United Cutlery Honshu Wakizashi Sword

Just used my Honshu Tactical Wakizashi as a machete this past week, cutting trails through dense woody old blackberries and one inch diameter saplings. I was surprised at how well it worked, and that the blade remained sharp without rolling. Also it was very easy to sheath and unsheath as desired and did not get in the way at all setting up a tarp shelter. I like this sword even more after owning it for a year.

This sword is great! I have 0 complaints to gripe about. For those of you who think this is not FULL TANG, those are SPACERS on the sides of the handle! The tang is BETWEEN them! They are SANDWICHED in there to FILL the gaps on either side of the handle!!! I took mine apart, unscrewed all the hardware and also had to take out the grommet/lanyard hole and LOW AND BEHOLD!, the blade with a FULL TANG slid out!... Wow, INCREDIBLE how that works!

I ordered this sword because I liked the way it looked. The brass highlights matched my black powder pistols and I wanted a complimentary blade that was not too long in order to dispatch my enemies, since reloading black powder pistols is time consuming. I started doing some research on the wakizashi, and I didn't realize the immense amount of culture behind them. Now I am watching the huge amount of quality videos on the internet on how to wield the wakizashi and looking forward to getting a katana someday. I like this tactical wakizashi because I can use it in inclement weather and not worry about damaging the handle. I suggest Namazu Ryu's Shugyo channel on Youtube to learn about handling Japanese swords. Thanks Budk for opening up a new world to me.

I just received, unpacked and cleaned my new Honshu Tactical Wakisashi and am VERY PLEASED. I have purchased ALL of my throwing knives and axes from BudK and have never been disappointed. In fact, BudK did a V-BLOG video episode featuring my You-Tube channel = Gunny HiWay and my knife throwing skills and room. Now on to the review... 1) The sword is SHARP. 2) The sword is in perfect condition. No nicks, scratches or scuffs on either the blade(Shinogi) or the scabbard(Saya). 3) All of the fittings are tight and well fitted. 4) The Saya fits the sword perfectly. SNUG and SECURE, but not too tight. 5) The Cord Wrap(Sageo) is well done,useful and handsome. In conclusion, My Honshu Tactical Wakizashi reflects NONE of the problems posted in these comments, and has ALL of the POSITIVES! I would absolutely recommend this sword and BudK to sell and ship it to you. Carry On, Gunny HiWay Seattle, USA

Got this little sword for my Birthday, my wife's good to me! When I got it it was sharp but, not sharp enough for me! When I was finished, I smiled and shaved the hair off my arm! I make my own swords, axes and, knives. I test my new blades on one inch diameter fresh spruce limbs, this being a good analog for a human forearm. The new sword cut through in one swing. Test passed!

i actually removed the green paracord on the scabbard and the handle to give it that black n gold look, i also tied some blak wrap on the handle to give it a more traditional look. This sword is a real joy to have.

I was pleasantly surprised when I received this sword. I have purchased united cutlery products before, and 1 have never regretted it. This is definitely not your common "wall hanger" grade sword. I have wanted to purchase (or build)a wakizashi for some time now, but I didn't really want the traditional pinned-on type handle. It seems that it doesn't matter how high the quality of the sword, the pinned-on, hand wrapped traditional Japanese style handle always seems to loosen up and starts to rattle. This thing is very well made.....the fit and finish are quite impressive. The scabbard is pretty tight upon arrival, but with a little work, it loosens to the point that drawing the sword is easy, but it is still tight enough to retain the blade quite effectively. The box says "razor sharp".... I don't mean to "split hairs"...lol, but mine would not shave when I received it. However, the edge is incredibly keen. If you were so inclined, you would have absolutely no problem severing the limb of your choice with this sword. It is well balanced.....the blade is approximately 2/3 of the total length of the sword, while the handle is about 1/3 of the total length. This makes a strong 2 handed grip a breeze, and makes the sword easily controllable. The full tang construction means that there are no weak points in the construction of the blade. It is solid blade from the scary-sharp point to the butt end of the grip. The steel has plenty of flex to absorb whatever shock you might deliver to it, and the shape, edge, and finish are superb. I fully intend to buy the whole set.(katana, wakizashi, and tanto. I am considering dressing them up by removing the plastic grips and replacing them with exotic wood handles for presentation purposes. (maybe birds eye maple or cocobolo.) But the sword is fantastic straight out of the box. I whole-heartedly recommend this sword and, in fact, any United Cutlery product. Their quality is unsurpassed in my view.

