2 comments about Paul Chen-Hanwei - Practical Series - Katana.

1. I didn't buy this particular item from Amazon, I bought it off of Imerial Weapons' website a few years ago because Amazon didn't offer it at the time. I've had this Katana for almost 4 years old now and it is an incredible object worth every penny of the asking price. This is definitely a sword for the serious collector who values functionality at affordability. It DOES withstand the rigors of cutting exercises as the product entails. It DOES feel incredibly solid upon impact with the target (always use something no harder than a dowel rod; use cardboard tubing, boxes, tashegimi mats if you can afford them, etc.). Before you test make sure you have some training as to how to use one of these. EDGE ALIGNMENT IS CRITICAL WHEN YOU ARE DOING CUTTING DRILLS!! These swords are incredibly sharp, quick, and light and a slight miscalculation or twist of the wrist on your part could end the life of your sword and/or end you up in a hospital needing a fair amount of stitches, both will ruin your day. Treat it with respect as it is the real deal! Another thing as well: DON'T FORGET TO OIL THE BLADE BEFORE YOU SHEATH OR STORE IT!! The blade is made of 1095 High Carbon Steel which means that it is highly prone to rust! One simple fingerprint on the blade will cause a rust mark if not cleaned off, and depending on the placement of said fingerprint, it can compromise the integrity of the blade if not treated. I recommend spraying WD-40 or rubbing vegetable oil on the blade and wiping it clean with a rag or a soft paper towel before sheathing (don't worry if there is still residual oil on the blade, it's good for the steel and creates a protective moisture barrier). I also recommend picking up a sword cleaning kit (look up Sword Demon on Amazon, he sells them for like $8.00) to look after your investment. The one thing about Good, Real Katanas is that they last hundreds and sometimes thousands of years. This sword is the real thing and if you take care of it, it will last you way past your children's, children's, children.



2. Last weekend, I participated in a cutting demonstration (tameshigiri). Out of 14 participants, only three had their own cutting swords, so my Paul Chen Practical sword was used by 12 others.
   
   The math doesn't seem to work out, does it?
   
   The reason is that one student, using his more expensive live blade, failed to cut the target (two bamboo beach mats rolled tightly together and soaked overnight) cleanly in several cuts to the target. I offered to let him use my Practical sword on his second target and he cut through the target several times like it wasn't even there.
   
   Students who had never cut targets before, borrowed the Practical blade and also had success cutting through the target cleanly. They stepped away from the target stand with the proper awe of the sword and the knowledge of why the sword was the weapon of choice for thousands of years.
   
   The Paul Chen Practical blade has stood up to all beginner mis-handlings and mistakes. When the blade did get stuck in the target, students correctly left the blade embedded in the target and took one step back, arms straight, pulling the tsuka gashira (rear of the handle) toward the abdomen to remove the blade embedded in the target without torquing it or breaking the edge.
   
   The Paul Chen sword was wiped down with a dry cloth after each target (and before sheathing in the saya) because the water and tanins in the soaked mats are so smelly and corrosive. After each cutting demo, the blade has been given a thorough cleaning with the standard sword cleaning kit and wiping down with the choji oil. Even with this care, after four years of service as the 'dojo cutter,' there is evidence of small pitting in the bo hi (blade groove). Other than that, the blade and fittings have no discernable signs of wear.
   
   One thing that a potential buyer needs to know is that the tsuka (the wrapped handle) is glued to the sword's tang and it can't be removed to change sword furniture like a normal katana. Don't mess up your sword trying to remove it.
   
   In this cost range, no other blades in my experience come anywhere near the cutting ability and durability of the Paul Chen Practical. The other benefit is that the cost of this sword is so low that if the blade is damaged by a beginner borrowing the sword, it can easily be replaced -- which can't be said for more expensive live blades.

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1. There is nothing more to say. Fits the 10 year old who is small for his age and my 12 year olds who are big for their age. These are inexpensive and durable... Exactly what you want for kids. I would not recommend these for teenage or adult men as they run a bit small.

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1. This item is cheap, figuratively and literally!
   It did not come with the 2 brass hooks as advertised. Actually, it has to be mounted to the wall with screws.
   I guess it will suffice until I decide to buy a more expensive rack.

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