Shadow Dancer Swords $470 Katana Review (Dragon Sword)

This is a Dragon Sword 1095 katana review.
If you are interested in purchasing you can find details here.
www.swordcn.co...
Specs:
Handle/Tsuka Length: 10.25”
Blade/Nagasa Length: 27.5” (without habaki)
Sori: .558”
Moto-haba: 1.24”
Motokasane: .258”
Saki-haba: .915”
Sakikasane: .184”
Weight: 2lb 3.5oz
POB: 5.5” from tsuba
MSRP: $470 ($410+$60 ito pro)
Sword Stand by Enso Workshop - www.etsy.com/s...
Music provided by - Kevin MacLeod incompetech.com
Link to the Facebook spot - / matthewjensenswordreview
Link to the Twitch spot - / sword_friend_matt
Link to the Patreon spot - / krunan
Link to the TicTock spot - / matthewjensenswordguy
Link to the Instagram spot - / matthewjensenswordguy
Link to the KZbin Membership spot - / @matthew_jensen
Link to my eBay sales page - www.ebay.com/us...

[@shadowdancerswords]

Thank you Matthew for your very professional review. We will keep on sending you products for review in the future. Hope you are willing to give us precious feedback.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

You are welcome and thank you for sending a sample. It is an enjoyable sword and if your other blades are made as well, then I think you will have happy customers. Happy to review things in the future.

[@kal-el1411]

i can not get good info on the website if they ship also to the nederlands , its dificult 😐

[@kal-el1411]

only can buy here , gouverment law does not allow import outside europe

[@brianmumford7977]

I bought the 9260 Steel Brushed Version Katana that’s on swordcn in 2011 and I just want to say you would be very surprised at what kind of blade you get at that price point. I bought it to be my one sword for backyard cutting and it does the job. It really has stood up to 12 years of light abuse and I would love to see what you think of it compared to the JKOO $139 offerings.

[@tonyhoodlass1846]

Look's Pretty Good to me but prefer a Bohi, i have several katanaa my Turtle one has really refined fitting's. Thank's for the video

[@r.h5550]

I am pretty sure that the same people are behind dragon sword and zsey. When asked they claim that they are two different companies run by friends who share fittings and might do polishing for each other but there are many things indicating that their affiliation is far closer than they state. 1. Their websites are built in the same way. 2. Their website adresses are almost identical. 3. Many of their product videos on yt are made with the same phone and at least one dragonsword video is made by the man who does the cutting tests on zsey s videos. (One can see mirror images of the person/phone filming in the videos) My guess is that they want to establish zsey as a high end brand and think that admitting the affiliation with low/middle tier dragon sword will damage it.

[@r.h5550]

@@adamekcarthat’s the second rather eccentric business practice with the first being insulting people on the sbg forum. But their product seems to be good. I’ve ordered a sword from each site so we’ll see how it turns out.

[@AronTakac]

@@r.h5550 It will turn out great. I have two swords from Z-Sey and one from Dragon Sword. Both are awesome for their price category. I am more than satisfied with all three swords.

[@KF1]

Very nice! Given how much you seem to enjoy this one, I say keep it and enjoy as a well-earned bonus sword. Good review, crammed a lot of info into half the regular time.

[@JoeSteel1]

If this is true, was a smart move by zsey to offer a lower price option under a different name, really good looking sword, and well done as usual Matthew 👍

[@Katana-Karl]

Wel well, I'm quite impressed. Especially with all the little details that had a little more attention paid to them that you mentioned. Especially at this price point. Yes, the fittings are a bit run of the mill and on the "meh" side but there are so many other nuances that make up for it imo. I heard that DS may be an affiliate of Z-sey as well and if true, wouldn't surprise me upon seeing all the similarities you've shown in this review. Good work kiddo.

[@r.h5550]

I am pretty sure that the same people are behind dragon sword and zsey. When asked they claim that they are two different companies run by friends who share fittings and might do polishing for each other but there are many things indicating that their affiliation is far closer than they state. 1. Their websites are built in the same way. 2. Their website adresses are almost identical. 3. Many of their product videos on yt are made with the same phone and at least one dragonsword video is made by the man who does the cutting tests on zsey s videos. (One can see mirror images of the person/phone filming in the videos) My guess is that they want to establish zsey as a high end brand and think that admitting the affiliation with low/middle tier dragon sword will damage it.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thank you very much!

[@Katana-Karl]

@@r.h5550 wow thanks for the info R.H.

[@CaseyBartley]

The pictures for my unokubi (when it was ready for my approval) were from the same room as many of the pics on the ZSey website...

[@alexwilmes9496]

I just received their 51crv4 katana for $238 ($128 + $60 for hishigami pro + $50 for the 51crv4 upgrade over the 9260) and it is probably the best a sub $300 blade has any business being. Definitely a forge to watch!

