Katana and other Japanese swords like nodachi and wakizashi are perennially popular among collectors in the United States as well as among those interested in Japanese culture, or who practice their martial arts.
But no two katana are created equal, and the modern market bears out a ridiculous amount of variety in swords, not always for the better. Some are little better than wallhangers whereas others are true battle-ready swords that can be used for practical purposes; a real sword, if you will.
That being said, if you’re wondering what the best katana sword to buy is, at least for you, here are a couple questions that can help you get to the bottom of it.
● Am I actually going to use this katana for live cutting practice?
This is easily the most important question that you should ask yourself if you are trying to determine the best katana sword to buy. A battle ready katana will sport traditional construction, a full tang, use an appropriate steel alloy, and be clay-tempered with a differential hardness at the edge and spine. As a result, a battle-ready katana is a “real” katana that can be used for live cutting practice and which will be able to handle the rigors of actual use. Do not get any katana that is not battle ready if you intend to do anything with it other than display it as a fixture of decor.
● How much do I care about aesthetics?
Many Japanese swords, and this is not just specific to katana models, are true works of art. If you intend to display this sword, not use it for practice, this is something you will need to consider before you buy. Just remember, aesthetic quality often also impacts price.
● How much do I care about traditional features and materials?
Among other things, a traditional Japanese katana will come with a lacquered saya (sheath) with a cord wrap, sport a ray-skin wrapped tsuka (hilt) and have a blade that has been traditionally tempered with a true hamon line that shows the demarcation between the two zones of hardness in the steel. A real katana sword that has these features will cost more, but will also deliver more value.
● Am I honestly going to put the time and effort into caring for this sword?
A real katana with battle-ready construction will require more care and effort from you, and the most important reason is that the blade will need to be kept clean and oiled to prevent it from rusting. That will be no small commitment from you; either make sure you are prepared for this or get a katana with a blade made of a stainless steel alloy, but remember, this might need to be reserved for display and not for use.
The Best Katana to Buy Is Waiting for You at True Swords
Whether you’re looking for a true battle ready katana, a replica from an anime, or just something to display on your wall, the best katana sword to buy (for you) is waiting at True Swords. Check out their collection. A picture says a thousand words and what you’re looking for is there.
