I received a replacement Hisshou and it is of much better quality. I believe the first one I received from the online retailer Reds Gear was used and not new. This is the fault of the retailer I purchased from and not CRKT. Due to Amazon's GREAT returns policy I received a replacement Hisshou from a different retailer in under 2 weeks and it is AWESOME! Sharp, solid, durable and aesthetically great. My favorite part about this knife is the way it feels in my hand. It fits like a glove and is easily made an extension of the body. This is a large knife or small sword (Wazisaki) that is perfect to bring to war in close combat situations, or use to defend your home.

Gentlemen, Thank you for the comments. The grooves are called "Hi" in Japanese, pronounced hee. They are very common on Japanese blades and severe various proposes. The "hi" on the Hisshou and the Shinbu are traditional on blades like these and primarily have an esthetic effect. Ancient warriors appreciated esthetics as well as function. Just got some intel back from Africa on how well the wrap grips when wet. Sincerely, James

This is an amazing weapon that feels great in the hand and screams quality. Not a lot that I can say about the knife itself that Mr. Williams or others haven't already commented on. I primarily wanted to post this because while I love the knife, I am not crazy about the sheath. My biggest complaint is the knife retention, which is almost non-existent. If I turn the knife point it will almost fall out of the sheath on its own accord. Also the quality of the sheath doesn't seem to be in line with the quality of the knife. Needless to say I still have this weapon and love it, I just wish the sheath was better. CRKT Response: The knife should fit snugly in the sheath. Please contact us so we can send you another sheath.

Fullers are actually a very nice addition to any knife, especially a tactical knife. they don't subtract weight while retaining rigidity, they subtract weight while increasing rigidity. The main reason they are so nice on a tactical knife is that they function to reduce friction on withdrawal from a soft target, such as an attacker, or an intruder in the home, but they do not increase blood flow until you remove the large piece of steel from the body.

The so called "blood grooves " are in fact fullers. They allow the designer to substract some steel (a.k.a some weight) while keeping the same rigidity and strength. "Blood grooves" are a myth and are a logical nonsense. Search "swords", "knife" and "fuller" and see what I mean.

The size, weight and balance of the Hisshou long knife is "sweet". The grip is very secure. The workmanship is superb. I am totally happy with my purchase.

This is a beautiful heavy long knife. The Hisshou deffenately adds class to my knife collection. It also will adds to anybodys self protection. Great buy thank you. Monty

Hay Reginald. Take a look at the middle pic. I see the 2 lines, but cant see a function, so its probably for tradition, or just because the maker likes them. I'm still considering a purchase. Thanks for the reviews.

This knife is a very good designed knife. feels an the hands. And the box ands a touch of class to the hole deal. Thack you for graet knife.