Hanbon $200 Katana First Impressions

[@hueyellis6001]

I am a disabled army veteran on a fixed income, I had cheap wall Hager’s growing up, but I would like to get a good sword to practice with. I find the meditative part of Japanese swordsman ship therapeutic for my ptsd

[@Matthew_Jensen]

To practice, I prefer and iaito but some of the $200ish live blades do well enough. It is interesting how the martial arts fill different needs depending on a persons life. They can be exercise, a tool for defense, a means to social interaction, provide structure, or take a persons mind out of the worries of the day. That is not an exhaustive list but they are all things martial arts have done for me and each of them was the reason I continued at one point or another.

[@lexpdpatch]

I have owned 3 swords from Hanbon. All 3 were of excellent quality for swords in the $150ish range. Two were dang near perfect in construction. The 3rd sword was also very nice however rubbed badly in the saya. They are quick to respond to questions and a pleasure to deal with. Thanks for the great reviews.

[@OCo16]

I also have three swords from hanbon and 2 of the 3 are perfect for the price.

[@alexovchinnikov2338]

Have you gotten any folded steel from them? Curious about the quality of it

[@codyhowe1059]

How long did it take from ordering to receiving them?

[@justiceforall6412]

I can vouch for Hanbon forge. They are a very good forge who stand by their products. You can't go wrong ordering from them. I ordered the Zaitoichi shikmizue. The price was very reasonable and the custom blade lovely. It has a 1095 carbon steel blade. Strong enough to go through bone, bamboo, and wire easily. The handling and feel of the blade is very comfortable and easy to cut with. They also will stand by their products. I highly recommend Hanbon forge!

[@aexzi]

Hope this guy gets more viewers, think he deserve more

[@Matthew_Jensen]

That comes with problems as I am discovering. I hope the people interested in the subject find the channel but I am not sure how big the community is or how many from the community want to listen to me drone on for the better part of an hour. I'm glad you like the stuff though.

[@Leon_Kozza]

Congrats on 20k subs Matt!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thanks!

[@erichusayn]

Always wondered about them. Nice touch on the copper habaki and seppa, especially in that price range. Look forward to future videos on her.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

It seems very similar to the Ryansword katana I got for $135, but this one has cooler fittings and free shipping..

[@Colonel1Bravo]

@@Matthew_Jensen if you had 600 to 1000 (or a little more) to spend on a katana where and what would you recommend. Where would you take your money? Please help

[@georgewright9223]

@@Colonel1Bravo try Z-sey. Huawei would be another great option in that price range.

[@Colonel1Bravo]

@@georgewright9223 thank you

[@kuuryotwo5153]

The thing I liked most about Hanbon is they do custom lengths, and with respect to the blade were willing to make one longer than most other manufacturers I checked out. Mine is 12" at the handle, 35" in the blade, extra length primarily requested for sh*ts 'n grins. For something that's just going to sit around and look pretty, It's pretty damn good.

[@tengu190]

Ryujin makes a 33" for SBG. Many manufacturers make a tachi or okatana with 35" nagasa. Ryansword comes to mind.

[@TONEDEAFSOUND]

i love that about them too. they got my “33 nagasa katana perfect

[@andrewth13]

Just got my Hanbon custom. Can't wait to see the rest of your review(s) on it.

[@andyappleton3353]

4:10 you had me at, "dust residue from the mikugi" LOLOLOL!!!

[@choirboyzcutleryoutdoors]

Enjoyed the video my brother! I learn something new Everytime I watch your channel! Love the format.

[@andrewsmith1520]

I have been waiting for you to review a HanBon forever!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have been doing a bit of iaido with it. Its not bad but I have not cut anything yet.

[@andrewsmith1520]

@@Matthew_Jensen Really looking forward to your follow up! Thanks for taking one in. Have a great day!

[@rmcswords]

Good first impression, mine had some issues, mostly a very loose saya but over time it’s tighten a bit

[@firstmatepegboot2589]

my favourite sword is a ko katana from hanbon. (although I have fully customised it, the blade habaki and tsuka core are all the originals directly from Hanbon.). Sometimes you get a good one.

