Cold Steel Emperor Katana Review

I have been asked by a few folks to review a cold steel sword and here it is..
These are some of the important links in the video..
Buying the Sword..
www.coldsteel.com/katana-emperor-series.html
www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=CS88K
www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Katana-Wood-Scabbard/dp/B0006YZ3X4
Info on Cold Steel Drama..
www.coldsteel.com/blog/cat/letters/post/letter-from-a-hunter/
knifenews.com/san-mai-trademark-cold-steel-issues-open-letter-to-the-knife-community/
www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/529305-Cold-Steel-ads-the-very-worst
Blade 28.5"
Handle 11"
Weight 2lb8oz
POB 5.5" from tsuba
Link to the new facebook spot - MatthewJensenSwordReview/
Link to the new patreon spot - www.patreon.com/Krunan
Link to my ebay sales page - www.ebay.com/usr/krunangree

[@samgreer8596]

Thanks. you saved me some $$ LOL. You know what I'd like to see in your videos? Alternatives, especially when you think there are superior alternatives to a sword around the same price. Also, I'd like to see a Matt Jensen top 10 list or a top pick by price range. Thanks for making these.

[@vanuaturly]

San mai is japanese for "3 layers", essentially a core of hard steel with a layer on each side of less brittle, more durable steel. It is a common term in the knife making world and therefore should be protected from copyright due to prior use. A copyright never should have been granted. Lynn may be a jerk, I don't care. He may hunt exotic animals, I don't care. Cold steel may have over the top hyperbole, I don't care. Cold steel may design products for durability over accuracy, I don't care. Using a b.s. copyright claim to lawyer up and bully small producers who don't have the cash to fight back? They can fuck right off.

[@similaritiesendhere]

I'm confused. Isn't the spine(core) supposed to be flexible while the edge is hard? What you described sounds like a blade that dulls easily and is easy to shatter. EDIT: Nevermind. I was confusing the hard center with the spine material.

[@adityasarkar6812]

similaritiesendhere yeah he got it the other way around

[@similaritiesendhere]

@@adityasarkar6812 He's actually right. The misunderstanding comes the fact that the "hard center" forms the edge. The forward facing portion is left exposed so that it can be shaped and sharpened. The soft outer pieces form the spine and sides.

[@ianpearch9466]

Ooo somebody watches forged in fire

[@DrJuice1]

i get that it's a pretty cheap production sword, but that paper wedged inside is ridiculous.

[@kcbeem123]

I sensed no bias at all... Great review!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I tried..

[@MF-le7fp]

I get the impression Cold Steel swords (and their knives), tend to be hit or miss. The company lacks consistency. Which means it's basically a "private labeling" company, slapping their name on the highest quality, with lowest "cost per unit" sword makers they can strike a deal with. And more than likely....what we are seeing here is the result of the convergence of like items coming through multiple supply chains. Gotta love the the "land of the discounted rising sun." Imho, not worth the $.

[@mi5veezee]

I think you would have saved us and yourself some time if you had not spoken about second hand sword that was clearly used and then jacked up. It would have been more appropriate to get new one from somewhere and then procede with your normal runthrough. I think your opinions are genuine and with knowledge. Its shame you think so badly of Cold Steel. They make swords and knives for all flavors from Highend like you like to lower end for folks like me who cant quite afford the high end stuff like you. Anyway thanks for the review of cold steel.

[@nmmrg]

Man this video lead me down a rabbit hole, trying to find info on the silver usage on the fittings. I didn't think Cold Steal had silver fittings so I starting hunting for info and found that it's nickel-silver, which doesn't contain any silver. It's basically just brass with nickel so you're not going to get a patina.

[@matthewgarza2865]

wow I've been using the Cold Steel Warrior series Katana for 4 years now still going strong,I cut with it all the time it's been sharpen maybe four or five times since I got it but I cut trees and and I'm talkin Mesquite trees and you know everything else in between nothing over 3 in of wood I've had to replace the handle on it and bought it from Cold Steel themselves they would not replace my handle I was a very dissatisfied with their customer service but the sword is actually held up really nice I just put new handle on it in fact I still use it I've always wanted to get the emperor's sword but I didn't want to have to deal with their customer service again because it was just that horrible

[@That_dude_who_knows_some_stuff]

Man your reviews are spot on! Thanks for this I'm loving it

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thank you.

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

It would be awesome if you could get your hands on Cold Steel’s Special Katanas. In my opinion, they sound like they are built to a higher standard and employ more traditional methods. -Mizutori Katana (1095 Steel) -Gold Lion Katana (Damascus Steel)

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I'm on the look out for one but they are more than I would like to spend right now.

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

Matthew Jensen Are you looking to buy it second hand? The prices that are not through cold steel are pretty reasonable in my opinion. By the way, do you have an authentic Tamahagane Katana in your portfolio?

