CAS Iberia Hanwei Orchid Katana Review

[@f-grade]

Don't know how I hadn't seen this vid sooner! This was my holy grail of Japanese swords back in the early 00's when I started getting into blade collecting around the age of 12-13. I pinched pennies for the Hanwei Practical katana, but dreamed of owning their folded line (at the time, just the Kami, Orchid, Bushido, and Tiger). As soon as I was old enough to get a job, the first thing I did was save up $900 and then bought the Orchid. Today, I type this beneath a rack holding all four: Kami, Orchid, Bushido, and Tiger -- in that order -- along with the LE Bamboo Snake, Tori Shinken (pre "Elite/ XL" I believe), and several others. I stopped collecting these a few years ago, but my girlfriend recently bought me the Celestial katana, which is a design that had called to me as soon as I saw it. The Orchid had long been my favorite of the bunch, but the Celestial takes the cake now. I think you'd like it if you ever got your mitts on one (though there are two variants out there: one with black samegawa and one with white). But I digress. It probably goes beyond the scope of your review, but it's worth mentioning that the Orchid was featured in The Last Samurai. Weta used it as the basis for the Red Warrior's daisho, taking the katana and wakizashi and redoing them in red lacquer and black ito. Tom Cruise retains the red Orchid wakizashi during the final battle in the film. It's interesting to see your two examples as well. Mine being from pre-2005 or so, the ito is still super tight after years of use; diamonds are some of the best on any of my Hanwei swords (not saying much, but they are small and consistent) ; and the dick-tip on mine doesn't mushroom like the one in your video. The saya is even and straight going underneath the endcap. In fact, yours looks like it was possibly lacquered after installation? I once received a pair of Hanwei blades for my buddy overseas -- one being the Kami, which I already had, of course -- and I noticed his was different than mine in the same regard; where the end piece on my saya is clearly and cleanly over the red lacquer, his had an overlap of paint onto the cap itself, bubbling up around the edges. I wonder if at some point Hanwei started reversing the order of assembly for these. And since I just said "my dick-tip looks better than yours in every way," I'll be a bit more objective and say your Orchids' blades look slightly better than mine. The hamon on mine is a little too compressed, and there's an ugly bright line through it on one side, bisecting the frosted look. Great review as always. Glad you liked this one!

[@erichusayn]

Bit different than your average hanwei. I also have to say, now that I'm uploading my haphazard, unedited reviews and cutting videos, my respect level towards your videos has gone up exponentially. Your reviews really are the best on KZbin. Gotta tip my hat to your informative and well edited videos....

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thanks, editing is a challenge. Every part of producing something creates its own unique challenge but editing is particularly draining for me. It is hard to listen to yourself talk...

[@kristopheralonge2813]

King Matt returns for another video! This review is an example of why I tell all my friends that Matt's videos are the gold standard for Japanese sword reviews.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I was trying to do weekly videos but I have not had the time. I am still poking away at it though... slowly but surly.

[@kristopheralonge2813]

No worries! Quality takes time and your videos are excellent due to your efforts! Great video and look forward to the next! ^_^

[@danieltrevino6485]

Great review. Back when it was new, the Orchid seemed to be the best of the best. I somehow talked my mom into loaning me $927 to buy it from Mantis Swords. Very striking design - mine did not have the "mushroom tip" bulge on the saya, and it flowed very nicely. Interesting that they hyped up the steel so much, yet it does not seem optimized for cutting. I regret selling it, though - she (um, he?) was a fine specimen.

[@IPostSwords]

9:05 I had a sensible chuckle at this.

[@qaidikramuddin]

Another excellent, authentic review. This was my first shinken purchase followed by the Bamboo Mat. I love them both; interesting opposites. I hope to get the Bugei Old Pine katana.

[@MegaGregor44]

I know this review is 5 years old but steel does not change. I have a opportunity to buy a Hanwei Tori Elite katana made with K120C Swedish powder steel that is listed on KOA for $1195. and they are asking $450 shipped with minor wear so Im going to buy it but did not know much about the steel or why it is so expensive or woth the money. At this price its worth checking out.

[@CountOrlok22]

I'm so glad that you've reviewed this as I've had my eye on this particular model for about four years in part because it appears, at least on KoA, to have a more pronounced sori, which is something I enjoy a lot. I love Hanwei because they make so many pieces that are both high quality practice blades as well as pieces that are more useful as display pieces (the Golden Oriole and the Bushido I consider to be great show pieces that are worth owning multiples of for practice as well).

[@aristotleoracles1457]

the sword looks very high quality and nice cutting skills also! Great review, thumbs up!!

[@pertinaciousD]

I had this sword back in 2003, excellent little sword and similar in weight and balance to nihonto I handled later. I did end up tevarnushing the saya matt black and swapping out the tsuba for something a little more subtle, and the koiguchi split eventually but it’s a nice sword that I’d have liked to have been able to bring with me to Japan.

