Han Wei L6 Oni Katana (Big pics warning)
Sept 1, 2009 22:15:35 GMT
Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2009 22:15:35 GMT
Han Wei L6 Bainite
[/color] Oni KatanaKatana date of production: 6 / 25 / 2009
A noob review...[/center]
Pics at the end of review.
Introduction
Let's see, at first I wanted a Cold Steel for a big sturdy blade, however I came to my senses. Amidst all the L6 bainite katana hype I just had to get my hands on one of these bad boys. The sword that really caught my eye was the Han Wei Oni Katana with it's awesome full flowing theme I couldn't resist. It is a big sword with a beefy blade so check and check. Financially speaking I had no business buying a sword this expensive but what the heck I've done worse. My first sword was a custom Cheness O Katana, but the Oni Katana is easily superior in every way. Especially the price tag. QQ
Historical overview
The Oni Katana has the same geometry as the Han Wei performance series so I assume that it is fairly accurate historically speaking. I'll just copy paste some info about the sword's Oni theme as there is history behind it.
The Oni are mythical creatures from Japanese folklore similar to western demons or trolls. In modern culture they are beginning to move away from this menacing connotation into the role of guardian or protector, similar in character to gargoyles. Their power and ferocity, however, have not diminished. There is a Japanese saying which translates to “Oni with an iron club”, or to be of an invincible nature.
Initial Impressions
The long awaited package came in the standard brown UPS box that any other sword would be shipped in. As I cut the tape and eagerly opened the box, another brown cardboard box revealed itself. Inside this container was the sword within the sword bag wrapped in a clear plastic sleeve sitting snugly in 4 foam pieces along the length of the box. A maintenance kit was also included. I was shocked that a sword of this price did not even have a sword box!
I took everything out, unsheathed sword and held it in my hands as I questioned the decision I made to buy this katana. It feels fairly heavy and extremely powerful. I noticed blade rattle in the saya however, not pleased. When I first laid eyes on the blade I was surprised at what it looked like. It had three distinct divisions that really jumped out but more on that later. The fittings were tight, sturdy and of decent quality.
Statistics
Blade/Nagasa Length: 29" (Habaki not counted, it would be 30" if that were included in the measurement.)
Handle/Tsuka Length: 14"
Overall Length: 44"
Guard/Tsuba Width: n/a, it is thick though!
POB (Point of Balance): n/a
COP (Center of Percussion): n/a Coming soon
Weight: 3 lbs and a few ounces
Components
The Blade/Nagasa
The geometry of the blade is that of the Han Wei performance series but more beefy perhaps. Feels like I could slice through a car with this blade! The strange thing about this blade is it's finish. The spine is like any other blade however the flat section REALLY jumps out as it is A LOT darker than the spine and VERY grainy looking. You can somewhat feel the grain with your fingers (or maybe I'm just going crazy). Perhaps someone at Han Wei got lazy on the finish on my sword? If this is indeed so I will have to get it exchanged. There is a visible hamon, however at the bottom of the hamon where the blade edge forms the pattern goes back to that of the dark grainy looking flat section. Everything extends fully into the kissaki. The boshi and yokote are both visible. The habaki is of a nice elliptical shape which is a very nice touch.
The Handle/Tsuka
The tsuka feels very sturdy and well constructed. There is absolutely nothing loose on it. It is also very thick so it's not for the small of hands. The long length of the tsuka offers the wielder a wide arrange of grips to choose from. Two Oni theme menuki are placed on the tsuka, one on each side with 2 wooden mekugi which has some protrusion that should probably be sanded down a bit. All the fittings are extremely tight and well done. The wrap work is leaps and bounds tighter than that of my Cheness O katana. As for the black ray skin wrap I cannot find any seams or missed coverage.
The Guard/Tsuba
The Oni katana comes with a very thick and elaborate tsuba. It is matching with the rest of the sword. There is a Oni carved on the tsuka side of the tsubad and plain black on the blade side. There is also one of those tsuba holes, not sure what they are called but it's a very nice touch. Since I am anal I shall point out that the seppas are not exactly centered. Nothing a little adjustment won't fix but still.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
Both the fuchi and the kashira have a little Oni face on it and it appears to be a trace amount of glue on the kashira innards. There is absolutely nothing plain about this sword.
The Scabbard/Saya
The saya is of wood (unknown what kind) and heavily lacquered. It's composed of an unusual lace wrapping that runs down nearly the whole length of the saya making a nice little handle u can use. On the loop that the lace is looped upon is a little carved Oni face.
Handling Characteristics
Since the Oni katana has the geometry of the Han Wei performance series it is very easy to handle despite it's heavy weight. I am 6'2" and depending on my mood anywhere from 195 to 235 lbs and I can say that it is fairly weighty. Definitely a big man's katana. I have not cut anything with the Oni yet. When I do I shall update and keep the forum informed.
Conclusions
The Oni Katana is definitely a well made sword. I feel that there could be a little more care in making the blade in giving it a better polish. Even though it is a production sword. In comparison to my $300 Cheness, then Han Wei Oni is far superior in every way as it should be. I still find it hard to believe it did not come with a sword box. In my mind I had pictured this cool looking Oni themed box, but negative ghostrider.
Pros
- L6 Bainite
- The theme is full flowing to the max, no corners cut on theme presentation.
- Tsuka is wrapped surprisingly tight.
- Solid construction.
Cons
- No sword box
- Blade rattle in the saya
- Lack of fine polish polish on the blade.
- $$$$
The Bottom Line
I would recommend this sword to anyone who has the extra money to spend. As for myself I would not buy it again, I shouldn't of bought it this time haha as I simply don't have the money for this sword, however I could not stop myself. You can call me financially irresponsible. The fittings are probably as good as it get from Han Wei.
Perhaps I'll carry it into war one day and get a chance to put it to real use against bone and flesh.
Pictures
First time I took pics with anything other than a cell phone camera, so forgiveness at the bad pictures.
Next to the Cheness O katana (33" Blade 14" Tsuka)
End
If there are any questions ask away!