Its smaller size allows for quick and easy deployment out of the sheath and unlike the Hisshou it does not feel strange to try to stab with it. CRKT Shinbu Fixed Blade Tanto Combat Knife (9.25" Satin) 2915N. Overall, I could appreciate the hisshou as a weapon for law enforcement, or even tactically minded civilians, should the laws in your state permit. If it was 150$ I'd say it's not to bad but for 200$ forget it. Go for it! from China. Historical Japanese samurai tanto modified for special forces. Usually when something is lighter I take it as a turn off but this weapon is made with high quality steel and is virtually indestructible. Let us be clear: the Hisshou, designed by James Williams, is a specialized tool that is intended for military personnel and special forces operators. Amazon.com: Customer reviews: CRKT Hisshou Fixed Blade Knife with 199. It is designed for multiple carry options depending on the choice of the operator.The Hisshous 13 full-tang dual grind Tanto blade is YK-30 high-carbon steel, high satin finished. Reason #2, it's too big. I love a heavy knife. I certainly would not want to be on the receiving end of either the Shinbu or Hisshou. James developed this design to meet the specific requests of coalition forces overseas for a more powerful tactical tool than his CRKT Hissatsu, which is in wide use.Historically, military swords have been sized to fit the fighting environment. Long swords, such as the English broad sword and Japanese katana, could only be used effectively on open fields of battle. They have also shown to be more effective at neutralizing hostiles under the influence of pain reducing drugs. I chose to remove mine because it doesn't suit my purposes. James has done an outstanding job combining Japanese traditional design with modern world grip and carry practicality. Excellent steel for the money! ( In the instance of switching from a forehand to a reverse hand grip. ) Reason #3, the times have changed. The balance is fine, this blade is built for slicing, not hacking!! Its a unique approach to unarmed combat that he teaches to Special Operations units and law enforcement worldwide. He is risen indeed! but what was surprising is that the fake rays skin is covering a cardboard like material and it is bulked up more with cord. The sheath has detents which grip the knife securely and wide entry lips which allow the knife to be returned to the sheath with one hand. There is no sugar coating that these knives were designed specifically for defensive and offensive use. At 13.3 ounces and a 9.25 blade, the Shinbu also offers superior slashing ability as compared to the Hissatsu. There is also a quick-release retaining strap. Shop at Brownells for firearms, factory and aftermarket parts to support the site. CRKT James Williams Shinbu Tanto Knife - NATIVE KNIFE The big brother, Hisshou, the little brother Hissatsu, and of course, the Shinbu. (Shinbu) it's a shorter version of this blade, designed with same materials and same specs. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world. This is first and foremost a killing tool, as one can infer just by first glance. m.aliexpress.com/item/3256802893961121.html?spm=a2g0n.detail.1000013.3.1fe328308Y0nxJ&gps-id=storeRecommendH5&scm=1007.18500.300835.0&scm_id=1007.18500.300835.0&scm-url=1007.18500.300835.0&pvid=b23210a9-3c0d-40df-a484-2f2deecc8343&_t=gps-id:storeRecommendH5, www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-last-cavalry-sword-c-anthony, sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/71053/where-get-medieval-crossbow-days. Im afraid I dont know if any good replacements for the hisshou or shinbu. James developed this design to meet the specific requests of coalition forces overseas for a more powerful tactical tool than his CRKT Hissatsu, which is in wide use. Due to the weight of each of these sword I found the detents dis not provide secure inverted/up-side-down carry as the mass of the swords will defeat the detents at some point, however I highly doubt anyone would want to carry them in that manner. The sheath has detents which grip the knife securely and wide entry lips which allow the knife to be returned to the sheath with one hand. The quality of this knife, however, is absolutely outstanding. Since the CRKT Hisshou & Shinbu are discontinued (and exorbitantly expensive when they come up on the used market), I wondering if there are good quality knives of similar design out there. Excellent balance. CRKT Folding Heiho Spring Assisted Knife (3.125" Satin Serr) 2901. I don't usually give shout-outs to retailers but they are great, just like this blade. or Best Offer +$15.00 shipping.