Samurai type sword katana etc

[SDBlaster]

I was curious what the cost of a nice Japanese sword is and where to get one. I looked online and am not sure what is real etc. also, if someone could educate me on the specific names likeI would appreciate it. Thanks

[Spaceghost]

You want a real antique or a good modern replica? Budget? Just google Samurai sword and start reading. Lots of good info on the web.

[POLICESTATE]

Are you looking for something you can actually use to cut things with? At least $1500 for a quality blade of recent manufacture. http://www.iaido.org/pages/tameshigiri.html

A real antique will cost you many thousands depending on condition and age.

Something to put on a stand or wall for decoration should be dirt cheap.

[Ronin2]

A decent "Japanese style" katana will cost you +/- $1000. probably the best place to look is Bugei Trading. Their blades are some of the higher quality machine/production blades made in China.

http://www.bugei.com

The best "Japanese style" custom blades are being made by Howard Clark in L6 or 1086 steel at Morgan Valley Forge;

http://www.mvforge.com/

Once you get one of Howard's blades you will have to get it polished and mounted...he can help direct you to those craftsmen.

Cheers

[mrboma]

Cold Steel

http://www.coldsteel.com/Category/4_1/Swords.aspx

The trick is waiting for the parking lot sales where you can buy their 2nd's for CHEAP. I have been pleased with every purchase from CS over the last 10 years.

Regards,
Mike

[Marthor]

This video will answer many of your questions...

[amd64]

If you're looking for a functional katana style sword, here's list of companies that make decent cutters (for the money):

• Hanwei (Bugei uses Hanwei forge, but Bugei does their own designs and extra QC)
• HSTS
• Dynasty Forge (from Huanou forge. Huanou also makes the Cold Steel kats)
• Huawei
• Munetoshi
• Kris Cutlery

Above are all made in China.

With a bigger budget, you can go with a custom blade from Howard Clark, Rick Barrett, etc.

Or pay big $$ and get a Japanese tamahagane blade.

[GW]

CAS Hanwei Tactical Wak and Tactical Katana
Real bargains

http://www.alloutdoor.com/2014/03/31/cas-hanwei-tactical-katana-sword-wakizashi-review/

[Doheny]

Kes is the sword expert

[slo5oh]

SD. What do you mean by real? You can buy WWII swords for a few hundred and up if you're looking for a collector. If by real you mean a "folded steel" and "clay tepered" sword then you need only shop around. There are several being made in China now for under $500, many in the $200 to $300 area, but I can't tell you for sure they really are either tempered or folded. Look on amazon and read reviews. I have a friend with both nice China knock offs and a legit one. The legit one was quite a bit heavier and sounded denser. I forget the details, but there's some special iron sand used in japan, I'm not sure it's related though. But i did read it's illegal to export the raw ore. If you want some great reading Google wootz steel and Damascus steel. AFAIK modern quality steel is more than good enough for a "battle ready" sword, so folded and or clay temper may be unnecessary.

[Garand1911]

Himalayan Imports makes a Katana and a Wakizashi.
Cheap and good.