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.
