Classic Tiger Wakizashi

Some swords leave a lasting impression, and the Hanwei Classic Tiger Wakizashi is one of them. A nostalgic return to one of Hanwei's most admired Japanese sword designs, this beautifully crafted wakizashi brings back the distinctive styling of the original Tiger series from the early 2000s. Featuring a K120C powder steel blade, traditional Japanese fittings and the unmistakable stalking tiger tsuba, this short sword is a welcome addition for longtime Hanwei enthusiasts, Japanese sword collectors and those looking to complete a matching katana and wakizashi daisho.

The wakizashi was traditionally worn by the samurai as a companion to the longer katana. Together, the two swords formed the daisho, a pairing closely associated with samurai status during Japan's Edo period. The shorter wakizashi was particularly suited to confined spaces and remained an important part of the samurai's personal equipment. Hanwei's original Tiger series captured the spirit of this tradition with its striking combination of steel craftsmanship and Japanese decorative artistry. This Classic Tiger Wakizashi faithfully revisits the specifications and appearance of the original SH1205 design, bringing a familiar favourite back for a new generation of collectors.

The centrepiece of this reissue is its K120C powder steel blade, differentially hardened using a traditional clay tempering process. This produces a prominent hamon along the cutting edge, while the blade's visible hada reveals a distinctive layered grain pattern. A bo-hi runs along both sides of the blade, adding another traditional element to its elegant profile. The blade features a reported hardness of approximately 60 HRC at the edge and 40 HRC along the back.

The fittings are equally impressive. A blackened iron tsuba depicts a stalking tiger accented with brass inlay, while the tsuka is wrapped in Japanese cotton over genuine rayskin (same). The deeply lacquered black saya is decorated with brass bamboo leaf inlays, creating a beautiful contrast against the dark finish. From its carefully reproduced fittings to its distinctive blade construction, the Hanwei Classic Tiger Wakizashi celebrates the craftsmanship and character that made the original Tiger series so memorable.