Review: Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi
Oct 15, 2010 3:06:10 GMT
Post by Odingaard on Oct 15, 2010 3:06:10 GMT
Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi
A Review by Jonathan 'Odingaard' Sarge
Introduction
The radio blared static for the third day straight. No news...
The disaster has left the world in total chaos. In the end, it did not matter what had occurred. No matter the gravity of the event – be it a pandemic, a zombie invasion, a nuclear war, the impact of a rogue comet, the eruption of a super volcano, or an alien attack; the result was the same. You are left completely alone to survive this; in a world where the base essentials of food, water, shelter, medical supplies, and weaponry are worth more than gold.
Nothing could prepare you for this level of survival. Those without the will or knowledge to survive are doomed to certain death; be it from starvation dehydration, exposure, lack of medication attention, or by falling victim to the hands of others. Those who die quickly will be the lucky ones. Those who will survive will journey into the depths of Hell; only to be confronted daily with loss, pain, and suffering. A glimmer of hope remains in the eyes of the survivor; perhaps this will be overcome and a new day will dawn in the future where the world will once again become a better place.
Meaningless symbols that once dominated society like American Idol, Facebook, Xbox, iPod, MTV, and Starbucks have become quaint relics from a forgotten age of ignorance and bliss. In this new age, where the Four Horsemen ride; the terms Death, Plague, War, and Pestilence take horrific new meanings in ways that could never be imagined.
Yet, you will survive. You must survive; it’s an impossible thought to face the other alternatives that await you. It goes without saying that survival or death are your only two options.
Among your survival gear, you find some small comfort that your Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi is ready. But, the question remains in the back of your mind – will it actually help you survive?
Historical overview
The wakizashi is a traditional Japanese sword developed in the early 14th century with a short blade between 12 and 24 inches long, with an average length of around 20 in. It is similar to the katana in design, but has a shorter length. .
The wakizashi was used as a backup weapon to the katana, however it also found use in indoor fighting, ceremonial suicide, and the decapitation of defeated enemies. Additionally, there are accounts of the wakizashi and katana being used simultaneously by samurai.
The Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi is somewhat based on its historic counterparts; but differs in many ways. Buyers should understand that is this not a traditional Wakizashi because has been adapted to a modern, tactically-functional design which lacks the cultural elegance and décor of its ancestors and modern replicas of the antiquated design.
Full Disclosure
There is no real disclosure with this blade. I saw it, liked the idea of owning a compact tactical sword, and purchased it at Kult of Athena at their listed retail price.
Initial Impressions
I ordered the Tactical Wakizashi from Kult of Athena on Monday evening and it arrived on Thursday. It arrived well-packaged in the Hanwei packaging inside of another plain brown box. The sword was undamaged original condition upon arrival.
I removed the sword from its packaging and storage bag and gave it a brief once over. I am not an Asian sword collector – so this was a newer experience for me. Initially, the sword had a good feel in the hand – the balance seemed right for a combat-oriented blade.
Statistics
Nagasa/Blade Length: 20.0”
Tsuka/Handle Length: 10.75”
Overall Length: 31.0”
Tsuba/Guard Width: 2.5”
POB (Point of Balance): 2.5”
COP (Center of Percussion): About 14”
Weight: 1lb 12oz (per manufacturer specifications)
The Blade/Nagasa
The blade appears to have a traditional wakizashi blade form with bo-hi present. It is mounted firmly into a brass habaki and seated well into the tsuba. The kissaki and yokote appear to have been properly formed, though there is an unevenness to the polish at the end of the kissaki with some slight machine marks present.
There is no hamon present on the nagasa.
The overall finish of the nagasa is what I would call a satin finish probably in the area of 800-1000 grit. It’s just shy of being polished to the point of offering a reflection.
The blade extends though the tsuba and offers a full tang for incredible durability.
The blade is simple, yet elegant with proper lines and geometry. It’s a far cry nicer than tactical swords I have seen in the past which seem to forget the functionality of these blade forms in lieu of simplicity lacking in general form.
The Handle/Tsuka
The two-handed tsuka is a set of riveted Zytel scales over the nakago. The scales are checkered in order to improve the gripping surface. In this tactical form, there obviously no menuki, same, ito, or fuchi-kashira that a typical wakizashi would have. .
Two of the rivets are hollow-formed, which create two mekugi-ana. At the end of the handle, there in fact is a loop of olive drab paracord laced though for use as a retention lanyard.
This handle is very secure in the hand, offering a positive grip even when wet with liquid. The Zytel material is highly-impact resistant and is significantly stronger than any would that could have been used – so I approve of it. The lanyard is a bonus, which allows the sword to be locked onto the hand. Some people may not like the lanyard’s presence, but if they don’t – simply remove it. I happen to like it for extra security.
