Category Archives: Behind the Scenes

The last couple of posts show the trend – with Hanwei’s classic Japanese line revived under the new CAS-HANWEI banner, and Kingston Arms taking over the medieval models. As such, we’re proud to announce the second stage of the transition with another two beloved classics have now been fully reimagined under the Kingston Arms banner. These aren’t just rebrands – they’re refinements, built by the same elite team behind Dragon King and APOC, with upgraded materials, tighter tolerances, and a renewed commitment to quality.

Lowlander – A six-foot Scottish beast reborn. Massive, balanced, and battle-ready – this legendary greatsword channels 16th-century “Slaughter-Sword” power with modern upgrades.

Bastard Sword, Antiqued – One hand or two – your choice. This versatile classic returns with an antique finish, peened pommel, and authentic medieval flair. Built to cut, styled to impress.

Why Kingston Arms?

Because legacy deserves care. Kingston Arms is more than a name – it’s a promise to honor the spirit of Hanwei while pushing the boundaries of modern swordcraft. These models retain the soul of their predecessors but arrive sharper, stronger, and more refined.

Whether you’re a practitioner, reenactor, or collector chasing the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, take a moment to explore the full Kingston Arms lineup and see what’s next in the evolution of modern swordmaking.

The blade is back—and it’s sharper than ever.

Kingston Arms has unveiled a stunning redesign of their Renaissance Side Sword, breathing new life into a classic that’s long been a favorite among collectors, martial artists, and historical enthusiasts. This isn’t just a cosmetic refresh—it’s a thoughtful evolution that honors tradition while embracing modern craftsmanship.

What’s New?

• Refined Guard Geometry: The swept hilt now features sleeker lines and improved balance, offering both aesthetic appeal and enhanced handling.
• Upgraded Grip Materials: A textured leather wrap over cord ensures a secure hold, whether you’re drilling in the salle or displaying it proudly.
• Improved Blade Profile: The 5160 high-carbon steel blade has been re-tuned for better flex and durability, making it ideal for both cutting and controlled sparring.

A Sword with Purpose

Designed with input from HEMA practitioners and historical fencing experts, this side sword bridges the gap between museum-worthy elegance and battlefield-ready function. It’s light, responsive, and built to move—just like the swords that danced through the dueling courts of 16th-century Europe.

Whether you’re a reenactor, a martial artist, or a collector seeking a piece that speaks to legacy and precision, the Kingston Arms Side Sword delivers.

After nearly a year of grit, grind, and global turbulence—from tariffs to trade wars—the Hanwei revival project has officially crossed the threshold. What began as a dream to resurrect one of the most iconic sword lines of the modern era has now become a reality. And not just any reality—a sharper, stronger, and more refined one.

The forge fires burn anew. The Practical Series is back.

In the 1990s, CAS Hanwei set the standard with the Practical Katana—a blade that balanced affordability with real-world cutting performance. It became the go-to sword for martial artists and collectors alike. Now, that legacy returns, reforged at Frenchie Jin’s elite workshop, home to Dragon King, Kingston Arms, and APOC.

These aren’t just reissues. They’re upgrades.

Let’s take a look at them all one by one, starting with:

Practical Katana – Featuring a removable tsuka, crisp new fittings, and the same differentially hardened 1566 steel blade that made it legendary.

Practical Plus Katana – One of our all-time favorites, now with genuine rayskin, a traditional sunburst iron tsuba, and dragon-themed menuki. Elegance meets cutting power.

Practical XL Katana – Designed for maximum cutting power, this beast of a blade features XL geometry for heavy targets like thick bamboo.

Practical Plus XL Katana – The ultimate dedicated cutter, combining upgraded natural tsuka components with the XL geometry for serious tameshigiri.

Built for Battle, Honed for Legacy

Each sword is hand-forged using time-honored techniques and elevated by modern innovation. With real hamon, full tang construction, and double mekugi pegging, these blades are battle-ready straight out of the box.

And the best part? They’re all available now on our brand-new CAS Hanwei manufacturer page—a tribute to the enduring spirit of Paul Chen’s vision and the artisans who carry it forward.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a collector chasing the spirit of the original Hanwei forge, this is your moment.

If you’ve been waiting for something truly extraordinary from Bugei, this is it.

We’re beyond excited to announce the arrival of the Mukade Ni Katana — a sword so rare, so refined, and so elite that only 15 will ever exist. This isn’t just a katana. It’s the result of a dream team collaboration: designed by James and Christopher Williams, featuring custom shibuichi fittings by Roman Urban, and hand-forged by Ron Chen in his private forge using SN490 steel—known for its strength, resilience, and whispering hamon.

Every inch of this blade screams luxury and martial pedigree. From the katatemaki wrap in brown Japanese cotton to the Sun Tzu-engraved menuki and buffalo horn accents, it’s a weapon worthy of legends. Whether you’re a collector, practitioner, or connoisseur of the sword arts, the Mukade Ni is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of living history.

They won’t last long. See the Mukade Ni Katana here and claim yours before they vanish into myth.