i hear that these swords are only ornamental, and that they don't really work. is the one featured on this site a real, functional sword as it says?
no its an iaito only good for looking good. so dont bother. buy a real sword see this thread http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5916 its on www.swordforum.com a very coolplace if you like swords
Hardly an iaito, it does appear to have an abreviated tsuka but that is where the commonalities end. As far as 'functionality' goes that depends on your needs. For the sake of cutting I would say yes. Practicality as a combat impliment? doubtfuly. Its just a VERY impractical design, notos, draws, hell even the way you wear the saya would be upside down and backwards. Supported blocks, sheds, stabs, and cuts would be impossible with out *serious* injury. The nature of the geometry makes it inheritently weak as well, regardless of tempering. Is it something I would practice iai and cutting with? No, way too dangerous and very impractical. Does it make a nice conversation piece? Possibly
