Cold Steel 88W Emperor Series Wakizashi 21" Carbon Steel Blade
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$394.95

MSRP* : $699.99 | You Save* : $305.04 (44%)
rated 3.3 stars out of 5 Read 3 reviewsWrite a Review
Part #: CS88W | Cold Steel Knives
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Description

CS88W: Emperor Series | Wakazashi

Cold Steel

Our factory has used only traditional materials for our Japanese sword's fittings. The Tsuba (guard), Fuchi (collar), and Kashira (pommel), are expertly made and finely crafted in nickel-silver brass.

The Habaki (blade collar) is hand made out of nickel-silver brass and each hilt is covered in Samé (ray skin) and tightly wrapped in the traditional style with black silk cord. A beautiful Menuki (a small ornamental sculpture inserted between the ray skin and the cord wrappings on the handle) enhances the sword's aesthetic appearance and makes for a sword that is as traditional looking as we can possibly make it.

All feature fully sharpened 1055 carbon steel blades, each heat treated to a spring temper. The blade surface is then given a careful polish by hand, with a distinctive mirror polish applied to the fuller (blood groove).

All come complete with a BLACK LACQUERED SCABBARD and a BLUE-VIOLET COVER BAG.

Specifications

  • Item Number: 88W
  • Name: Emperor Series (Wakazashi)
  • Blade Length: 21"
  • Overall Length: 27 1/2"
  • Steel: 1055 Carbon
  • Weight: 25 oz
  • Handle: 6 1/8" Samé (Ray Skin) Handle w/ Black Silk Braid Cord w/ Brass Menuki
  • Scabbard: Black Lacquered Wood Scabbard

UPC Code: 705442003809

Related Categories

Cold Steel Knives, Cold Steel Emperor Series Swords, 1055 Blade Steel, Ray Skin Handle Material, Swords, Swords Asian Style

Badges

Product Steel Type Badge: 1055 Carbon Steel

Customer Reviews

Cold Steel 88W Emperor Series Wakizashi 21" Carbon Steel Bladerated 3.333 stars out of 5 (3 reviews)
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Cold Steel 88W Emperor Series Wakizashi 21" Carbon Steel Blade
rated 1 stars out of 5
Darran
 British Columbia
Jun 02, 2019
Pros: Usable
Cons: Blade Material, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Materials, Sheath/Scabbard, Finish
Buy something else
I was so excited to receive my sword as I teach and practice a form of swordsmanship from S. Korea that is a blend of Iaido and Kendo. When it arrived I should have sent it back right away as the scabbard was chipped and the eyelets for the sageo were not attached. I decided to overlook those small details (big mistake) and the more I got to know the sword, the less impressed I was. The handle wrap is so loose it's starting to fray even though I've only owned the sword for a month. The other brass fittings do not fit properly like the cap on the bottom of the scabbard and the sageo eyelets have come loose again. The rayskin is crooked under the handle wrap and the wooden dowels used to anchor the handle to the sword look like they were smashed in by a 7 year old who was way too excited to have a hammer in their hands.On top of all that, I showed it to my sword master and he discovered a very slight bend in the sword midway down from the handle.I would return it, but it does not fit the return policy for knife centre, plus the costs of the shipping, duty (I live in Canada), and returning it would almost equal the cost of the sword. so I'm stuck with it. Stay way away from this one.
Cold Steel 88W Emperor Series Wakizashi 21" Carbon Steel Blade
rated 5 stars out of 5
Alex
 Maryland
Aug 20, 2008
Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Finish, Usable
Cons: None
To Add To My Review
I noticed that this item is slightly different from the one I purchased. I have the old Imperial Series Wakazashi, it looks more like the current Warrior Series. I think both these swords are made in the same forge in China (as well as this one). But, if this sword is as light as they say it is (25oz.) that is somewhat lighter than mine. A good weight for a Wakazashi is under a pound and a half (24oz.) but if this weight is accurate, that isn't bad. Balance still counts for alot, but hopefully that has improved as well.
Cold Steel 88W Emperor Series Wakizashi 21" Carbon Steel Blade
rated 4 stars out of 5
Alex
 Maryland
Aug 20, 2008
Pros: Usable, Overall Quality, Materials, Finish
Cons: None
A Good Compromise
I have mixed feelings about production Japanese swords. Unless you pay a couple thousand dollars for a Katana or Wakazashi you are surely making a compromise in at least one of the following areas: Durability, Weight, Cutting Power, Overall Usability. This sword is better than most in many respects because it only really suffers in one of these areas, Weight. This however, is a fairly serious compromise in terms of its authenticity. A 'real' Japanese sword can be drawn and wielded very quickly due to its light weight and fine balance. I have fairly strong shoulders and forearms, but I still find myself being pulled into the cut because of the heft of this sword.Having said all that, this is a good product. It is a real sword in the sense that it cuts well and won't break when hit with another sword (or other metal item). By contrast, a Paul Chen Japanese (Style) sword is for cutting only and will chip or break if struck. This sword comes very sharp and pointy, and the polished blade and fittings look great. And when all is said and done, this is a fearsome weapon. Certainly the one I would reach for in the event of a zombie attack.Finally, if you are getting a sword with these traditional fittings, you should learn to take the handle off and put it back on. I had to do this as soon as I got it because the tang pin was not big enough (it's just a piece of bamboo) and I had to fashion a new one. Once I did that the handle was tight and worked fine.