Hanwei Three Monkey Wakizashi
Apr 22, 2011 21:35:09 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2011 21:35:09 GMT
Introduction
I got my sword a little buddy. I was so happy with the katana, I splurged and got the companion. I ended up paying $20 more than it was priced a couple of months ago, but I got it anyway.
Historical overview
It resembles a japanese wakizashi.
Full Disclosure
I could only wish someone sent this to me for free.
Initial Impressions
Kult of Athena got it to me in 3 days. The packaging was great...no problems there. The first thing I did when I took it out of the box was to give it a slight shake. No saya rattle. I was already impressed since this seems to be a common problem with hanwei. I also noticed the tsuka had some nice contours to it. Not nearly as axe-like as the katana. Then I pulled the blade out, and wow! I don't know if the hamon on this is natural or etched, but it looks so much nicer than on the katana (multiple pics below). If anyone can clarify by the pictures, please enlighten me.
Statistics
Blade/Nagasa Length: 20"
Handle/Tsuka Length: 6.25"
Overall Length: 27.75"
Guard/Tsuba Width: 2.75"
POB (Point of Balance): 4"
COP (Center of Percussion): somewhere
Weight: 1lb 6oz
The Blade/Nagasa
If this is etched...it looks pretty nice. If it's natural, I don't understand why they would cover the other ones up with that frostyness.
The Handle/Tsuka
It's hard to see in the picture, but it does taper towards the rear.
The Guard/Tsuba
Same furniture as the katana, but slightly smaller. I haven't seen any other fittings similar to these. That's one of the reasons I bought these.
The Pommel/Fuchi-Kashira
I really like the fittings.
The Scabbard/Saya
It's not loose, there's no rattle. Fits nice. I changed out the sageo with another one from tozando. I don't really like the chemical fiber ones hanwei's come with. Plus after feeling how nice the ones I got from tozando feel...there's no going back. I did have to remove the shitodome, but this is trivial to me.
Handling Characteristics
I don't really know how it should feel, but it's definitely quick. It does seem to feel a little more tip heavy then the katana, but it's still very nice.
Test Cutting (if applicable)
Not applicable yet. (video to be done at a later date)
Conclusions
I'm very pleased. I was pleasantly surprised by a number of things. The nice fit of the saya, the shape of the tsuka, and the (whether real or not) very nice looking hamon.
Pros
Very nice overall, tsuka, fittings, saya and blade are all impressive in my opinion.
Cons
Paying a little more for it then it was a couple months ago.
Chemical fiber sageo had to go.
The Bottom Line
I would recommend it. I wouldn't suggest using it to cut heavy targets. It might be up to the task...but I'll let someone else test that out. I wish hanwei did some of the things they did with this on the katana. Having some shape on the tsuka is nice...and I'll wait for your expert opinions on the hamon. It looks real to my untrained eye.