Thread: Hanwei Sword from SwordWares.com

So I just bought a big old scimitar (the Hanwei) from SwordWares.com and I thought I'd tell you what I thought of the sword and the company.

First of all, when I ordered this, I asked about the CAS Iberia. Majidah was quick to point out that this was NOT a CAS Iberia, but a successor to that model, the Hanwei. I appreciate the honesty and the speed at which my questions were answered! **

I have to admit I was leery of ordering a sword online. Too much can go wrong. They can be improperly balanced, they can be bent, they can be made of cheap materials. But I held my breath and hit the "pay" button.

Their customer service made me relax right away. I received email confirmations all along the way, including a tracking number about 24 hours after my payment went through. I felt that shipping charges were completely reasonable and actually less than I expected. I've seen some companies charge half as much as the sword costs just to ship it!

The sword was well packed, and arrived in perfect condition. It had been pre-oiled and well padded. I wiped off the oil and held it out, THRILLED to see that it was as straight as could be, no dips or bends. It seemed to balance well on my wrist, so I stuck it on my head and it balanced perfectly. I did a trial spin, and was very happy to feel it planted quite well in my scalp -- no slipping, spinning, or wobbling.

The balance point is more centrally-located than in some cabaret swords. You can tell from the video on the site what it looks like balanced on your head. I think this look is actually a little more sophisticated than where the CAS would balance, but that's my personal prejudice.

NOTE: this thing is SHARP and HEAVY! Although it's listed as having a dull edge, it's still pretty darn sharp. And the point is ... well, pointed. lol. Also, 3 pounds may not sound like a lot, but your typical cabaret sword is about 1 pound. Now I LOVE the weight because it makes balancing the thing a lot easier, but it is something you have to get used to.

So I can honestly and fully recommend SwordWares.com as a good and honest vendor, not overcharging on shipping, and with excellent customer service. If you want a big mean Tribal-style scimitar, especially if you're like me and still mad about not being able to get a CAS, I think you should seriously consider the Hanwei from SwordWares.com

Here's the link:
Belly Dance Sword

** For those of you who don't know the history, the CAS was a huge giant scimitar that started to get popular with the Tribal crowd a few years ago. Actually, maybe almost 10 years ago? Anyway, when people saw the CAS, everybody wanted one. As I understand it, the company that originally made the CAS couldn't keep up with demand so they hired another company to make them. Big mistake. The CAS Mark ii was a much lighter weight sword, and wasn't made nearly as well. People complained about it and wouldn't buy them. Another company moved in and made a similar LOOKING sword, called the Hanwei. It's slightly smaller and lighter, but it retains the same fierce look as the CAS, and is better made.

How does the heavier sword handle in spins?

Thanks for posting this! "Serious Sword" is on my to-buy list and your info is very helpful.

I think it's a HECK of a lot easier to spin with the heavier sword, but because it's LONGER also (38 inches, compared to the 20-something of my copper cabaret sword) you have more opportunity for wobbling. So you DO have to be aware of ... well, air resistance, I guess? But once it's on my head, it doesn't want to slip around like the other ones.

I've got a slightly smaller "beginner" sword. I love the heavier weight--mine's also just at three pounds. It feels so secure and substantial compared to the lighter swords.

I also purchased this very same sword from Swordwares.com. Maurazebra, IMO the heavier weight definitely makes spins easier.

This is not a sword for the "faint of heart." It is 38" long, just over 3 lbs, and not dull, but sharp (I'd call it "letter opener" sharp) and very pointy! Precautions practicing with this sword should be taken as it could easily take a finger or a toe.

I, too, was skeptical about buying online, but my concerns lessened with the responsiveness I received with my questions and comments about the sword before I purchased it. I was informed as soon as it shipped and given a tracking number, and when it arrived, it was packed beautifully, not at all bent or compromised, and in perfect condition. And I also agree the shipping costs were very reasonable.

I'm going to try to take some better photos this weekend, but in the meantime, here are a few initial photos I took after it arrived:

It's a beautiful turkish sword! Thanks for the info. But I can order them from Toledo (Spain) at a much lower price...

Originally Posted by ErikaOH

I also purchased this very same sword from Swordwares.com.

So, uh -- have you "blooded" yours yet? I sacrificed a small bit of inner forearm skin last night. I think now the sword and I are bonded for life.


BTW -- how the heck do you blunt swords?? I'm thinking a dremel with fine grit, but that's kinda scary.

Originally Posted by aziyade

So, uh -- have you "blooded" yours yet? I sacrificed a small bit of inner forearm skin last night. I think now the sword and I are bonded for life.


BTW -- how the heck do you blunt swords?? I'm thinking a dremel with fine grit, but that's kinda scary.

I haven't "bonded" with mine yet...but I bet I will practicing with it this weekend!!! LOL!

I don't know how to dull it...I have read using carpet remnants and hemp rope works well...but don't ask me how! I was also thinking about trying to just taping the blade and point for training purposes...