Katana

[zerrubabbel]

so i am officially in the market for one, however not quite ready to buy... but my question is, what are things i should look for to be sure im getting good quality?

[LongShot]

Some look like this

[zerrubabbel]

lol... thanx, but not quite what im looking for... lol

[YoYo_Freak]

Make sure it isn't plastic.

[Sensei Dave]

I am a third degree black belt trained in Iaido. I know what I am talking about. First... why? I can't stress enough that if you don't have formal training then you shouldn't touch any weapon, especially not Diato Katana.

I will assume that you do have formal training or are merely a cautious collector.

First and foremost look at the wrap on the tsukka. (The handle) if it it merely sitting on top of a smooth or plastic surface, walk away now. Anything with jewels or heads or decorations on the handle are junk. You want either wool or leather wrapped over same (sah-mey) which is dried eel skin usually. It is tight and wont move at all.

Next the tang. That's basically how far the blade metal goes into the tsuka. You want full-tang... meaning the metal goes practically to the tip of the handle. You DO NOT want a "screw tang". This is a cheat that most crap swords use. The Balder is welded to a long bolt that the seppa (end cap) on the handle covers up. These are dangerous and break easily. No less than 3/4 tang. Full is best.

Blade type... is it forged? Is it folded? Folded it best hands down but it makes for a very VERY expensive sword. Forged can be good, but you need to research qualities on your own.

You also need to look at things like blade length and handle size... blood groove or cutting blade, that's all personal preference and why you need the sword. Tatami mat cutting requires a longed handle and a cutting blade (no groove). For kata in a system a shorter handle is better (some say, I like a longer handle anyway) and a blood groove will give you that wooshing/cut sound through the air. It is also best if it is dull for safety reasons.

The blade should be no longer rehab the space between your closed fist hanging down and the ground. You should be able to hold the katana naturally and swing it back and forth above the ground without bending elbow.

I will say I have a decent quality shinkin (sharp) diato katana that I may part with. If you are interested PM me.

[zerrubabbel]

^^^ thanx for the tips... for now im into collecting, but will very likely move into training, which is why i am interested in quality... once again, thank you

[mozartm99]

you should check out angel swords.com.  They are a sword company based in texas and they make super awesome swords. i don't have one but they look awesome. But if you want a crazy awesome machete or knife you should check out SOG.

[beherenow]

Might be hard to find or he still may be making swords (), but Rob Criswell is the way to go imho.  Solid tool hardened A2 steel and they're great cutters!  He set up Benchmades laser and knife making/cutting equipment back in the day from what I remember. 

From mats to harder material like bushes/brush/bamboo his swords have worked great for me.  Very durable and were made to be a chopping sword more than for collecting.  A2 is the steel used to cut other steels so it's really hard (low 60's RC) but can rust if not oiled/maintained.  Many $1k plus collector swords will roll or fold and edge with an improper cut, not the Criswell's!  I used to cut soda cans in 1/2 from top to bottom through the center while sitting, but aluminum is really soft compared, so it's easy for A2, but still looked neat.  Slicing 2liters in 1/2 (left to right on these) full of water and leaving the bottoms halves still full of water was fun too.  Used to set up several in a row to see how many you could slice with one blow.  Good fun.

He used to makes a Wakizashi (20") and Katana (approx 28" and up) and knives along with a Ninja Sword too (straight blade).  Picked mine up at Atlanta Blade show a few years ago.  Around $400 for the 20" and $550 for the Katana.  http://www.bugei.com/ carries several swords too.  Never used one personally but a friend who cuts only mats has and likes several of his.

Also, if you want to learn on your own, Flashing Steel was an enjoyable book on many levels.  Good luck! 

[AgentKuo]

My question is, why are you buying a katana?
Is it for cosplay?
Is it for some sort of martial arts?
Is it because you think you will be a ******?
...?

[zerrubabbel]

as of right now, collection purposes... i have no intention on using it on anyone or being a "******" however i think i would like to move into training

[AgentKuo]

Sounds cool.

[Troy(oyo]

Go to Hatori Hanzo. Demand his Japanese Steel!

[koenigseggfire]

coldsteel.com
I'm sure they make one

[zerrubabbel]

i was just looking at cold steel... they look expensive but worth it... its still more than i would like to pay tho. i guess ill just have to be patient

[Sensei Dave]

http://www.casiberia.com/prod_Detail.aspx?id=SH1070&name=Practical%20Katana

This is as cheap as you are going to get and have it actually be any good. CAS Hanwei makes extremely fine swords, some consider these the finest company-made blades in the world. I have experience with the "Practical Series " as well as the higher quality ones. These are excellent swords. And whether you are merely collecting or do want to learn one of the sword martial arts, this is a perfect way to start without breaking the bank.

I would trust my life to these blades.

However I cannot stress enough that if you do start training DO NOT START WITH A LIVE BLADE! Point of fact it can be DEADLY to yourself and those around you. Get ones of these as well!

http://www.centurymartialarts.com/Martial_Arts_Weapons/Swords/Bokken_Practice_Sword.aspx

Much cheaper, safe, and the traditional way of learning and practicing for centuries. (And a lot of fun with friends who train)