Maybe you begin to bristle when the price of a quality iPhone case goes above $40. If so, your eyebrows could reach new heights when you notice the price on the newest luxury covers for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus from Element Case.
Starting at $349, the Katana is not the most expensive luxury case on the market, but it is sure to elicit a gasp from budget-minded consumers.
Element Case isn’t trying to reach those with a low tolerance for a high price with this cover. The company has a reputation for quality design and engineering — and knows its higher-end products will be expected to justify the cost.
The name “Katana” sets the tone. The case is named after the traditional curved sword of the legendary Japanese samurai, a blade forged from a specialized steel with a grip carefully crafted to fit the hand.
Element Case also turned to steel for the chassis. It claims each case starts with a solid block of stainless steel that takes five hours to be carved out in a CNC machine. However, the Katana understates the glint of its steel. A hand-polished hardwood panel covers the back of the case; leather accents provide a slip-free feel on the hand.
The Katana’s interior cushion and suspension system meet military drop-test specifications, so given all that goes into this case, it is kind of like having a real samurai protecting your iPhone.
Because of the way the Katana is made, the company is only producing a limited number. (Check the Element Case website later this month for information on how to preorder.)
The Katana will not be a case that easily snaps on the phone. The chassis is secured to the front bezel with eight steel screws.
Photo: Element Case
This particular case is Element Case’s most expensive — and its first made of steel. Prior to the Katana, the top case in the product line was inspired by a more modern military battle: The Black OPS case is made from aircraft-grade aluminum with “increased tactical material and features.” It’s all black, of course, with a couple of red buttons, and retails for $199.99.
Element Case also sells other quality iPhone covers in the $40 to $100 range. But seeing the Black OPS and now the Katana, you just might be tempted by the heroic tales these case names conjure.
David Pierini is a former newspaper writer and long-time photographer. Considered a luddite by most of his friends, they did not believe him when he broke the news that he would be writing for a technology website. He is fascinated by human nature and would love to cultivate stories about the people driving the tech bus. Reach out to him at [email protected].
One response to “This pricey iPhone case is sharp enough for a samurai”
I don’t even get it… an out of warranty replacement is less than the cost of the case. Also if you have AppleCare+ on the iPhone Upgrade Plan you’re getting a new phone every year anyway and if it breaks you only pay the deductible.