Model 001 of the Dojo Pro series is called the Tomoe due to its distinctive triad, comma shaped, solid iron (tomoe style) tsubu – an exact copy of an actual edo era antique that symbolizes the ‘cycle of life’.
Like all the fittings of these swords, the tsuba is solid iron – but so is the fuchi (band at the top of the handle) AND the kashira (end cap) – all acting in harmony to strongly reinforce the structural integrity of the entire handle in a way that is almost never seen on other swords under the $500 price point (nevermind on swords under $300!).
The tsuka/handle assembly itself is exceptionally tight and well put together, double pegged with silk ito wrapped over REAL rayskin (tied in the traditional alternating style to prevent the ito moving during use), all tightly bound to a quality wooden core.
Furthermore, the handle is also properly ergonomically ‘shaped’ to follow the curve of the blade AND fit comfortably into the hand, creating a safe and firm grip - another rarity at this price point.
As you can see from the picture, these swords feature high end brass seppa (spacers) and habaki (blade collar) as well as hard wearing intertwining black and white sageo to tie the saya to your obi (belt).
The saya (sheath) itself thick and made from dense, high quality wood, after all you don’t put hand cut and polished buffalo horn Kurikata, Koguchi and Kojiri on an inferior saya (in the case of the Tomoe – the saya is black and the buffalo horn accents a rich chocolate brown that reveal a reddish underhue when exposed to direct sunlight).
The strength of the fittings ALONE are head and shoulders above any other sword maker anywhere near this price point, but the 28” blade takes it to a whole new level again..
These 1060, through tempered non nonsense monosteel blades are exceptionally HONEST and RELIABLE.
Hand forged and solidly built, there is not a trace of pretentiousness about them – no fake hamon, no bo-hi and no BS.
They are quite simply just extremely practical, utilitarian blades made according to the Dotanuki forging tradition – a school of sword making that made simple ‘maru’ lamination blades with a reputation for being plain, practical and to the point (speaking of which, the kissaki tip of the blade is reinforced with a diamond shape for added durability and transitioned much nicer than most other hand made monotempered blades at this price point).
Weighing 2.6lbs with a point of balance 5” from the tsuba these swords are designed for the CUT, not fluffing around with. In short they are serious blades with serious fittings designed as SERIOUS dojo workhorses..!
How to Use
Materials and Construction
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Featured positive reviews:
I love this sword and you can tell its quality by the feel and weight and sturdiness. All is well and I fixed the issue i had with it but the sheath has a wooden knob that holds the rope that ties onto your body. That wooden knob literally just fell off. I just used gorilla glue to fix it back on but it did strike me as odd that it would just fall off. Idk but otherwise its a darn good sword.
Our responseMost swords at this price point don't come with Buffalo Horn, just a wooden Kurikata. The positive side to a wooden Kurikata is it's cheap and its the same material, so it won't expand or contract at different rates if the temperature or barometric pressure suddenly drops.. Buffalo Horn on the other hand, is much more stable and solid than wood, so when the wood warps and, having made them using traditional rice glue, they pop off! It's not super common, but common enough. When I first heard it I could not believe it because try as I might I could not break off the Kurikata without smashing it off with a hammer.. When it happens, either use rice glue, wood glue or get serious with some Gorilla Glue or similar product. Pretty simple fix, and luckily not SUPER common, but common enough to be annoying.. If you need further assistance, shoot us an email at customer service.
