This is not one of those swords "for display" that you hope no one actually picks up and realizes its ONLY for show and cheap. This sword can be put on display ONLY to be picked up, and no one on this planet could complain. Once again I'll state how I absolutely LOVE how there is no "Made in China" or any brand name, or any writing at all visible on the fully assembled sword. It just makes it feel even more rare and precious. I've owned too many "nice" swords with "Made in China" printed right, in plain view, on the blade..... it is embarrassing. A truly handmade sword is RIGHT HERE. Alas, I am out of opinions to offer (actually I could probably print and publish a book on this sword). Price for price, this sword will put ANY other sword to shame. I have never truly felt the urge to actually go write a review about ANYTHING I have purchased off Amazon (unless it was negative, and even then, only once) but this company deserves this review and more. They should get a Nobel Prize. If only I could carry this sword everywhere I go.......