Practical Plus Katana 2026 by Paul Chen / Hanwei

New and Improved!

The classic Practical Plus Katana crafted under the legacy of Paul Chen’s Hanwei brand now returns as a battle-ready and economically priced masterpiece forged from differentially-hardened 1566 high carbon steel with a forging technique blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern material enhancements. Its 27-inch blade and 5" point of balance ensures agile handling for precise cuts and thrusts making it ideal for martial artists, collectors, and cutting enthusiasts.

Now produced at the Dragon King Forge in Dalian by Hanwei’s original artisans under Frenchie Jin, the retooled koshirae hilt fittings—tsuba, fuchi, kashira, and menuki—feature a crisp, elegant Japanese Dogwood motif with dragon menuki and an iron sunburst tsuba and are paired with a brass habaki to evoke the aesthetic of heirloom Japanese originals. The blade with a a 3/4-inch sori, is expertly clay-tempered to a 60 HRc edge and 40 HRc back and showcase a prominent hamon for both durability and striking beauty. The 11.25-inch tsuka, wrapped in genuine rayskin and a specially developed tsuka-ito for superior grip, is double-pegged for additional durability. The included wood and lacquer saya (scabbard) completes the traditional package (note: sageo cord color may vary).

Perfect for tatami mat cutting this 39.5-inch katana’s balance and affordability make it a favorite among practitioners, though repetitive heavy-duty cutting may require a more robust blade like the Practical Plus Elite Katana (SH6001K2).