[@KissakiShinobi]

I think wrapping paper around the tang is totally fine! It is a traditional way to improve the fit! - Done that 100x times!

[@jacehorning2100]

When I bought my warrior series O katana it came dull as well, really sad and I also bought mine on amazon as well years ago.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I get the impression that the quality control might be a bit off. Some folks seem to get a good one and others seem to have a dud.

[@carolinojed]

Buy from the site Not amazon

[@bradwjensen]

Question. Did you in any way inform Cold Steel of your KZbin channel, or that you would be doing a review on the product?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

In a somewhat round about way, yes. Its hard to know how far back to go to explain... I suppose its best to say I contacted someone at cold steel to ask questions about the first emperor katana I had. It was a second hand piece and I did not expect them to do anything but I thought I would ask if they would. I really wanted to know if they could explain some of the issues I was having. Sometimes there is a method behind the madness and I wanted to see if they would share any insight. Anyway, the person that I contacted at cold steel knew that I did sword reviews because I had contacted them before about the possibility of a review sample. They had declined my request a few months before I contacted them about my issue with the emperor katana. I am not sure if that changed the outcome of the situation or not. I am not sure if the person remembered that I did sword reviews, if they did I don't know that they would have cared given the size of my channel. I think the reason I got a new one in return is because they lost parts that went to my original. That is a little speculative on my part though. Anyway, hope that helps answer the question.

[@samholt4139]

Everytime you cut with the skyjiro you reposition you feet planting your weight into a more stable platform and your energy starts from the ground up and that might be a factor in why it cut much better

[@geemeff]

Sweet video bud!!! What katana would you recommend?

[@86BRETT86]

For the money that the Cold Steel Katana cost, what Katana would you have bought for the similar price?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

It depends on what I was going for. For mat cutting a Hawei practical XL, for durability, a dojo pro from Ronin or a Hanwei Raptor, for something that worked balance wise for iai I might look at a hanwei shinto. It just depends on what you are after.

[@NuMetal2001]

What if I want something that looks really good but can be used in battle in the event that ninjas break into my house in the middle of the night but probably will just hang on my wall and look pretty. Something comparable to the price of a Cold Steel blade.

[@ravenbird111]

the roninkatana Bare blade, its pretty and functional and it cost's around the same as the cold steel one

[@fritzx7040]

Look at Yarinohanzo, the finnishing is definitely way better than cold steel - cs got a quality problem, obviously.

[@santanajackson6160]

Im getting a hanwei raptor . those are the only hanweis that I really like . you just cant go wrong with 5160 spring steel blades . im also not a fan of cold steel katanas

[@williamgaspari626]

Hi Matthew,what do you think about the Cold Steel mizutori katana and the Cold Steel Dragonfly katana?thanks man!best regards from Italy, William

[@Intrepid_Explorer]

Man, Cold Steel's QC really sucks nowadays; what a shame. They used to be top notch back in the day.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have a limited experience. The QC here is a mix but the service was pretty good. I hope I can get my hands on a warrior katana in the not too distant future.

[@shanejohnson382]

I like the review! Let's be honest about 1 thing, this sword can be bought new for $350 to $380, making it almost $200 cheaper than the DOMOE you compared it to. Cold Steel's MSRP is not what it sells for. Maybe one of the toughest blades, but that does suck that the balance is bad.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Most of my critiques hold up at a different price but I don't see any authorized dealers selling at $350, looks like $450 at Kult of Athena. Grey market is not something I was considering as the results could lead to the dull version I got the first go round.

[@shanejohnson382]

I don't seem to get them very sharp, just barely cuts paper, I think that just seems to be the standard. Just for example, today -... Ebay store United Outdoors-$337.50, BeachAudio-$344.36, MyGoods-$345.76, ECOP-$351.40, Cold Steel's Amazon-$359.99, Optics Planet-$379.99, Knife Center-$391.95 - all those prices include shipping. Maybe if you pay a higher retail price you get it sharper, but I have my doubts. Still, I do appreciate your review it was well done!

[@martincisneros4909]

Great review. I recently purchased a cold steel Dragonfly Katana. I have to admit I was disappointed at the fact that it wasn't that sharp. Wouldn't have been able to cut through bottles or anything for that matter. Luckily I know how to sharpen so spent quite a bit of time developing the edge. Now my Dragonfly Katana would be able to cut through just about anything I put it up against within reason.

[@bloodwing9597]

paper wrap is traditional if i am not mistaken ! the only complaint i have with mine is the guard can chew up your hand if held to close !!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

It is a common fix but not something you would expect to see on a new sword. Particularly an expensive one.

[@tamatoa8261]

How do you not notice its full blade right off the bat? That's always the first thing I check.

[@riquestrong9496]

so will the silver fittings eventually tarnish or chip off? i feel like iron fittings would be more durable in the long run

[@tonycerki]

what would be your choice for approx 500 usd battle ready katana since this one is on sale on cult of athena? tnx

[@MrBigJake75]

I love your reviews always entertaining!

