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Practical Katana by Paul Chen / Hanwei
Price:
$310.00
Returning with thoughtful upgrades, the Practical Katana now features a removable tsuka (handle)—no more glued cores—along with newly tooled furniture (tsuba, fuchi, kashira, menuki) that presents a clean, classic look. The blade is forged from 1566 steel and differentially tempered for a keen, resilient edge (approx. HRC 60) and shock-absorbing spine (approx. HRC 40). Tough, synthetic handle materials resist swelling and shrinkage from sweat and humidity, keeping your grip consistent session after session.
Designed as a dependable training partner, this katana is fully functional and economical to maintain. When the edge eventually needs attention, it can be refreshed using modern sharpening methods so you can keep cutting with confidence.
Since the early 2000s, the Practical Katana has set the benchmark for value in training swords—often imitated but never matched. Formerly produced at the legendary Hanwei forge, manufacture now continues in Dalian under the Dragon King team led by Frenchie Jin, protégé of Paul Chen and one of the original engineers behind Hanwei’s manufacturing success. The brand’s decades of experience carry forward to this latest generation of Practical series swords.
Key Features
- 1566 high-carbon forged blade with proven cutting geometry
- Differentially tempered: hard edge (~HRC 60), tough spine (~HRC 40)
- Removable tsuka for easier service and customization
- Durable synthetic handle components for low-maintenance training
- Fully functional—ideal for tameshigiri and sword-arts practice
Specifications
| Overall Length | 39 1/2" (39.5") |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 27 1/4" (27.25") |
| Handle Length | 11 1/4" (11.25") |
| Weight | 2 lb 6 oz (2.375 lb) |
| Point of Balance | 5 3/4" (5.75") |
| Width at Guard | 1 1/4" (1.25") |
| Width at Tip | 4/5" (0.8") |
| Thickness at Guard | 1/4" (0.25") |
| Thickness at Tip | 3/16" (0.1875") |
| Sori (Curvature) | 3/4" (0.75") |
| Blade Steel | 1566 high-carbon steel |
| Edge Hardness | ~HRC 60 |
| Spine Hardness | ~HRC 40 |
Note: Specs may vary slightly from piece to piece.
Notes
- The sageo on the saya may arrive untied or tied differently; color may vary.
- Current photos depict the previous version; the upgraded model is visually similar. Specifications will be updated if production changes on arrival.
- Made by Hanwei.
Whether you’re buying your first cutter or replacing a well-used trainer, the new Practical Katana delivers the reliability, performance, and value that made it a staple for dojos worldwide—now with smarter maintenance and refined fittings for the next generation of practitioners.
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