When I first received the katana the blade was pretty dirty and the habaki is stained I haven't tried cutting with it yet but hopefully it don't break on me
I Received the Katana within 10 days from ordering. Pretty good considering it came from overseas. (Orient). Was packaged very well. It came completely wrapped for protection as well as a well oiled and protected blade. The Katana is razor sharp and beautifully crafted. As with my previous purchase this Katana fit into the scabbard perfectly and maintained a secure fit when sheathed. No slippage. The tsuka again, as with my other Katana, was very precise with a tight, clean weave over redray skin. The blade was a black 1060 steel with a hamon visible on the sharpened part of the sword. It did not appear to be etched or scribed. It looked like it was genuinely creatd using a clay mix and then fired in a forge. The saya was done in a high gloss black laquer finish. The tsuba is made from iron and well done. the swords balance point centers near 4-5 inches ahead of the tauba for a good feel with decent control and follow through. Almost effortless. Overall another great addition to my other Katana.
it was pretty quick delivery and i was satisfied with the blade.