[@whitefly0099]

Japanese Sword by Akamatsu can you rate this top-end swordmaker I would much like I am looking to buy?

[@justintaylor8085]

do you know anything about the honshu boshin swords esp the modern katana?and if so,are they worth the money?ive been looking at them for about 2 years and cant find a good review on them

[@Matthew_Jensen]

nope, have never had one.

[@ramonvelasquez8431]

I never liked Cold Steel too much for what it is anyway and I'd buy pretty much any other brand before them. Not just for katanas but any other type of sword. I don't hate them just don't think their stuff is worth the price when you can get some reasonably good or better things out there for the same price.

[@trinidadmartinezjr7108]

Is the Kult of Athena site legit to purchase from?

[@gottberg2327]

Absolutely

[@RighteousReaper50BMG]

Hey Matt I'm very interested in buying a sword from cold steel but watching your videos I'm like idk now I feel a lil skeptical because I wanted to get the cold steel dragonfly katana let me know should I buy it or not or what's a good battle ready sword I should get and where from?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I can't say I am a fan personally. Though I suppose it depends on what you want in a sword. - This video might help you sort out what questions to ask kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ-ag4JsgdppaKc&lc=z13afdw5so3xuriki23dd3qihpupdlguc

[@kewintaylor7056]

I never own a real sword....coldsteel...seems have good quality... but from a mono steel without hamon... With the price....seems over price for me!..... A factory sword should be much cheaper than that!...😝👍

[@ravenbird111]

My cold steel crane katana aslo had the paper under the tsuka. And when i removed the paper the sword was all kind of wiggly in the tsuka

[@XboogalooX1]

hey Matt do u put any oil or vaseline on ur blades when u store them? these blades being high carbon steel.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I use CLP and that is a kind of oil.

[@XboogalooX1]

@@Matthew_Jensen bro, I literally just watched ur video about maintenance and went to the store today to pick up some CLP, and Nevr-dull...THNX 4 ur vids mann they're a big help💯

[@Citizen_0_5]

Great videos. Those drunk ones are awesome! LOL

[@Sweetchilliheat18]

I bought the warrior katana and I find it a bit heavy and not super smooth. I have no training, but I'm looking for something faster and super sharp, differentially tempered. But still durable. I was looking at thaitsuki and they have a 1024 fold blade with hand carved silver fittings for like $3000 but I'm wondering if a $300 Paul Chen something or other would be just as good. I'm into bullion and coins so the silver fitting speak to me but I'm wondering if you can get them separate or just I'm so lost lol

[@showingYOUtheworld]

That's what I mean. You don't get the same quality from the cold steel videos.

[@KingTotz]

I know right. It's deceptive, pure bs

[@SaltyMaverick]

Thanks for the information. I've been debating with myself for a long time on whether or not I should try buying a Cold Steel katana (particularly the o-katana, considering I don't see many of those at good prices). With your review, I think I'm sure now that I don't want to, despite the fact that I do like some of their products. I own a couple of Cold Steel's sabers (the 1796 British light cavalry saber and the "gentleman's saber"), as well as some of their knives, and have never had a bad experience with them.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thanks for sharing that you have had some positive experiences. I would venture a guess that Cold Steel has a lot of satisfied customers out there or they would not still be in business. Glad the review helped.

[@SaltyMaverick]

Yeah, they've always had some quality control issues to my knowledge (some seem to be growing more common), but I think most of their products are pretty good when they get it right. I actually think it's specific product lines that have more issues than others, as their knives seem to have the least amount of issues, and their sabers seem pretty consistent. It's when you get to their Western sword lines that you tend to see more problems. I knew their katanas have been known to exhibit some problems, such as loosely wrapped tsuka-ito and dings/scratches on the sayas, but those were issues I was willing to overlook. After all, I could probably fix those issues relatively easily. I've re-wrapped a tsuka myself before. Given, it wasn't a professional job, but it was tight and pretty even. Dullness of the blade and paper wrapped around the tang, though? I wouldn't be so willing to accept that, especially for the price. Glad they were decent enough to get that sorted out for you.

[@skane-yi8kc]

Good well produced detailed review as always. Looks like CS is still using Huanuo forge, the same forge making Dynasty Forge stuff. The Huanuo shinogi zukuri pieces I've seen from DF and CS have thick blades, flat-grind cutting planes (i.e. no hira niku profile), and low shinogi (mune thickness equal or greater than thickness at shinogi). All these factors make them drag and pull horribly through dense targets, even with a razor sharp edge. Lancelot Chan from SBG had a thread about this, where he basically just grinded down the shinogi ji on a CS piece and the cutting performance improved dramatically. But there's still those flat grind cutting planes that kill performance... IME, Huanuo blade and mount quality (for CS and DF) is above average for the price point. They do make a gem of a cutter for Dynasty Forge, which is the DF Musha Shobu Zukuri. DF got it right on the blade specs for Huanuo to execute that model; I have 4 samples of those, and it's one of the best medium-heavy tatami cutters I've used at any price point. Sorry for the long wind post and going off topic into Huanuo and DF subjects. Thanks for the review!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I had a few Dynasty Forge Musha blades but not the shobu. Most of them have been hefty blades as well.. The other blades from DF have handled better like the bushi and the diamyo

