Samurai Sword

[longrange308]

I would like to buy a Samurai sword (Katana) that is not a wall hanger, but a real battle ready sword. Granted, I cannot afford a katana made by a Japanese master, but I would like to get as close as possible. I know some of you know where to get a good katana, so please let me in on it. I mean a sword that could hold its own in feudal Japan.

 

[hso]

If you'll search inside this forum you'll find several threads discussing where to find these.

Be prepared to start out spending $300.

Look at Cas Hanwei, Cult of Athena, Bugei Trading Company, Kris Cutlery.

For evaluations look at http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/

 

[JShirley]

hso, do you think he should avoid Cheness?

John

 

[hso]

I almost included them, but the quality can be inconsistent. Sword Buyer does recommend a couple of specific models from them and shies away from most others they make.

 

[tazbigdog]

I've got one for sale made by Jason Dingledine, Tiger Claw Forge. It's in shirasaya.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

My memory is fuzzy but at the dojo I recall Paul Chen or Chin being really popular. Whatever you do, avoid stainless.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

Check out the swords for iado/iato, the Japanese art of sword drawing. They are going to be "authentic" Japanese for the most part. Most don't come with an edge, but you can find them.

 

[JShirley]

Iato swords don't have to actually cut anything other than air, so they may not be "real" swords.

 

[hso]

And since they don't have a "real" edge they may not be heat treated to take one. As John points out, they may be authentic looking, but without a heat treat so a working edge can be put on them they're just sword like objects.

 

[mdauben]

And since they don't have a "real" edge they may not be heat treated to take one.

I've seen Iaito swords with no edge, a short edge hear the tip of the blade, and a full edge. The latter two presumably have some form of heat treat.

What the OP may want to look for are swords designed for Tameshigiri or "mat cutting". It the technique of cutting through a rolled up rice straw mat, sometimes with a piece of bamboo running through the center. The idea is that this is supposed to simulate a human neck. Such swords need to be both sharp enough to cut through the abrasive straw matting, but strong enough to take the force of full strength strikes.

 

[dprice3844444]

try cold steel

 

[JShirley]

Most of CS's Japanese-style swords are too pricy and not well balanced. See hso's early suggestions. Yes, mdauden's suggestion is a good one. Many good online sword sellers will describe if a certain sword is a good choice for Tameshigiri.

John