Hanwei Classic Tiger Wakizashi – Stalking Predator Theme

This Classic Tiger Wakizashi from Hanwei is a stunning masterpiece, a nostalgic reissue of the original folded steel katana made in the early 2000s (SH1205), with the specifications painstakingly reproduced for accuracy.

Forged from K120C powder steel, this highly homogenous material with even carbon distribution results in a blade that performs similarly to 1095 high carbon steel, but with improved durability, strength, and edge retention. Differentially treated and clay tempered, this blade also features a prominent hamon and jihada that accentuates the beauty of the sword. The bohi on the blade helps to decrease the overall weight while improving the wakizashi's point of balance, allowing for quicker strikes.

In line with the theme, the blackened iron maru gata (round) tsuba depicts a stalking tiger detailed in brass while the other side shows highlighted bamboo leaves in a scenery that appears to be the tiger's hunting grounds. Meanwhile, the tsuba is inlaid with white same and wrapped tightly with the tsuka ito made of high quality black Japanese cotton. The wakizashi is completed with a deep black lacquered saya inlaid with brass bamboo leaves.

This piece can be part of a Daisho set with the Classic Tiger Katana (SH12040) and Tanto (SH12060).