[@skane-yi8kc]

Yep the DF Musha shinogi zukuri blades are tanks and handle accordingly. If you can get a DF (Huanuo) Musha Shobu it's a bit different in a good way. They can be sometimes rough out of box and need some work, but the ones I own have wicked good base blade geometry (distal taper, subtle hira niku, narrow hasaki entry angle, high shinogi, symmetric cutting planes, optimal hira ji width, etc.). Great thick-mat cutters. The paper wrapped nakago looks like an owner did it. Huanuo uses shims, but they've always used thin wood from what I've seen.

[@sankojin]

I liked this video Matthew, you did a good job and I always look forward to them. I do agree with your review of the sword. Its an okay sword but for the price you can get something that is a lot better in terms of an all around sword now a days. I had no idea that the nagasa and tsuka would be that badly put together. I was very surprised by that. I have a cold steel katana and its the very first one they came out with. Before they had the dragonfly, warrior and emperor katana they had just one katana. I like it and I have had it for about 14 years. Its a super beefy blade and I have not sharpened it once. It still cuts like a razor and I have cut a lot of mats with it. May be they are having someone else make there swords now but the one I have is still rockin. Though mine you can no longer find anymore as it was there first line of swords. I also believe that I paid around 800 or 900 for it. At the time I bought it I also bought a paul chen bushido katana. My cold steel katana did just as good of a job cutting as my bushido katana. I bent the bushido katana a few times with a bad cut or two but my cold steel katana never bent or chipped. Also the samegawa on mine is a lot nicer and is a large nod style. The fittings are iron and the sword is very well made. I do not think the fittings on mine are cast but I could be wrong. I guess over the years cold steel started slacking on the sword to make more money it seems. Don't know if that is true or not but that's how I feel. I kind of want to send you my cold steel sword so you can review that one but since you cant buy it anymore I don't think it would do you or your viewers any good. I used to be a fan of there products but not anymore. I switched my EDC knife about a year ago from a cold steel voyager (also a first gen that you can buy anymore) to a benchmand contego and I am super happy with my contego. I love this knife. Well anyway just wanted to say thanks for doing all these sword reviews and keep it up.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thanks for the kind words on the review. I think I know what Cold Steel sword you are referencing. I think it was called the Chisa Katana or something like that or maybe the original Warrior Katana.. Not sure but I recall it has a dragon theme to it. I don't recall that one feeling as good in the hand as the bushido from hanwei but I never did a side by side comparison. The old Cold Steel blade I got to handle was still on the heavy side from what I recall. I am glad to hear it is sharp though. Something about this blade does not cut well and that is a bummer more than anything because it is a big chopper.

[@sankojin]

Its not a dragon theme, its more of a japan theme. The tusba is a circle and in the middle is a bonsai style looking tree. The fittings have like a cross cut shape to them and the kashira is like a smaller handachi. It is a very big blade and because of this it is tip heavy. Because of that it doesn't move as well as the bushido but the sword is like a razor sharp tank. Now that I have been trying my had at making tsukas and sayas Im thinking of doing a full mount of the blade. Giving it a longer tsuka to help balance it and to give me a little more practice before I finally do a full mount of my Rick Barrett san mai blade. Really been holding off on that as I am so afraid that I am going to mess of that blade if I don't carve out the saya correctly. The one I made for my hunter katana turned out pretty well but its hard to make out if I did any scratches to the blade with the saya as the polish on the L6 blades isn't that great. Really wish they spent a little extra time on the geometry of those blades and gave it a slightly better polish.

[@euanhare]

I own a sohei katana that I got for £134.99 and it took me three days to remove the tsuka and when I did it had cording tucked into the tank that I latter removed, it then made a few things ever so slightly loose but not to much. what's your opinion on things like that being used to better fit the sword?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Its not bad as a home remedy. Its also somewhat expected in inexpensive swords because it is easier to make pieces in a production run from a manufacturing standpoint. I guess its just not good for a "nice" new sword. I don't know what point you should expect things to be done properly and maybe that is the better question. Ideally the tsuka core is made for the nakago of the sword it is going on. Rather the wood core is made for the exact tang it is fit around. If that is done properly then that kind of filler is not required... at least on a new and unused sword.

[@angelosilva342]

I would say its always a bad thing. It implies the tsuka wasn't made for that blade. A permanent solution would be epoxy filling the gaps at the expense of never again being able to remove the tsuka. IMHO, a new handle is not hard to make.

