i am no sword expert(but i am up to 8 now!). i love this thing. i feel that i got a great sword for the price point. i will probably buy the matching wakizashi next.
Just received it. Haven't put it to the test yet, but the quality is there. Very sharp, clean lines, solid. Former martial artist, so have some experience.
It may be a replica but it's a nice one and ranks higher than other swords I've bought. Decent edge. The ronin-02 has the best edge of mine for the three but I like my collection to have different looking swords or at least saya/tsukas so this was necessary to add to the collection.
Great sword for the price, the swordsmith left his name and markings on the tang, it cam with a certificate of authenticity and also the way it was made.