Raptor Series - CAS Hanwei / James Williams

[@SpaceGhost182]

Ive watched this video so many times in the past 10 years

[@TONEDEAFSOUND]

literally same

[@FreestyleSwordsman]

Me too brother, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Williams about ten years ago. He’s amazing, and the raptors are great tough swords when learning to cut

[@DemiDeity777]

I love the blade shape. The thick fuller mixed with the tapered half spine makes it feel so good in the hand.

[@Catgat37]

DakotaH PerrY that's what she said

[@prabshiro]

hi yes they can ive disassembled the raptor for a new tsuba, which was a very tough task. The Tsuka [handle] is fitted very well.

[@KevinGeaslin]

I purchased the Raptor Wakizashi but I love it so much, I need a full Katana now.

[@traceydeanrainey]

Well got a call back yesterday from Hanwei and they are going to send a tag to place on a return box so I can send my katana back to them. And once they receive the katana with the cracked Tsuka they are sending out a replacement. They where very nice this go around. Thank you Hanwei!

[@erichusayn]

Katana ate a bit heavy for my tastes, but the wakizashi is the best, most balanced, meanest cutter that I've ever handled.

[@traceydeanrainey]

Ok I've got a reply from a Hanwei rep I'm assuming. Ive replied back and given info that was requested. I've also asked if he has an e-mail address to send pictures of the faulty Tsuka. He didn't ask for my number but gave it to him anyway. Fingers crossed the problem will be resolved and customer service will be as outstanding as there product.

[@traceydeanrainey]

The Raptor is 5160 steel and the Practical is 1065 steel so if your looking to buy one you should do your research on the two steels and I think you'll come to the conclusion that the Raptor would be the one to go with if your going to do a lot of cutting. The Practical is really good and has a Hamon if that's what you really want.

[@mr.excalibur1455]

Thank you for doing this review!! This is katana is a heavy cutter. The blade is exceptionally sharp out of the box and is wider then most katanas being massed produced for internet sales. This sword had a very solid, but heavy, build. However, the weight is counterbalance by a nice balanced build. The saya (scabbard) does suffer though and feels a bit cheap and it probably is one of the reasons for the lower price. This is an excellent katana for a beginner or even an experienced cutter looking for something in the sub-$500 range. Please feel free to take a look at the review I did of this cool katana!!

[@traceydeanrainey]

I purchased this katana and it's set on a stand for 6 months, so when I got it the seppa was loose and I finally decided to address this loose seppa and discoverd that the Tsuka is also very old dry wood that is split in 3 places so I called S&A and Hanwei to see about a replacement. Been only one day but seems like I'm getting the run around.

[@SRIBZ]

I own a Cold Steel Chisa, Cheness Tenchi Ko, and a Raptor Shinogi Zukuri. Out of the 3 I own, the Shinogi is by FAR my best and favorite. The Raptor is light, balance is very good, the blade altho not the prettiest is incredibly strong and durable, and is very effective for harder cutting. Chisa is nice but blade heavy, while the Tenchi is also nice (9260 steel) but feels somewhat cheap. A traditional folded Katana is nice, with a harder edge, but I love the new-age Katana durability/ flex

[@trialsrider001]

awesome blade and nice bamboo garden in the background.never run out of things to cut

[@eee165]

He said Unokubi. I might be wrong, but I'm fairly sure about this because he said something about being patterned after the naginata/nagamaki. Regards, Nick

[@shinobitech13]

These are great. I got one of the last moroha zukuri models before they went out of production.

[@Kurogasa55]

@Seirios86 The Raptor swords are very nice cutters. I have been doing this for 8 years or so i can say that they are worth the money in their effective use. I would say get the raptor over the Practical xl. The shobu Zukuri happens to be my favorite in the series. excellent sword

[@MGlBlaze]

@neferiusnexus I believe he was referring to through-hardened blades (if properly heat-treated) are superior to differentially hardened blades... for the most part, anyway. You don't get a hamon with through-hardening and some people value the aesthetics of that, but through-hardening is superior as far as strength and toughness goes. Not that differentially hardened blades (again: if done well) are exactly easy to deform either. I could be wrong, though. I'm no expert.

