Got my Musashi Umi today, and first thing I'll say is, it's very impressive for the price. And just like someone else said, this is the only review I could find. Thank you for this.
Ive been trying to find videos on the musashi umi katana and your the only one that has a video. Lol watched this vid about 5 times before i made decision
Thanks! I've been using the Umi for about 6 months now and it's a good classic katana with attractive fixtures an a blade with some character. No further problems with the blackening coming off after a cleaning or two. Obviously I liked it enough to get the Umigame. If you can find it on Amazon you might save a few bucks. Definitely shop around.
I have both (just received the Umigame today) and have to say the Umigame is probably the best value out there. For $219 on Amazon, it outclasses anything in the budget category I've seen so far. Closer to a $500 Hanwei in quality. Curiously my Umigame came with an extremely snug saya. I hope they keep these in production for a long time. I can see them being my go to dojo 'beaters' that can be replaced without too many tears. The Umi is also a great sword, too, but the choice of the cotton ito and plain Jane black saya, ito make it a little forgettable to look at, but a still very good value.
It's interesting that you had the problem of the black finish coming off the metal fittings, I read the same complaint in an Amazon review. I have the Umi model in black, I've never had any of the finish rub off on me or wear off yet. The only real issue I have with this sword is they didn't put buffalo horn in the koiguchi, and that is dangerous. To me, that is only acceptable in iato swords and it's an irresponsible thing to do to try and cut costs on a sharp sword. Anyone with a sharp sword that has a saya that is only wood and lacquer, be very careful drawing and sheathing your sword.
I've certainly seen people slice themselves on a bad draw that sends a blade through a cheap scabbard. I once did a number on myself because the scabbard wasn't snug enough at the koiguchi to hold the blade in because the wood had worn to the point of failure. These look like they might have just a thin plastic ring if anything, and no other scabbard reinforcement. Maybe someone makes horn koiguchi that could be fitted to these saya?
I've had the seppa issue on a few Musashi blades. Wound up buying a pack of spare ones. (While I've got the sword apart, I also reverse the seppa so the "MUSASHI CHINA" stamp is no longer visible.)
Awesome review of the sword
Got my Musashi Umi today, and first thing I'll say is, it's very impressive for the price. And just like someone else said, this is the only review I could find. Thank you for this.
Glad I could help. I hope it serves you well.
Thank you
Ordered my Umigame last friday will be here this week, one of the only musashi reviews on this sword I 've seen. Thanks.
I still train frequently with this one. I like the way it moves and feels in hand.
Thanks for your video! Bought myself the Umigame. How does one remove the blackening? Would love to see more of the brass.
Thanks! I just kept rubbing at it with an oil cloth. (No djinni appeared, though, sea turtle or otherwise.)
aye i appreciate your sword reviews
Thank you!
Ive been trying to find videos on the musashi umi katana and your the only one that has a video. Lol watched this vid about 5 times before i made decision
Thanks! I've been using the Umi for about 6 months now and it's a good classic katana with attractive fixtures an a blade with some character. No further problems with the blackening coming off after a cleaning or two. Obviously I liked it enough to get the Umigame. If you can find it on Amazon you might save a few bucks. Definitely shop around.
Awesome video! Im getting the musashi umi. Im only going to be using it in the back yard to cutting stuff and when ever the zombie apocalypse comes
I have both (just received the Umigame today) and have to say the Umigame is probably the best value out there. For $219 on Amazon, it outclasses anything in the budget category I've seen so far. Closer to a $500 Hanwei in quality. Curiously my Umigame came with an extremely snug saya.
I hope they keep these in production for a long time. I can see them being my go to dojo 'beaters' that can be replaced without too many tears.
The Umi is also a great sword, too, but the choice of the cotton ito and plain Jane black saya, ito make it a little forgettable to look at, but a still very good value.
It's interesting that you had the problem of the black finish coming off the metal fittings, I read the same complaint in an Amazon review. I have the Umi model in black, I've never had any of the finish rub off on me or wear off yet. The only real issue I have with this sword is they didn't put buffalo horn in the koiguchi, and that is dangerous. To me, that is only acceptable in iato swords and it's an irresponsible thing to do to try and cut costs on a sharp sword. Anyone with a sharp sword that has a saya that is only wood and lacquer, be very careful drawing and sheathing your sword.
I've certainly seen people slice themselves on a bad draw that sends a blade through a cheap scabbard. I once did a number on myself because the scabbard wasn't snug enough at the koiguchi to hold the blade in because the wood had worn to the point of failure. These look like they might have just a thin plastic ring if anything, and no other scabbard reinforcement. Maybe someone makes horn koiguchi that could be fitted to these saya?
@@michaelrizzo5523 I have ordered one on Ebay for $10 from Hong Kong, waiting for them to ship it...
Also, had to put in a thicker seppa after disassembly- stock seppa rattled after putting it back together.
@@williamhollenbaugh2547 There seem to be a few sources out there. Let me know how yours turns out!
I've had the seppa issue on a few Musashi blades. Wound up buying a pack of spare ones. (While I've got the sword apart, I also reverse the seppa so the "MUSASHI CHINA" stamp is no longer visible.)
I like just staring at my umigame, gonna order some tatami mats for it