CAS/Hanwei Practical XL Review
Jan 28, 2008 17:52:01 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jan 28, 2008 17:52:01 GMT
This is a review of the brand new, [glow=red,2,300]CAS/Hanwei Practical XL [/glow]purchased from Nihonzashi.com review done by: S. Kang, Tulsa, OK.
Sensei Mike Femal is a dojo/store operator that is quite knowledgeable and highly recommended this katana for tameshigiri. He really stressed that this katana has really got 'bang for the buck' when it comes to overall performance. During the entire process, we corresponded via email and he provided some non-biased and honest details of both the Tori and the Practical line of katana. I would expect that the swedish powdered steel blades is something that can be worked up to, so I decided to go with the Practical XL instead. I do martial arts fulltime in Tulsa, Oklahoma and use the sword regularly. I also like to indulge in some backyard cutting with my little brother. I also have a Hanwei Forge Zatoichi and it is quite powerful. The spirit of Hanwei Steel is something that has always caught my eye. I always loved the look and when I got the cane sword, it was confirmed. These guys are for real. Even though it is a mass production item, the two I own from CAS/Hanwei are, to me, anyway, masterpieces.
Well guys, it finally came. ;D Actually, it came to my POB on Friday, and I didn't even know it! I had to wait all weekend with it just sitting there, not doing anything at the post office! Anyway, I woke up bright and early, and got ready for the day, As I pulled up to the post office, I got some pretty funky chills.
I felt like a little kid, who just couldn't wait to open his presents on Christmas!
Anyways, opening it up, was quite fun. I didn't rip into it as I normally do. I took my time.
The glorious, and uniquely shaped sword box
This package was wrapped with the utmost care, and precision. Notice the fragile stickers on it. It was also insured.
There was a foam piece on both ends of the box
The usual. I would expect this.
The "on the rack" view in all it's glory
Probably can't read it really clearly, but it is a warning that it is extremely sharp, (and oh how right they are!) We're talking stupid, crazy sharp folks.
The 'down the blade' view from left slice, showing off it's real hamon
The 'down the blade' view from right slice, this is one beautifully done blade.
The kissaki is well done, and standard looking shape
The tsuka, is firm, the ito is tight, there is no play between the tsuba. The saya fits a little snug, but not after a week of practice. The sageo is tied down the saya, ready for a quick tie-up, something that is common to martial arts practitioners.
The great thing about this katana is the new large geometry blade profile. It has a profile that is larger than most blades which allows for the inexperienced cutter to cut successfully.
sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/Hanwei-Katana.htmlblade profiles at the bottom of page
I think this sword is really tough to beat for the money.
The overall feel and balance of the katana is perfect
Since I don't have any tatami, paper will have to do for now. It takes very little effort to slice through. All you need it enough speed executed with proper balance, and correct technique.
Absolutely like butter
This is going to rank at the top of my collection up to this point.
Hope this review was enjoyable, it a challenge and fun to prepare it!
Practical XL Katana
www.nihonzashi.com/Shinken.htm#Price%20List
$245.95
CAS Iberia / Hanwei Forge Paul Chen Katana
My ratings:
Plain steel fittings: 4/5
Forged high carbon steel blade: 5/5 (for a non-folded blade)
Differentially Tempered Blade: 5/5 (beautiful hamon)
Black gloss saya: 5/5
New extra large blade geometry: 5/5 (SGC-like?)
Black synthetic suede tsuka ito (wrap): 4/5
Removable Tsuka: n/a (haven't taken it apart yet)
Katana specs:
Blade length: 28 ½”
Handle length: 11
Overall length: 40 ½”
Weight: 2lb 11oz
Point of Balance: 5"
Width at Guard: 1.43"
Width at Tip: 1.08"
Thickness at Guard: .26"
Thickness at Tip: .15"
Sori: 3/4"
(copied from casiberia.com)
Practical Shinken page www.nihonzashi.com/PractShinkenDetails.htm
There is a page dedicated to Practicals. www.nihonzashi.com/Compare_Practical_Blades.htmWith all of the Hanwei Practical Katanas, it can become quite confusing as to which one does what and what they're made for.
The Nihonzashi website is full of informational goodies that will keep you busy for a week. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the transaction and the 'hunting' of the katana. I learned so much and hope that I will be able to find more beauties like this one. I have my eye on the Tori XL and the Cheness Kaze.
Effortless and smooth, oh how I love this sword...
P.S. I will add some videos of tameshigiri when I get them in. Then we'll get down to the nitty gritty.
Historical Accuracy: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 4/5
Structural Integrity:55
Value for Money: 6/5
Hope ya'll enjoyed the review. More to come out of this fine blade..........
