We are excited to be a full Partner Member of CAS Iberia, the importer for Paul Chen (Hanwei) Swords.  The Partner classification enables us to have access to the full CAS lineup, including "Partner Exclusives" that are not available to other dealers.  Below are some examples of swords that we have used and can offer personal experience with, but we can order any of the full lineup you desire, including the new Elite and Performance Series.  Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information at sales@jinenkanseigi.com

These are all hand made, high carbon steel swords that were meant to be cut with.  Mr. Chen makes many models, but they can all be basically broken into three categories:  the Practical series (an entry level sword that will cut well for a beginner looking to get a decent sword for a good price), the Forged series (a forged steel sword with higher quality fittings), and the Folded series (an actual folded steel blade with only the highest quality fittings).

For those that aren’t familiar with these swords, these are NOT the cheap 440 Stainless versions that can shatter when you try to cut bamboo with it (ask me how I know), but are high carbon steel blades handmade by Paul Chen and Hanwei, then differentially tempered (so you have a real hamon) and sharpened – in other words, they are made to actually cut things, not just be wall hangers.  Not only that, but they offer several different models with tsukka (handles) that are of a realistic cutting length, not just a short “ceremonial” length not designed to offer the proper leverage for good cuts.

I’m not allowed to post my prices on my website, but rest assured that I will sell them well below retail.  Email me at sales@jinenkanseigi.com for details on pricing and lead times.  For a quick overview of some models I’ve worked with and can recommend – look below.  I can also order any model made by Paul Chen, so if you don't see it here, feel free to ask.  If you need help determining your optimum tsukka length or blade length drop me a note or see me after class.

Forged Series:  Golden Oriole

Golden Oriole from the Forged series of Paul Chen blades

The Golden Oriole is the sword I currently use, which is as good an endorsement as I can give.  These are made from a slightly higher carbon steel than the Practical Series and are differentially tempered, then sharpened to a razor edge.  A same tsukka wrapping and silk tsukka-ito (handle wrapping), along with beautifully intricate fittings and highly polished and lacquered saya (scabbard) makes this quite a beautiful piece.  The 13 ¾” tsukka (42 ½” overall length) means that it’s easy to put the proper leverage into each cut, without the handle being so long it’s cumbersome.  These retail for $849.00.  The matching wakizashi is also available, retailing for $599.00.  The only sword I have seen nicer than these (other than true antiques) is some of the Folded Series – but for well over $1000.00.  Click Golden Oriole Details for more pictures of the Golden Oriole.

Practical Series:  Practical, Practical Plus, and Practical Pro

top to bottom:  Practical Pro Katana, Practical Plus Katana, Practical Katana, Practical Plus Wakizashi

The Practical Series is probably the best value for those wanting to get into cutting at a reasonable price.  It uses a slightly different steel and quenching process than the more expensive Forged Series, but keeps a similar finished hardness and true differential tempering for strength and stability.   These also don’t have nearly the intricate and polished fittings as the higher level swords, so cost is saved there too.  The Plus and Pro models do include actual same (skin from the back of a ray) tsukka wrapping, which is not found in other “entry level” swords.  In other words – they cut almost as well as the more expensive models, but they just don’t look as nice.  Click the below links for details on each model:

                                                            Practical Pro Katana                            $399.00 Retail

                                                            Practical Plus Details                            $399.00 Retail for the katana

                                                                                                                        $259.00 Retail for the wakizashi

                                                                                                                        $209.00 Retail for the tanto

                                                            Practical Katana                                   $259.00 Retail for the katana

                                                                                                                        $219.00 Retail for the wakizashi