Bamboo Mat Wakizashi, Hanwei, SH2448, HWS-2S Steel

Bamboo Mat Wakizashi, Hanwei, SH2448, HWS-2S Steel

This wakizashi, along with a katana, forms the traditional daishō set worn by samurai. While the katana was the primary weapon in battle, the wakizashi served as a sidearm, ideal for combat in confined spaces, indoors, or for ritual purposes. Thanks to its construction and high-grade steel, the Bamboo Mat Wakizashi is a fully functional weapon, not just a decoration. It is designed to withstand the rigours of tameshigiri (test cutting) on soft targets.

Detailed Koshirae (Fittings)

• Blade: Forged from modern HWS-2S steel, renowned for its exceptional wear resistance and toughness. It is differentially hardened, meaning it has an extremely hard edge for maximum cutting performance and a softer, more flexible spine to absorb shock.
• Hamon: The prominent and authentic o-choji (clove-like) temper line is a testament to the quality hardening process.
• Tsuba (Guard): Made from blackened iron. The surface has a texture resembling a woven bamboo mat. The rim is shaped like a jointed bamboo stalk, and the piece is subtly decorated with gold-tipped bamboo leaves.
• Fuchi & Kashira (Handle Collar & Pommel): These follow the bamboo theme of the tsuba.
• Menuki (Ornament under wrap): A pair of golden sparrows, adding an elegant detail to the hilt.
• Tsuka (Handle): Covered with genuine white rayskin (samegawa) and tightly wrapped with a black cotton cord (tsuka-ito) in the traditional style.
• Saya (Scabbard): The wooden scabbard is finished with a high-gloss black lacquer. All fittings on the saya (koiguchi, kurikata, kojiri) are made from genuine horn.

Specifications

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece due to handmade nature.

Safe Use Guidelines

Although this sword is manufactured to the highest standards, it is a sharp and dangerous weapon, not a toy. It is intended exclusively for collectors and for the practice of kata (forms) or tameshigiri (test cutting) on appropriate materials (e.g., tatami omote mats) under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

WARNING: Sharp Sword – This is not a toy!

• Always handle the sword with extreme caution. The blade is razor-sharp and can cause serious or fatal injury.
• Not intended for stage combat, contact sparring, or "blade-on-blade" impact with other swords. HWS-2S steel is very hard, but it can be damaged (chipped) if struck against other steel.
• Never cut at hard objects (wood, bone, metal, stone).
• When practising cuts, always ensure you have ample free space around you and that no other people or animals are nearby.
• Keep the sword out of reach of children and unauthorised persons.
• Neither the seller nor the manufacturer assumes any liability for damage or injury caused by improper, negligent, or unauthorised use of the product. Use is strictly at your own risk.

Sword Care

To ensure your wakizashi serves you well and remains in perfect condition for a long time, it requires proper care.

• After every use (even just touching the blade), wipe the blade carefully with a clean, soft cloth (e.g., nugui-gami rice paper) to remove fingerprints and moisture.
• Regularly oil the blade with a thin coat of sword-specific oil (e.g., Hanwei Sword Oil) to prevent rust.
• Store the sword in a dry environment, ideally in its saya (scabbard) horizontally with the edge facing up.
• The wooden saya can be simply wiped with a dry, soft cloth to maintain its high-gloss finish.
• Don'ts: Do not leave the sword in damp conditions, do not clean the blade with abrasive materials, and do not attempt to sharpen the sword yourself without the proper knowledge and equipment.

Related Products

This wakizashi forms a perfect daishō set with the matching Bamboo Mat Katana (SH2438). For proper maintenance, we recommend purchasing the Japanese Sword Maintenance Kit (OH2105), which contains all the essentials.

Samurai swords warranty.

The protective wooden case, in which is the product packaged, comes free of charge.