[@jasonwotring415]

I do believe I have chosen my next sword purchase. I am wanting a shobu , with a slightly wider blade. The Raptor series has what I want in a katana. And I have three other 5160 blades so I know it's a damn good steal food a sword

[@williamgaspari626]

What do you mean for soft and semi-hard materials?(for cutting practice) and what do you mean for hard materials?

[@neferiusnexus]

@MGlBlaze Well... I'm no Expert either, but I DO know that differentially-tempering a blade is more than just about aesthetics. The way it's done is, after they've finished shaping the Blade they cover it in Clay, applying more to the back-side and less to the edge. Then they fire it till it glows bright red and quickly quench it in edge-first. What this does, coupled with using different grades of carbon-content steel, is make the edge harder while keeping the back malleable, ensuring the sword

[@AsAnAtheistFilms]

@EntropicMisanthropic It also depends largely on the style of the blade and if it posses traditional geometry (apple speed), for example a differentially hardened katana with medium to big niku would be considerably more durable then say a through hardened katana with only slight niku. Kris Cutlery's 5160 steel line is a prime example of ultra durable Differentially hardened katana's able to keep up in durability with any mass produced production katana in the market under $500~.

[@prabshiro]

Hi Cold steel blades are very strong , from what ive heard. However they arent as traditional. But they are made for strong cutting , depending which model you buy. Hanwei in my experience is one of the best. They have a sword for all occasion weather , tough MA use, rigorous cutting ect. they start at $200 , and go to 1000. My favs Tiger folded tsunami Practical plus XL raptor series.

[@Shawshankdude2005]

The menuki HAVE to be glued on right? Otherwise the ito would be covering them in two different places. So wouldn't usage of the sword eventually make the menuki fall right off?

[@mr.excalibur1455]

Shinogi Zukuri Raptor - REVISITED UPDATE - When I first started my channel the Raptor series was a hot topic. However ... in the process of needing to review many other popular models I sold mine off. Since then, there has been great debate over the consistancy of quality control when it comes to not only this model but the entire Raptor series. Since that time I have slowed my collecting to aquiring those models I want to keep as permanent pieces in my collection. I decided to return to the Shinogi Zukuri Raptor ... the original. The fit and finish appear to be as I first found the Shinogi Zukuri Raptor in my review. The saya's fit was better than the one in my review. The katana is very solidly built and well sharpened. The suede leather ito wrap is extremely tight. As far as a comparison between this model which I bought two years ago and the one I've just aquired it would seem just based upon my experience with the Shinogi Zukuri model that the quality control has been quite consistant.

[@aftermath8p]

Is the blade in the raptor the same as the tactical katana? And will the tactical cut as well as the raptor?

[@traceydeanrainey]

Townpiligan14. Well the the movement isn't going to hurt anything and if it makes noise then it's all about if you can live with it? If this is an higher end katana from Hanwei I wouldn't be ok with it but if it's a Raptor or Practical then it's all about what is acceptable to you. What kind of Hanwei do you have?

[@Blackheart6665555]

I am saving up for this beauty.

[@aceconscious5021]

I just bought Hanwei Raptor Nanbokucho Katana

[@BigBoss-kn1yx]

How was it?

[@traceydeanrainey]

About my post below, Hanwei says that you have a year to exchange due to defect in workmanship and this is clearly a workmanship thing so why am I getting the runaround and the "well I'm not sure we can help you with this, sorry" I've purchased so many Hanwei swords and now this!!

[@shinnoblablah5409]

definitely going to save up for this . but i dont realy like tsuka wrapping on it definitely going to rewrap it myself

[@jasonwotring415]

I'd reshape it little also.

[@Jackie_Sins]

Can all of the Japanese swords made by Hanwei be fully disassembled?

