So to start off, I have owned alot of blades and up until now have avoided buying thaitsuki because of some negative reviews on the forums. I just want to say that no blade or build is absolutely perfect even in the 2k plus ballpark. That being said I think this is absolutely worth the money. Any maker that advertises and encourages you to take their swords apart has my attention right out of the gate (why I love citadel so much). I have seen some very scary things under the hood of hanwei and other high-end swords (shims stuck to shims, cracks, petroleum distillate soaked wood and and smashed mekugi. This has none of those issues. I looked for a long time to find a wakizashi with a long tsuka that wasn't just a production katana tsuka slapped on a wakizashi blade and this definitely does it right. Great balance point, great slim but long tsuka and the blade geometry is legit. The fittings are amazing and it feels very alive. Kata feels good but haven't cut any mats yet. Like I said nothing is perfect though, my only constructive criticism is the saya fit could be a little tighter (I will have to shim it) but no big deal you have to do that to all swords at some point with all japanese style swords (if you actually use them on a regular basis). The step or ledge transition from the mouth of the saya to the into the tsuka is noticeable but not bad. The hammon is a little shallow (a bit close to edge for my taste) but these are all things I can completely look past. A rock solid build means the most to me and this definitely has it. I can't believe that so many people talk down on this company...I have gone through to many $500+ wakizashi to count and never felt totally happy with them. Even with my nitpicking I'm very very happy I bought this. I would buy it again in a second. I own a citadel and this comes way closer to the quality than anything else I've had (excluding authentic nihonto obviously) I would put this up higher in quality than most. Very happy.

This is a beautiful sword that is razor sharp and very dangerous. While practicing my draw I accidentally sliced through my housecoat and tee shirt leaving a fine red line on my belly! I almost committed sepuku without even trying. I liked this sword so much that I purchased a matching katana. The only complaint that I have is that they don't have a matching tanto.

This sword is beautiful and razor sharp. It is flawless. I wish Thaitsuki made a matching tanto. I would definitely recommend this sword. I liked it so much that I ordered a matching Katana.

After owning this sword for three years I must say every time I remove it from its sheath if feels like the first time. It's held up to practice and the the test of time in a highly salty and humid area, if your willing to give it the time it deserves for regular cleaning it may last you a lifetime. It's Balance is good and the edge holds nicely. My handle wrapping may have darkened but they still hold very well. I am very very pleased with this sword.