Anyone into swords? I think they look kind of cool, but i really know noting about them. I like the look of the those Japanese Samaurai swords-Katana's I think they are called, but I'm sure there are cheapo copies and the real thing out there, and I don't know the difference-yet.

This post has been edited by Gmountain: July 11th 2009 2:33 AM

Are you looking for one that is actually able to cut and/or train with? One of the best (non-Japanese made) Katanas that I know of are made by Bugei. They are pretty high dollar, but they are exceptional blades. You can order just the blade and all the materials needed to finish the blade and fully assemble a working katana, or you can order a fully finished, fully functional katana.

Paul Chen makes some good blades as well, albeit not the quality of Bugei, but also, not near the price. My Sensei currently does a good bit of his training with a Paul Chen Practical Plus Katana. I can't remember who made his favorite katana, but I will check with him and get back to you. (It was expensive, I do know that).


By functional, I mean a blade that you can train the art of drawing the blade (Iaido), the art of cutting (Tameshigiri), and live blade dueling. (If live blade training is something that interests you, I would recommend some serious in depth training in Kendo from a reputable traditional instructor prior). The cheaper blades will break under such use and training, and will by no means be able to retain their edge or their finish.


I don't know if it is still done this way, but in the 90's, all the the true Japanese sword smiths had to register all of their finished blades with the Japanese government, who registered and regulated authenticity, as well as the legitimacy of the sword smith. Those are generally top dollar blades and are not easy to come by.

Most of those Highlander swords and similiar knock offs (that you frequently see at gun shows) are VERY cheaply made and are really not worth anything more than conversation piece decoration. Personally, I wouldn't want one that wasn't at least functional. If you find a whole set, or daisho, which usually includes the katana (long blade), the wakazashi (shorter blade traditionally used for sepiku), and sometimes a tanto (the short hunting knife length blade) for under $150, they're not worth opening letters with.

This post has been edited by Thumper_6119: July 11th 2009 3:37 AM

Thats the only type of sword I'd ever want. The real deal! Folded steel goodness. Drooling just looking at those pictures.

I have wanted a folded steel Katana for a long time. No good reason. I did some fencing years ago and got pretty good.

i'd like a real one, but you've already tripled my knowledge just from that one post alone.

I have a couple of the mall ninja orential swords I that I got when I was younger. I think they are in a closet somwhere. My pride and joy though is what I hope to be a family hierloom one day. My wife bought it for me when I returned from Afghan for my birthday. It is a model 1840 US Army NCO Sword. The current manufacture can be traced back to the original approved Army contract in 1840.

She had my name laser etched into the blade. She also got me all of the items nessassary to wear it with my uniform. I have had it for almost 2 years now and have only worn it once, her grandfathers funeral. He was a merchant marine in WWII. Call me funny but, I refuse to attend a combat vets funeral and not be in uniform.






The difference in quality between this and the mall store swords is noticeable without even picking it up.

This post has been edited by redbarron06: July 11th 2009 3:21 AM

Pretty cool.

If you want as close to a true Japanese katana as they come, go with one of Bugei's blades. You will just get dizzy from all the different sub-styles of traditional katanas they offer. Blade length, handle length, blade shape, the shape of the tip, the curve of the blade, etc all define what particular type of katana you have. Bugei will let you specify the color of the cord wrap, the material of the cord, the design of the tsuba (handguard), the mounting hardware, and the list goes on and on. They sell the equipment to treat, store, and sharpen your blade. I can't recommend them enough. One day, I'll have one of their blades.

They also offer a bunch of material on the history of the katana. Take some time and browse through their site, it's really nice. I've furnished my home in quite a bit of stuff from their catalog.

Like I said before, if you still want a good functional blade, but don't necessarily want to pay for a Bugei, Paul Chen does make some good katanas in the $400 - $700 range. I'm looking at a Practical Plus or a Musashi katana. (I am a huge fan of the history of Miyamato Musashi and would like to have a functional replica of his blade).

I looked at the link Beuatiful, but way more than I want to spend now. I'm just a beginner. This palce looks kind of cool too Thaitsuki

Check out CAS Iberia. Smokey Mountain Knife Works carries them. They are differentially tempered and start under 200.