This handle is so durable, it could be used as an ad-hoc hammer if the need arose, though I would speculate that the composite grip material may chip or fracture if hit on a sharp object, such as the head of a nail or metal edge.
The Guard/Tsuba
The tsuba is very simplistic in the form of a small rectangle with rounded corners. The tsuba is pierced with holes on both mune and ha facing sides. It is made from a matte grey finished non-magnetic alloy.
It is approximately 2.5” in length, 1” in width, and ¼” thick.
The tsuba is attractive in a very austere way, just enough to keep one’s hands from sliding onto the blade when issuing a hard thrust.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
There is no fuchi-kashira on this sword.
The Scabbard/Saya
The lightweight saya is made from a molded composite material with a textured matte black finish. The koiguchi is rather plain and unadorned matching the blade profile of the wakizashi. Further down, the saya has a kurikata made from the same matte grey non-metallic alloy as the tsuba. The sageo is laced evenly though the kurikata with several feet of olive drab paracord and tied in a non-traditional decorative knot. The kojiri is perforated with a single drainage hole to allow excessive liquid to drain from the saya.
The wakizashi fits very tightly into the saya, with no type of rattle or blade play. It seems to lock into place by friction.
Overall, the saya seems to be of utilitarian quality. It’s not as nice as a laquered wooden one, but then again it is not supposed to be.
On a minor side-note: One thing that I wanted to see that is not present is that there is not a tactical mounting system included with the saya. As it currently stands, you would have to use the included paracord to rig up some sort of suspension – which may or may not work in a stressful environment. I would have like to have seen MOLLE, ALICE, belt loops, or even a sling mount included so that I could adapt it to my packs or other gear.
Handling Characteristics
The Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi handles very well in dry handling. It’s low PoB gives the blade great agility and grace that seems to flow effortlessly. However, unlike most swords with close PoBs, the TacWak actually seems to maintain a solid blade presence to give authoritative cuts.
The TacWak handles great in one hand, however, when switching to two hands, the blade seems to be a bit overpowered which sacrifices some of the blade presence. Though I can think of situations which may require both hands, I personally just like the one handed approach to things with this particular sword.
I don’t have an abundance of experience with Asian blades to reflect upon, but this wakizashi feels and handles similarly to the traditional ones I have held on past occasions. The biggest difference is that the grip is not quite as comfortable and natural feeling as a properly formed tsuka wrapped with ito of silk or linen.
Test Cutting
Test cutting with the TacWak was really quite fun. As stated the sword is very agile, so performing all manner of cuts were effortless. The only real problem catching air when I would swing at jugs I had pickle-chipped to about 1" off the stand. This is due to my apprehension of not wanting to cut the stand.
Below is a small video I did - I'll let it speak for itself.
*** Forgive my mistake of notating the credits with a different song that the one playing. Apparently, YouTube disables your audio automatically now if you have a WMA in it and they want you to use one of their free audio tracks. So, I had to do my audio with a different band than Sepultura - which rocks much harder. ***
The sword did not have the slightest loosening, damage, or nick on it, even after hammering energy drink can lids, hitting the stand a few times and clipping some nail heads on it OFF, and hammering on some other 4x6 posts I had in the back yard that I manage to hit a few staples. There was naturally slight marring on the blade, by this buffed right off with a grey Scotchbrite pad.
Cutting with this blade was a pleasure. It's definately a tough little sword that did not disappoint.
Conclusions
Suprisingly, I am well-pleased with this little sword. It’s nimble, solid, and lightening fast. At it’s price point, it is a great value for the money – leaps and bounds beyond the old tactical katanas that bore a blade with little geometry, a poor edge, and a paracord wrapped handle.. In a survival scenario, I can see alot of potential – least of which is something to rely up when you run out of bullets.
Tactically, this sword is not really feasible. No governemental or military organization in the United States would approve the training and use for such a weapon - and for good cause. The sword is an antiquated concept in modern warfare, and all but worthless on the battlefield of today where wars are fought with bullets, robot drones, and IEDs.
However, this mindset changes in a true survival scenario where the fabric of society had fallen apart. In this sort of existence, one has to be concerned with having reliable protection at their disposal which may not rely upon ammunition, electricity, or chemicals to work. The Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi fills this niche in any survivalist’s toolkit in offering a compact, lightweight, and affordable weapon that is capable of engaging an enemy at CQB ranges with vast advantages over a standard fighting knife. However, it should merely be a multiplier to the rest of your survival gear which should include primary weapons and dedicated tools.
Pros
- Solid blade form with good geometry.
- Very quick and nimble design.
- Durable Full tang construction.
Cons
- Two handed use overpowers the blade.
- Does not have secure attachment integrated to molded saya.
The Bottom Line
Even though true military and government tactical applications are limited, I would recommend this little sword for anyone wanting to augment their survival toolkit with a functional, durable, and lightweight weapon that’s well worth the money.
