Sinoswords-Shobu Zukuri, Kobuse Laminated Katana-Detailed Review

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thank you for the kind words. It is humbling to hear that the sword rambling has both helped and inspired. Looking forward to more of your stuff!

[@JoeSteel1]

Matt you kidding....your incredible knowledge and insight into sword craft, that I love so much is incredibly helpful, educational and enlightening...I watch every second of your videos...you are so good at what you do...the sword community owes you gratitude for help taking it to new heights...you deserve the free offerings you get from companies for reviews...always a pleasure my man...and THANK YOU...OK enough smoke up your ass...go to work...😆 🤣 😂 😹

[@utubepunk]

I for one, appreciate your verbosity. 🖖🏻

[@livingwithpain5720]

Matthew, you're the reason I ever thought about getting a jkoo sword.

[@utubepunk]

Matthew Jensen is king, but your video production is king level, too.

[@JoeSteel1]

haha..lol...thanks brother, nice of you...Yes nobody does it like Mr. Jensen

[@tyronminardi]

Oh man I'm new into the collection of katans but i finally order my first custom from jkooswords because of this video. Excellent video and love the fact you showing love to others reviewers. Keep up the good work. They said around 50-60 days for delivery, i honestly can't wait lol.

[@JoeSteel1]

Freemanfamily, Thank you for the kind words, 🙏 and I'm so happy my video helped you make a decision, Katana are beautiful art pieces, whether your looking for adding an Astecthic to your home or doing some cutting with them, they are historical pieces to own and jkoo does a good job, please email them that you made a decision from my video and ask them to be sure you have great fit n finish on your sword. Please if you may let me know when you receive it and let me know how it turned out, peace and cheers.

[@tyronminardi]

​@@JoeSteel1 Your videos helped a lot in my decision, love the knowledge/information you bring. I started watching other reviewers you named to help learn on cutting & just getting lots of info on katanas. Keep up the good work and i emailed Jkoo about the Fit & finish, i will definitely let you know once recived how they did. Thanks n peace.

[@Katana-Karl]

What a great video! Your cinematography skills really shine thru on this vid. This is the best video on the experience of ordering from Jkoo/Sinosword on the internet to date. Great job man! Yes they do have some minor issues but they love the feedback so they can continue to improve their company. And especially for the price point, you get a great product. You have great taste in overall aesthetics of a katana. I see you like em a bit flashy which I like katanas somewhat subdued. That being said, this katana is absolutely GORGEOUS! the rikko shape to the tsuka is done really well. I am so happy for you brother! I didnt think you rambled at all. Every thing you said was on the money. Definitely looking forward to seeing her in action. Again, fantastic video ol'boy! This will help alot of people out that are looking into Jkoo.

[@JoeSteel1]

Thanks Karl, I appreciate that from a great long time youtuber like yourself...I've been behind the camera all my life...I struggle being in the spotlight...lol..now its my cutting and form that needs heavy work..if the tatami matts don't freeze today ill try and cut with it...Next I will work on the 2nd offering from them...yea love this sword so far..

[@Katana-Karl]

@@JoeSteel1 your welcome! haha! I've only been on the KZbins for a year.

[@JoeSteel1]

@@Katana-Karl Shit..really??could of fooled me..lol

[@jamesdaniel3997]

I’m working with Van too. He’s very responsive and the level of customer service is uncanny. I’m excited to receive my sword and continue with my practice.

[@JoeSteel1]

Excellent, as long as you comunicate well all of your needs and specifics on the sword, you should be very happy with your product, I have had great experience working with Van, haven't ordered in a while but I'm sure there stuff is still very well done...good luck, and thanks for watching

[@jd8565]

So I just cleared my order last week, as an update to people looking to buy. Was told initially, 80 days, 5 and a half months later I finally hear back. Multiple unresponsive emails and honestly some discouraging days, and I finally hear back, shipping was the better one off the bat. However, been two weeks and haven't seen it yet, as well as the shipping website doesn't recognize the code JKOO sent me.

[@JoeSteel1]

Sorry your having issues, but all custom forges out of China are having issues at their customs and have to shipped out then to the states...to be clear I have had to Wait long periods of time for mine as well but always got what I ordered...patience is key my friend

[@KissakiShinobi]

JKOO is doing a great job recently. I have currently five - three of them I commissioned just recently. All custom blades - one a replica of the sword of the "Blue-eyed Samurai" - very nice swords beautiful hamon, great polish, forged to specs. Very good mountings, e.g. real samegawa... If the producers of the anime would see the sword - I think they would redraw it...

