Well I have to say after fixing the construction flaws I have grown love this sword it is tempered very well I’ve never cut with a saber so I’ve did quite a few bad cuts on pretty thick bamboo not a single bend or chip. It will take a good edge and is a great thruster I sharpened it myself so I can’t speak for KOA sharpening service that said I did receive it with a gap between the grip and gaurd as well as the blade and gaurd it was not fit properly before it was peened I fixed this with jb weld epoxy and a few peices of sheet brass it is pretty solid now nothing lose even after abusive test. I was informed that this brand are usually fit properly so even though I had to fix it I still think the durability of the blade is worth the price I’m giving it 4 stars because I feel if it was fit properly it would have been perfect and it’s not hard for me to modify or repair most swords and knives, hopefully they will improve their quality control