Hanwei Oni Katana
The Oni are mythical creatures from Japanese folklore similar to western demons or trolls. In modern culture they are beginning to move away from this menacing connotation into the role of guardian or protector, similar in character to gargoyles. Their power and ferocity, however, have not diminished. There is a Japanese saying which translates to “Oni with an iron club”, or to be of an invincible nature, a fitting association with the 29” L6/Bainite blade on which our Oni Katana is built. The blade features the geometry of our Performance Series for outstanding cutting ability. The 14” tsuka is wrapped in black ray skin and silk ito while the Koshirae feature Oni in various classical styles. A unique combination of folklore and functionality.

Bainite is a structure of high-carbon steel that combines great strength with excellent flexibility and shock absorption characteristics. It has been known as an exemplary Katana blade component for a number of years but its use has been restricted to a few top-class master smiths, due to the difficulties involved in performing the exacting heat treatment procedures necessary for the production of a Bainite blade body in combination with the very hard Martensite Yakiba (edge section) required for Katana blades.

Hanwei has now mastered this difficult process, using billets of L-6 tool steel (a very tough high-carbon low-alloy steel) as a starting point. Blades are forged and shaped in the normal way, then carefully heat treated to achieve the required Bainite and Martensite structures before final polishing.

• L6/Bainite Performance Series Katana Blade
• Traditional Construction
• Designed for Martial Artists

Overall length:  44”
Blade length:  29”
Handle length:   14”
Weight:  3lb

 

Hanwei Sword Bags
Due to demand, we offer high quality Sword Cases for your traveling needs. These sword cases are available in large size OH-2158 this will carry any combination of katanas or bokken and medium size OH-2159. They are constructed from black high-density fabric and the bottom of the bag is reinforced with thick leather. A shoulder strap and carrying handle are equipped on the cases for traveling convenience. Each case has two inside zipped-compartments for storage security and an outer compartment for maintenance supplies. These cases can hold a plethora of swords depending on various shapes and sizes. The two internal zipper compartments are ideal for storing your favourite katana without fear of knocking against your boken or other sword(s). The zip itself when closed can be pad-locked to a sturdy eyelet for extra security.

 

Hanwei Shuihi Tachi
This masterful production by Hanwei combines the elements of one of the four most popular Chinese classic novels, written in the 14th Century, with an elegantly crafted and superbly decorated Tachi. Shui Hu Chuan (Water Margin Chronicles), translated in 1933 by Nobel Laureate Pearl S. Buck as “All Men are Brothers” is a truly epic tale of a band of outlaws who, in Robin Hood fashion, attempt to overthrow a corrupt government in the name of the Emperor. Our Tachi tells the story in a series of exquisitely detailed bas-relief panels on the sides of the Tsuka and Saya, held in place by retainers that are themselves lavishly decorated in a Chrysanthemum motif. The blade of the Tachi is no less outstanding – forged and folded from Swedish Powder Steel, with a hamon displaying elements of both notare and gunome, it is in itself a work of art. stand shown inset is not included.

PRODUCT LENGTH:  38 1/4 inch
BLADE LENGTH:   27 1/2 inch
PRODUCT WEIGHT:   2lb 8oz

