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Hanwei Praying Mantis Katana

SKU: SH2359 Categories: , , , Tag:
(1 customer review)

$1,394.95

In stock

The Praying Mantis is a symbol of cunning and power in Japanese culture and is consequently a highly respected theme in Samurai swords. Built on the new L6/Bainite blade (detailed below) in the Shobu Zukuri style with Bo-Hi, and featuring superb koshirae, the Hanwei Praying Mantis katana is a very desirable and functional piece. The subdued green silk ito and deep brown of the lacquered saya provide handsome contrast to the dark copper and golden accents of the tsuba, fuchi and kashira. The stalking mantis lies in wait for his next prey, mirroring the power and grace in this exceptional katana.

Bainite is high carbon steel that has been heat treated and rapidly cooled to form the steel into a strong micro-crystalline structure. The edge of the blade has been further hardened to produce a martensite steel structure. This combination imparts great strength whilst the blade retains flexibility and shock absorption.

Overall Length41 1/2''
Blade Length30''
Weight2 lb 10.2 oz
EdgeVery Sharp
Width36.6 mm
Thickness6.4 mm - 5.8 mm
PommelN/A
P.O.B.5 1/4''
Grip Length10''
Blade [L6 High Carbon Steel]
TypeKatana
ClassBattle Ready
CultureJapanese
ManufacturerHanwei
Country of OriginChina

1 review for Hanwei Praying Mantis Katana

  1. Richard Fry

    It’s a piece of art As a boy growing up I never got huge into swords. Sure I loved ninja shows and stuff but it wasn’t until I saw a picture of the Praying Mantis that I really wanted a sword, specifically a katana.

    This sword came off as simply beautiful to me, like artwork.
    I tried ordering it from another site just to wind up without my money so I called KOA ahead of time (after reading MANY positive reviews around the net) to make sure they had this katana and it just so happened they only had one left!

    So the sword … There’s only a couple “bad” things. First of all the Saya was too tight. I had to lightly sand the inside so the blade collar would fit better. The opening also had two shims in it that weren’t glued well enough which I had to fix.

    I also don’t care for the fancy sageo tying on here. I untied it and soaked the sageo in cold water for a couple hours, massaged it slightly and hung it to dry overnight. I then tied it like you would see on the Hanwei Lion Dog ( http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2439 ).

    It looks a lot nicer tied like that because the saya is nearly all black and makes this otherwise colorful sword rather dull.
    I really wish the saya were not black. I accidentally got some glue on it which will not come off. It’s hardly noticeable but it’s enough that I know it’s there and I’ll likely get the saya re-lacquered but brown instead.

    The bo-hi makes for a wonderful tachikaze compared to other swords I have.

    The Hamon is .. something else. I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s very unique on this sword compared to what I’m used to seeing.

    The whole sword is beautiful from the menuki to the silk ito.
    The tsuba, fuchi, menuki and kashira are stunning.

    As far as cutting ability, I’ve yet to cut any proper targets.
    It worked great on boxes and bottles.
    It feels much sharper to the touch than other blades I own.
    I have already accidentally cut myself once, a small cut on my index finger. It just took a tiny touch and it went in at an angle about 1/2 inch deep with no effort. If it were any other sword of mine there’s no way I would have been cut. They are well sharpened (for swords .. in other words, properly sharpened swords) but this one is just a bit sharper. I’m assuming because this seems to be the norm from what I read that the metal should be able to retain it’s edge even that sharp.

    Shipping was quick. I had it here in a couple days packed up well in typical packaging you’d expect a sword to come in. No fancy wooden box or anything. Just the actual sword box with packing material around it, inside of another box which provides more than adequate protection.

    I feel like I could say a bit more but this is already getting a bit long.

    This is a great sword and my experience with KOA on the phone has been great so far.
    I look forward to future purchases!

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