[@Thrand11]

This is Thrand, Great review and very well done!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thanks Thrand! If you ever find yourself up Minnasota way, lets get a beer.

[@nigelft]

Praise from Thrand is praise indeed ...

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

You sell yourself short with the disclaimer, lots of respected people in the "sword community"value your opinions me included.

[@lonnierichman1013]

Love this swords. Very pretty. Always wanted a powder steel sword. May buy one now

[@KingTotz]

Whats so unique about a powdered steel blade?

[@xiezicong]

Oh sweet, finally! Context: I have one of these.

[@xiezicong]

Now that I have limited time to comment, if you could, a video on polishing the blade to reveal the hamon on one of these blades would be nice per IPostSwords. You wouldn't send something like this to the Man in Black, would you? My Orchid has the same issue as one of yours with the barely tight saya. A shake and the thing falls off. I cut myself once accidentally when trying to clean because of that. I chose this katana because multiple sources I've read said that this one most closely resembles a historical piece within a reasonable budget. Your review seems to confirm that, which is a huge relief and a sign that my research paid off! Maybe consider those (niche) audience in the future? I also got this second-hand. :) Having seen the other Hanwei handles, I don't think I'll ever order those. The size is ridiculous! As a shorter person, I already have good grip length with the Orchid. I don't think a taller person would struggle with the grip considering that hand sizes are relatively the same. Yes, it looks like a penis. My first thought too.

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

I really like the concept of a saki sori Katana. I imagine they would be excellent slashers and choppers. What puzzles me is the practical non-existence of this blade profile. We’re you referring to the orchid having sakisori? Or the other

[@IPostSwords]

With the frosty looking hamon, this looks like it'd benefit a ton from even a rudimentary polishing. Seems to be hiding a ton of detail

[@s2279]

Great review, thanks.

[@robertmccarter8010]

Thanks for the dynamics! Your other swords that mapped similar dynamics to this one are the Angel Sword L6 and one of your Bright Knight katanas. Do they handle in the same ball park as those maybe?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I would say they are in different ballparks. They have some similarities, like the AS BK blades I measured and the Orchids both felt like you could move them in one hand but the Orchids have a much heavier feel. They can both still be used in one hand but the AS pieces lighter and whipier. The L6 piece is closer but the orchids feel a bit easier to keep extended and move. The L6 feels heavier but not by a lot, still I get different feelings of control when I compare them.

[@m.l.861]

Hey Matthew, great video as usual!!! Just a question: in your experience, which handles better--the Hanwei Shinto or the Orchid?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

They are in the same ballpark but I think the orchid is a little more nible. The shinto is a bit better for iaido though, the bohi gives a audible feedback and the profile often has less sori.

[@m.l.861]

@@Matthew_Jensen Thanks. Yeah, my wife just got me a Shinto (used but in amazing condition). It's amazing in terms of iaido like you said. It cuts pretty well too for a light one. The Orchid seems a bit heavier.

[@pauly51]

Wow, @13.55 sec. that flip. What’s it called and how is that done. Looks awesome

[@Matthew_Jensen]

It is a type of noto or way to put the sword away. I am not sure what the name is but it is often done in TSKSR (katori)

[@pauly51]

@@Matthew_Jensen Thank you Matt, also on KZbin is a black an white footage of this. Watch your ears

[@carlosduclaud9562]

I love your reviews, have you heard anything good or bad about the new cold steel katana line up? i think they were trying to change the crowbar/sword image that they had and make some new swords that look more refined and expensive, but i have not seen any review or video about them. If you did a video about that it would be great.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have not had a chance to play with one. I have tried to pick on up but have not had any luck on the second hand market. At least not for what I can offer.

[@tomsimmo5789]

JM You said this was one of your top 3. I'd love to here what the other 2 are.

[@ABEAZYdaRonin94]

Great review Matthew! I know those are your top 3 favorite hanwei pieces but what are your top 5 production katana in general?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I feel like answering that question requires a lot of context. What I like about swords is not the same as what others might appreciate. I would not want people to get the idea that my favorite pieces are lauded because of their durability or quality. It might be worth a video though! Thank you for the idea.

[@ABEAZYdaRonin94]

@@Matthew_Jensen no problem man I'm just asking for your opinion, not what sword can tank through a target best. If you wanna break em up in categories (i.e. what cuts best vs what is best for Iai/Kata) thats up to you.

[@jackaugur7126]

Any way you could do a video on the katanas behind you on that wall rack? 😬Awesome videos and I like your taste in steel. Any thoughts on feilong katanas?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I am doing videos on the swords on my rack... just very slowly one at a time.. LOL As for Feilong, I have not had one but they look nice.

[@jackaugur7126]

lol thanks!