[@JoeSteel1]

Thanks for the info! I can't speak for the current product their producing as I have not done transactions with them for almost 2 years now, but they were one of the more reliable companies for good blades, fit n finish, quality materials and customer service...

[@jd8565]

Hell yeah you had a lot to say about them, and I had more than enough time to listen. Unfortunately I already ordered, early this morning, but I am still not worried, just some minor points you had said to address. Great video, it had me sub and like, thank you for the time you put forth to the community.

[@JoeSteel1]

Oh my pleasure, glad my long ramblings were of help to you...appreciate the Sub, and the views...some nice pieces coming soon, stay tuned...good day to you

[@shanewright344]

I used to dismiss JKOO as cheap garbage, but I think I'm sold after watching a couple of reviews. Good work on the video, by the way. Subscribed 👍

[@JoeSteel1]

Thanks for the Sub friend, Jkoo has some very strong points that they do extremely well for the price...amazing blade. tsuka...ect...it is their qc in fit and finish that has to improve...have a do over being made by them now with problems addressed,

[@thomaswhite2802]

I have a Sinosword in T10 shinogi zikuri with no complaints (actually was a heavy discount sword 3 years ago) I plan to get another. Maybe you do a video on their niku polish please as many won’t offer this? Good job

[@JoeSteel1]

much appreciated, I will take that into account 👍👍

[@rosehamilton6968]

Excellent, detailed review. Great pics and explainations. RH

[@JoeSteel1]

Much appreciated RH. have another Jkoo coming soon...thanks for watching

[@ArcticHawk2003]

A little late to the party! Long story short! First katana (transitioning from a bokken), watched many videos, read as much reviews as I could, 4 months later, I went with a stock Jkoo. Have another 4 weeks to wait. Thank you for helping me make up my mind.

[@JoeSteel1]

Welcome to the party Mr. Hawk never too late, Glad that my videos helped you make a decision...but in the future, if dealing with Jkoo...go with your own custom sword with specs you want...but you will learn what works for you in time...good luck my friend...new jkoo video coming soon

[@choirboyzcutleryoutdoors]

Good job brother!!

[@JoeSteel1]

Thanks Big man..I also made a cutting video of it...

[@kygent508]

Just ordered one hope it turns out great mine with shipping $396.

[@JoeSteel1]

Not bad....hope it turns out OK brother...Jkoo is pretty good..and if your not happy they will make it right

[@kygent508]

@@JoeSteel1 Wanted one for a long time and at my age 65 this may be the only one I get I will inspect it but will not really know what to be looking for as this is my first sword not expected it till December though.

[@JoeSteel1]

@@kygent508 I am really looking foward to it for you...just tell Van I sent you and you want a well made fit and finish like you made for me on my videos

[@kygent508]

@@JoeSteel1 I told him that at the beginning

[@kygent508]

As far as I know there are no people in West Ky who know about these type of swords I seem to be the most informed.LOL

[@livingwithpain5720]

I ordered a custom Nodachi from them. Probably take them 4 to 5 months to complete but I'm super excited. Thanks for this amazing in-depth review. definitely looking forward to more videos.

[@JoeSteel1]

Thanks bud...you must have a nice piece coming in...normal time is 80 days or so...is it Tamahagani?....thanks for sub and for watching 👀

[@MusashiIsMyHero]

How'd that sword turn out? I have a friend in the market.

[@JoeSteel1]

Jkoo Sinoswords was a legit company, but to be honest I have not dealt with them personally for about 2 years but I'm sure they are still producing good swords, tell your friend to speak to a guy named Van over email...

[@choirboyzcutleryoutdoors]

I'm digging the video man well done really well done!!

[@JoeSteel1]

Awesome! Thank you!...isnt my girl pretty??...lol

[@Katana-Karl]

Oh yeah, and thanks for the mention in the beginning 👍🏻🙏⚔🪓🗡🇺🇸

[@JoeSteel1]

Oh shit bud..I hope I pronounced your name right...sorry if I didn't...all good we all gotta help one another out...thanks for the inspiration.

[@Katana-Karl]

@@JoeSteel1 you came pretty close! Its pronounced "Roodjer". I've heard it butchered alot worse. We coo

[@JoeSteel1]

ok man...noted!!

[@armoredsweatpants3997]

You have two very beautiful swords there,..I saw your “very passionate” review of the Hanwie practical XL plus (an awesome review) my Hanwie P,XL,P came in the mail yesterday (only took 6mos and 14 phone calls from Kult of Athena) when I drew the blade for the first time, I completely understood your passion, this beast is a cutter and a basher (and totally forgiving of my piss poor edge alignment), I’m currently waiting on a custom “Northshire” sword, “my first folded blade”, thank you for the sword chat and inspiration, I just subscribed, God bless and stay free.