A Review by Jonathan 'Odingaard' Sarge
Introduction
The radio blared static for the third day straight. No news...
The disaster has left the world in total chaos. In the end, it did not matter what had occurred. No matter the gravity of the event – be it a pandemic, a zombie invasion, a nuclear war, the impact of a rogue comet, the eruption of a super volcano, or an alien attack; the result was the same. You are left completely alone to survive this; in a world where the base essentials of food, water, shelter, medical supplies, and weaponry are worth more than gold.
Nothing could prepare you for this level of survival. Those without the will or knowledge to survive are doomed to certain death; be it from starvation dehydration, exposure, lack of medication attention, or by falling victim to the hands of others. Those who die quickly will be the lucky ones. Those who will survive will journey into the depths of Hell; only to be confronted daily with loss, pain, and suffering. A glimmer of hope remains in the eyes of the survivor; perhaps this will be overcome and a new day will dawn in the future where the world will once again become a better place.
Meaningless symbols that once dominated society like American Idol, Facebook, Xbox, iPod, MTV, and Starbucks have become quaint relics from a forgotten age of ignorance and bliss. In this new age, where the Four Horsemen ride; the terms Death, Plague, War, and Pestilence take horrific new meanings in ways that could never be imagined.
Yet, you will survive. You must survive; it’s an impossible thought to face the other alternatives that await you. It goes without saying that survival or death are your only two options.
Among your survival gear, you find some small comfort that your Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi is ready. But, the question remains in the back of your mind – will it actually help you survive?
Historical overview
The wakizashi is a traditional Japanese sword developed in the early 14th century with a short blade between 12 and 24 inches long, with an average length of around 20 in. It is similar to the katana in design, but has a shorter length. .
The wakizashi was used as a backup weapon to the katana, however it also found use in indoor fighting, ceremonial suicide, and the decapitation of defeated enemies. Additionally, there are accounts of the wakizashi and katana being used simultaneously by samurai.
The Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi is somewhat based on its historic counterparts; but differs in many ways. Buyers should understand that is this not a traditional Wakizashi because has been adapted to a modern, tactically-functional design which lacks the cultural elegance and décor of its ancestors and modern replicas of the antiquated design.
Full Disclosure
There is no real disclosure with this blade. I saw it, liked the idea of owning a compact tactical sword, and purchased it at Kult of Athena at their listed retail price.
Initial Impressions
I ordered the Tactical Wakizashi from Kult of Athena on Monday evening and it arrived on Thursday. It arrived well-packaged in the Hanwei packaging inside of another plain brown box. The sword was undamaged original condition upon arrival.
I removed the sword from its packaging and storage bag and gave it a brief once over. I am not an Asian sword collector – so this was a newer experience for me. Initially, the sword had a good feel in the hand – the balance seemed right for a combat-oriented blade.
Statistics
Nagasa/Blade Length: 20.0”
Tsuka/Handle Length: 10.75”
Overall Length: 31.0”
Tsuba/Guard Width: 2.5”
POB (Point of Balance): 2.5”
COP (Center of Percussion): About 14”
Weight: 1lb 12oz (per manufacturer specifications)
The Blade/Nagasa
The blade appears to have a traditional wakizashi blade form with bo-hi present. It is mounted firmly into a brass habaki and seated well into the tsuba. The kissaki and yokote appear to have been properly formed, though there is an unevenness to the polish at the end of the kissaki with some slight machine marks present.
There is no hamon present on the nagasa.
The overall finish of the nagasa is what I would call a satin finish probably in the area of 800-1000 grit. It’s just shy of being polished to the point of offering a reflection.
The blade extends though the tsuba and offers a full tang for incredible durability.
The blade is simple, yet elegant with proper lines and geometry. It’s a far cry nicer than tactical swords I have seen in the past which seem to forget the functionality of these blade forms in lieu of simplicity lacking in general form.
The Handle/Tsuka
The two-handed tsuka is a set of riveted Zytel scales over the nakago. The scales are checkered in order to improve the gripping surface. In this tactical form, there obviously no menuki, same, ito, or fuchi-kashira that a typical wakizashi would have. .
Two of the rivets are hollow-formed, which create two mekugi-ana. At the end of the handle, there in fact is a loop of olive drab paracord laced though for use as a retention lanyard.
This handle is very secure in the hand, offering a positive grip even when wet with liquid. The Zytel material is highly-impact resistant and is significantly stronger than any would that could have been used – so I approve of it. The lanyard is a bonus, which allows the sword to be locked onto the hand. Some people may not like the lanyard’s presence, but if they don’t – simply remove it. I happen to like it for extra security.
This handle is so durable, it could be used as an ad-hoc hammer if the need arose, though I would speculate that the composite grip material may chip or fracture if hit on a sharp object, such as the head of a nail or metal edge.
