The Tactical waki handles fairly well, I cut my tsuka down to 5 1/4", that's too short by about 1/2" for most people, but it works fine for me.
Edge retention is indeed on the low side....but adequate(WAY better than the Cold Steel Imperial Katana I HAD), but it will take a fine and sharp edge.....and handles quite nicely once you sort out the best balance for your individual model.
The fiberglass scabbard functions quite nicely very well.
The Condor model requires MASSIVE rework to be in the same ballpark.
The tsuba design is way too big for that blade, the method of attaching everything involves welding and the nakago is way too long and bulky.
Am in the process of thinning it. Before I send it to Randy Black for a total overhaul, it's gonna get Rockwell tested to death...if it meets muster, it will get a proper fitting job with, at the very least, Terro Tuff core, silk cord overwrap and proper handle metal, as well as a NOT "looking like a machete" scabbard/ aka a proper saya.
The CAS I can live with, the Condor was departing too much from a usable piece for a JSA swordsman.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