Bought a damascus. Great on the wall. But this sword! "WOW". I would like very much to have the Katana also.The warriors of late Japan, would like the set. Has good flexing spring carbon steel and the edge, sharp and stays sharp. Now I can hang this 19 3/4" blade up for desplay and know its real, not fake. Thanks Buddy K

This Wakizashi sword came as advertised, very sharp and very eye appealing! I did find the scabbard to be a little awkward at re-sheathing! But Honestly I don't plan on leaving in the holster much!! 8 ) Cant wait to try it out on some un-expecting melons!

This thing is awesome.

I just received this sword in the mail today and i am very satisfied with it. I am an enthusiast of traditional Japanese swords, but i have to say that i do like the modern take on it. The only problems I have with it is that the hand guard looks gold in the picture but is more of a bronze in real life, also the metal band on the scabbard that the rope is wrapped around is a little loose, but that's not really a big deal. overall i love this sword

I am very pleased with this blade. It's light weight and very sharp. I would have no problem carrying this thing for long periods of time which is it's intended purpose. I did have a bit of an issue with the lanyard slapping my arms whenever I did practice swings but it was easily taken care of. Oh and the scabbard houses the sword perfectly. It won't slip on you at all unless you actually want to draw it. Over all it's very good. I give it a 5/5. Thank you for the great item TrueSwords. ^_^

As a Kenpo Karste Instructor/practitioner for over 36 years, I am more than pleased to heve purchased this fine balanced blade. Right out of the box and once in my hands,it inspired deep inside of me a feeling of a mature power the ancient Samurai felt when they went into battle with blades like this.I am giving myself two years of constant practice with this, my friend until I move up to a full Katana. Don't hold off, buy one and then feel how it becomes one with your cutting arm.

I love it, total machine! I just wish they made a Katana version of this too!

This thing is great. As always budk delivered with 3 day shipping and this, along with my new United Black Rurousha Katana, were in perfect condition. Honshu always delivers and this wakizashi is no exception. It is a heavy, sharp, full tang beast that is much better suited to indoor and close quarters than the massive katana. Wait till a good 25-30% off sale and *BUY THIS!* thanks United Cutlery and most of all Budk!

An amazing sword for the money. I would have liked the 5160 spring steel better in theory but this one is great! I like the tactical hilt. From my research 1060 is what the great sword makers were trying to achieve with all the foldings but here it is with out the weakness of the folds. Go back in time more than 30 years and you would have one of the best blades made at a very low price. It appears to have a good heat treatment, that will show over time. Very sturdy, sharp, and well balanced. Nice!<br /><br />I would buy a matching Katana if it were available. <br /><br />The only con - the scabbard doesn't seem to guide the blade in correctly and the blade cuts into it. This makes it hard to get in and out. Just doesn't line up correctly. Maybe after several more time, it will cut its path.

I love it great balance, just enough blade weight to feel right. Simply not to big or to small. I like so much I've ordered another one for the basis of a fantasy sword, zombies beware

Totally awsome. I was looking at the Paul Chen Tactical Wakizashi. But I found I like the Tactical Wakizashi by Honshu even better. Now if Honshu would make a Tactical Katana, I would get one of those too.