The Guard/Tsuba
The tsuba is very simplistic in the form of a small rectangle with rounded corners. The tsuba is pierced with holes on both mune and ha facing sides. It is made from a matte grey finished non-magnetic alloy.
It is approximately 2.5” in length, 1” in width, and ¼” thick.
The tsuba is attractive in a very austere way, just enough to keep one’s hands from sliding onto the blade when issuing a hard thrust.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
There is no fuchi-kashira on this sword.
The Scabbard/Saya
The lightweight saya is made from a molded composite material with a textured matte black finish. The koiguchi is rather plain and unadorned matching the blade profile of the wakizashi. Further down, the saya has a kurikata made from the same matte grey non-metallic alloy as the tsuba. The sageo is laced evenly though the kurikata with several feet of olive drab paracord and tied in a non-traditional decorative knot. The kojiri is perforated with a single drainage hole to allow excessive liquid to drain from the saya.
The wakizashi fits very tightly into the saya, with no type of rattle or blade play. It seems to lock into place by friction.
Overall, the saya seems to be of utilitarian quality. It’s not as nice as a laquered wooden one, but then again it is not supposed to be.
On a minor side-note: One thing that I wanted to see that is not present is that there is not a tactical mounting system included with the saya. As it currently stands, you would have to use the included paracord to rig up some sort of suspension – which may or may not work in a stressful environment. I would have like to have seen MOLLE, ALICE, belt loops, or even a sling mount included so that I could adapt it to my packs or other gear.
Handling Characteristics
The Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi handles very well in dry handling. It’s low PoB gives the blade great agility and grace that seems to flow effortlessly. However, unlike most swords with close PoBs, the TacWak actually seems to maintain a solid blade presence to give authoritative cuts.
The TacWak handles great in one hand, however, when switching to two hands, the blade seems to be a bit overpowered which sacrifices some of the blade presence. Though I can think of situations which may require both hands, I personally just like the one handed approach to things with this particular sword.
I don’t have an abundance of experience with Asian blades to reflect upon, but this wakizashi feels and handles similarly to the traditional ones I have held on past occasions. The biggest difference is that the grip is not quite as comfortable and natural feeling as a properly formed tsuka wrapped with ito of silk or linen.
Test Cutting
Test cutting with the TacWak was really quite fun. As stated the sword is very agile, so performing all manner of cuts were effortless. The only real problem catching air when I would swing at jugs I had pickle-chipped to about 1" off the stand. This is due to my apprehension of not wanting to cut the stand.
Below is a small video I did - I'll let it speak for itself.
*** Forgive my mistake of notating the credits with a different song that the one playing. Apparently, YouTube disables your audio automatically now if you have a WMA in it and they want you to use one of their free audio tracks. So, I had to do my audio with a different band than Sepultura - which rocks much harder. ***
The sword did not have the slightest loosening, damage, or nick on it, even after hammering energy drink can lids, hitting the stand a few times and clipping some nail heads on it OFF, and hammering on some other 4x6 posts I had in the back yard that I manage to hit a few staples. There was naturally slight marring on the blade, by this buffed right off with a grey Scotchbrite pad.
Cutting with this blade was a pleasure. It's definately a tough little sword that did not disappoint.
Conclusions
Suprisingly, I am well-pleased with this little sword. It’s nimble, solid, and lightening fast. At it’s price point, it is a great value for the money – leaps and bounds beyond the old tactical katanas that bore a blade with little geometry, a poor edge, and a paracord wrapped handle.. In a survival scenario, I can see alot of potential – least of which is something to rely up when you run out of bullets.
Tactically, this sword is not really feasible. No governemental or military organization in the United States would approve the training and use for such a weapon - and for good cause. The sword is an antiquated concept in modern warfare, and all but worthless on the battlefield of today where wars are fought with bullets, robot drones, and IEDs.
However, this mindset changes in a true survival scenario where the fabric of society had fallen apart. In this sort of existence, one has to be concerned with having reliable protection at their disposal which may not rely upon ammunition, electricity, or chemicals to work. The Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi fills this niche in any survivalist’s toolkit in offering a compact, lightweight, and affordable weapon that is capable of engaging an enemy at CQB ranges with vast advantages over a standard fighting knife. However, it should merely be a multiplier to the rest of your survival gear which should include primary weapons and dedicated tools.
Pros
- Solid blade form with good geometry.
- Very quick and nimble design.
- Durable Full tang construction.
Cons
- Two handed use overpowers the blade.
- Does not have secure attachment integrated to molded saya.
The Bottom Line
Even though true military and government tactical applications are limited, I would recommend this little sword for anyone wanting to augment their survival toolkit with a functional, durable, and lightweight weapon that’s well worth the money.