Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi review
Jul 1, 2011 2:14:34 GMT
Post by pirate on Jul 1, 2011 2:14:34 GMT
Hanwei Tactical Wakizashi
Reviewed by Jim Copeland
I have been a long time lurker here and have used this site often for the wealth of information it provides for aficionados of swords. This is my first review. As an avid firearms collector, hunter and competitive shooter of both military surplus and modern firearms, I have been looking for a sword to use as a SHTF weapon as part of my bug-out kit. An AR15 or AK rifle, hi capacity handgun and a small light sword would be a nice setup with the sword as a weapon of last defense or for close-quarters backup. I had been looking for a Wakizashi size sword to fit this need because of the light weight and general handiness of this size sword and decided to purchase the Tactical Wakizashi from Hanwei which on paper at least would seem to fit the bill. I am not a sword authority by any means but I do own a modest sword collection, mostly medieval battle ready swords and one Katana made by Musashi (Bamboo Warrior)
Hanwei calls this sword the Tactical Wakizashi, and states “it is designed for strenuous outdoor use and protection”. This sword is based on the blade geometry of the Hanwei Raptor series Wakizashi but with full tang construction for strength. The sword has a 5160 high-carbon spring steel blade which is plasma coated for corrosion protection. The handle is made of checkered Kraton. The scabbard is constructed of fiberglass.
I placed the order for this sword with True Swords, the sword list for $99.99 on their site. I had a coupon for 8% off so my total OTD price with shipping to North Carolina was $108. As usual True Swords shipped very quickly and the item was at my door 3 days after placing the order. True Swords is my go to store for Cold Steel products so I have had several good business transactions with them in the past and this was no different. I wish they would carry more Hanwei products. Upon arrival and first inspection the packaging was adequate and arrived in good shape and the sword was in perfect condition with no damage from shipping. The sword was packaged with a nylon sword bag.
I own a couple other Hanwei swords so I feel like I know generally what to expect from their products and this sword appears to be no different. Very solid overall construction, decent finish on the quality made blade and a great value for a battle ready sword.
Here are the specs:
· Overall Length: 31 in.
· Blade Length: 20 in.
· Handle Length: 8 1/2 in.
· Weight: 1lb 14 oz.
· Full Tang Construction.
· 5160 High Carbon Steel blade.
· Fiberglass Scabbard (Saya)
I took the sword outside for a quick handling session. The temperature was over 90F so it was hot and the first thing I noted was the handle (Tsuka) texturing provide a very good grip even with sweaty hands. This is important with the purpose that this sword is intended. There was no looseness or play in the handle at all, and the full tang provides a strong attachment for the checkered Kraton grip panels. The sword came with a corded lanyard attached through the hole in the handle but I removed it, it just gets in the way in my opinion. The 5160 High Carbon Steel blade appears well made and while sharp it’s not what I would call “scary” sharp as some people describe extremely sharp blades. It did cut paper cleanly so I suspect it is sharp enough for real world duty.
Forgive the "chicken neck choke" grip I have on the sword in this posed photo.
I used plastic water bottles and milk jugs as blade fodder and the sword cut through them with ease as I suspected it would. I did not have and pool noodles or tatami mats on hand so this was the limit of my test cutting.
Pros:
Quick handling and handy small sword.
Quality carbon steel blade.
Handle material provides a slip free grip and is attached very solidly to the full tang.
Fiberglass saya should hold up well to abuse.
A lot of small sword for the money.
Cons:
Blade was not as sharp as I expected.
Some may not like utilitarian “tactical” none traditional look.
This small sword handled well and was quick and precise when cutting and well balanced in the hands. It just feels like a high quality sword that will hold up over time and it should fit the purpose for which I purchased it. If you are looking for a small, handy back yard cutter or a rock solid self-defense weapon this sword is worth a close look, especially at this price point.
I would give this sword 4 stars.
Reviewed by Jim Copeland
I have been a long time lurker here and have used this site often for the wealth of information it provides for aficionados of swords. This is my first review. As an avid firearms collector, hunter and competitive shooter of both military surplus and modern firearms, I have been looking for a sword to use as a SHTF weapon as part of my bug-out kit. An AR15 or AK rifle, hi capacity handgun and a small light sword would be a nice setup with the sword as a weapon of last defense or for close-quarters backup. I had been looking for a Wakizashi size sword to fit this need because of the light weight and general handiness of this size sword and decided to purchase the Tactical Wakizashi from Hanwei which on paper at least would seem to fit the bill. I am not a sword authority by any means but I do own a modest sword collection, mostly medieval battle ready swords and one Katana made by Musashi (Bamboo Warrior)
Hanwei calls this sword the Tactical Wakizashi, and states “it is designed for strenuous outdoor use and protection”. This sword is based on the blade geometry of the Hanwei Raptor series Wakizashi but with full tang construction for strength. The sword has a 5160 high-carbon spring steel blade which is plasma coated for corrosion protection. The handle is made of checkered Kraton. The scabbard is constructed of fiberglass.
I placed the order for this sword with True Swords, the sword list for $99.99 on their site. I had a coupon for 8% off so my total OTD price with shipping to North Carolina was $108. As usual True Swords shipped very quickly and the item was at my door 3 days after placing the order. True Swords is my go to store for Cold Steel products so I have had several good business transactions with them in the past and this was no different. I wish they would carry more Hanwei products. Upon arrival and first inspection the packaging was adequate and arrived in good shape and the sword was in perfect condition with no damage from shipping. The sword was packaged with a nylon sword bag.
I own a couple other Hanwei swords so I feel like I know generally what to expect from their products and this sword appears to be no different. Very solid overall construction, decent finish on the quality made blade and a great value for a battle ready sword.
Here are the specs:
· Overall Length: 31 in.
· Blade Length: 20 in.
· Handle Length: 8 1/2 in.
· Weight: 1lb 14 oz.
· Full Tang Construction.
· 5160 High Carbon Steel blade.
· Fiberglass Scabbard (Saya)
I took the sword outside for a quick handling session. The temperature was over 90F so it was hot and the first thing I noted was the handle (Tsuka) texturing provide a very good grip even with sweaty hands. This is important with the purpose that this sword is intended. There was no looseness or play in the handle at all, and the full tang provides a strong attachment for the checkered Kraton grip panels. The sword came with a corded lanyard attached through the hole in the handle but I removed it, it just gets in the way in my opinion. The 5160 High Carbon Steel blade appears well made and while sharp it’s not what I would call “scary” sharp as some people describe extremely sharp blades. It did cut paper cleanly so I suspect it is sharp enough for real world duty.
Forgive the "chicken neck choke" grip I have on the sword in this posed photo.
I used plastic water bottles and milk jugs as blade fodder and the sword cut through them with ease as I suspected it would. I did not have and pool noodles or tatami mats on hand so this was the limit of my test cutting.
Pros:
Quick handling and handy small sword.
Quality carbon steel blade.
Handle material provides a slip free grip and is attached very solidly to the full tang.
Fiberglass saya should hold up well to abuse.
A lot of small sword for the money.
Cons:
Blade was not as sharp as I expected.
Some may not like utilitarian “tactical” none traditional look.
This small sword handled well and was quick and precise when cutting and well balanced in the hands. It just feels like a high quality sword that will hold up over time and it should fit the purpose for which I purchased it. If you are looking for a small, handy back yard cutter or a rock solid self-defense weapon this sword is worth a close look, especially at this price point.
I would give this sword 4 stars.