[@anj4de]

Whats the different between 9260 and 51crv4 steel, please? Is it worth the extra cash?

[@Born_Stellar]

@@anj4de they are almost the same. 51crv4 is the European version of 5160, which is a chromium based steel, while the 9620 is silicon based. 9620 is more resistant to corrosion and shocks, but its possible to get 5160/51crv4 to a slightly higher hardness, which may make it better for edge retention. 9620 is also supposed to be a bit more flexible. Personally I would choose 9620 over 51crv4, but I wouldn't pay to change one to the other, they are too similar.

[@listenup455]

I picked up the 1095 Wakizashi from them based on this review and I'm quite happy with it, although the habaki was loose. It was easy to disassemble the handle and shim it, so no big deal. I would like to see how much abuse this steel can hold up to, but don't hurt yourself!

[@MauroDraco]

Came here from Skallagrim’s channel! Well done, mate! I hope your channel finally flies!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thank you. I appreciate his bump.

[@anj4de]

Great review and even greater that you like the sword...that means a lot to me and makes it a clear candidate for a purchase. I was looking for a classic b/w Katana anyway.

[@Syntheticfish]

Hey Matthew thanks for the videos, looking forward to more destruction tests and reviews. Hope you are feeling well!

[@shanewright344]

Good review, Matt. I may have to look at these guys as an alternative to Z-SEY. This sword is far more affordable, but it still offers a lot of what I'm looking for

[@johnwirk]

Turmeric extract in tincture form and in pill form really helps with my neuropathy in my hands due to inflammation in my elbows and wrists. It seriously works for me and allows me to play guitar for much longer. May help you.

[@CaseyBartley]

Matt they will do copper or white copper habaki free of charge if you ask. I did that with mine from the white copper to red copper, same with the seppa. You can also swap fittings on anything, they have pretty much the standard ones everyone else has. Ito / samegawa as well. I went with black samegawa and black into instead of what was stock.

[@angusmacrae7488]

I mite pic one of these up looks really nice at that price point .appreciate all u do mat love your content .

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thank you for the kind words Angus. I happy swording.

[@RockModeNick]

A quick pass with a lighter will erase those frizzies on the ito. It's sometimes caused by using tools to get the wrap super-tight.

[@joske2838]

Great review, I think at this point there's not a lot of need to bring them to destruction as we know what to expect if it goes up against the croquet stick and although that has always been interesting to see it has always made me cringe a little / sad to see something i'd love to have be destroyed :) I think tatami , bottles, pool noodles and various wood stuff like planks / branches etc is as far as you'd need to go (all the potential targets a backyard cutter may try it on etc.)

[@yotomuramasa]

Like the blade and polish

[@dembones8415]

I'm sorry I didn't find your channel years ago it's criminal your channel hasn't got the views you deserve

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Glad your here now.

[@jamieadams7550]

I just bought a sword from shadow dancer it’s a sakabato Kantana ( advanced) hope i made the right choice

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Cool, if you ever get a chance you should try out a Ryujin Katana. Back when i was still buying lots of katana (b4 i started focusing on HEMA) I was quite fond of their work. Still have a few of my favorites. I think you might be pleasantly surprised by them.

[@SpecJack15]

He did a Ryujin katana review a few years back.

[@felldir]

Looks pretty good. Fitting quality could be better and the ito upgrade should be included on every sword. Polish looks surprisingly good. 👍

[@Matthew_Jensen]

As much as I want to agree, having the option to put lacquer on a sword for $60 less may appeal to some. I like the option of having good tsukamaki and paying the price for it. $410 is not cheap but nice polish, good fit, and tight tsukamaki make it a compelling price to pay.

[@Tryambakam108]

I really dig this one.

[@cameronwright2023]

@matthew when are you doing the destructive test?

[@AkBewm]

Is it better you think to custom make a sword on sword of north shire you see I really wanna make mine to my own likings but I do not want the wrap to be loose or have little play that’s what I’m worried about

[@erichusayn]

Never even heard of them. Thanks for making me aware. And dude. Gotta stay off the tennis court. Lol. Jk. (Humor is the best medicine)

[@erichusayn]

After checking out their site, they seem pretty interesting. They seem to be honest. They said "imitation horn" on the koiguchi, kurikata, and kojiri. (Almost tried to abrieviate those like people do with fuchi and kashira as fk. Lol. That wouldn't have been good. lol). They seem to be very upfront and honest. That goes a long way. The one mekugi is cool, and between my James Raw Custom, and 4 cloudhammers, which have all seen heavy use, does not seem to pose any problems and is historically accurate to boot.

[@lmundt]

Looking at the spec sheet on the website it would seem the fitting on the saya koiguchi ,kurikata ,kojiri are imitation buffalo horn, and video seems to show that telltale narrow band around only the edge of the mouth of the say , any thoughts on how that might effect long term durability? Seems to me that I see that expensive of a sword that doesn't use real buffalo horn.

