You are looking at Sakata Factory Custom Black Nickel Honma TW-W Forged Wedges! Hideto Tanihara had a hand in working togeher with Honma in the development and testing of these wedges. Geared to the low handicap / pro player it’s designed for a lower trajectory with what he calls “incredible spin”, he plays both the AW & SW on the JPGA tour with Vizard IB-95W Shafts which are also unique in that Tanihara-san wanted a shaft that would produce a more accurate lower launch result that still stopped on the greens quickly.
I have not hit the Black Nickel version but I do have a few rounds under my best with the standard finish model and they not only feel great but are top of the food chain when it comes to quality of fit, and finish we wouldn’t expect any less from Honma. Follow the Jump for more feedback and photos….
Pro level wedges with a more rounded shape and slight offset per Tanihara’s request this provides consist results for him with the proper transition of size/shape/offset from the TW727 series that he plays, Compared the the previous TW-W “cast” version they have increased the head size so the player would have more confidence in their short game.
We took it a step further by choosing the “special order” IB105 W wedge which is the heaviest wedge shaft they offer, it’s all about accuracy with these shafts they do not feel soft and play stiffer to flex than other carbon shafts in the same weight range.
Below you can see it’s more rounded and slightly oversized shape along with a touch off offset. This is something I also notice in the Cold Forged vokey a touch more size and a bit more gooseneck for the same reason consistency + confidence.
Forged of FE Carbon Steel standard they come in a half mirror finish with a bead blast face to cause more friction. These are available in a variety of lofts but don’t forget TSG can have them factory modified and bent for you. Standard lofts include: 50/9 – 52/9 – 56/8 – 56/12 – 58/8 – 58/12 – 60/8… Full selection offered.
The entire face is CNC milled for a completely flat surface which provides a slight advantage in the spin department over other wedges. The grooves are bead blasted for a more abrasive surface.
I’ve hit other Honma irons in this finish and it’s superb, its a durable plated finish that feels soft and sticky at impact as if it grabs the ball. Standard shafts are IB95-W or DGS200 but through TSG you can also custom order the IB 105-W do keep in mind these are stout and specifically designed for this wedge. Vizard shafts are high grade carbon, heavier weight, with a metal fiber tip to withstand an athlete players swing speed.
To wrap this all up it’s a forgiving players wedge that has a lower trajectory with plenty of spin to compensate for that lower flight. Available with lots of customizations done by Sakata Factory in Japan offered by TourSpecGolf. Thanks for reading!
