Hanwei Tactical Katana: HUGE Improvement, Cheap, Simple

[Landlocked Pirate]

Hey y'all.

A while back my son and I each bought a Hanwei Tactical Katana. Now while I appreciated the sword for what it was, I never thought it had a great feel or balance which I finally decided had to do with the slim, somewhat slick grip. Since this sword isn't a showpiece but strictly a utilitarian weapon (zombie apocalypse and such) I decided to thicken the handle by wrapping it with friction tape, which also provided a better gripping surface. I first wrapped it with a layer of blue paint tape, and then two half-lapped wraps of friction tape. The friction tape made it grippier, but more importantly it added significant thickness to the handle, more like a true Japanese katana. The difference this made in feel and balance is astounding, and it now feels exactly like I think a sword of this type should. It's not pretty, but it wasn't pretty to begin with. Anyway, it was cheap and simple, so I thought I'd share it. Pictures below:

 

[Nternal]

Can you maybe elaborate more on the sword itself? Did it perform well in cutting? Is it strong and durable?

 

[Landlocked Pirate]

Can you maybe elaborate more on the sword itself? Did it perform well in cutting? Is it strong and durable?

I'm afraid I can't comment on it's cutting ability yet. It came somewhat sharp but not really sharp, so until I get around to trying to put a better edge on it I I probably won't even test it. As far as durability, it seems very well made and gets generally good reviews in that respect. The main point of this thread was the incredible difference a few wraps of friction tape made in how it feels and handles. I had been sort of indifferent towards it since I got it, but now I can't put it down because it just feels so good to hold. I'll eventually get around to sharpening and testing it.

 

[horseclover]

A sword collector I know used to like to add tennis tape to bare wood grips. Colorful and he liked the result.

As to the thickness of period swords, the tactical from Hanwei actually better relates to the thickness of antiques. Many of the production katana have very lumpy wraps and thick tsuka(handles) with baseball bat thick saya (scabbards). If you have a chance to look at antiques, you will see the dimensions are quite thin in the grip and saya. That's not to say some don't feel more bulk adds to their own comfort but to say adding bulk better equates how the antiques were made is false, pure and simple.

Cheers

GC

 

[Nternal]

I'm afraid I can't comment on it's cutting ability yet. It came somewhat sharp but not really sharp, so until I get around to trying to put a better edge on it I I probably won't even test it. As far as durability, it seems very well made and gets generally good reviews in that respect. The main point of this thread was the incredible difference a few wraps of friction tape made in how it feels and handles. I had been sort of indifferent towards it since I got it, but now I can't put it down because it just feels so good to hold. I'll eventually get around to sharpening and testing it.

It's interesting, If the tactical does indeed have pretty much the same blade that the Raptors do then I know what you mean. My raptor is still sharp and able to easily slice through paper but the edge seemed a little obtuse..it's hard to explain.

 

[Landlocked Pirate]

Thanks for the info, horseclover. I'll say up front that I don't know a thing about katanas period, antique or modern, other than what I've seen in photographs and on some of these forums. I just know adding a little thickness to the handle (and probably a small amount of rearward weight) made it feel much, much livelier in my hands, just like I always imagined it should feel.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

It's interesting, If the tactical does indeed have pretty much the same blade that the Raptors do then I know what you mean. My raptor is still sharp and able to easily slice through paper but the edge seemed a little obtuse..it's hard to explain.

It's possible that it has to do with the way that the Raptor series was designed for heavy use/light abuse. The thicker edge would be less prone towards damage, though not as wicked of a slicer.

 

[Ironwood666]

I own a CAS Hanwei TacWak and like it a lot..I'm assuming the katana has the same amount of functionality as the wak.

 

[Brad "the butcher"]

Don't have that one but the hanwei banshee I picked up cheap a couple years ago is one serious himalayan blackberry shredder.
My buddy laughed at me when I showed up at his acreage to help clear an area choked up with the PITA plant. Once he saw how effective it was he stopped laughing and wanted to use it.
I was at a local shop a couple years ago (warriors and wonders) and they were on sale. An older guy was buying one and I asked him why, he works for Hydro and has to check on lines and such that are overgrown with blackberry and said that he can clear 2 to 3 times what they can with their issue machete, he was buying a spare for loan. I bought one and was impressed.