Turns out we had to edit this post as we had the wrong information – initially we were under the impression that the NEW Dragonfly Katana by Hanwei was the LAST sword that made it out of the old forge in Dailan. But actually, it is the FIRST sword made by the Dragon King Forge under the Hanwei brand name – making this the FIRST sword from the NEW Hanwei Forge rather than the LAST from the old one.. (phew)..
It’s all a bit chaotic due to the trade war and tariff situation when the NEXT sword in the Hanwei Revival collection will actually land and which models they will be (as most shipments of swords have been on hold due to the trade war) but hopefully if all goes to plan, it will be in late May or early June.
In the meantime, take a good look at what to expect with the amazing attention to detail and stunning folded T10 and 1055 carbon steel blade with bo-hi that is the Dragonfly Katana.
Complementing the beautiful blade, the sword features Japanese-imported silk ito, a black iron tsuba with copper inlays, and a Dragonfly-themed fuchigashira that brings an elegant final touch to this exceptional piece and is even available in 3 different blade lengths so you can select the best one that matches your own unique personal preferences.
There aren’t a whole lot of them in stock, so if you like what you see, you had better lock in the current pricing while you can:
We’ve always been transparent with our customers, and the truth is, we’re navigating a tough situation in the sword industry right now.
Sword prices are changing dramatically, and no one can say with certainty what the future holds. Since our first official update on the tariffs posted April 6th the situation has continued to worsen, going from an expected price rise of 30-54% to 145% – and still no end (or clarity) in sight..
This makes providing any information about the moving target that is the tariffs and China-USA trade war extremely difficult – as it is still not clear how it will all play out..
Here’s what we do know:
Swords already in the U.S. remain at normal prices (APOC, Hanwei, Kingston Arms, Legacy Arms, Ryujin), but once stock sells out, restocks will be significantly more expensiveand/or significantly delayed (restocks, new models and the reboot of the Hanwei line are still progressing at the forges for now, however with impossibly high tariffs, all US based brands are avoiding any new imports until tariffs return to a reasonable level. Right now, with tariffs over 100%, all these brands have become cost prohibitive and are effectively a brick wall against imports).
Direct-from-China swords will be affected starting May 2nd (Black Dragon Forge, Project X, Swordier). We plan to build any cost of tariffs into the actual costs once they are known (currently it is not clear how much will be charged after May 2nd). Regardless, expect prices will rise sharply after May 2nd (existing orders will be addressed on a case by case basis). Naturally this is very disruptive to these lines and furthermore the sheer number of parcels in transit right now trying to beat the May 2nd deadline is a looming disaster of unprecedented proportions. We will not know how it will actually play out until it hits the May 2 ‘Paywall’ so stay tuned for an update on this accordingly…
Non-Chinese brands won’t see huge price changes (Darksword, Kingdom of Arms, Scorpion Swords, Windlass), though minor increases are likely over time due to inflation and increased material costs worldwide…
We’re hopeful that new U.S.-based sword manufacturers will emerge to fill the gap, but let’s be honest—makers like Valiant Armory, Albion, and Arms and Armor already charge premium prices, and that isn’t likely to change. We also are not expecting any local manufacturer to spring up and start selling $150 Katana made in the USA – so sadly we are facing whatever plan the powers that be have in mind is simply going to be very destructive and expensive for the sword industry..
What Happens Next?
Some of our projects have been delayed or shelved while we figure out the best path forward. However, some upcoming releases have made it through and will be released over the coming days and weeks.
Here’s a sneak preview of some of the new swords coming down the line:
Our biggest piece of advice right now? Lock in today’s prices before they disappear (especially on the landed stock lines, because once they are gone – some or many may never return).
We’ll keep monitoring the situation and sharing updates, but the future of affordable imported swords is uncertain—and once prices rise, they won’t be coming back down…
Introduction The sword market is facing a seismic shift. With new tariffs on Chinese imports set to take effect on May 2, prices are expected to skyrocket by 30-54% on all incoming shipments. If you’ve ever considered expanding your collection or stocking up, this is your last chance to do so before the price surge.
What’s Happening? The U.S. government has imposed new tariffs on Chinese imports, with rates reaching 54% on swords and all other imported items.
This means that all swords arriving after May 2 will be subject to these increased costs, leading to inevitable price hikes. Additionally, any ‘direct from the forge’ orders—including Project X, Black Dragon Forge, and Swordier—will face delays and additional tariff charges for U.S. customers.
Why Act Now?
Prices are locked at 2024 rates until May 2—after that, expect significant increases.
Stock is limited—once current inventory is gone, restocking will come at a much higher cost.
Tariff-related delays—ordering now ensures faster delivery before the new regulations take effect.
Final Call: Go Big or Go Home
This isn’t just another price adjustment—it’s a fundamental shift in the sword market. Whether you’re a collector, a practitioner, or a reseller, now is the time to secure your swords before the tariffs take effect. Once May 2 arrives, the value of swords will go through the roof.
Don’t wait—shop now and lock in 2024 prices while you still can.
As the Hanwei Forge slowly but surely runs out of their final stock clearance before an eventual reboot later in the year, they have released a few almost forgotten last change Chinese sword gems that were only made in limited quantities to begin with, and who knows when (or if) they will be coming back..
Made of a solid one piece construction that rings like a bell when it hits a target or clears the scabbard, this incredibly unique and sturdy sword design is a must have addition to round out and define to any serious sword collection.
Otherwise, click below to see the final stock of available Hanwei Swords which are indeed poised for comeback, but never at these prices, never quite the same and many designs available for the very last time…
Yes, I know – I’m showing my age with this song, but it could be the theme song of what’s going on at SBG right now..
In addition to major discounts on some of Dragon Kings finest products poised to end one minute before midnight on the 28th of February, at the same time the FINAL shipment from the original Hanwei forge (many of whose workers will move to work Frenchie Jin at Dragon King, which now technically owns the entire Asian Hanwei line) has just arrived..
Not a lot of restocks, though enough so that they should have some original Hanwei stock left in a few more months. But smart buyers are already snapping up the last bargains, some that are going to go so fast it’s not even worth telling you about them because by the time I publish the listing, they will all be sold already..!
So the FINAL COUNTDOWN on these swords come in for the last time really is on…
P.S. In this final sale mayhem, there are a few treasures that have just popped up for the VERY last time.
ORCHID TANTO
It has not been in stock in a looong time, and with half a dozen of these amazing Swedish powder steel blades left, don’t expect them to be around for much longer.
RENAISSANCE DAGGER
This beautiful carbon steel blade with solid, real fittings was to be a new model, but with only 9 available at the time of this blog, it’s going to be very much a case of hello and goodbye.. Just $204.99.
TANG JIAN
Here’s another one not seen in years, and maybe never to be seen again. If you are into serious Taiji or Kungfu, don’t let this one get you by – especially at the closeout price (just 3 left at the time of publishing).
A few more swords from this final Hanwei shipment to be added soon – so stay tuned.. But if you see a bargain and the quality is getting low, just a small delay could mean it gets oversold and you miss the final opportunity..