Those do look like nice blades. I'll have to read more on their process (and prices) but they say they are fully functional blades. They even have a nice Musashi replica as well. I'll ask my Sensei about them tomorrow. He is my source for what's good and what's not. I'll tell him what you have stated that you interested in and get his recommendation(s).

By the way, that Hondachi katana is stunningly gorgeous, but I would stick with one of the other designs like the Hoso Kumiage Katana if you might consider using it. They are more adequately designed for "use" where as the Hondachi and similar designs were often found as more of as a weapon of elegance on higher ranking warriors. (Still very functional, but not as practical). But they sure are gorgeous blades.

I would love to geta real Katana created by(yes its a true art form) a classical Japanese sword maker using the old classic style.

I do have a katana I picked up at a decent little knife shop. I overpaid at $400, but its a solid piece of steel. The manufacture is not like the old Japanese ones, but its pretty decent. Will cut through a 1in diameter stick like butter.

A real Katana made by a master swordsmith in Japan using the old methods, will cost more than a FA now... A lot of the sword masters still believe that a sword is made to be matched to a person's soul and will not just sell them, but they desire to meet with the buyer and get a feel for their personality to build the sword. When its built they believe that it is fused to the owner's soul.

I love the old mythology/beleifs of Japan... I want to go to Kyoto(not tokyo) so bad!

I own 7 swords, most are decorative, but I do have a Katana set that is made in Spain, very high quality swords. I can't remember who made them, but They ran about $1,100 for the set.

I would also love an authentic Katana, but IIRC they are banned for importation...which sucks. I would also love to go to Kyoto, I am so intrigued by the Japanese Culture.

I don't know why I have no interest I the Japanese blades. I own a very good Gladius Hispanus or a Roman short sword. Probably the weapon that has dispatched more people that any in history.
The next is a really good claymooer. One side of the family is from northern England border Reavers. I understand the european blade techniques. The Japanese well if you try to use the natural leverage of the blade you can snap a handle.

That is not entirely true. A correctly forged and shaped katana is stronger than that, and also, katanas are not designed to be the hacking blades like the swords you described at the beginning of your post. (Although, those are awesome swords, especially for their respective eras). They are designed to be drawn across the target surface so as to take advantage of a blade's slicing capability instead of using it as just a long ax striking its target via a straight swing. But for straight hacking, you're correct, most katana probably wouldn't do as well.

check out Cold Steel
or just "google" katana
I have started researching sword/knife making and my wife 'MGS' DVR's any show on tv that has to do with oriental swords/sword making. Traditional is really hard and takes a long time! Alot of 'modern' katanas are homoginous steal layered or not. the good ones and traditional are made from two different types. the outside layered, high carbon, very strong and sharp. The inner 'core' low carbon, 'soft' steel. the outer is shaped into a "V" and the inner core is inserted then both are heated and forge welded to shape then several steps are taken to finish to a level where it is tempered then polished.
There are very few 'Sword Masters" around these days.
Mike H

Sad but true. However, Bugei is as close as it comes in the US.

I had considered having one made, or at least making a die for a drop hammer, to have one made. I think the material from this company might make a great weapon: http://www.liquidmetal.com/ Strong, great energy transfer, and good vibration dampening. I can't imagine what it would cost to have them make one though.

My uncle Bill fought on Iwo Jima and was assigned a flame thrower. He seen a lot of terrible things
there that a profound effect on his life, alcoholism mostly. I have the katana that he picked up and brought home after the battle…





Most Japanese swords that officers carried in WWII were cheep mass produced katana’s
but some were handmade family swords. You can usually tell by the temper line. The mass produced stamped
out with no temper line. This one showed a temper line so I knew it was a handmade sword.


Handmade swords have an engraving on the tang with the sword makers name and date so I removed the
handle and there it was…

I had this translated and it’s from the Sho-Wa period and made in 1944,,, not a great year for Japan but
when I hold it in my hand and knowing where it had come from,,, well,, it’s like holding a piece of history..

RIP Uncle Bill.