Hanwei/CASIberia Tonbo Katana, (5005-GT).

Katana have long been favored by admirers of the Japanese sword and I believe the evolution of this Tonbo Katana is interesting.

In the early 2000’s, (in this case, 2004), this Tonbo Katana, model 5005-GT, serial #XTA050, was created as very similar to the Hanwei/CASIberia Golden Oriole but the theme was that of a Dragonfly with black saya and ito. As a result, the dimensions of both ‘themes’, (Oriole and Dragonfly) are similar.

(As a note, there are basically two ‘schools’ of thought regarding the length of the tsuka, or handle for a Katana. Most common is the tsuka length of about 12”, but there are many practitioners that prefer about 14” and believe that leverage is a factor. Both Oriole and this Tonbo have 14” tsuka.

Some time after the mid-late 2000’s, Hanwei seems to have re-designed the Tonbo themed Katana. Although this sword listed appears to be one made like the Oriole, the re-designed Tonbo, (SH-2469), was made of K120C and the process was folded/forged. The folded version also shorted the tsuka to about 12”, added a ‘groove’ on the blade and re-themed the tsuba and saya with more Dragonflies…very nice, but added about 50% to the price.)

So much for my thoughts of how Tonbo evolved. Back to this ORIGINAL Tonbo…

The lacquered black of the saya is repeated in the Japanese cotton tsuka-ito. Unmistakably Hanwei quality, the 14” tsuka of the katana gives a superb balance to the sword, allowing it to move very quickly and very freely. This Tsuba and Fuchikashira are in a russet finish, not like the re-imagined theme later. As I mentioned the ‘leverage’ issue. That is very real and why those that compete in “tameshigiri”, or cutting often prefer 14” tsuka. This sword is supplied with a protective cloth bag and traditional maintenance kit.

I began representing Hanwei Japanese Swords, Weapons and Armor in 1998 and have provided hundreds of quality blades to both collectors and practitioners globally. My remaining sword inventory are some of the best and most Collectible Hanwei blades manufactured prior the catastrophic fire at Hanwei in 2011. (Although Hanwei still manufactures great blades post-2011 with increased automation, the fire destroyed virtually all of the tools and dies that created the craftsmanship techniques used originally).

I have included the original CASIberia marketing descriptions but the actual swords pictured that you will receive are in the photos:

Key Features:

Hand forged high-carbon steel

Built for cutting

Traditional construction

Specifications:

Overall: 42 1/4"

Blade Length: 27 1/4"

Handle Length: 14"

Weight: 2lb 3oz

Point of Balance: 4"

Width at Guard: 1.16"

Width at Tip: .85"

Thickness at Guard: .32"

Thickness at Tip: .26"

Sori: 3/4"

Blade Steel: T10

Specs are approximate and will vary slightly

from piece to piece.

Condition:

This Tonbo Katana is in new condition, never sold, used, displayed, damaged or returned. Original CASIberia boxes have been opened so the swords and stand could be inspected and photographed.

The stand shown in this listing is for photographs only. This stand is not included in this listing.

Any questions may be sent directly to me and will be promptly answered and any Offers will be considered!

This is a great opportunity to collect a fine Hanwei Tonbo Katana sword as they are now very rare and part of the legacy of the Hanwei Company.