[@t10claytempered16]

Congrats and you're welcome Mat, I've learned a bunch and have invented some new Sageo knot wraps. Thanks to youI have changed my taste in Tsuba/hardware and now prefer the simple, "Non scraping of forefinger knuckle" models. Thanks again and Cut em' up, Mike

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thank you sir.

[@88997799]

Lines are caused by moisture from rapid temp changes. If all the air was removed from under plastic then this wouldn’t happen. They should run tape over the plastic to keep it down in contact with the blade. Or chemicals in the plastic in contact with the oil they use causing it.. Ever done a review of any Microtech knives? You should check them out if you haven’t.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have never had one.

[@88997799]

@@Matthew_Jensen top level OTF knives… high carbon blades that hold insane scalpel sharp edge. Can only be purchased from dealer so look online for one near you. They offer sharpening services at most shops that sell them and they do amazing work for only $5 any knife if you haven’t purchased a knife or free on any knife you own after you buy one of their knives. Well that’s how the shop does it here by me. Microtech isn’t cheap end of this but high end quality.

[@YesItsChris.]

I just bought this with a matte black saya.

[@jimdellaghelfa8232]

I'm buying this , is there a ninjato behind your laptop

[@Katana-Karl]

Nice looking katana. I do not own any Hanbon pieces so it's great to see you are gonna review this. Do you plan on testing this till failure?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Matt smash

[@Katana-Karl]

@@Matthew_Jensen hahahaha! Nice!

[@JoeSteel1]

Excellent first impressions video Matt...just enough....I would like to get your take on the fit and finish once disassembled and cutting tests to test the tempering of the steel,as well as the overall balance and feel in the swing...as I had issues in all those departments on the hanbon sword I aquired....looking foward to it Matt and great job as always....you look tired my friend....get some rest...speak to you 🍻cheers

[@AgouraSteve]

Good questions, Joe!

[@JoeSteel1]

@@AgouraSteveThanks but I guess it would be questions we would all ask of our Katana..

[@AgouraSteve]

@@JoeSteel1 That’s why they are good questions o_O 😅

[@Matthew_Jensen]

At a glance it looks put together well for a $200 sword. There are issues but I might suggest that this is average or slightly above average for the asking price. I guess, how well it holds up is the next question. It might look OK but degrade ahead of schedule. I will be using it for some iaido over the next few months.

[@iztatr8951]

For the price I can't complain, my first iaito was made by them for under 200. Nowhere near as nice as my current tozando but it got the job done and is still functional.

[@huntersmith6412]

can i ask what the job was?

[@brockchopper2430]

I've seen a few videos where folks try and break the cross guard but I would be very interested to see you snack the tsuba with another sword.

[@sirwilliam3814]

Looking at their website it is very similar to swords of the northshire and they actually have some of the same swords, but Hanbon's swords are less expensive

[@GGolden219]

Does the tsuba bite or feel like sandpaper against your hand? I've been considering this sword for the fittings. Hopefully the fuchi and kashira are solid as well.

[@blacksnapper7684]

I was always taught not to have my hand right up against the tsuba....

[@felldir]

Looks pretty good so far for the money.

[@Lo-tf6qt]

Hey man, have you ever handled any swords from Yari no Hanzo? Their custom swords seem to allow for a lot of customization (probably more than swords of northshire)

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have not had anything from them.

[@josiahpais]

Should I get real silk on my sword if it available?

[@anotakudetective1546]

I've been looking for a review on this specific blade. The colors look amazing. How does the handle feel for you now? And do you think a purple ito would fit the whole blade?

[@crx-cs2237]

Nice first impression review. I have 4 of them and 1 on the way. So far most of them have been really great. Only one has a little issue like slight play with the tsuba, the knot that holds the ito together was not that tight, and the koiguchi was not all that great. Overall I like them. Also, I had a sword that came in like that too it wasn't in the sword bag but in that cloth instead.

[@codyhowe1059]

How long did it take from order to arrival

[@crx-cs2237]

I have some that took about 1 - 2 months and had one that took 2 weeks. It depends on how you customize it if it is just a standard katana with no changes to the tsuka length, the geometry of the blade, and blade length. It shouldn't take too long for it to be made and shipped. @@codyhowe1059

[@codyhowe1059]

@@crx-cs2237 thanks man! Mine just got done and is about to be shipped

[@fattousaithehamslayer9772]

Thank you.