[@JoeSteel1]

Thank you very much for kind words, yes I'm very passionate about my Katana...been so since a young age, feel so fortunate to own them...thrilled the reviews gave you help in your decision...The p.Xl as I said is still a very popular sword and hard to get...it will serve you well...a folded blade is a beautiful sword to behold...if done well its a fantastic piece of art that will take you back to feudal Japan....thanks again...got an amazing Huawai and pretty jkoo coming soon

[@armoredsweatpants3997]

@@JoeSteel1 looking forward to seeing you review them, I’ve been bitten by the sword bug but it’s been hard, I’m starting at an age when most practitioners are winding down, meditating, doing kanji calligraphy and letting their “number one” handle the classes,..I would like to encourage all enthusiasts “at any age” to get out there and swing some steel “if only to keep moving and get them breathing hard”, thanks again.

[@JoeSteel1]

Very well said my friend...I just had the most amazing conversation from a traditional sword maker that makes katana with pride of the olden times and very exciting to get one of their products

[@armoredsweatpants3997]

@@JoeSteel1 when the new meets the old, it always ends the ancient once ways, sad,...like the samuri himself, the culture must be preserved for it is a noble tradition, the old ways are the best ways, but I’m older, so I’m bias,...it was a pleasure chatting, good luck on the next review and your other endeavors and enjoy your “shout out” from Mathew Jensen, you’ve earned it,......happy cutting my friend.

[@AgouraSteve]

26 minutes on 1 sword. I hung in there since I have one of these swords coming, but with my ADHD it’s hard to keep my attention this long ;) really nice sword. I love the tsuka.

[@JoeSteel1]

Bro.. Matthew's videos are mostly over 20 minutes long..lol...I know but I hope it was informative...glad you hung with it

[@AgouraSteve]

@@JoeSteel1 yeah. That’s why I multitask if I watch his videos. It’s too hard to sit through them otherwise (for me anyway). I’m mostly just listening and glancing occasionally watching his stuff and it has to be a sword I’m interested in. I just don’t have the attention span. That’s my problem though. I have ADHD. I need medication to stay focused. That’s why I keep my own videos around 2 mins if I can, for the people that have short attention spans. Like I said, these are my own personal problems. I didn’t mean anything by it. You are great. I have loved your videos. Almost everyone has long ones. It’s fine. Don’t mind my rambles. I was watching it at like 2:00am and was tired is all. Keep on being you. I believe Van Yang is the Owner.

[@JoeSteel1]

@@AgouraSteve yes I hear you my daughter is on meds for that. .Have to try to streamline more...my normal edits are quick...even at that lenght there is shit I forgot to mention...I just enjoy sword craft so much..its therapeutic...😆 🤣 😂 😹 all good thanks for the compliments steve...

[@katananoob5117]

@@JoeSteel1 I stayed until the end and honestly it didn’t seem like 20 some odd minutes. The video ended and I was like oh dang it ended lol

[@JoeSteel1]

@@katananoob5117 Thanks Man...thats funny...The last I want to do is ramble too much and bore people to death, thanks so much for viewing...bravo...just cut with the girl today gonna post tomorrow

[@ormanerik]

Great review my friend, I've seen quite a few and this one had me interested the whole way through and at the end of it had me looking at a custom sword from Jkoo, well done

[@JoeSteel1]

Thanks that means alot...my videos can get long with all the rambling I do...glad you kept your seat for the video...

[@ormanerik]

@@JoeSteel1 I am full on binge watching, dude your videos have me stuck, got to go the popcorn's ready..😁🤘

[@jesbass3603]

What sword company would you say is better? Jkoo? Or hanwei? I am looking for a t10 battle ready

[@JoeSteel1]

Refer to my answer to your previous question ...but Hanwei gives you many options, if you want strictly T10 with a stocked or custom Jkoo as Hanwei uses different steels, but can be an overall tried and tested good overall option especially for your first sword, jkoo can be a very big hit or miss, but do replace swords if they get it very wrong. it's good to go with jkoo when you know what exactly works for you in a sword as you can customize the lenght, steel, look and cutting material focus, I always recommend Hanwei for a first sword and a generally safe purchase

[@jesbass3603]

@@JoeSteel1 are folded blades better? Also I have a budget of $1000 and want the best quality for my money. If the best katana is for less or if the better katana is for the full $1000. What company and katana are pups you get if you were buying ? And I do want a hard blade in t10 to make it durable. I appreciate and value your opinion.