[@k00lkane]

what is the HRC of that blade? im stuck between getting a practical xl or a katana from the raptor series

[@Supercucu123]

@TechnoManXD Actually he is wearing a keikogi and hakama. Just type them in online.

[@RichieCastellano]

Anybody know which raptor model he's using here?

[@Gurjaaneli]

@RocketNothing what about cold steel production? are they good?

[@TheIcemanModdeler]

@MrTefached That comment was a week ago, in that time a did alot of research about different blade types used for katanas since im going to buy one this week for around 300$. I also started a threat on swordbuyersguide of what blades i should get.Although this video is pretty impressive, the raptor series katanas arent as sharp as the kaze, and cant cut paper for example as well as the kaze but the blade is harder.

[@mickkidoTV]

@RocketNothing 1055 with a spring temper (for the flex) and thy have a ha of 60HRC

[@3sgamestudio]

Is it the offical CAS Hanwei Channel? :)

[@droog1967]

Please, can anyone tell me if the Raptor Series blades have a Temper-Line ( Hamon as the Japanese call it ) ?? i like the shape of the Raptor Series, but i want a sword with a Hamon. i am also considering a Practical Plus Series Katana and Wakazaski, which i know have a prominent Hamon. Here in the UK there is very little difference between the prices of these two series. Thankyou.

[@STEELFISTSOFDOOM]

@maskedgunman I don't really have too much knowledge on katanas, but don't Japanese swords cost a boat load of money? That steel they use, Tamahagane isn't allowed to be exported or at least that's what i've heard. So.......yeah they're super expensive and i'm also guessing hard to get. These seen like a pretty good substitute

[@seangodschild]

Taken from a page at swordsoftheeast.com Tamahagane and Types of Steel History According to tradition, swords originally found inwere forged by foreign travelers such as the Chinese. However, Japanese sword smiths are credited with the refinement of a process that incorporates unique usage of steel compounds and forging techniques to produce the characteristic design of traditional Japanese swords. Interestingly it is because of the lack of iron ore (or the lower quality of the ore) that Japanese sword smiths developed a technique to remove imperfections contained in the raw steel they used for their swords. Initially blades were constructed from only one type of steel (non-laminated, or maru) but eventually smiths used multiple variations of steel to alienate as many useful properties for the sword as possible. For instance, soft steel was used for the main portion of the blade to provide for flexibility; hard steel for the cutting edge, and medium steel for the sides and top of the blade. The primary type of steel used traditionally was tamahagane, produced by combining lower quality local iron ore with carbon in a specific smelting process. Modern Swords In general there are three types of steel that most Japanese swords smiths use today: 420 J2 Stainless Steel, High Carbon Steel, and Folded (Tamahagane) Steel. Please note that folded steel does not actually refer to the elements of the steel, but how it is forged. Stainless steel blades are typically manufactured to be owned as show pieces rather than to be used in battle. High Carbon Steel blades can be used in the dojo due to their strength, although folded steel blades would be more desirable for fighting because of their maximum power and flexibility. The folding process increases strength and flexibility as the sword smith will work to repeatedly hammer out any impurities from the steel with each repeated fold. That said, older steel (or Tamahagane steel with a carbon content of 1% to 1.5% versus 0.1% to 0.3% of average knife steel) tends to be richer in oxygen than newer steel (or steel with a lower carbon content). This property means that oxidized portions of the metal are extremely soft and pliable so they can be easily stretched and through repeated smelting become finely dispersed and almost unsusceptible to damage. Repeated smelting, folding, and hammering by the smith also produces the intricate blade patterns unique to Japanese swords and also allows for a high sheen when polished. Stainless Steel As mentioned above, although beautiful, stainless steel swords are not meant for dojo fighting due to the fact that their molecular structure is simply not as hard or solid as higher levels of steel. This fact does not change depending on where said stainless steel comes from-stainless steel is always stainless steel in terms of chemical makeup. Meaning, it is high in chromium (to enhance the grain and polish) which weakens the internal structure of the blade compared to high carbon steel. High Carbon Steel Blades made with high carbon steel are stronger in nature than stainless steel due to their chemical makeup. Sometimes 5160 steel is used in the making of Japanese swords (a compound similar to what is found in truck springs, hence the term, "spring steel" that is sometimes used), or higher end katanas may be forged from welded cable steel, or from the AISI 10xx series (1050, 1084, 1095). Whatever the case, the steel must be clay tempered to create an authentic hamon (temper line) which cannot be formed using high alloy steels (such as stainless steel). Tamahagane As mentioned above, Tamahagane steel's high carbon content and forging process make it very desirable for modern sword collectors as it represents a dedication to traditional Japanese smithing methods. Its strength and durability are legendary. Although some modern steels are beginning to gain popularity (such as L6) it is still amazing to note that smiths using a poor quality ore designed a process that created some of the strongest Japanese swords still in existence today. Conclusion When purchasing a sword, be aware that the chemical makeup and how the blade was forged will determine its strength and durability. Depending on your budget and reasons for purchasing, make sure to inquire about these issues to ensure you get the sword you desire.

