Reviews and Ratings for Cold Steel 88K Emperor Series Katana Sword 29.5" Carbon Steel Blade

(3 reviews)

3.3 out of 5 stars

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1 star

Cold Steel 88K Emperor Series Katana Sword 29.5 inch Carbon Steel Blade

Price: $464.95

Save $360.04 (44%) Off Retail

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David G
Merrimack, Nh

Dec 12, 2015

Pros: Blade Material, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Materials, Sheath/Scabbard, Finish, Usable

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Cold Steel 88K Emperor Series Katana

Cold Steel 88K Emperor Series Katana 29-1/2" Carbon Steel Blade is a production sword for under $1000.00. It cannot be compared with a Shinken. That being said, it is a very good modern production Katana for its price. The sword balance is 5 inches forward of the Habaki with a Hi and it is a hefty sword. The geometry is not apple seed and the edge is sharp/very sharp so don't expect to shave with it, but sharper would be impractical. Every component was tightly fitted except the Kashira. The Tsuka-Ito (silk) was very tightly wrapped and very well done, but not silky and provided a positive grip. The Same appeared to be a solid one piece wrap with moderate sized nodes (no Emporers). The Saya is of reasonable over all quality, but has only wood at the Koi-Guchi. The blade in Saya will rattle so edge-up Mune-down. Buy from a reputable dealer who QC's these products. dcg309

Henry B
thibodaux

Apr 06, 2012

Pros: Blade Material, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Materials, Sheath/Scabbard, Finish, Usable

Cons: None

very good deal

Back yard slasher! Knife center rules! Fast shipping. Great deal. Make sure its in stock before you order, I wanted the warrior series, but I'm so glad I got the emperor worth the few extra bucks. Thank you again knife center

Darran
Port Alberni, BC

Jul 08, 2019

Pros: Usable

Cons: Blade Material, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Materials, Sheath/Scabbard, Finish

Brutal Craftsmanship

I realize this is not a very high end sword. That said, there are somethings I would expect of any sword maker. Firstly: The fittings of the Tsuka and the Saya were all loose. To the point now, 3 months after purchasing, are all falling off or are horribly loose including the Kashira. The Kojiri fitting does not line up even close creating a hook the catches on my Hakama belt every time I remove the sword for different fight training techniques (I am an instructor in Teukgong KomBeop). The Tsuka-ito (handle wrap) is so loose, that I can move the wrapping 1/4" back and forth. The Saya was chipped on receiving. Not such a big deal, but that should have been a red-flag to send it back right away. Secondly: The sageo was and is horribly frayed after only 3 months of very light use. Light use is once a week practicing the 14 cutting sequences (katas) without actually cutting anything. Thirdly and most importantly: I gave my sword to my master for inspection, and after a lengthy time with it, he found the blade is bent. Not by a lot granted, but it is noticeable and does affect the handling of the sword inasmuch as I cannot cut anything with it properly, whether at 45 or 90 degree cuts. The sword always twists midway through the cut. The sad thing is, I cannot return it as it did not meet the return policy requirements. Buyer beware on this sword, and thoroughly inspect your sword before getting rid of the original box.