[@CaseyBartley]

They will upgrade to buffalo horn if you upgrade the saya and ask them. They did on my unokubi

[@Tygrus]

solid. since it has no bo-hi, would be interesting to see when your elbow is good about destruction testing? @Matthew_Jensen have you looked into your elbow with a DPT? I know a few (they are $$$) but at least something like golf or tennis elbow tendonitis protocols and what not

[@chaparrerasfilms]

I noticed that they sell Tsuba. Do you think they would fit on jkoo swords?

[@fettmaneiii4439]

if its actually 1095 steel that is great! Huge fallacy in modern swords is that 6150 is the best because its "tough". lol! it has less carbon content than 1075 and 5160. O1 tool steel is like .95% carbon and it holds an edge like no albion will and is extremely tough and can bend to 90 degrees without breaking with a good oil quench and right temper. 6150 has trash edge retention because its medium to low carbon steel. The fallacy is that "high carbon steel swords will be brittle and break" nah sun. Props to them for making 1095! .95%-1% carbon versus Albion's .45% 6150. The reason albion and arms and armor uses 6150 is because its cheap, easy to cut on the CNC router table and easy to sand with belts.

[@jonc3118]

Would you ever get together with a sword maker to create a sword? I'm sure if you did I would buy it.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Just slap some swirly mitsudomoes on whatever and call it good.

[@arizaldimas1718]

Compared to standard shinken. As you’ve experienced, what is the size of Dotanuki katana’s motohaba?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have measurements on some ronin katana reviews and one huawei that are dotanuki. The short answer is they are not that different.

[@arizaldimas1718]

@@Matthew_Jensen thankyou for replying🙏🏻🙏🏻 it helped a lot

[@absolutepower3000]

Hi, I'm sorry for the inconvenience, I wanted to ask for information on a brand that I've spotted online, it's battlebladesinc, could you maybe tell me if it's reliable or not. many thanks in advance

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have not seen them first hand but I hope to change that at some point.

[@absolutepower3000]

@@Matthew_Jensen ok thanks a lot

[@Shadowmosesarea51]

Very nice , I want to buy the fletching katana , isn’t Dragon king part of Hanwei?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Not sure if they are or not. Lots of similarities..

[@Shadowmosesarea51]

@@Matthew_Jensen it’s weird as I’m based in UK and we have to order through stockists like the knight shop , and some say T10 steel some say 5160 and some say 65MN what ever the hell that means

[@Katana-Karl]

@@Shadowmosesarea51 I have had 2 Dragon king fletching katana and I believe they are a lower end sword from their line up. Its supposedly 65mn steel. I have a DK Pine/crane katana and its by far a better sword in all aspects. And just by the monster "axe handle" shape tsukas DK has on their katanas I would have to believe that Hanwei and DK are connected in some way

[@georgewright9223]

I want one haha!

[@WILDWILL53]

Skall sent me

[@Matthew_Jensen]

gald to have you

[@melissastanton84]

I was able to find there website, but they didn't have any contact information. Do you know how to contact them?

[@no_handle_required]

500 dollar swords have gotten cheaper than I remember. Shame.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

What did $500 used to get you?

[@ravenbird111]

im getting more simon lee vibes from this than zsey

[@Revon-Feuer]

Crunchy

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Is something off in the audio or does that mean something else?

[@Revon-Feuer]

@@Matthew_Jensen no, just crunchy lol

[@robertjensen1438]

Just a comment for the long forum babbles 🤠

[@Ethruin]

Where can I get the black clothes you are wearing in the video?

[@sattercaster1]

I bought a cheness kaze about 12 yrs ago. I've abused it a bit with no real damage other than some light scratches. I've not seen any good review videos on the kaze, and I believe cheness is now a defunct company? Could you give me any insight on it if you've had any experience with one?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have had a number of Cheness blades and I can't say I was a fan. I did not try all their models but I had a few of them. I like the SGC the most but all of them seemed to have issues. Maybe I just had bad luck, I did get most of them second hand.

[@sattercaster1]

@@Matthew_Jensen Thanks for the input, and the fast response. I value your opinion. What is the best type of steel for a diff hardened blade as far as durability, for a novice cutter?

[@georgewright9223]

@@sattercaster1 That is too hard to answer. For example, this is SUPER generalized and not "exactly" correct... 1060 DH will bend and dull easy, but will not chip, crack or break. A 1095 DH sword will hold a sharp edge for a long time, will resist bending but can be easy to chip or crack. See what mean about this being hard to answer? What do you need as a beginner that is durable? My advice, buy a real cheap sword like a Musashi Bamboo and have fun hehe.

[@petersiska9939]

Haha shit sword buy at toshiro swords .........