Production Sword Review: "Zatoichi"
A review of the of the C.A.S. Iberia "Stick-Sword"

The Zatoichi Sword is yet another product from the "Hanwei" factory owned by Chen Chao-Po (or "Paul Chen") located in Dalian, China. As SFMO does not have direct experience with this sword, this is a compilation of hands-on reviews contributed by SFMO readers. As with all reviews and articles, our legal disclaimer applies.

The Zatoichi is based on a the sword of a Japanese film hero who roamed Japan in the 19th century. In these films, Zatoichi is a blind swordsman who has a penchant for massages and gambling. C.A.S. Iberia rates the hardness of the sword at 50 Rockwells ("C" scale) and states that the blade is made from A2 tool steel.

Contrary to the other Japanese-style swords that are manufactured by Chen's Hanwei factory (such as the C.A.S. Iberia "Golden Oriole", "Shinto Katana", etc. and the Hanwei swords through the Bugei Trading Company) which feature a real temper line (reflecting a hardened edge and softer body achieved from differential heat treating), the Zatoichi has no real temper line. The "hamon" you do see is buffed on by a mechanical process, although not particularly attractive.

With a point of balance of around 9 inches, the blade is very blade-heavy. Even though the blade is through-hardened, the 50 HRC blade seems to be able to endure some chopping tasks, though as a marital arts blade the poor balance is a deterrent.

While the 29" blade may attract customization buffs, removal of the blade without breaking open the handle is not possible, per the photo, right. In one sense, due to the simplified nature of this "sword in a stick" the non-traditional shape of the tang allows the sword to stay within the handle; the handle would come apart before the blade ever would.

The blade survived penetration of softer thin sheet metal without significant damage. It remained quite straight, in fact. However, one major area of concern is the handle. With stick-swords, there is no guard (tsuba) to prevent your hand from sliding accidentally onto the blade, so at the very least use some tape to help with the grip, if you're going to use this sword. Sweaty hands doing this could have resulted in serious injury.

All in all, this is not a Japanese-style sword but is obviously inspired by Japanese swords. As for the sales pitch of it being "in the spirit of the ninja" and "hand forged" - take it with a grain of salt.

This sword is a neat collectible that can withstand some use. It is however not made as a martial arts weapon, as its length, balance and construction fall short of that of a traditional style katana. (As with the nature of any factory-made sword, variances may be expected in the batch so be extremely careful, and don't get too star-struck without thinking safety first!) However, the sword looks true to the one used in the movie, and thus Zatoichi fans will enjoy collecting this - especially for a street price of US$150 which makes the Zatoichi much more affordable than the other Japanese-style swords made by Chen's factory.

Blade length: 29"
Overall length: 39"

Editor's Note

We have no other information with respect to Center of Percussion, Harmonic Balance, how much shock was felt in the handle during the sheet-steel penetration test, and how strong the glue is that holds the handle together. Nor do we know how thin and how tough the sheet steel was.

SFMO cannot confidently recommend swords without such data, as your safety is our primary concern. Customization buffs will find the generous 29" length still usable if your goal is to saw off the tang and to use the end to file a traditional shaped tang.

Also, the Zatoichi is considered in some States as a concealed weapon. You are advised to check with your local State laws for compliance.

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