REVIEW: Element Case KATANA - It's Not A Case, It's An Heirloom

Element Case, a design driven brand known for its ridiculously well made iPhone cases, such as the Black Ops, has once again blown our mind.

At CES 2017, STM EC LLC has released their latest top end gear for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, the Katana case.

The name Katana, came from the traditional Japanese samurai sword, an ancient weapon made with the most meticulous craftsmanship, an heirloom to those who owns one. Element Case has taken the spirit of the majestic sword and put it into this armour for your iPhone.

The unboxing experience is one filled with excitement. The company's attention for details is second to none. And the packaging of Karnataka screams quality. The silver inner box slides out of the exterior case. It then unfolds as you open the magnetic flap on the side. The first thing you see is the stunning case on the right. You then flip open the grey cover on the left. What you'll find is a black pouch made of genuine leather. Underneath the Katana, there's a little utility case containing the installing tool as well as a few apart screws.

Now let's take a look at this arguably the most premium case on the planet.

The Blade - CNC machined from high grade stainless steel and G10 composite, the MERC X chassis of the case is the strongest than any other cases in the market. The inner of the case is suede-lined, including the inside the buttons, to ensure your iPhone doesn't get scratched. You'll also find additional TPU padding at each corner to reinforce protection against impact.

The Hilt - Warm and natural timber always complements a deadly blade. Radiant black oak each with its unique grains gives the case an distinctive style, as well as a smooth, natural texture in hand.

The Sheath - Each Katana comes with a complementary genuine leather pouch, much like the sheath to a good sword. A zipped compartment on the back of the pouch works as a card and cash holder, so that you could ditch your wallet and go with a 2-in-1 pocket.


Like many past and current Element Case models, Katana is not cheap. People often question why this kind of extensively engineered and highly priced phone case exist. There are covers with great quality out there at a fraction of the cost.

Well, if you compare a $5 case to a $50 one, the difference you notice is he quality. But when you compare a quality case to an Element Case, the difference is much more subtle. In the designer's own words, "Precision-machining and hand-finishing are crafts that few can appreciate. Katana is created for this few". A high-end Element Case is worth the price because it not only feels insanely good in your hand, complementing your iPhone in ways no other can, but also reflects the absolute top notch craftsmanship in the trade, pushing the boundaries of how great a piece of gadget can be. Hold one in your hand, and you'll see the difference.

Katana is available in Stainless Steel Silver and Rose Gold. It is now exclusively available at Macintosh Addict for Australia and New Zealand customers.