Always ask your Sensei before buying equipment. This blade was unsharpened except for a point at the end. My Sensei won't allow me to use this sword in the dojo because the point is sharp enough to take out an eye or stab a foot if dropped.

The sword is very high quality especially for the price. The weight is impressive... this is the real thing.

Packaging was excellent. It came in a box, inside another box, inside another box, inside a fabric bag.

The media could not be loaded. Please do your research before you purchase this katana. It is NOT a live blade, and is NOT intended to cut anything. This is an iaito, a replica katana made to practice forms (see video for a terrible demonstration by me).

As for the actual sword itself, I'm quite satisfied with it. It is on the heavier side, but I'd like that in a training sword. I've seen some reviews saying that their sword broke after hitting something, or that the tip of the sword is fairly sharp. The sword that I received doesn't have either of those problems. I've been swinging this thing around for a while now and it's still holding up on its own. I can only assume that those who had their sword break on them were using the sword incorrectly.

Only giving it 4 stars because it doesn't really "wow" me. For the money, I got exactly what I expected, which was a decent practice sword. I would've like to seen a better sageo, as the one that it comes with is more like a shoelace with the ends cut off. That being said, there's not a lot to fault when all things are considered. For the price, this is a pretty good starter iaito. I would recommend this if you want a heavier blade to practice with, or maybe you want to see if learning iaido is for you without breaking the bank.

Here's what I like so much about it
Weight is perfect. Iaito are always a little heavier, but this is really close to real Katana weight.
Has a rounded point, no edge. Your Sensei should approve this sword for the training hall.
Saya is lacquered and very well made.
Full tang double pegged
And its a beautiful looking sword, nice details, highly polished, very cool Tsuba.

Sageo and sword bag isn't anything special, but who cares when the rest of the sword is awesome.

Arrived on time. Surprisingly well wrapped, so the sword being protected during shipping is not an issue. Blade is perfectly straight with only a couple of blemishes and is well blunted to pose zero risk. Blade's fitment to the Tsuka is tight with zero rattle, and the Suya holds the Katana very well. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a training katana.

An unsharpened katana with which to practice sword-handling (iaido). It was securely packed and arrived quickly. It looks and feels solid; Finishes are clean and neat. Obviously care was taken. A very happy purchase that feels like a good investment, for training and display.