[@vaughnsangalang9823]

how much hrc does the blade have

[@SordMasta]

@k00lkane i've asked plenty of experienced people and they all said the raptor over the practical. i even asked the shop, and they recommended the raptors even tho the practical XL is more expensive. i'm getting a "shobu zukuri" raptor myself, since i'm not experienced enough and i want it to withstand any bad cuts i might make.

[@vaughnsangalang7934]

is the edge the only thing thats 57 hrc or is it all of the blade

[@FreestyleSwordsman]

It is through hardened, same hardness throughout the blade.

[@gpk40]

does anyone, here, know which would be a better battle-ready quality sword between the Cold Steel and Hanwei swords???

[@prabshiro]

i own the shobu zukuri , customized. Their indeed brilliant, but now discontinued i think.

[@BlakePogue]

The Raptor Series is still available: casiberia.com/category/raptor-series-katana/4104

[@neferiusnexus]

Wait... @1:28 did he imply that differentially-tempered blades are more easily deformed than alloy-steel? That's troubling, considering that their Odachi model which sports a 49-inch blade is one such sword :-|

[@Jackie_Sins]

Why is it called the "Raptor" series? Just curious.

[@TheIcemanModdeler]

Is this better than the Chenesse Kaze?

[@prabshiro]

i own the shobu.. i think its the unokobi hes using.

[@nesking3115]

Excellent

[@soldierdad100]

when i purchase one of the tactical katana does it come already sharpened,please let me know when you can

[@justinwoolee]

Yes. See here =)> Hanwei Forge Paul Chen Tactical Katana

[@neferiusnexus]

@MGlBlaze can take a full blow without shattering but still be able to hold an edge. And it is THIS difference in hardness between the Edge and the blade's Body which creates the aesthetically pleasing optical-effect called a Hamon; which is brought-out through careful sharpening and polishing. Like I said, I'm no Expert ...I just read all this stuff on Wikipedia :P

[@nabuhodenozor1]

How much is cost of that sword?

[@VicariousReality7]

Yet... i do not see the edge after the test in this video

[@ursusteddicus]

I never intended to represent the opinion of everybody. Obviously, there is a market for it. I just expressed my opinion re: preference for authentic, hand-crafted blade versus mass-market Chinese steel of not even premium quality by any standard. I meant no offense, nor should you take any. But there are some of us who have different preferences.

[@ZentetsukenVII]

My raptor blade is fantastic, incredibly hard steel cut through 1 inch bamboo no problem.

[@nabuhodenozor1]

Thanx for answer, it's amazing weapon. Wanna buy it :)

[@Johnwalter88]

Ihave AC checked and shipped swords for an online company,including hanwei,and cheness.I have also tested swords fora couple of companies.I own four different raptors,I am a student of Toyama Ryu.I can honestly say these are quality made very tough swords,better consistency in tempering than the Chenness I have tested.My raptotd have never failed on bamboo that has dulled Chenness 9260.

