The kind of TLC that would push the price up through the roof - soĬheness have done the next best thing and secured it with two mekugi, The tsuka were custom made to fit the tang like a glove, and were Take what they can get as their forge specializes in making blades.Ĭourse, a sword is only as good or as strong as it's weakest point -Īnd that is probably, like all production swords, the tsuka. Iron fittings - but Cheness don't make their own fittings, they have to But from aįunctional point of view, it's fine - not quite as good as Hanwei's all

From anĪesthetics point of view, it's all really quite ugly. (though at least it is real) and darkened brass fittings. It is let down by a boring cotton wrapped handle, average rayskin Naturally, being steel it is quite strong. The blackened steel tsuba is probably the most visually interesting You can see the Kaze and the sword it evolved from side by side below. Steel (similar to 1060, which is the industry standard for tough swords) Review of the Kanbai you'll know it was a tough blade despite being madeįrom the cheapest grade steel on the market.Įxperimenting with using 9260 spring steel, taking some of this highly resilient This was quite revolutionary at the time, and if you have read the The predecessor to the Kaze was the $219 Kanbai Katana by Cheness, a 1045 carbon steel blade with a differentially hardened edge way back from 2005. Much of it comes from it's design and it's early heritage. The Kaze dominates in sword dojos worldwide,Īnd dojos tend to try to pick the best value for money Katana for theirīut that's not why it might be the closest to a real Shinken for under 300 bucks. There is no doubt that it is extremely popular. Is the Kaze Katana the closest thing to a real Japanese Shinken for under $300? At least in blade geometry and handling?

Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA).

Ultra Durable 'Beater' Katana under $400.

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Cheness o katana sword buyers guide