[@ramonvelasquez8431]

Bro, I have a big question and Kult of Athena takes too long to answer. How do I know if their swords are full tang? I want to buy for instance a Raptor Series Shinogi Zukuri but I'd like to know if the steel really goes to the end of the handle. The reason is that when I practice with it I need to know if what I'm grabbing onto at the end of the tsuka is mostly wood or does it really have a support throughout the whole thing. Cool vid as always, Matt!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Katana in general are not strictly full tang. The tang will often run an inch or two away from the end of the grip. Sometimes more and sometimes a bit less. I have not seen any hanwei blades come with very short tangs. You cannot really tell how long the tang is without looking at it or getting a measurement.

[@ramonvelasquez8431]

@@Matthew_Jensen Ok, got it. Thanks for the answer! One last question if I may, in your experience have you had a sword break or crack at or near the end of the tsuka because of use? And is this common?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have had it happen in destructive testing. It is not common though. Most of the time it is the kashira that comes off and then the wrap comes undone... That is more common with use.. it is also part of use, it eventually happens to them regardless of how good or bad they are.

[@ramonvelasquez8431]

@@Matthew_Jensen I see. Well, that is encouraging. I am thinking of buying my first real sword. I've practiced so far with my bokken but since I like it I want to go to the next level and make sure I buy something price convenient but sturdy enough, not a super rare collection piece. Thanks for the advice, man!

[@GGGG-zl1iw]

nice review can you do hanwei tori review

[@Matthew_Jensen]

The only Tori I have around has been modified and it does not really help a buyer as much as a new one would. I always have my eye out for a good deal on a second hand one.. I have had three or four of them but I did not do as many reviews when I had them.

[@GGGG-zl1iw]

@@Matthew_Jensen thank you sir i got my eyes on the tori xl i wanted some deep review like yours

[@arnoknoester7773]

hi i am looking for the bamboo pages to put in the handel and i cant seem to find any shops that sell them maybe you can help me out i live in the nederlands and having hard time finding them for sell

[@Matthew_Jensen]

you can use chopsticks. That is one option.. Or don't use bamboo.. Use horn or brass

[@arnoknoester7773]

@@Matthew_Jensen thank you thats a good replacement i can get chopsticks here

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Sometimes people use broken shinai from kando. That is typically fire hardened bamboo and would work well. You can also make a mekugi with a drill and some sandpaper.

[@arnoknoester7773]

@@Matthew_Jensen thank you for all the advice

[@blicksta609]

Yay finally

[@outlawsamurai47]

You are the the Winter samurai

[@johnpeat3412]

I have a kami katana, the quality of these swords seem quite a lot lower imo .. still nice swords though

[@nitpoon7982]

Very cool man very cool

[@bern1228]

The one with the larger curve looks so much longer that the other. I like them and appreciate your review. As a former iaido practitioner, I am tempted to add this to my collection for when I'm healthy enough to practice again. The one with the more pronounced curve. It looks like it will handle water bottle cutting. Your thoughts on that? I love the dick jokes about the end cap and your right. As an affectionato of the subject this would please me to no end. Hahaha. The only thing about the end cap that would be a drawback is the removal from the belt as it would hang up. An annoyance. The other thing I noted was the paint of the saya comes up and covers the black of erection..., I mean end cap. Best wishes.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I cut harder things than bottles. I think that would be fine.

[@bern1228]

@@Matthew_Jensen Thanks!

[@bern1228]

@@Matthew_Jensen also- also, Just watched a great 'riflemans creed' comercial by "cherake" . hoping you're getting good money. Yay!

[@gauchoronin]

🥋🇦🇷🙇🏻‍♂️

[@MiKE-jz6jt]

I love Samurai swords.. You do them justice with your videos... If your not married I would love for you to meet my sister..

[@JKVTrucking007]

Oh I can imagine what you will do for Samurai itself lol 😆

[@violentinstincts]

Do you ever watch Pablo Kuntz' channel ? m.kzbin.info Dragons n demons n stuff arent really that common on genuine nihonto furniture.

[@tomsimmo5789]

Would you say the Chinese lie a lot about the qualities of their swords.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

The lies tend to get called out pretty quickly. It happens and it happens enough that it is concerning, that said the deeper problem in my mind is a mixture off issues. Marketing hype, miss information, and unrealistic expectations. Those three tend to mix together in different variations to create disappointment.

[@tomsimmo5789]

@@Matthew_Jensen Well put MJ.

[@heyitsjosef2167]

Hey if someone knows something about katanas can you go and watch my video no my and say what you think

[@John-sz7vf]

that's a purdy sword

[@Dmv216661]

Not to be a grammer Nazi (he says before being a grammer Nazi) but hope the way he pronounces controversy is some kind of inside joke or maybe ever a word I don't know 😂😂

[@robertb.3651]

I have seen better diamonds on the handle on 100 dollar swords 🤣😂👎👎👎

[@petersiska9939]

Da vulle haha

[@petersiska9939]

Try swords from toshiro or katanzo not your range .......ohhhhhhh....haha

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I have not had e ight of those.