This is a great sword and would recommend it to any sword enthusiast. <br />PROS: -Small and portable, this sword is very light, not flashy in any way and gets the job done.<br />CONS: Mine came sharp but not razor sharp like the other reviewers' and the lanyard at the the end becomes slightly annoying when swinging, but, fear not for it can be easily removed.<br />For some of you people who dislike trademarks or any other type of writing on the blade for you feel like it ruins it, then a heads up: On the spine of the blade just above the guard, there is a faint 'CHINA' brand and hardly noticeable unless you pay attention to the small itty-bitty details like me and as seen in the picture at the bottom of the blade is the Honshu logo and on the other side says 'UNITED Hand Forged' in small print. Surprisingly, they didn't annoy me. What annoyed me is that my blade was a little bent to the left and, if I can give a rough estimate, instead of it being like a perfect straight edge it was probably something like 170-175 degrees meaning its about 5-10 degrees from being a completely straight edge. I don't know, it's probably just me but that annoyed me the most. Nothing big, just a small nuisance that I will hopefully get over. FINAL VERDICT: Great blade, must buy. Hoped this helped!

Great sword. Pleased with looks and feel, and sharp. Not like others that said razor sharp,but when received. they were as dull as a butter knife. This one is Great.

The fit and finish is impeccable. The full tang blade is cradled in Micarta grips which are far easier to clean than traditional cord wraps, should you wish to slay a mess of chickens! I have not subjected this piece to any destructive tests as seen on Youtube, but I am convinced that it is combat ready. The shorter Wakizashi is a far better choice than a Katana if you need something you can swing indoors. I'm also impressed with the brass tsuba, much nicer than often seen Zinc. The Saya has an immaculate lacquer job. All told, your money's worth, boys! Enjoy!

This is really one Great Sword I'm so happy I bought this! It has several small flaws but overall well worth the purchase price! and by the way BudKs service and speed of delivery is amazing. Everytime I buy something from them I'm beyond happy with them!!

WOW!!! This is an awesome sword!! it truely is battle ready. I like the the brass guard has the holes in it. It alowed me to wrap the handle with 550 paracord and feels much better in my hands. I am a big guy and have big hands so the wrap made a perfect sword even better for me. I already know I am going to buy another one. I also like that its small enogh to strap to your bugout bag. Its the perfect backup wepon when you run out of bullets. Oh I love the face that True Sword sent me a coupon so I can buy my next sword. Plus they are cheaper than anyone eles out there! BUY IT!!!

*Great* full tang sword for the price; excellent balance,& the size is compact enough for me to use indoors yet still long enough to be effective as a cutting instrument.

Excellent excellent sword, out of the box it was razor sharp and nicely oiled, feels perfect in your hand, very light and natural flow, nothing bulky or awkward about it. Definitely recommended.

sword is very well made and worth the money its also a work of art the blade is polished beutifully and its 1060 carbon steel,full tang. comes with a storage bag wich is nice. overall a vey impresive sword.

Absolute perfection. I'm already considering getting another as a backup.

I love this sword it is bada**.

This sword is fan-freaking-tastic it is a must buy. Great weight,sturdy handle, and sharp. This is utterly enchanting.

Great sword. Cuts like a charm and sharp as can b. Would have been better with spring steel I believe but for the price I can't complain. I hope one day cold steel makes a tactical japenese swordbut until then this will have to do. Overall I give it a 5 out of 5 for the price and strength of the blade. <br /><br /><br />PS for u zombie lovers this sword will deffinetly remove limbs... <br /><br />CHI-TOWN$$$$$$

My new favorite sword. This is actually the greatest looking sword I own. It's design puts traditional wakizashi's to shame. It came relatively sharp too. The paracord on the handle is a pain, but comes off easily in a pinch. 4.8/5.

I absolutley looove this wakizashi. This is my first one and it was an exellent choice. Has and awesome weight to it, not too light, not too heavy. and i comes RAZOR sharp, cut my thumb deep the second time taking it out. the brass doesnt come mirror polished like in the picture but thats fine cuz i didnt want that anyway. the lanyard wrapping is glued on and the lanyard at the end gets annoying when you swing it. the tsuka feels great. the saya is also awesome its got wood on the inside so it doesnt move and rattle around, it fits in there TIGHT so it aint goin anywhere. definitley my favorite sword, you could use it for anything. compare this to the hanwei tactical wak and this one definitley wins. Im going to buy the molle attachment on their site for this sword so i can strap it to a backpack, gonna be epic.<br />this sword is amazing and most likely the best one youll buy, now when will the katana show up?

