Sword Reviews

Medieval Review takes a look at the Type XIV Arming Sword from Kingston Arms. This sword was designed by Angus Trim. -- Medieval Review

Read the entire review here.

This is a nice pierce for the price, very nice. Easily worth every penny. -- Bryan Heff

Read the entire review here.

... I quickly noted two things. First, the sword exhibited the same excellent handling that Atrims are known for and second, Gus has really improved his finishing process.The sword handles well, being light yet authoritative in the hand. I was impressed by how well it handles in the cut, as well as how accurately it tracks behind the point during a thrust. -- Patrick Kelly

Read the entire review here.

If you're in the market for a cutter and value speed and response over pure power, you couldn't go wrong with these swords. -- fiercesaint

Read the entire review here.

This video demonstrates why the Hanwei Raptor Series is my First Choice for Modern Katanas -- SHINTOKAI BATTODO

Read the entire review here.

This Oxtail broadsword cut the double mat target very easily and I found that the sword was very fast and responsive -- Aikidoka

Read the entire review here.

Medieval Review takes a look at the Hanwei Scottish Claymore (Antiqued). This sword is classified as an Oakeshott Type XIIIa. -- Medieval Review

Read the entire review here.

When looking for a functional Jian who can you trust? This is a comparison of CAS Iberia (Hanwei) Cutting Jian and Traditional Filipino Weapons Jian. -- Red Lotus Bukido

Read the entire review here.

Dry handling this sword is an absolute pleasure. I was able to handle it very comfortably in one hand or two, with the sword being lightning fast in two hands. -- Steven Huerta

Read the entire review here.

The Hanwei Shashka comes sharp from the factory, with no secondary bevel ... -- Bertek

Read the entire review here.

To be honest, I think that this is the most beautiful sword that Hanwei has ever turned out. I absolutely love the theme, the koshirae, the flow ... and all the little detailed touches. The hada is the best I've seen on a Hanwei, and that means on ANY production katana. -- Marc Kaden Ridgeway

Read the entire review here.

Overall quality is great and these are durable and functional even in the hands of an amateur. -- TheMu

Read the entire review here.

As I took the sword out of the scabbard for the first time I was expecting a somewhat flimsy and very light blade, immediately I was proven wrong, this blade does have some authority, but not overly so, it felt like it wanted to hit hard and fast, it just felt good. -- Rob C

Read the entire review here.

I was particularly impressed by the build quality and sharp details. -- Afoo

Read the entire review here.

**Video Review - Mike Femal of Nihonzashi puts the range of swords from Kaneie into cutting use on a range of tough traditional targets. -- Mike Femal

Read the entire review here.

**Video Review - Mike Femal of Nihonzashi puts the range of swords from Kaneie into cutting use on a range of tough traditional targets. -- Mike Femal

Read the entire review here.

**Video Review - Mike Femal of Nihonzashi puts the range of swords from Kaneie into cutting use on a range of tough traditional targets. -- Mike Femal

Read the entire review here.

... This thing is actually razor sharp. -- Tactical

Read the entire review here.

*Video Review* -- mer171

Read the entire review here.

The test cutting in this video consisted entirely of left and right kesa giri cuts. -- Kingslayer

Read the entire review here.

here is my take on the Hanwei katana. Enjoy. -- Ken Kyounshi

Read the entire review here.

It's a very nice sword. I love it. It's more my type than any other Viking sword I've had -- Draven

Read the entire review here.

I cannot in good conscience fail to mention the utter psychological dominance this sword can give you in everyday situations. Business meeting not going your way? Slap this baby on the table and watch the deal practically write itself. -- TIM STETZER

Read the entire review here.

This weapon surpassed even my jaded expectations, and in my less-than-humble opinion has earned its moniker with pride and distinction. -- Mike Bondra

Read the entire review here.

The challenge today is to slice the container as low as possible, without slamming the beautiful new blade into the stand. Enjoy. -- WeAllJuggleKnives

Read the entire review here.

A truly remarkable katana of heirloom quality -- Whiskeyfox

Read the entire review here.

Joe and friends puts Hanwei's Banshee to the test. -- Joe Flowers

Read the entire review here.

At this price you would be hard pressed to find a better historically accurate longsword -- Skallagrim

Read the entire review here.

I would recommend this sword to anyone looking for their first medieval, maybe even their first sword. -- THE_SUPERWEIRDO

Read the entire review here.

I would definitely recommend this sword to anyone looking for a great medieval sword or a greatsword or any antiqued piece and I am extremely satisfied and happy with this purchase. -- Morsus

Read the entire review here.

Now just touching on Hanwei quality again. The fit in the Habaki, on all Hanwei swords has been second to none. I really respect this, as a lot of manufacturers skimp on this and it really makes the value of the blade, to me, plummet. Nice and straight, no gaps and no rattle or movement. -- Average_joe101

Read the entire review here.

It’s easy to see the major features that make this sword good, it’s the little unseen/unknown details that make it great. -- Bluntsword

Read the entire review here.

This is the blade I use as my daily practice blade both for drawing and cutting. ... I like the blade so much I want to have a backup around so I never have to be without one. -- Matthew Jensen

Read the entire review here.

However when I held it in my hands it felt good, really good. It felt at home. -- Orochimaru6

Read the entire review here.

... this is a very well made and good quality sword. It is easy to use and looks good on the stand. -- BarryHousley

Read the entire review here.

This is the Renshu prototype katana I just finished testing for Hanwei. -- John Walter

Read the entire review here.

The video shows just a small amount of the bamboo I cut with this sword,and the video is still over 20 minutes long. -- John Walter

Read the entire review here.

I couldn't imagine this sword not having a place in a swordsman's arsenal. -- Billybob

Read the entire review here.

I would recommend either of these swords to fellow martial artists -- Drew Tharp

Read the entire review here.

It is hard to find such a polished package outside of Japan or the world of non Japanese master smiths and it gives the causal collector and practitioner a chance to own something close to the look and feel of a nihonto, without paying through the nose. -- Josh Marlan

Read the entire review here.

From the deep brown and black of the tsuka reflected in the saya, the leather complimented by the stippling of the saya's lacquer, to the power and dignity of the fittings and the minute attention to detail (the seppa are tapered so as not to ruin the aesthetics of the tsuba), this sword embodies the dignity, power and lethality of Japanese Swordsmanship. -- Paul J.O'Brien

Read the entire review here.

I was astounded at the Irish swords responsiveness. The Irish Bastard Sword weighed in at a mere 2.5 pounds, and handled like a dream. It was balanced enough that you could practically have fenced with it, but felt powerful in the two-handed strokes that I gave with it. I didn't think it was possible for a sword of this size to feel this comfortable in my hands - at the risk of sounding cliche, it felt like an extension of my own body. -- Dan Dacombe, Manitoba, CANADA

Read the entire review here.

On one cut, I drastically undershot the bottles and made full contact with the top of the cutting table. This cutting surface is made of pine 2x6s and the Norman sword sheared the end of the table off at about a 30 degree angle. I immediately checked the edge and blade alignment as this impact imparted quite a severe shock to the blade. The blade was perfectly straight and there was no sign of the impact on the edge. -- Mike Harris, Texas USA

Read the entire review here.