Hanwei Maru Renshu Katana

The Maru Renshu by Hanwei is a sword designed entirely with practical and repetitive cutting practice in mind. Its cost has been made more economical by using simpler, but durable materials for the hilt fittings while keeping the quality of the blade and its tempering fully intact and on par with more expensive 5160 steel cutting swords from Hanwei. This all goes together to create a sword that you can reliably cut and practice with and do so affordably whilst keeping your more premium katana reserved for special occasion.

The blade is through-hardened 5160 high carbon steel. This type of steel, paired with mono-tempering, creates a blade that is a durable cutter. Unlike a differentially-hardened sword this kind of blade is much less likely to take a bend if a poor cut is made – ideal for the cutting beginner or someone who wants a no-frills practical cutting sword. The Maru Renshu has a long bo-hi groove intended to reduce the weight of the sword along its thickest point whilst sacrificing little durability. This groove creates a more audible whoosh when the sword strikes – the variable sound of this Tachikaze sword wind can be used as a tell on the angle of cut to trained ears.

The tsuba, fuchi and kashira hilt fittings are iron and the habaki and seppa are brass. The wooden tsuka grip is paneled with faux rayskin and overlaid with knotted black suede leather tsuka-ito cord. A pair of antiqued brass menuki are wrapped within the folds of the ito. The saya scabbard is black lacquered wood with horn koiguchi and kojiri fittings. It is paired with a red sageo cord and left unknotted so that it is ready for practical wear and use.