Hanwei Tori XL Light Katana review

Japanese swords were made by folding layer after layer of steel, with each layer multiplying the strength of the blade exponentially. The Tori Katana, made by Hanwei, is made in this exact same way. The folded blade is made from a Swedish powdered steel, about as pure a steel as you'll find.

The Tori, like all the swords in the Performance Series from Hanwei, is differentially tempered. This means that the cutting edge is much harder than the back, blunt edge. This is achieved by "painting" a clay coating over the back edge of the sword and leaving the cutting edge "unpainted" before the blade is heated for tempering. By doing this, the cutting edge is heated at a much higher temperature. This is why katanas have that wavy pattern (called a "Hamon") along the cutting edge. It's the differential temper line and shows where the clay was and was not applied.

And though the Tori is everything you could want in a cutting katana, it's not just about power. It's also a gorgeously designed weapon. The Tsuba, Fuchi and Kashira feature images of a crane flying over colorful ornamental grasses. On the Menuki (ornament in the handle) are images of Japanese Helmets. The high quality brown leather Tsuka-ito (handle wrap) is wrapped over black Same (rayskin). And the Saya (scabbard) is wrapped at the mouth with black-laquered rattan and finished in a brown texture. This is the top of the line katana in the Performance Series. Buy it and be assured of eternal happiness.

The Tori, like all or Hanwei's Performance Series katanas, can be purchased in one of four different blade styles.

Elite:
Frequent Cutting / Advanced Drawing Practice
The Elite Katana Blades embody the classical design elements of the most prolific sword design in history. With their strong Shinogi Zukuri shape that accentuates the differential heat treatment, these blades are traditionally proportioned to appeal to the collector but they will also perform well in general cutting of hard or soft targets.

XL:
Heavy Competitive Cutting
Designed strictly for competitive cutting, the XL Katana blades incorporate the geometry, strength, weight and profile needed for successful cuts on substantial targets. Featuring differential heat treatment and a narrow edge angle, these wide blades will reward good technique with clean cuts and excellent durability.

XL Light:
Competitive Cutting / Lighter Weight
The XL Light blades feature the same geometry as those of the XL but incorporate deeply cut grooves (bo-hi) to reduce the weight of the blade while retaining most of it’s strength and cutting ability. This weight reduction makes for a quicker sword, well adapted for multiple cuts in lighter targets.

Iaito:
Frequent Drawing Practice
These unedged training blades provide for safe drawing for the beginning practitioner of the 450 year old art of Iaido. Forged from stainless steel the tempered blades are not only maintenance-free but more importantly provide the correct weight and balance needed for the rigors of repetitive drawing and sword motion practice. Each blade has a deeply cut groove (bo-hi) to provide audible feedback when swung properly. Also excellent for collectors.


SH6007LFF - Performance Series - Tori XL Light

It has a fantastic finish and its really lovely to look at, as well as exceptional balance and feel. Every student that has handled the sword comments that it must weigh less than their Iaito.

This blade cuts absolutely amazing. It cuts through tatami-omote like your doing kata and there is no target there. Other students have nick named my katana the 'light saber' as it cuts like one.


KEY FEATURES:

* Folded Steel Blade
* Premium fittings
* Built for Martial Artists


MEASUREMENTS:
Blade length: 28 ½” (approximately 2.39 Shaku / 72.39 cm)
Handle length: 11” (approximately 9.22 Sun / 27.94 cm)
Overall length: 40 ½” (102.87 cm)
Weight: 2lb 9oz (1162.33 gm)