1st Gen Masahiro Highlander Katana Sword (Duncan), Functional and Battle Ready For Sale

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1st Gen Masahiro Highlander Katana Sword (Duncan), Functional and Battle Ready:
$69.99

He has walked the streets for 400 years, immortal and ready to face any danger. When confronted with another of his kind he takes their head, and with it, their power. He is... the Highlander. 



...And this is his sword. The Masahiro 1st Generation Highlander is not an officially licensed Highlander product, but it is a functional and battle ready Dragon Head Katana similar to the one used by Duncan Macleod in the Highlander television series and movies. Below is a review I did for this sword. I love mine and think it is an amazing sword! It\'s truly a hidden gem. But if you read the review below, you will see I am brutally honest about the pros and cons of this sword and you will have a completely realistic idea of what to expect. I can also provide you with links to a video review as well as to videos of the sword in action.

Why did I decide to get this sword? One simple reason, my friends. Netflix put all six seasons of Highlander the Series on Watch Instantly! I had always been a fan of the show, but never bought a sword because I have only ever wanted to buy “real” (aka functional) swords. The last time I had considered buying one, the only functional one available was a hand carved handle by Sal D’Aquila mounted on a (then) Kris Cutlery blade. It was waaaaaayyyy out of my price range. But I discovered that now, due to the proliferation of Chinese forges I could get a Masahiro “1st Generation” Highlander sword made from 1045 carbon steel for under $100.

Initial Impressions:

The sword was very light and manageable. The saya was glossy black. The fittings were a gaudy bright fake gold. The fitting at the top of the saya was loose, and I had to take steps to tighten it later because it kept falling off every time I drew the sword! None of the other swords I examined had that problem. The hamon is wire brushed, but was polished so nicely on mine that, at first I thought it might be real. Other swords I examined had a much more obviously wire brushed hamon, and now that I know what I am looking for, it is pretty obvious on mine as well. The handle looked pretty good, but I could see an obvious seam from the mould on the bottom side.

Statistics

When I bought mine, it was advertized as 1045 carbon steel. Sharpness and performance seem consistent with that.

Overall Length: 41 1/2\'\'

Blade: 28 1/4\'\'

Weight: 2 lb 1.2 oz

P.O.B.: 5 3/8\'\'

Thickness: 6.7 mm - 5.1 mm

Width: 32.1 mm

Components:

The Blade/Nagasa

The blade has a bo-hi running the length of the blade. Fake, wire brushed hamon. Looks decent on mine, but looked pretty fake on some others I saw. It is advertised as being both handmade and hand sharpened and it was indeed very sharp. I was able to cut paper with it.

The Handle/Tsuka

This is NOT an officially licensed Highlander product! However, to my untrained eye, it looks like Duncan’s sword to me. Certainly, it is plenty good enough to allow me to live out the momentary fantasy of being a Highlander Immortal.

Some literature I found said the handle is double pegged, but I am sure it has at least one peg, because it is hidden behind the ugly fake ruby. That is also far enough down the handle to make me feel pretty confident that it has a full tang. Experimental tapping at the handle suggests the tang ends about 11 inches into the handle, or so. I contacted the manufacturer and they stated the handle cannot be removed, which suggests it is also glued on. Either way, it seems very secure. There is not a hint of movement in the handle or any of the sword’s fittings.

The Guard/Tsuba

It looks close enough to the show, design-wise. The fake gold is way too bright and fake looking. It is probably zinc.

The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira

Same as above.

The Scabbard/Saya

The saya was glossy black. The fittings were a gaudy bright fake gold. The fitting at the top of the saya was loose, and I had to take steps to tighten it later because it kept falling off every time I drew the sword! None of the other swords I examined had that problem.

Handling Characteristics

Handled like a dream. And though I am new to kats, I have handled swords before. It is light, responsive and well balanced.

Test Cutting

Cut plastic bottles easily. And, despite my misgivings, I did attempt some half inch green bamboo. I made several successful cuts. Then I botched one that sent the bamboo flying without cutting it. There was no bend to the sword, or damage to the edge. The blade seemed tough! Couldn’t ask for more out of this inexpensive sword, this sword is under $100. So, the QC is not 100% consistent. Sometimes you get a loose fitting on the saya, or a tiny spot of rust on the blade. But it handles like a dream and cuts well. It also looks enough like a decent replica of the prop sword to satisfy me. Frankly, I love it!

Pros

- Light and well balanced.

- Cuts bottles easily.

- Fulfills the “Highlander” fantasy.

Cons

- Some inconsistency in QC.

- Mine had a loose saya fitting. Another had a few spots of rust on the top of the blade.

- The handle is the reason you will buy it. But as “hardened resin” (aka plastic,) it is also the weak link and the reason I wouldn’t over use it.

*****Please contact me before leaving negative or neutral response! I accept returns and will be happy to work with you!*****


(Key Words: Sword, samurai, katana, Highlander, Duncan, Macleod, mclowd, martial arts, karate, kenjutsu, kendo, iaido, aikido, Japanese.)


(Key Words: Sword, samurai, katana, Highlander, Duncan, Macleod, mclowd, martial arts, karate, kenjutsu, kendo, iaido, aikido, Japanese.)