Hanwei Kama
Sept 30, 2008 3:53:09 GMT
Post by tajima on Sept 30, 2008 3:53:09 GMT
Hey,
I feel there are not enough ‘other’ weapons being reviewed on SBG. It’s lame. It’s scary. So I’ve decided to take part in the minority and review my Hanwei Kama…
Introduction:
I purchased these Kama from Mike at www.shumiswords.com and a SBG forumite. If I can recall they were $240 Aus shipped. They arrived in wooden boxes, resembling that which pizza comes in, and it was several minutes before school. I opened them up with anticipation and got a feel for the beauties.
Fit and Finish:
When I first saw these, my initial thoughts were: plain. The wood was fairly plain, but not unattractive. The somewhat simplistic design for the base, end of the sheath and the top of the handle of black metal and gold trim was attractive but not screaming at you. There was also a handy leather tie for the sheath to avoid accidental loss of limbs. The blade, while not highly polished, was not unattractive. There was no reflection to be seen in the steel but that did not bother me at all. The hamon, a plain and odd looking design, was not unattractive and added to the weapons lethal image. My only real annoyance is some scuff marks close to the handle on one of the Kama, but this is not too worrying as they are used for cutting.
Handling:
Coming in two different models, of which I ordered one of each, you could instantly tell which was left and which was right. The handle, feeling awkward in the wrong hand, indicates you to swap. The wood is very ergonomic - in the correct hand it feels strangely light and easy to handle which is a big plus. They are heavier than expected, due to the large tang, but with the aforementioned ergonomics of the weapons this goes somewhat unnoticed.
Structural Integrity:
Not much to judge here. It is definitely a full tang, as you can tell by the two metal Mekugi along the length of the handle. The wood seems of fine quality, lacquered and easily gripped - but be careful those who sweat greatly. A short slip of the hand and you’d lose a finger instantly. The T-10 tool steel is of good quality and very resilient (And I got this BEFORE the T-10 fad!).
Test Cutting:
I haven’t managed any pictures, but I’ve certainly given these a workout. As a Kobudo practitioner, I have used the correct techniques and these blades deliver as they should. Not tools for “cutting” per se, but more severing and spiking - and they perform admirably. Pool noodles are cut in half and leave the victim impaled on the Kama, as with small Coke bottles etc.
I also use these in Kobudo classes for kata, and they are very good for training. I would prefer a grip, and in the future may do a Rattan wrap on them - the traditional Keikogi and Hakama are stinking hot and leave the hands saturated with sweat.
The Verdict:
Historical Accuracy: 4/5 - This really depends, there were many forms of Kama.
Fit and Finish: 3.5/5 - Simplistic, but not unattractive. Does the job. -1 for the scuff mark.
Handling: 4/5 - Very ergonomic, but -1 definitely for the lack of a decent grip.
Structural Integrity: 5/5 - Very good, I don’t see it breaking or damaging.
Value for Money: 4/5 - Excellent value, but some features make it lacking in potential -1.
Overall: 4/5 (Excellent)
Final Salute:
This is an excellently crafted weapon. Attractive fittings, secure, sharp and easy to handle - it has everything. I only really dislike this due to the lack of a grip. I would recommend this weapon to Kobudo Practitioners, Collectors and anyone interested in a fun weapon to buy.
Thanks,
-Tajima
I feel there are not enough ‘other’ weapons being reviewed on SBG. It’s lame. It’s scary. So I’ve decided to take part in the minority and review my Hanwei Kama…
Introduction:
I purchased these Kama from Mike at www.shumiswords.com and a SBG forumite. If I can recall they were $240 Aus shipped. They arrived in wooden boxes, resembling that which pizza comes in, and it was several minutes before school. I opened them up with anticipation and got a feel for the beauties.
Fit and Finish:
When I first saw these, my initial thoughts were: plain. The wood was fairly plain, but not unattractive. The somewhat simplistic design for the base, end of the sheath and the top of the handle of black metal and gold trim was attractive but not screaming at you. There was also a handy leather tie for the sheath to avoid accidental loss of limbs. The blade, while not highly polished, was not unattractive. There was no reflection to be seen in the steel but that did not bother me at all. The hamon, a plain and odd looking design, was not unattractive and added to the weapons lethal image. My only real annoyance is some scuff marks close to the handle on one of the Kama, but this is not too worrying as they are used for cutting.
Handling:
Coming in two different models, of which I ordered one of each, you could instantly tell which was left and which was right. The handle, feeling awkward in the wrong hand, indicates you to swap. The wood is very ergonomic - in the correct hand it feels strangely light and easy to handle which is a big plus. They are heavier than expected, due to the large tang, but with the aforementioned ergonomics of the weapons this goes somewhat unnoticed.
Structural Integrity:
Not much to judge here. It is definitely a full tang, as you can tell by the two metal Mekugi along the length of the handle. The wood seems of fine quality, lacquered and easily gripped - but be careful those who sweat greatly. A short slip of the hand and you’d lose a finger instantly. The T-10 tool steel is of good quality and very resilient (And I got this BEFORE the T-10 fad!).
Test Cutting:
I haven’t managed any pictures, but I’ve certainly given these a workout. As a Kobudo practitioner, I have used the correct techniques and these blades deliver as they should. Not tools for “cutting” per se, but more severing and spiking - and they perform admirably. Pool noodles are cut in half and leave the victim impaled on the Kama, as with small Coke bottles etc.
I also use these in Kobudo classes for kata, and they are very good for training. I would prefer a grip, and in the future may do a Rattan wrap on them - the traditional Keikogi and Hakama are stinking hot and leave the hands saturated with sweat.
The Verdict:
Historical Accuracy: 4/5 - This really depends, there were many forms of Kama.
Fit and Finish: 3.5/5 - Simplistic, but not unattractive. Does the job. -1 for the scuff mark.
Handling: 4/5 - Very ergonomic, but -1 definitely for the lack of a decent grip.
Structural Integrity: 5/5 - Very good, I don’t see it breaking or damaging.
Value for Money: 4/5 - Excellent value, but some features make it lacking in potential -1.
Overall: 4/5 (Excellent)
Final Salute:
This is an excellently crafted weapon. Attractive fittings, secure, sharp and easy to handle - it has everything. I only really dislike this due to the lack of a grip. I would recommend this weapon to Kobudo Practitioners, Collectors and anyone interested in a fun weapon to buy.
Thanks,
-Tajima