[@euanhare]

+Matthew Jensen (Funny Sword Reviews) thank you for the words of wisdom my friend :^)

[@angelosilva342]

+Euan Hare no problem. For me its got to the point I always make a new tsuka with every sword :P

[@euanhare]

Well it is a functional sword that I only really display on top of a piano so it ain't that bad ;^)

[@MrMrbrianbechtel]

DO u think the problem with the cold steel is the lack of polish?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

no. The blade in the video was more problematic in terms of weight, dynamics, and quality control.

[@MrMrbrianbechtel]

@@Matthew_Jensen I used to really want this sword, now not so much... Good stuff, thanks!

[@brotherman37]

Do you have a review for the cold steel dragonfly? I looked on your page to see if there was a video for it, I did not see one. Because I really wanted to view the product as I am considering buying the wakizashi version of the dragonfly.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have not reviewed it. I have had one in the past, it was an interesting blade but had many of the same QC issues I noted in the Emperor katana review.

[@brotherman37]

@@Matthew_Jensen for approximately $300 would you say it's worth it? I'm really just looking for what they advertise, a very reliable heavy cutter, not from a practitioner standpoint just as an enthusiast.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

If it is in good shape, sharp, decent ito, and no major saya issues.. $300 is good. If it is dull, rusted, dinged, ect.. then I would spend that $300 elsewhere.

[@brotherman37]

@@Matthew_Jensen thank you appreciate the response.

[@doboldast3608]

Where do you get the skyjiro domoe katanas from?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Got them second hand. I get a number of items on forums, ebay, craigslist, ect..

[@SuperGiantGeckosLLC]

Previous owner added paper padding for shock absorbsion, great polish Put more emotion👊into your cutting-KILL your target!

[@ravenbird111]

I bought a cold steel crane katana brand new and it too had paper under the tsuka

[@KissakiShinobi]

Cutting the tetras shows that you have/had no idea what you are doing? How don't you go down the edge before setting up 6 tetra pacs. Also sharpening is an easy thing to do!

[@FabledHeroes3351]

So if you by it from Kult Of Athena will it be in better condition

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I don't know. I think it would be better than the first sword and maybe not as good as the second? Its hard to say.

[@FabledHeroes3351]

I thought you might know because they actually sharpen the swords they get and fix certain problems

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Its hard for me to say because I did not see the results of their work. I got a new one. The new one did not have issues but the note on KoA says that they seem to frequently have issues. I was happy with the condition of the new one though.. Mostly..

[@FabledHeroes3351]

Like I said before with Cold Steel it's usually a hit or miss

[@matthewgarza2865]

are u going to sell your cold steel Emperor katana I would be interested in it

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I did a while back

[@PhanthomKnight9]

Thanks dude. Saw this sword on emag (preety much romanian amazon) and wanted to get it.

[@humblelionserviteurdutresh2553]

Hello Il live in French When i Can ton buy this katana Price please?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I cannot help you on that one. I am not sure who sells cold steel in France. Though there is a sword smith in France by the name of Michaël Sabatier that does really nice swords. Probably a lot more expensive but at a different quality level as well.

[@iwilrage]

Ok so what sword do you recommend at the same price?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

most of the pieces from Hanwei, Huawei, Munetoshi, Ronin Katana, JKOO, Skyjiro, and a few others would be fitting

[@dkonakh6539]

Which of these would you say is the top product and most durable?

[@bloodwing9597]

I believe paper around the tang is traditionally used to tighten up the handle,and removal is a big no no on a nihoto!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

That is true. Paper shims are not uncommon. I have to admit I was not a fan of seeing that on a brand new sword though. Perhaps I am mistaken but paper shim are something that can be used to fix an issue after use... I don't think they should be there from the start right?

[@johndoe5229]

Would this be too big for a smaller women?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I can't answer without knowing the individual but if I were gambling, then I would say yes. Many of them have been stouter blades that favor resilience and appearance over agility. That said, I have known plenty of women in swordsmanship that use heavier swords and prefer them. It depends on the task and the person.

[@BigBoss-kn1yx]

Is high carbon steel 1095 better that L6 Bainite??

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Depends on what you are trying to do. If done well in a katana 1095 will hold and edge will but will not have the same shock resistance as L6 Banite. So if you are hitting hard things with it, 1095 can bend or break more easily but also holds an edge longer.

[@BigBoss-kn1yx]

@@Matthew_Jensen I need for tamashigeri

[@peterem]

pls make more videos about real custom and premium swords. I will be happy about such kind of vids and swords. thank you.

[@vishnudas3328]

pretty good and i believe you just saved me wasting £600 on something that doesnt move very fluidly thanks Mat

[@Matthew_Jensen]

glad it helped.

[@crackpipejoe3508]

Is 380$ US a good deal for this?⚔

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I don't think so. There are other swords at that price that seem to have a better value. Its not bad if you like it though.

