Reviews

We've been having our typical awful winter weather this past few weeks in San Francisco. Unfortunately, my old Walgreens mini umbrella fell victim to a gale force wind one day and subsequently thrusted me into the market for a new umbrella. Enter...the Samurai Umbrella. A coworker had just received one as a Christmas present, which is how I came to know this amazing piece of craftsmanship. This was the first time I have ever seen a product and thought "this is the best model of a device that will ever exist." In other words, you will be hard pressed to ever find an umbrella that is as well-built, clever, and has a knack for starting conversations as the Samurai Umbrella. Just last night as I was commuting back home on my back, I had the umbrella firmly strapped around my torso, and another biker came up behind me and remarked, "I bet drivers make sure to give you the right away when they see that sword on you." I just laughed and explained my sheathed weapon was actually just an umbrella. His face looked like his brain might have just exploded inside his cranium. It really is that amazing. Construction/quality...the big question on any product. You won't find an umbrella under $100 with better craftsmanship. This umbrella opens smooth like a deadly ninja assassin. It's very solid and feels precision-made. The long handle allows for a great grip during heavy winds and the grips actually functions to improve your grip on the device even more. It really is a great product. I've been an Amazon customer for many years now, but this is my first review. I felt compelled to let other people know how terrific this item is because I love it so much. This is the second product I own by Kikkerland, the first being a magnetic kitchen timer. The timer's another great product, so it's definitely a brand to keep your eye on for smart, well-made products.

this thing is awesome built to last for real. very sturdy and strong the umbrella is awesome. i did not like the strap bag because it broke. but the umbrella is perfect. u get a lot of attention and comments. its a good conversation starter. any way i love it. i brought it last year and i still have it. its in good condition even thought i fence with my lil bro with the umbrealla. i did a lot of fencing and umbrella is in good shape very strong. hahahha . i love it . i recommend it to alll age. bad thing is that it looks so real. suspicious may occur. but no woorries. its a good one. pse

The sheath/bag is very poorly made. It is very flimsy material with just one simple seam tacking it together. Our came with the seam already blown out on the bottom. I sewed it together but don't see the bag lasting longer than a few uses.

This is one of those unusual products you find on the internet that you must definitely give to your dad/brother/boyfriends/etc. Actually, I feel like getting one for myself too...

This was a great gift I got for my "adult" son who has always wanted to be a ninja! Fun but useful for him when he walks his dog thru the neighborhood. He is a hit with all the neighborhood kids and has been asked where he got it. A great find.

Reviews

In this DVD, Master Bladesmith Wally Hayes will show you detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to make his tactical katana, which he sells for $2900 USD, using the bare minimum of tools, using stock-reduction (grinding) techniques. This katana is, as he puts it, 'a modern interpretation of a traditional Japanese sword.' That is, the methods he uses and the details of the sword and fittings are not traditional, but will produce a Japanese style sword that is very functional. This DVD covers: How to design the blade and cut it out. How to grind the blade. How to differentially heat treat the blade using Japanese clay-hardening techniques, and temper the blade. How to straighten the blade after heat treating. How to polish and etch the blade. How to make and attach the guard. How to do a semi-traditional handle wrapping. How to make a non-traditional sheath. Sharpening. Minor criticisms: At the beginning, Wally lists the materials that will actually go into the sword, but he does not list the tools you will need to work it. You will have to follow along and make a list if you don't have an equipped metal working shop. Although he is mostly very thorough, he does leave out some minor details. I found his instructions on designing the blade to be a little too brief. He does not explain hot to sand the plunge line, which can be difficult to figure out for beginners. He does not go into detail about how to fit the guard and washer onto the tang. Again, beginners may find this difficult to figure out. Despite these minor criticisms, I found this to be a fantastic introduction to stock-reduction methods for making swords, suitable for an intermediate knifemaker.

Reviews

I can't see a reason why this would be banned in Korea, other than this is a terrible movie. From start to finish, this is just horrible. I couldn't tell if it's supposed to be a satire, black comedy, or just misguided. At the end of the film, the hero chants, "Namiho renge kyou," over and over. If they just bothered to ask someone, they could have found out what the real chant is supposed to sound like. The pacing is so flat, "Pink Flamingos" is like "Road Warriors" in comparison. Don't soil your brain with this. Our lives on this planet are short enough without wasting a minute on this.