I bought this sword for practical self defense when i got it i was amazed at the quality of the blade the sheath... my impression was debateable it fit snug but seems cheeply made the paint peels right off all in all worth the money def. will be coming back to trueswords

I was amazed right when i took it out of the box, it is so simple that is just beautiful. the quality is quite impressive for the price. it is very sharp, i tried to shave my arm and it took skin. the sword fits too tight on the scabbard but i guess that is part of the tactical business. overall it is an incredible sturdy goodlooking sword.

This wakizashi is fantastic. The blade is firm and sharp out of the box. The hilt is very sturdy and a nice change from the traditional ray skin. It fits very comfortably in my hand. The blade is a little heavy but not too much so that it is an impact on the performance. The cord at the end will hit you if you don't swing it right but adds to it if it is soley bought for decoration. Overall it is the best blade I have ever bought.

I just got two of these wakizashi and overall i'm very happy. I had seen reviews where the handle was uncomfortable but I don't feel that. I like the brass fittings and paracord wrap very much. Holding two you feel very dangerous but i'd also like to note that due to their length be careful if you are familiar with handling a full size katana cause while I was warming up I noticed the tips came very close in an unfamiliar way to various parts of my body. One of waks I got was slightly bent but fixed easy. Sharpness is decent but not the best I've seen. These are extremely light, most of the weight is in the handle where you will see the very thick stock full tang. After cutting and practicing for a while I came to the conclusion that although I love the style and length a lot, the blade is so light that I wish there was a model without a bo-hi. They are already light enough and i'd prefer the extra meat in the blade for cutting power. Although I like the simple look of the small brass tsuba it is little more than a bayonette style guard and at least in my opinion, hardly functional or helpful for martial factors. I was taught to draw my sword by pushing the sword out with my thumb on the tsuba, however, because the guard extends vertically in line with the blade it is very dangerous to do that with these. I would suggest just pulling the sword out of the saya by pulling the two apart a hand on each. In the end I don't regret getting these two, I do believe there are better wakazashi out there for the price and I feel like they are getting that high price with the "tactical" marketing. I could be wrong but I feel like the paracord and plastic handle scales and plastic saya material would reduce cost overall but apparently not.

The Honshu Wakizashi is a good sword I like all the Honshu knifes but the handle scales are Poly ABS which is plastic not Micarta.This Honshu sword is a copy of a Cas Hanwei Wakizashi. But overall this Honshu sword is a fine sword.Thank you your friend Daniel of Nebraska.

Scabbard was split about 6" found it to be made by injection molding and very, very thin. I had some fiber glass left over from another project and fixed it. blade not to sharp, takes about an hour to hour and A half on black Arkansas stone to get it right. for the price still A good deal if you have A small work area at home to do some tweking.

I doubt it is a true full tang sword. We all know that katana tsuba and habaki are assembled from the handle side of the blade, because the blade side is larger than the holes on tsuba and habaki. On the video we can clearly see that the handle is even larger than the blade side. Then how the tsuba and habaki are assembled if this is a full tang???

The wakizashi is great. Feels good in the hand and the excellent balance makes it easy to swing. However the fit of the sheath is terrible. If I turn it upside down the sword slides out. When I wear it, any activity beyond walking will cause it to shake loose and creep out. Not very useful if it can't be carried due to constantly falling out of the sheath.

The sword is well worth the money, but I was a little disappointed because close to the hilt on the Sharp side,there was a few holes in the blade. I should send it back, but it will cost me more money Then it's worth.

Disappointed. Not as good as I thought it would be. It definitely needs some sharpening and there is literally no grip on the handle. A modern take on a wakizashi is a big no.