Hanwei Wootz

I used to drool over that one too.... Something about it's look and proportions just makes it so attractive to me.... But then that one thread about the tangs of Hanwei's Chinese swords came along and made me go:
Maybe I should talk to Jin-shi or someone else about making something like it... that doesn't cost about half of an arm. Eventually, anyways.

Exactly. From what I remember of the sword, the cord wrappings are really only their so you're not gripping the bare steel of the tang/hilt. I guess you could say that the tang is integrated into the hilt since, with this sword, they're the same thing.

I think the main issue, aside from the price of course, would be the fact that, excluding the Cutting Jian, almost all of their Chinese swords are pretty much worthless for cutting. I think this one would be fine, seeing as it's got such a wide blade (and it's only about 23" long). The question, then, would be if it has a proper edge to it and, if not, could one be put on it without ruining the sword?

I don't think you should feel bad for returning it because you did not use the weapon in any way that damages it, making it tough to sell it back. When I was initially venturing into swords/gladius, I bought the gen 2 pompeii based on everyone's recommendation that it is a solid weapon. Granted it is a solid weapon but I don't like the way it handles...oddly I like the Deepeeka Pompeii better than that, which is lesser of the sword but I could easily customize it to suit my need. So I return it.... plus I paid for shipping so the only thing they might lose is the initial shipping cost. It is their generous 45 day return policy that gives them another edge over other vendors IMO.

Sticking to this point, I find the POB of this Hanwei Wootz...lets call it crucible shall we it a little too close to the hilt. To my little knowledge, jians, including the Han fitting jians, have pretty forward PoB...this one resembles more like an arming sword than a Jian. Perhaps the metal guard and the pommel fittings contribute to the POB close to the hilt....

On the other hand I gotta admit I love the fittings and I would not cut with something that expensive It is a lovely looking sword and does not conform to the usual generic Han fittings they used in Chinese forges.

[Edit] Kinda think about it I should not have comment too much given I've had not handle the weapon at all...I just don't know when to shut up

@eques: You make a valid point about most Jians being made with forward balance, however this sword design is the chinese equivalent of an english side-sword. Quoth from the Hanwei information page about the wootz " patterned after a Han Dynasty cavalry weapon" And from a personal standpoint I prefer light and quick weapons. The <2lb weight and the pob being almost at the guard means this sword is a dream blade for me.

I agree it would handle beautifully with PoB close to hilt and its light weight. Whenever I looked at a sword, I would always asked myself " how does the sword differ from the orignal sword"...too pessimistic for a guy on budget like me...lol.



The bulky knob is a poor replica of the authentic Russian kindjal...it is more of a decoration IMO than any function.... and the bulk should be some kind of semi-precious stone just like this picture I've googled...(edit:obtained from historical arms and armor):

Oh no, it's finished just fine and the blade and everything fits solid. It fits nicely in its sheath. Everything fits well, I just think it's too small for me personally.

I don't know, maybe I'm just picky but seeing the Chinese characters on the scabbard looks fakey to me! I mean it's a repro of an ancient jian and it has modern script ! I would have perfer the old archaic writing...I dunno it's like seeing a Roman gladius with cursive Italics!

Dammit, youse stealin' mahs ideas!

'Cept you're probably more likely to be able to actually afford something nice.