Wakizashi Damascus Steel Sword Full Tang Iron Tsuba: (battle ready & sharpened) I purchased this sword to add a Wakizashi to my collection. It arrived quickly and was well packaged for the long trip. A special Styrofoam box had been created to protect the sword in transit. The box was covered completely by some sort of yellow duct tape that appeared to be waterproof as well as displaying all the shipping lables. The blade itself was wrapped in a plastic sheeting. Between the blade and the plastic was a generous coating of some type of grease to protect the blade from moisture? The Ito was also wrapped in what looked like common saran wrap. Another type of protection I imagine. The sword was in a beautiful silk bag that had a gold colored tasseled rope wrapped around it. While the box did sustain some damage, there was no sign of any damage to any part of the sword or it's Saya. As for the sword itself, it is beautiful. Turning the sword upside down and shaking it vigorously did not make the sword slip from its Saya. The blade reflects the folding of the steel verifying a true Damascus pattern. This is a fine work of art. It is also incredibly sharp. Very distinct patterns are on the Saya that match the distinct weave of the rope. The Bo-hi is well done. The Ito looks like leather, which is different than I am used to. However, it provides for a strong grip that I suspect would remain so even if for some reason it would get wet. The Tsuba is an interesting pattern while at the same time provides for excellent balance of the blade. The blade is very sharp and no work on my part was needed to have the blade pass the paper test everywhere along its edge. The Menuki are perfectly placed for a right handed grip. Nothing about this sword says cheap! It is an excellent representation of the Wakizashi. I could not be more pleased. My son has spent time in Japan and has contracted the habit of collecting blades from me. I plan on purchasing a Katana for Christmas for him. Seeing the terrific worksmenship of this blade, I now know exactly where to go to provide him with a Katana that he will be proud to own and display. Finally, there is no weak point to this sword anywhere. Everything reflects the work of skilled and fine Craftsman. I never expected to see this kind of work for the price I paid. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking to begin, or add to a private collection.