CAS Hanwei Paul Chen MH2339 Three Monkey Mini Katana Samurai sword with stand. Display box not included.
The Hanwei Three Monkey Mini Katana (MH2339) is a finely detailed miniature reproduction of a traditional Japanese katana, created by CAS Hanwei as part of its limited Mini Katana series.
Although greatly reduced in size, the Three Monkey Mini was constructed using many of the same traditional materials and methods employed in Hanwei\'s full-sized Japanese sword line. Rather than being produced simply as a decorative letter opener or novelty sword, the MH2339 was designed as a highly detailed miniature representation of a traditionally mounted Japanese sword.
Blade
The MH2339 features a forged high-carbon steel blade that is differentially heat treated. The blade incorporates a traditional-style hamon, produced through the heat-treatment process, giving the miniature sword the appearance and characteristics associated with traditionally made Japanese blades.
The blade is carefully proportioned to retain the appearance of a full-sized katana while being scaled down to an overall length of approximately 11¾ inches.
Tsuka — Handle
The handle is constructed around a wooden core and covered with real samegawa (rayskin). The rayskin provides the distinctive textured foundation traditionally used beneath the sword wrapping.
The handle is finished with cotton ito, hand wrapped in the traditional katana style. Despite its miniature dimensions, the wrapping follows the visual construction of a full-sized Japanese sword rather than using a simplified molded or synthetic grip.
Tsuba and Fittings
The Three Monkey Mini features decorative Japanese-style sword fittings incorporating the distinctive Three Monkey theme.
The fittings were carefully scaled to complement the miniature proportions of the sword while retaining the character of the full-sized Hanwei sword from which the design was derived.
The Three Monkey motif is the defining feature of this particular model and distinguishes the MH2339 from the other Mini Katana models in the Hanwei series.
Saya — Scabbard
The sword is housed in a wooden saya, finished with a lacquered surface.
The saya incorporates buffalo-horn fittings, another detail that separates the MH2339 from inexpensive miniature sword reproductions that commonly use molded plastic or synthetic fittings.
The scabbard is proportioned specifically for the miniature sword and provides the traditional appearance of a Japanese katana mounting.
Construction
One of the notable characteristics of the Hanwei Mini Katana series is the level of construction employed despite the extremely small scale.
Hanwei described these miniature katana as being crafted in much the same manner as their full-sized counterparts. The construction included:
Forged high-carbon steel blade
Differential heat hamon
Real rayskin/samegawa
Wooden tsuka core
Cotton ito wrapping
Wooden saya
Buffalo-horn saya fittings
Traditional Japanese-style sword furniture
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