[@Sweet-T58]

I believe the saying is “Pain is beauty, and beauty is pain” ❤️🔪🔥🗡💜 #22aday #nevergiveup

[@violentinstincts]

guys, it has finally happened. i am watching an unboxing.

[@gunsrose8541]

Hi, Is the full wraped Samegawa really better?

[@blacksnapper7684]

That’s honestly subjective

[@tengu190]

Can I buy some of the sword bags from you?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Are you making a quilt too?

[@tengu190]

@@Matthew_Jensen Maybe...........

[@ezequiellanda4442]

For a fist time buyer what would you recommend? Buying a $200 katana or going straight to a $1000 katana.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

This question breaks my brain. There are too many unknown variables to answer that question accurately. At least with what you have provided so far. My recommendation would be to stick to a budget you are OK with breaking or damaging. If you are going to use the katana for anything, it will show some level of damage. Get something you are not too nervous to use.

[@ezequiellanda4442]

@@Matthew_Jensen for sure. Thanks

[@bloodhound2995]

You can get really good sword for cheap it all come down to the swordsmith . A lot of high price katana are more expensive do to the smith like buying art from a very famous artist

[@theogoodtime9967]

I have two from Hanbon Forge, a katana and a wakizashi, both are very nice swords. I was upset that when I wanted to change the tsuba on the katana, because it had sharp edges. They told me not to worry, I would get used to it. They did not send me the promised Certificate Of Authentication. Later when I ordered the wakizashi I asked them to be sure to send the certificates - they did not, plus the koiguchi was so lose the sword would fall out if tilted downward. I asked what they would do about it, being a brand new purchase. They told me I could/should fix it myself. Took me a few days to find the materials,and I shimmed myself. Frankly, I don't trust them anymore, which is a shame because they seemed like they had a little more integrity

[@ronniefishing]

Dude isn’t dying in a zombie apocalypse

[@alexovchinnikov2338]

Has anyone gotten any folded steel from them? Curious about the quality of it

[@crab_peak_evelution]

Nice vid

[@vaughnsangalang7934]

why not try the kobuse

[@Matthew_Jensen]

It is not what they sent.

[@houssammuriby7031]

Just out of curiosity do you pay import duty tax when you receive swords from China and other countries when they send you free sword samples to review and test their functionality also durability:)

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have not gotten a VAT or import duty on any of the items but then again, I am not the importer of record.

[@houssammuriby7031]

@@Matthew_Jensen l mean if you buy from outside the US do you pay import duty as a regular customer. And what I know when companies send samples usually you shipping or they call you to pat duty

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Not generally. I believe there are some cases where a duty or tax is paid but not as a general rule.

[@houssammuriby7031]

@@Matthew_Jensen OK 😊 By the way have you ever tried to review the Hanwei Great Wave Katana it is one of the swords that hasn't been reviewed! There's only one post but it wasn't given any justice because only water bottles were used. Because if can cut tatami and bamboo it's T-10. Is it possible to make a review and cutting? Thanks 😊 Houssam

[@perfecttiming9197]

@Cerberusarms referred me to you!☺️

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Welcome

[@kuuryotwo5153]

You can get a hamon from them, btw. If I remember right you can choose if you want the cheesy wire brushed pseudo-hamon, or an actual differentially hardened hamon. And I will agree they're not terribly sharp.

[@michaelrs8010]

I'm sure they couldn't do it if you ask, but the wire brush hamon is not an upfront HF offering. However it is with Swords of Northshire.

[@kuuryotwo5153]

@@michaelrs8010 just looked, and now I remember. If you want an actual hamon, you have to choose a clay tempered option for the blade type. And you're correct, I don't see an option for wire brushes hamon, but I can't imagine why anyone would opt for that anyhow.

[@alicarroll8236]

New sub sent from Scab

[@samuraibyrd]

I was curious about Hanbon. Got some yellow ito from them. I’m not curious anymore,lol. I know it’s bias,but you kinda lost me at “ doesn’t have hamon”. LOL

[@samuraibyrd]

Good show though,as always

[@kuuryotwo5153]

You can get a hamon from them. Costs extra though.