[@ProphetMuhammadSuccessor]

hey man can you try those new cold steel katanas? like Damascus steel Lion series and stuff...

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have not found any second hand for a good deal yet. I will keep an eye out.

[@tengu190]

You should do a drunken review of the Cold Steel Steven Seagal product line.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have not found one at a price I would pay... I would like to do that though, seems like fun. I could do a good Seagal impression. We have similar size bald spots..

[@tengu190]

www.knifecenter.com/series/cold-steel-knives/cold-steel-steven-seagal One thing I don't like about Cold Steel. They price things so high and then resellers sell them for half MSRP.

[@J.T.Stillwell3]

You said “cold steel dojo pro series” but I think you were referring to ronin katana.

[@FabledHeroes3351]

Also normally with Cold Steel blades it's a hit or miss you'll either get what they show in the video or crap

[@firstname7780]

The geometry on that blade is also terrible it was heated and manually bent not naturally heat bent

[@Miciah-j1v]

I bought mine from the website and got mine sharp not razor sharp... but nothing a wet stone can't handle

[@finnishfatman]

Ok english isn't my main language so I might've misunderstood something... that's a second hand sword, so it means you bought it from someone who bought it from "factory"? If so, why would anyone ever expect the blade be sharp after someone has been using it? Kinda like expecting a taxi to have 0 kilometers on its odo when you buy it if it's been in use for years 🤔 I'm a knife guy myself. Don't own swords, but whenever I buy a knife, one of the first things I do is see how sharp it is and then sharpen it, because "factory sharp" isn't actually sharp. So it made me wonder how come one doesn't immediately check the condition of the blade, more so if it's second hand. I'm not defending CS, because I don't own any of their products, but just seems odd to me how some of these comments even seem to think CS is "shit" because the blade was dull... 🤷‍♂️ So in a way I'm wondering, is my english so bad I fail to understand the meaning of "second hand" in this context.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Second hand means that something could have happened but it looked like the sword was mostly unused. The edge was likely close to the way it came from the factory. I would argue that the edge should come sharp out of the box and that you should not need to sharpen it, especially with katana. That is just my opinion.

[@finnishfatman]

@@Matthew_Jensen Gotcha. Like I said, english isn't my countrys language so I understood the meaning like it was passed through hands, as in being used by someone else. But I gotta admit I do agree that blades should come as sharp as possible straight out of the factory. Pretty much only things meant for cutting or chopping that have been sharp have been stuff from Fiskars, like scissors and axes (and other products they make) that I've bought (not finnish biased at all... 😅). Each knife from different companies tho always needed sharpening which I personally don't mind. It's somewhat relaxing to start working on the edge to make it sharp. But since I don't own swords, I don't know how much work they take to get them cutting. And after my first comment I did a bit of researching for CS products and it would seem they do have some quality issues (like their cheap "machete" katana could break in half and also being less than sharp out of the box etc) so in a way it seems they just make kinda cheap products that at first glance might look good, but are more display replicas. I don't know their stuff personally tho, but that's the picture I've got 🤔 And that makes me wonder if their blades are good enough to even be sharp enough to pass as cheapish training alternative. I'm very much interested in japanese swordsmanship, but to get into that, it would cost a fortune to buy anything decent here in Finland, so since they sell CS swords here too cheaply, I do wonder if they'd be even worth it as a starter 🤷‍♂️

[@GAMESTERVISION]

Can you do HMS sword company next? Get the lotus blossom at very least. I think they will surprise you greatly..

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have seen their products in the past (though not recently) and I don't recall having any feelings one way or the other about them. I would be happy to do a review but I don't think my request for a sample was ever answered.

[@GAMESTERVISION]

@@Matthew_Jensen ah. No problem:) I think you are a cool guy and you have a friend here in Wisconsin

[@I_hunt_lolis]

Not clay tampered :/

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Oh yeah do you want to know why it was easier for cold steel to send you a new one, because none of them can forge or smith, I doubt anybody at cold steel HQ can even use a belt sander, all of their blades are made in south Africa and other outsourced tool factory workshops. The founder of cold steel has never made a knife in his life as far as I am aware.

[@shanemanitzas6329]

Is this a "battle ready sword"?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

it is stable for use on tatami and similar targets. Not sure if that is what you are asking.

[@lordsunshine4793]

Excellent vid man I subscribed and I hope to see your channel grow.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thanks.

[@showingYOUtheworld]

I am not fan of CS as well! The Cold Steel Katanas are Chinese made. I am not saying, that it's a bad thing, but in the same time CS denied that info.

[@jetserg]

If you try to tighten the handle of a sword with flux, it will break with battle use, Paper is the perfect and preferred solution, the original was fibers from bamboo, a form of paper equal to rice paper. It'll last for many battles., so "not cool" is a rather ignorant response, no offense.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

That is fair. Still do you expect it on a brand new sword? It is better than some alternatives, I will give you that. Still I would argue that you should not find shims in any new sword. After some use or even with age, a shim like paper might be needed but not right out of the box.