Sensei Mike Femal is a dojo/store operator that is quite knowledgeable and highly recommended this katana for tameshigiri. He really stressed that this katana has really got 'bang for the buck' when it comes to overall performance. During the entire process, we corresponded via email and he provided some non-biased and honest details of both the Tori and the Practical line of katana. I would expect that the swedish powdered steel blades is something that can be worked up to, so I decided to go with the Practical XL instead. I do martial arts fulltime in Tulsa, Oklahoma and use the sword regularly. I also like to indulge in some backyard cutting with my little brother. I also have a Hanwei Forge Zatoichi and it is quite powerful. The spirit of Hanwei Steel is something that has always caught my eye. I always loved the look and when I got the cane sword, it was confirmed. These guys are for real. Even though it is a mass production item, the two I own from CAS/Hanwei are, to me, anyway, masterpieces.
"When I hold this katana in my hands it is understood that the spirit of the katana is meant for one thing."
Well guys, it finally came. ;D Actually, it came to my POB on Friday, and I didn't even know it! I had to wait all weekend with it just sitting there, not doing anything at the post office! Anyway, I woke up bright and early, and got ready for the day, As I pulled up to the post office, I got some pretty funky chills.
I felt like a little kid, who just couldn't wait to open his presents on Christmas!Anyways, opening it up, was quite fun. I didn't rip into it as I normally do. I took my time.
The glorious, and uniquely shaped sword box
This package was wrapped with the utmost care, and precision. Notice the fragile stickers on it. It was also insured.
There was a foam piece on both ends of the box
The usual. I would expect this.
The "on the rack" view in all it's glory
Probably can't read it really clearly, but it is a warning that it is extremely sharp, (and oh how right they are!) We're talking stupid, crazy sharp folks.
The 'down the blade' view from left slice, showing off it's real hamon
The 'down the blade' view from right slice, this is one beautifully done blade.
The kissaki is well done, and standard looking shape
The tsuka, is firm, the ito is tight, there is no play between the tsuba. The saya fits a little snug, but not after a week of practice. The sageo is tied down the saya, ready for a quick tie-up, something that is common to martial arts practitioners.
The great thing about this katana is the new large geometry blade profile. It has a profile that is larger than most blades which allows for the inexperienced cutter to cut successfully.
sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/Hanwei-Katana.htmlblade profiles at the bottom of page
I think this sword is really tough to beat for the money.
The overall feel and balance of the katana is perfect
Since I don't have any tatami, paper will have to do for now. It takes very little effort to slice through. All you need it enough speed executed with proper balance, and correct technique.
Absolutely like butter
This is going to rank at the top of my collection up to this point.
Hope this review was enjoyable, it a challenge and fun to prepare it!
Practical XL Katana
www.nihonzashi.com/Shinken.htm#Price%20List
$245.95
CAS Iberia / Hanwei Forge Paul Chen Katana
My ratings:
Plain steel fittings: 4/5
Forged high carbon steel blade: 5/5 (for a non-folded blade)
Differentially Tempered Blade: 5/5 (beautiful hamon)
Black gloss saya: 5/5
New extra large blade geometry: 5/5 (SGC-like?)
Black synthetic suede tsuka ito (wrap): 4/5
Removable Tsuka: n/a (haven't taken it apart yet)
Katana specs:
Blade length: 28 ½”
Handle length: 11
Overall length: 40 ½”
Weight: 2lb 11oz
Point of Balance: 5"
Width at Guard: 1.43"
Width at Tip: 1.08"
Thickness at Guard: .26"
Thickness at Tip: .15"
Sori: 3/4"
(copied from casiberia.com)
Practical Shinken page www.nihonzashi.com/PractShinkenDetails.htm
There is a page dedicated to Practicals. www.nihonzashi.com/Compare_Practical_Blades.htmWith all of the Hanwei Practical Katanas, it can become quite confusing as to which one does what and what they're made for.
The Nihonzashi website is full of informational goodies that will keep you busy for a week. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the transaction and the 'hunting' of the katana. I learned so much and hope that I will be able to find more beauties like this one. I have my eye on the Tori XL and the Cheness Kaze.
Effortless and smooth, oh how I love this sword...
P.S. I will add some videos of tameshigiri when I get them in. Then we'll get down to the nitty gritty.
Historical Accuracy: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Handling: 4/5
Structural Integrity:55
Value for Money: 6/5
Hope ya'll enjoyed the review. More to come out of this fine blade..........
) but especially the postures which I found elegant and the to-the-point paper cutting demo. You made it look easy. +1 karma.
