转贴美国刀友 Larry Jordan 对于汉威实用长刀的评测

汉威

原文地址： http://forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7905

Hanwei Tactical Katana




When the first of the Hanwei Tacticals came out (wakizashi), I resisted temptation and waited until others had taken the plunge and provided photos and feedback. I was favorably impressed by a number of factors (blade, sheath, cost) but had misgivings about the handle. It looked hastily executed and a poor user interface due to its lack of grace and this was a stumbling block. Well, a few weeks ago while browsing the Kult of Athena site I found myself on the tactical sword page and I discovered that Hanwei had released a katana version which was only a few more buck$ than the wakizashi. The impulse of the moment got the better of me and I had placed an order for Hanwei Tactical Katana.

The Kult of Athena website had only one picture of the sword. This review will provide many images from which prospective buyers can ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the sword and arrive at a more informed decision to buy.

First Impressions

The handle was not as bad as I had feared. It was blockier and smaller in girth than any of the katana I own (96mm circumference at the guard, 89mm at the butt vs. Cheness Shura's 105mm/96mm). However, the smaller size did not seem to effect achieving a satisfactory grip. Turns out I actually like the handle! But find some aspects of the blade disappointing. Read on.

Stats

Blade Length: 28" (to mune-machi), 28 3/4" (to guard)
Handle Length: 10 3/4"
OAL: 39 1/4" (sword), 41 1/8" (sword in saya)
Edge: Sharp
POB: 4 7/8"
Blade thickness: 3/16" (at habaki), 5/32" (at butt)
Sori: 3/4"
Blade width: 1 1/8" (at habaki), 7/8" (at yokote)
Weight: 2 lb 5/8 oz (sword), 2 lb 10 3/8 oz (sword + saya)

Price: $140 at Kult of Athena

The Sword

The sword is a bit understated. It's barely two (2) pounds, but is intended to be born and only used as a last ditch[ed] weapon. Consequently, when compared with other katana, it seems slight. Even my Barry Dawson Tactical Katana is heaftier. But I will say that I think the saya is excellent as far as size and fit go, but the designers seemed relunctant to go too far afield from its roots. A modern sheath should accommodate other mounting options (tie-downs for example), but none are supplied.

Katana


Handle



Note the minimal guard with tie down(?) holes.

Lanyard and Handle Texture



What do I do with a lanyard on a sword? I believe it's long enough to open and attach to the right wrist. Is this the intent?

Full Tang



Full Tang (Bottom view)



Blade (Compared with Dawson Millennium Katana)



Another View



Blade Thinness



Kissaki

Cosmetic. But, look closer...

Folded Tip (Detail)

Arg!! The thin blade means a thinner structure here as well.

Saya


Saya Width


Saya Mouth


Saya Fit


It's not going anywere


Saya Endcap


Saya Drain Hole

Is this for blood or water?

Utility

I swung it around in the backyard and performed some practice forms. I did no cutting. Because of its lack of presence, it was easy to wield.

Chudan Gamae

Grip Detail

Other Guard Positions


Tachikaze!

Notto

After the chiburi the sword was still in hand and not lying on the rocks somewhere to my right. Now, what did I do with that sheath...

Magically reappearing sheath

Don't cut yourself

That was close

Salute!

Conclusion

On the whole I am pleased with this tactical katana, only observing a few areas where I think the concept could be improved--thicker blade, sturdier kissaki, sheath tie downs. My blade, unfortunately, had a rolled tip--very sad. The thin blade means the metal will be thin here as well. I am willing to entertain ideas for cleaning up the tip. Some paracord and 100mph tape should provide me with some additional securing options.

All along I've been avoiding this line of products because I thought I'd hate the handle. On the contrary, it does not feel objectionably "blocky" and it provides sufficient girth for my medium/large hands. I have no trouble gripping and swinging. It is true that I have not yet cut anything and my opinion may change. As another thread (Hanwei Tactical Series with Ito?) explored, wrapping the handle might be an option to improve girth and grip.

Addendum

The HTK is a curious confluence of the traditional and modern. I don't know if my sensei would appreciate me showing up with one these (it probably is not Obata-approved), but it is something I would not hesitate to throw into the back of the truck next to the machete, tomahawk and trunk rifle. One never knows when the Zombie Apocalypse will start. And the katana provides another 9" of reach, a comfortable buffer against contagion.

(Obligatory flowers )