[@samuraibyrd]

@@kuuryotwo5153 yeah,I figured they have different models,but that’s not the the only thing that turned me off. Loose tsuka,saya. It just seems I’ve gotten more than that for $200.Do they have mid to high end? I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt and look into Hanbon a little more thoroughly .

[@michaelrs8010]

@@samuraibyrd You can send an email to Mr Yao through their sales email regarding specifics, but when browsing their website I have not noticed high-end tsukas specifically offered. Their higher end stuff seems to center on what kind of blade you want. Easily reviewed from the drop-down menu on their custom order page. And while they do have the usual offering of alloy, iron or brass fixtures, I don't know if ordering their most premium blade gets you a more premium quality tsuka or not. I can tell you that everything was/is tight on my katana (see pictures of it in my comment to Matt above), including NO saya rattle. Although it has not been put through much. Out-of-the-box I've only wacked 5 liquid containers (2 light water bottles, 2 slightly thicker large orange juice containers and a gallon milk jug) and a couple of pool noodles with it. It came sharp enough to go through those, but could probably have used a little stropping ahead of time. And probably definitely now after.

[@samuraibyrd]

@@michaelrs8010 I might take a look at their high end katanas,but it just seems I’ve gotten more for my money with other sword companies

[@robertjensen1438]

Just a comment for the algorithm

[@Crypto_Brandon]

HANBON OR RONIN? ??

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I think ronin is durable and the most recent stuff has felt very good. Hanbon did a solid job the one sword I have seen from them. I think you get a fair ammout of stuff with hanbon for the money but I think ronin still makes more durable stuff

[@soldierboy_4349]

Can I have it?

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

Maybe it's just me but I keep getting distracted by that chair on the right of the screen that looks like a black race with red eyes 😂

[@rinkisaragi]

I lost it when you started shaving your forearm. But nice review nevertheless!

[@KostasOikGR]

First comment 48th view 8th like nice

[@michaelbarr9139]

YES!! you're gonna break it lol

[@Torah_ThisIsTheWay]

sheesh dude how many swords do you have?!?! As a poor beginner Iaido practitioner in the post 2020 economy that can't afford a real shinken for tamashigiri --- I accept donations.

[@TopLob]

Not to pry into things, but I've noticed you've developed a lisp in the last videos. If you don't know the cause of it, you should see a doctor, as it can be a sign of some serious medical conditions. If you happen to know exactly why, then feel free to ignore this. Hope everything is fine.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have had it for quite a while. Interesting that it might be getting worse though, at least if you did not notice before. I don't make an effort to disguise it, so maybe something other than having a fatter face and lower energy is happening. I appreciate the tip.

[@michaelrs8010]

@@Matthew_Jensen Your analysis is pretty much correct, at least according a gal who is a physical therapist/speech therapist that I was dating a few years ago. I have always had one too. A lateral lisp that is sometimes more pronounced than others, and when I mentioned to the gal that I thought it was getting worse as I got older (i was 55 at the time) her respond, in a very small nutshell here, is that is generally nothing to worry about other than our muscles are just getting tired of trying to compensate for it and we do have certain physiological changes in our bodies that may exacerbate the condition. Generally nothing to worry about. On the other hand, it may be a sign of an impending stroke. She said the last part deadpan and then burst into laughter at my expression. Speech therapist humor I guess.

[@TopLob]

@@Matthew_Jensen I honestly have not noticed it at all until the recent videos, and I've watched most of your videos. If you've always had it, then hopefully it's fine. I just reacted because it can be a sign of an impending stroke, as Michael RS said.

[@michaelrs8010]

They did right by me, at least with my first order. Here: imgur.com/gallery/NVC2mni This one was "custom" for $277, but I upgraded a lot of stuff. 9260 steel, special length Hi, the engraving on both sides of the blade (part of which was free but not all), the "leather" ito, the better sageo and an upgraded saya. I have a 2nd katana that should be finished any day now and I just put in a 3rd order for a wakizashi. Mr. Yao it's pretty good about getting back to you in a timely fashion if you go through their sales email, but even though he seems like a very nice guy , don't expect a lot of small talk about the weather or a novel in response. But that's only because of the whole chinese-english thing. I really have no complaints. He seems to be very fair about things.