[@mexcellent5977]

Will this sword be a good choice for the zombie apocalypse? I mean, could I feasibly cut off an arm or head with this thing?

[@BraxChat]

I wonder how old you were 4 years ago. 12? 14? Or 16? Thinking about stuff like that

[@prabshiro]

yep a nihonto , pure japanese blade is extremely, or can be very difficault to buy , both depending on location and cost. mostly cost. These hawei swords , production blades have been a great success, espeically hanwei. i know iaido teachers who have reccomended these katanas. but lets to get a simple fact. if you had a pure $3000 plus japanese blade and a $400-800 hanwei blade , which would you rather cutt with lol.

[@relicen1]

@TechnoManXD Kimono and hakama.

[@k00lkane]

No mate the raptor series do not have a hamon because they're not differentially tempered

[@ZentetsukenVII]

@vincent4500 Get a new tsuba. Its what I did. Infact I went ahead and made a completely new tsuka. the blades alone are worth it.

[@mettlemane]

No hamon?

[@miguelangelvaldezvillarrea5252]

Shobu Zukuri

[@marknoli5815]

i want that sword =D

[@anonymusneo]

james is a well trained samurai, just like an experienced player of guitar would play even the worst guitar with ease and beauty , same case is with this sword you never know if its good or bad until you have experiance on how to buy correct one ^_^

[@drgonzo212]

By definition a samurai is military nobility that lives by a strict code and serves a lord. He is not a samurai.

[@mooneyes2k478]

Not even by the WILDEST leap of imagination is he a samurai.

[@jasonwotring415]

***** do some research dude. He is a renowned martial artist if I'm not mistaken

[@drgonzo212]

Jason Wotring Martial artist does not = samurai.

[@mooneyes2k478]

Jason Wotring And? I'm a martial artist too. Doesn't mean I'm a samurai. Or even that the style I've studied is Japanese. Martial Artist does not equate to samurai or to kendo, aikido or any other japanese form.

[@prabshiro]

unokobi zukuri

[@Sarva07]

this guy looks like Tommy Lee Jones!...anyway great demo

[@torxi7336]

0:29 that dude is great example of amateur. Going to fuck up the blade

[@TheMultiGunMan]

★★★★★

[@traceydeanrainey]

Maskedgunman. Really! I suppose you have many Japanese made blades just sitting around the house! Do you have any idea how out of touch your statement is? If you know where I can get a good deal on a blade made in Japan for what I'd pay for a Raptor katana please spill the bean and tell us all!!

[@TheJoe999Man]

Who the fuck put a dislike

[@southernknight9983]

Wadn't me.

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

Probably Lynn Thompson from Cold Steel! :)

[@cart00n_rabbit]

Oh who really gives a damn?

[@hajimetakahashi632]

no hamong ? cheap looking stuf. fairground carnaval prize looking stuf

[@hajohnson007]

Through hardened blades don't have a natural hamon. Cheap? Hardly, this blade is amazing. Work on your spelling and grammar please.

[@hajimetakahashi632]

Hi thank you for reply you to, yes its good enough and sharp enough. sorry for my bad english :)

[@seangodschild]

I just recently acquired the Raptor Shinogi Zukuri, and I can verify these are absolutely no "carnival prize". They are serious business... They don't possess a hamon line simply because the type of steel used (5160 spring steel) does not need to be differentially hardened in order to achieve the desired balance of hard edge to blade resilience. These are no joke.

[@John-sz7vf]

Yeah no hamon is always kinda sad but when it comes to practicality it's more about the quality of the steel and whatnot

[@ursusteddicus]

No disrespect to Mr. James Williams, but do we really need another katana of Chinese manufacture? He surely knows that mass-produced steel (and 5160 at that) is not even close to the hand-forged ones made by today's Japanese swordsmiths. I understand he wants to make katanas that are accessible to the public (and/or that he wants to make more money), but I did not think somebody with so much training would settle at this level. He even said that the "fit and finish... is ACTUALLY quite good."

[@viajeenkayakandalucia5319]

Katanas que nuevas llegan con manchas pura basura