Handmade Sucker Punch Babydoll Katana Samurai Japanese Sword 1095 High Carbon Steel No Hamon Blade Full Tang Sharp

I admit I wasn't expecting a great functional build between the low price and it being a movie sword, but Fidestisan definitely put some effort into making something a lot better in functional quality than the original Master Cutlery licensed prop reproduction. The castings of the tsuba, fuchi and kashira are a blackened copper alloy (possibly similar to the zinc-copper alloy in US pennies) and they're quite well done in terms of crispness, detail and minimal castings seams. Ito wrap is pretty snug and comfortable in hand, and yes, that's real rayskin (panels). I've disassembled the sword several times with no issues, no sign of cracking in the tsuka core, full-length double-pin traditional nakago (unsigned), and everything has stayed tight, with the exception of the habaki (see below).Saya fit is pretty nice for a basic painted wood scabbard with no horn pieces. Koiguchi lockup is neither too tight nor too loose. I did stick a small piece of packing foam down in the bottom to reduce rattle common in these type of saya. Paint job came with a very few minor flaws, but is overall attractive and well done for a sword in this price range. The sageo is just synthetic ito cord, again not unexpected for this price range and easily replaced if you desire.The blade is a functional cutter, absolutely. Not clay tempered, but takes and holds an edge in the 52-55 HRC range, and I very much appreciate that Fidestisan did not put a fake hamon on it. The full-length Horimono engraving patterns are pretty close to movie-accurate comparing them to original prop photos.Weight of the sword is 2lbs 5oz (1049g) with a point of balance 4" from the habaki. Blade length is 27.5" (70cm) from the habaki, with good distal taper (7mm to 3mm), and the tsuka is 10.5" (26.6cm) long.My only two "cons": The habaki was a bit oversized for the blade, leaving space on either side, but that was easily fixed with a few taps of a soft mallet. Most obviously, the engraving is a chemical etch, using a stencil, and at the bottom on one side it was a bit "washed out" either because the etching didn't take or it got over-polished afterwards (see photo). I reached out to Fidestisan and they told me that it was likely the result of time put into budget sword production--remember, we're talking about a $155USD sword. I was able to clean this up myself using a combination of salt electrolysis etching and then some cold blue to bring out the details in the etching (see photos).Confession: I'm not a huge fan of the movie, I just liked the look of this sword (and, yeah, thought it would be fun to have a sword in my collection I could call "Babydoll"), so I took a chance. And I have to say: For the money, I got an attractive and functionally tough sword that feels good in hand. Very happy with my purchase.

The media could not be loaded. This katana looks AMAZING! I’m using it for my Suckerpunch Babydoll Cosplay and I couldn’t be happier! You can’t find a more accurate sword out there! Buy this! You won’t regret it!

Very nice sword, razor sharp. Cut paper right out of the box. Engraving on both sides is very well done. You wont be sorry picking this one up.

This is a very nice sword! I’m very happy with my purchase! Surpassed my expectations. I would not hesitate getting another one like this.