Been working with the sword quite a bit, thought I would post a few updates. For Japanese style work, I am from a style that places the left little finger under the handle of the sword. The stud on the Everest Katana that secures the handle to the tang makes a great rest for that finger and seems to add a fair amount of extra control. Not tradtional, but works for me! The neutral balance also allows a one handed grip for some Chinese style swordplay. While in the park, doing some BaGua work with the sword, an elderly Chinese gentleman came over to watch. He saw the scabbard, and got quite exited. A couple of days later, I was working with some students at the same place, and the old gentleman returned with an old "jian", Chinese straight sword, that he said his father had given him. The scabbard had steel decorations that were remarkably similar to those on my scabbard, and the same patterns were etched in the blade as well. We had a interesting sword discussion, and I talked him into teaching us a short Tai Chi sword routine, from his family style. Haven't been on line much, between work and a few health problems that my wife has. Should be around a little more, things seem to be settling down.