[@JoeSteel1]

@@jesbass3603 Folding is not necessarily better, mono steel is stronger, for 1k sub 1k I would you will find quality made and cutting sword at Huawai or Skyjiro, if you just want strong good cutter, the practical line from hanwei, but I'm reviewing alot of Cloudhammer Steel Works swords that have quality, well build, great cutters, great looking for 300 to 800 take a good look at them as well

[@nickmarcotti8167]

Joe, would it be a huge pain in the ass to try and tell me which saya designation that is from JKOO? I really like it for my next sword, but I’m not sure I see it as an option on their site. I see a couple red ones - one with black crackle and the other with black dots like yours, but that one looks almost bright red. Maybe it looks brighter in pictures than in real life? Or is that the one you chose? Sorry to be a pain in the ass, but I REALLY like your saya for my next purchase. Thanks, brother!

[@JoeSteel1]

I would say ask Van to re watch the video, as I don't remember which one It was I believe it was not listed on their site, I chose from another batch brother sorry I couldn't help you more

[@nickmarcotti8167]

@@JoeSteel1 ok. Thanks. How did you get access to options that aren’t on their site?

[@JoeSteel1]

I asked for something else, they should be able to email you more forms of stuff

[@nickmarcotti8167]

@@JoeSteel1 I’m glad I asked then! I can’t wait to see what else they offer! Thanks, Joe!

[@JoeSteel1]

👍👍👍

[@erichusayn]

Nice. Been waiting for this one. Thanks for the kind words.

[@erichusayn]

Blade looks pretty. They did a good job on her for an excellent price. I am impressed. Can see the lamination line. Looks legit to me. Nice kissaki amd bohi termination

[@JoeSteel1]

Eric you are in fact the King of sharp..you got the best demonstrations of how cool these modern blades can be...your the goods my man

[@JoeSteel1]

Yea its a pretty blade I think I said this blade is beautiful like 5 dam times..lol..gonna cut with in..and got the 2nd jkoo one to work on

[@erichusayn]

@@JoeSteel1 nice. Looking forward to seeing her in action.

[@erichusayn]

@@JoeSteel1 thanks dude.

[@drkangel3620]

did you ever verify the lamination method? Usually you can fine 2 parallel lines at the spine on kobuse laminated , just wondering as ive contemplated buying from jkoo

[@JoeSteel1]

If your asking if I affirmed it was an actual laminated blade in fact Kobuse the answer is yes..it compares perfectly to what a kobuse laminated looks like, they truly do an amazing job on their steel, and Hamon...

[@rianzuoftheabyss4909]

Can i have a link to the website where i could get my own customized sword?

[@JoeSteel1]

Sure...sinosword.com

[@rianzuoftheabyss4909]

@@JoeSteel1 thank you very much 👍

[@rianzuoftheabyss4909]

Ill give ya a sub for that

[@JoeSteel1]

Thanks you will deal with Van the owner, please watch my previous review of this sword to get some pointers in ordering from them and what maybe look out for

[@rexmerrill3086]

Great video. But be aware that Sinoswords do not offer real leather for the grip. It is imitation.But I do think they are great swords for the money.

[@JoeSteel1]

Oh yes I'm aware..but still has same effect as real leather...no Forge in China at that price gives you genuine..its pleather...lol...

[@JoeSteel1]

Please be so kind to subscribe and like the video would help me a great deal...thanks my friend

[@notsans9995]

Hate to you tell this, but that is not a Shobu geometry, it just looks a half finished standard shinogi zukuri blade.

[@JoeSteel1]

Not at all, I ordered a Shobu but they didn't execute it correctly, so I had it stuck in My head during the review, Its more shinogi absolutely, Thanks for watching

[@williammitchell1864]

I like the fact that this guy's wearing a Guns N' Roses T-shirt 💯💥🤙👍🎉🎊🥳🌟☀️🔥💫

[@JoeSteel1]

Lol..one of my favorite REAL bands of yesterday...I hope you liked more than just the shirt...lol..but thanks alot for the view...

[@katananoob5117]

Great video!!

[@JoeSteel1]

Thankyou brother..hope you got something out of it..

[@AXAH78]

great sword

[@JoeSteel1]

thanks yes it is, love the look of the folded steel blade

[@Mre942]

i gues it's 1045 steel?

[@JoeSteel1]

T10 steel

[@TheNEOONE1]

Looks like any other cheap longquan shitana

[@JoeSteel1]

I must disagree, and thanks for watching, good day to you.

[@TheNEOONE1]

@@JoeSteel1 you got ripped off dude