Customer Reviews

Paul Chen-Hanwei - Practical Series - Wakizashi

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There are cheaper Japanese short swords, but they are neither very good nor very Japanese. This one is both. Fit and finish are immaculate, and it ships razor-sharp. I handle a lot of knives and swords, and nothing I've tried comes alive in the hand quite like a good wakizashi. In a tight space, such as a modest home with 8-foot ceilings, there isn't much that could stand against this weapon.

The main difference between a "real" sword like this one and a junk sword or "wall hanger" is differential tempering. This blade is heat treated so that the edge is relatively hard, which keeps it sharp, and the spine is relatively soft, so that it can withstand shock without breaking. With proper care, it's a sword that will outlast the swordsman.

As the description says, the furniture isn't strictly authentic. Instead, the emphasis is on practicality. As you spend up in the Japanese sword world, you might gain in authenticity and aesthetics, but I don't see how you could gain much in functionality. This piece is made for heavy cutting practice, day in and day out. Anyone who is much interested in blades ought to have one.

(Be sure to compare prices between Amazon and online stores such as Kult of Athena.)