Would like some opinions on wich sword I should buy.....

S

scottytoohotty74

Joined
Aug 5, 2008
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Hi All,
I know a little about swords, I have been collecting blades for almost 30 years. I also know that many people suggest Cheness katanas, but I would like some opinions regarding 2 swords that I like. I will either get a Cold Steel Chisa Katana or a CAS Hanwei Practical XL Katana. I realize that the Chisa does not have a Hamon, however I love the 24" blade and 5/16" thickness. I have also seen reviews that say it comes very sharp. I have owned a CAS Hanwei Practical Katana and Practical Ninja, but I found that they didnt come very sharp and had a dull unpolished finish (duller than the Chisa). Despite the fact that the Chisa doesnt have a hamon or differential heat treating, I think it should preform and be as durable as the Practical Xl. What do you guys think?
Thanks,
:)
 
Considering the Chisa is a Cold Steel, it should definitely be as tough since that is one of the main selling points of most or all of their blades. It is also more expensive than the CAS. The CAS is made in a more traditional way if that's your thing. Both are good blades. I just wonder how the hilt is put together on the COld Steel. I know on at least some of their models like the Gross Messer use a rat tail to attach the pomel, which for me at least is not good at all. Also are you planning on this sword being a user? If so the finish wouldn't be that big a deal. The sharpness might be a problem. Say whatever you want about Cold Steel, they can sharpen a knife. I think either will be great but if you want a prettier sword, get the cold steel. If you care about money get the CAS. I hope this was helpful
 
I have seen videos on youtube where they have taken apart the Chisa. It is full tang like a traditional Katana. Thanks for your help! :)
 
What will you be using it for? For overall quality of performance I'd go with the Hanwei. Cold Steel katanas are tough, for sure, but don't handle as well as they might. I consider them katana-like swords in terms of their appearance and general construction, but their behavior in performance seems a bit different--if that makes any sense.
 
I see....I have heard that. I guess its because of their very thick blades which undoubtedly slows them down. I would still consider it a Katana, even Cheness suggests a "monosteel" over the traditional folded blades. But I do appreciate your opinion ;)
 
Monosteel is preferred, for sure, though the Hanwei Practical series is all monosteel too. It's just differentially heat treated monosteel instead of through-hardened like the Cold Steel. If you're looking for a nice hefty katana I'd suggest the Hanwei Raptor Nanbokucho. Kult of Athena would be a particularly good source at the moment for that particular model. ;)
 
I had a chisa and it was too big and bulky for my liking. Also cold steel has issues with quality control, at least they did when I was still buying them. I had to return the first one I got because the handle was so sloppy it was super loose.
 
I've heard tell of cracked tsukas as well, though I'm not sure if they've since taken measures to remedy the problem.
 
Yes , I have heard that the handle has broken on some CS Katanas. Probably due to the heavy thick blade and people trying to due things that a katana should not ;)
 
In the cases of cracked tsukas I was hearing these reports from folks who were finding the cores broken fresh out of the box, and they believed that the cracked tsukas were due to problems of fitting the tsuka core to the tang. This was years ago though. :p
 
I have a 1060 steel dynasty forge musashi, I found the quality to be much better than cold steel. Can't speak to the exact sword you are citing though.
 
It seems to be the same size blade and blade thickness with an added mirror polish for less $$$$. I would like to know more about this sword.
 
Cold Steel swords are generally tough, and good choppers. As swords, they're AWFUL. Balance is terrible, they're overbuilt and way too heavy. I like Cold Steel just fine, but I stay far far away from their swords. I'd stick with Hanwei for budget blades, or perhaps one of the Chris Zhou blades in the similar price range. Or go custom!
 
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