Hanwei Paper Crane Katana
Our Paper Crane katana is without doubt the greatest achievement in sword making artistry yet available from Hanwei. The blade is crafted from Hanwei’s own Tamahagane steel (see below) while the fittings reflect the atmosphere of the Japanese theater. The Daisho’s name stems from the origami (the art of paper folding) cranes that decorate the striking Tsuba and Fuchi/Kashira, all of which feature highly-prized “Nanako” or stippled backgrounds. The Menuki feature thespian masks, a symbol shared by the Japanese theater and its western counterpart. The Saya of the katana houses a Kozuka (small knife) while that of the Wakizashi carries a Kogai (hair pick) The Kozuka and Kogai are decorated with musical instruments of the theater. The Paper Crane theme is carried to the outstanding hand woven silk Sageo, the result of many hours of skilled work on a hand-loom. Tamahagane steel is made by building and firing a Tatara, the traditional Japanese sword-steel smelter. This charcoal- fired furnace produces a very pure steel from iron sand, and this steel “Kera” or bloom can be broken and separated into high- and low-carbon pieces, which respectively form the “skin” steel and “core” steel of the blade. The skin steel is forged and folded repeatedly, to remove slag inclusions and voids and is then wrapped around the core steel before the resulting billet is forged into a blade. Careful heat treating, shaping and polishing reveals the tight “Hada” or layer pattern of the blade and the white particles of the “Hamon” or temper line. While this process results in the aesthetic qualities much admired by collectors it also produces a very functional blade, as the high carbon content of the skin steel makes a very hard edge possible while the softer core steel gives the blade its resilience and ability to absorb shock.

PRODUCT LENGTH:  39 1/4 inch
BLADE LENGTH:   28 inch
PRODUCT WEIGHT:   2lb 5oz

Our Paper Crane wakizashi is without doubt the greatest achievement in sword making artistry yet available from Hanwei. The blade is crafted from Hanwei’s own Tamahagane steel (see below) while the fittings reflect the atmosphere of the Japanese theater. The Daisho’s name stems from the origami (the art of paper folding) cranes that decorate the striking Tsuba and Fuchi/Kashira, all of which feature highly-prized “Nanako” or stippled backgrounds. The Menuki feature thespian masks, a symbol shared by the Japanese theater and its western counterpart. The Saya of the katana houses a Kozuka (small knife) while that of the Wakizashi carries a Kogai (hair pick) The Kozuka and Kogai are decorated with musical instruments of the theater. The Paper Crane theme is carried to the outstanding hand woven silk Sageo, the result of many hours of skilled work on a hand-loom.

Tamahagane steel is made by building and firing a Tatara, the traditional Japanese sword-steel smelter. This charcoal- fired furnace produces a very pure steel from iron sand, and this steel “Kera” or bloom can be broken and separated into high- and low-carbon pieces, which respectively form the “skin” steel and “core” steel of the blade. The skin steel is forged and folded repeatedly, to remove slag inclusions and voids and is then wrapped around the core steel before the resulting billet is forged into a blade. Careful heat treating, shaping and polishing reveals the tight “Hada” or layer pattern of the blade and the white particles of the “Hamon” or temper line. While this process results in the aesthetic qualities much admired by collectors it also produces a very functional blade, as the high carbon content of the skin steel makes a very hard edge possible while the softer core steel gives the blade its resilience and ability to absorb shock.

PRODUCT LENGTH:  26 1/2 inch
BLADE LENGTH:   18 3/4 inch
PRODUCT WEIGHT:   1lb 10oz

The Praying Mantis is a symbol of cunning and power in Japanese culture and is consequently a highly respected theme in Samurai swords. Built on our new L6/Bainite blade in the Shobu Zukuri style with Bo-Hi, and featuring superb koshirae, the Praying Mantis is a very desirable and functional piece. The subdued green silk ito and deep brown of the lacquered saya provide handsome contrast to the dark copper and golden accents of the tsuba, fuchi and kashira. The stalking mantis lies in wait for his next prey, mirroring the power and grace in this exceptional katana. The blade is 29 inches with an 11" handle.

Bainite is a structure of high-carbon steel that combines great strength with excellent flexibility and shock absorption characteristics. It has been known as an exemplary Katana blade component for a number of years but its use has been restricted to a few top-class master smiths, due to the difficulties involved in performing the exacting heat treatment procedures necessary for the production of a Bainite blade body in combination with the very hard Martensite Yakiba (edge section) required for Katana blades.

Hanwei has now mastered this difficult process, using billets of L-6 tool steel (a very tough high-carbon low-alloy steel) as a starting point. Blades are forged and shaped in the traditional way, then carefully heat treated to achieve the required Bainite and Martensite structures before final polishing.