[@buffordevans6942]

I have to agree with Matt on this one .. Now Matt to my question that I alluded to months ago .. Why ohh why are you more interested in modern or production swords over Historical actual swords and military swords ?

[@coreychambers416]

I get it bro you’re not a fan of cold steel just like I’m not a fan of certain football teams I respect your opinion 👍🏽

[@estebanchiadote.9174]

Un consejo amigo independiente de la calidad de la katana debes aprender la técnica correcta para cortar(kiri waza)y así tu video tendrá más seriedad y credibilidad!!!..ozzu!!

[@PutYourQuarterUpGaming]

Ive recently started collecting katana. Have one...cheaper sword from “Hand Made Swords” off amazon (1060, hand forged, tempered basic, assembly line construction however and sharpening, $150US), and one from Sato Swords(1095c clay temp’d unokubi zukuri style, $400US). Looking at cold steel site, prices are criminal. Only 1060 steel(on all of them), reviews saying visibly see glue on parts where should be a friction fit, no Rockwell ratings, something “mirror finishing”(katanas traditionally are not finished, why oil them essentially raw metal), not forged in true style so not actually katana, and guess cold steel doesnt make anything; all out sources, so those are over priced, mass produced blades marketed as katana when they are “japanese style long swords”. Bet cant even reassemble if took apart based on glue rumours. My point being, save your money, dont buy CS anything; support actual blade makers, do research and get yourself a well made reasonably priced blade instead. Addendum: Also that is by far the ugliest presentation of katana ever seen now actually watching video lol, like minimilist okay fair enough, but geez what sre you paying for then? All katana blades are comprably same price or relative quality if properly made; extra money supposed be going into details. Like look at wrap on sheath, my lord that just lazy looking and cheap. Braids not.even straight or equal looking. Like cant get over what a rip off CS is in general now getting into researching this stuff xD Like amount things you simply point out are not things should EVER see on a $800 ANYTHING.

[@shadigif8916]

Great review ill never buy a Cold Steel product can't stand there BS ridiculous over the top hype marketing

[@ebisyachigyoza]

I bought the Emperor Wakizashi a month ago. Like the video, it is very dull and completely different from the one introduced in the promo... It really disappointed me...

[@gilbertoni8632]

Why do you get second hand cold steel swords? I mean it's just paper on the tang, your acting like it's toxic waste.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Second hand swords keep the cost down. Also paper on the tang is fine for a fix but not ideal for a new sword from the factory.

[@ramonvelasquez8431]

Man... I never had any favoritism by Cold Steel, but man they suck! The sword itself seemed kind of acceptable until I found out about the edge, that part is unacceptable. For $500 I'M BUYING A SHARPENED SWORD!

[@finnishfatman]

But isn't it second hand sword? Like someone bought it first, then used it and made a mess and didn't sharpen it back to however it was, then sold it to Matt?

[@ramonvelasquez8431]

@@finnishfatman i'm not sure but in that case that would be different. I understood that it was a sword that came with absolutely no edge from the box.

[@finnishfatman]

@@ramonvelasquez8431 Haha I'm not entirely sure myself, just thought he bought it from someone else when he was talking about getting it second hand, so that made me think that of course one would expect the blade to be dull. Like buying a taxi that has been use for years... naturally you'd expect it to have many kilometers on its odo and not near 0 as it was from the factory 😁

[@HELHOEK]

These guys you should you should give a medieval treatment!

[@chickensandwich1589]

1050 or 1065... Hahaha, so its an $180 blade.

[@PutYourQuarterUpGaming]

I made long winded rant but, right? Thank you summing up my point, CS $800US priced sword is only worth $180 MAX

[@MasonsTurtle]

Coconut water is expensive.

[@kasetankensei]

do the new CS gold lion katana!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I'll keep my eye out for one.

[@MiKE-jz6jt]

Matthew why dont you just come out and say it "cold steel blows"...there, I said it for you.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I don't think they blow. I have some bias but I have held products of theirs that feel good and that I like.

[@SeanJohnson-qm4pu]

Do not buy swords off Amazon. They sell factory seconds and rejects with loose fittings, dull warped blades and rough edges.

[@killroy2014]

great video as always! i honestly don´t like this sword. it looks cheap and it is not even worth the 400 bucks.

[@angelosilva342]

assuming its actual silver its probably yellowing from oxidation.

[@angelosilva342]

tarnishing I mean

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I think it is supposed to be nickle silver... something..

[@angelosilva342]

+Matthew Jensen (Funny Sword Reviews) I believe Nickel silver is just brass with either more zinc or Nickel. Either way it should tarnish yellow like silver since, such as with sterling silver, its the copper in the alloy that oxidizes, and in very small amounts seems yellow rather than green.

[@angelosilva342]

+Angelo Silva 100% silver does not tarnish very much at all...

