CAS Hanwei Wind and Thunder Katana Sword, Black, Overall: 42“ Blade Length: 29 1/2“ Handle Length: 11 3/4” Weight: 3lb 5oz

This Hanwei Wind and Thhunder katana is a work of art. It has a very heavy blade, weighs a hefty 3.5 pounds and all of the fittings are solid. It has a straight hamon which is very similar in appearance to the Hanwei bainite steel Oni katana and Praying Mantis katana. This is very definitely a heavy cutter. When I first saw this sword available, I kind of delayed the purchase because of the price being just under $1000, but became convinced that it was a relatively fair price for around $600 and also it seems most dealers on the internet have run out of stock. I guess there are other katanas which, for the same price, offer a folded steel blade and more elaborate hamon and fittings, but I wanted a dependable "workhorse" and not a "show piece". I don't know why there is such a lack of information on rhe Amazon item page concerning this sword. You figure if you really want to sell a sword for over 600 smackers, then it would be real nice and smart to tell the potential buyer exacty what he is buying. Anyways, here are some specifications; The blade is patterned after early Japanese swords when they were thicker and the kissaki (tip) was longer. This sword has a true temper line and hamon. The blade has been differentially clay fired, the edge has a 60RC hardness and the back has a 40RC hardness. The full tang is secured to the wooden handle with two pins. The handle is covered in real same' (rayskin) and Japanese cotton is braided over in the traditional pattern. This sword is also front weighted toward the tip for better cutting. *Hanwei Forge Paul Chen Katana *Fully functional live blade Shinken Katana "real sword" *Tomoe mon theme Fuchi/Kashira *Black Iron Raiden tsuba *Black cotton tsuka ito *Genuine same (rayskin) inlay *Black gloss saya *Forged high carbon steel blade *0-kissaki (large) *Differentially tempered *Blade length: 29 1/2" *Handle length: 11 3/4" *Overall length: 42" *Weight: 3lb 5oz *Point of Balance: 7" *Width at Guard: 1.37" *Width at Tip: 1.18" *Thickness at Guard: .35" *Thickness at Tip: .3" *Sori: 3/4" Hope this review helps!

I ordered this sword from 3gida (seller name through Amazon) and it's exactly what I needed. I'm just starting out doing Toyama Ryu and needed a good shinken (true sword) for my height. Out of the available mass-produced swords on Amazon this is the only one that meets the quality and length I needed. The weight on the sword is a bit intense compared against the other swords closer to "standard" length, the blade is noticeable thicker as well. This makes it a bit harder to handle but if you can get used to it the sword is a great one from the mass produced line.

Really nice and well made sword.

I was looking at this sword for a while, and pulled the trigger I like this sword so much, one of my fav's the aesthetics and quality is bar none it's a beast I'm a strong guy doesn't bother me about the weight it's awesome and beautiful.

A very solid and well built sword. It makes for an excellent cutting sword, very beefy and blade heavy

Very beautiful well constructed Katana. Is a bit heavier than a standard katana but that is advised in nearly all the views. Blade has a subtle sharpness not to be confused with dullness. It will most definitely cut. Only one issue found with Katana on inspection which disappointed me, was the Mune is slightly curved to the left. This is most noticeable in the Monouchi when checked. Was broken hearted to see this on such a fabulous weapon. Still, much respect to the manufacturer, I bow to you.