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I am not sure about what tarnishes or oxidizes more. As I recall gold is about the only metal used that does not oxidize but none of that is here. Still, not my area of expertise. Maybe the yellow comes from a patina of sorts.. odd that it is so even.

[@jalee6587]

You bought it used. The previous owner dulled it and gave it a big Nick. How can you say it's bad when you got it used. Old owner abused the shit out of it

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I don't think it was abused based on what I could see.. Just dull, very dull. It is possible the previous owner dulled it though I don't think that was the case. Generally speaking it would have some signs of tool marks that were not present. I suppose the main point is, I give you all that information so you can decide how to weigh the video. If it is useless, then there you go.

[@hmuphilly9129]

Cold steel doesnt have iaidos though

[@dannisyoung7335]

i actually have very different opinion, for stuffs these are mass produced, 88k is pretty good

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I welcome a difference of opinion. What about the 88k do you like?

[@dannisyoung7335]

sorry I'm not trying to be rude, i guess what I wanted to say is as a mass production, 88k is pretty solid. I used it to cut a wood stick of ~ 7cm in diameter. I mean, the property of it is uniform across the blade. Just my opinion

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I don't think that is rude. I welcome a difference of opinion. I did not think the blade was a bad but I had trouble finding a justified value for it personally. It did not cut as well as some others and it felt somewhat cumbersome to move. It probably holds up well to use but I would argue that the other aspects of the sword are equally important. Ideally you get something that holds up well, that moves well, and that cuts well.. I don't think this sword did all that as well as other blades it competes with for your dollars. I don't think it is rude if you disagree. I welcome your thoughts. If you have one and are happy with it, more power to you. A lot of my thoughts on the sword are subjective and I don't expect everyone to feel the same way I do.

[@dannisyoung7335]

do you have a recommendation for a better price/property ratio? thanks!

[@dannisyoung7335]

I think you are more experienced of choosing good katana. www.handmadesword.com/130.html how do you think this website? Thanks!

[@Laggynoob6178]

29 minits in you almost hit yourself lol I just got skyjiros ' ancient iron warrior ' cold steel just were too expensive for seeing this video I appreciate I almost got their emporer) they seem like cursed swords! with the shitodome coming out, All the problems you really should just say because they are not made properly they are cursed Look at how the Japanese make them they take making swords SERIOUSLY its not just work to them its a serious SPIRITUAL PROCESS! Skyjiro swords are blessed because they are at least made properly! Thanks for the upload I am liking your videos maybe we should go cut stuff together sometime or have an epic showdown lol naa I'm joking you seem like a cool guy have you ever got a reinforced zink aluminium sword ? a site called tozando "proudly'' make them in japan but they warn you not to sharpen them , and they are for iaido an I mean I'm always looking for a stronger sword

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I did a review on my tozando piece a while back. The zinc aluminum mix is not really a strong sword, it is good for a light blade used for iaido. As for the blessed vs cursed, I avoid that kind of thing and let people make up their own minds.

[@grendel6258]

Second review I've watched....I felt in the first one I watched that you were trying to overcome your OCD by being logical, now it is confirmed. I think it would help you if you swear more, cuz I know you want to

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Got me there... It is hard to hold back sometimes.. but I put them in the outtakes sometimes.

[@Corné-o6h]

Good looking sword, but a tank indeed, dull as a doorknob, and a crooked curve in the edge.

[@INDOMINION]

You had to wait two months??!!! That is absurd! It was their fault that the blade was dull. They should have sent you another one as soon as it was returned. Terrible company.

[@ProphetMuhammadSuccessor]

oh wow cold steel katana stuff looks really bad. I thought id bjuy dragonfly wakizashi for my uncle as a gift. but I'm not sure anymore

[@speedoflight1018]

I just got a fine and beautiful 1060 carbon steel katana for 144€. It is better and more beautiful than this Cold Steel katana. Cold Steel katanas are not worth the price.

[@G13-j3c]

The paper is shimming

[@operationoperator5266]

lol our no minimalist you got a katana of each kinda and thats no problem lol

[@jalee6587]

Get a better camera

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I did, though it did not make the content any better.

[@viineyy6940]

wait ...why would they release this sword like this...

[@Alex-yg5uh]

A good review of a crappy sword from a crappy company.

[@captineasy]

Yea every cold steel katana I have ever got from cold steel it has been the biggest bitch to get the pins and handle off every since one and they all have had that paper on it everyone and one I had to use a hydraulic press to get the hand gruad and handle off the blade to clean and I really love cold steel but that is one of the problems I have with them and I got one once that was not tempered at all

[@Matthew_Jensen]

QC seems to be a bit of an issue. Not sure why.

[@AbdullahAlshamiri]

evan carpenter where did you get it for good price is kult of Athena good to buy from them ?

[@novaman3509]

Cold Steel's Katanas are extremely durable, but they're just to fat.