How to Buy a Katana Sword

Swords have been around for thousands of years. The Samurai, an elite group of Japanese warriors used the katana sword swiftly and efficiently. With the advance of firearms, swords seemed to slip away into nothing more than a showpiece. Nevertheless, some have chosen to continue the art of using a katana sword. Many people have turned to collecting swords too. Here's how to buy a katana sword to use and add to your weapon collection.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Find a trusted seller of authentic and collectible swords. Try searching at military depots or browse online for reputable weapon sellers.

2. Search for a katana sword expert to help you choose and use your katana sword. For training purposes, buy a wooden practice katana along with the real sword.

3. Determine what type of katana sword you'd like to buy. There are two main types of a katana sword. A battle ready sword is a sharpened sword for use in combat. A battle-ready sword, however, needs care as it'll likely rust without proper care. A sword meant to be a showpiece collectible is not likely battle ready. It's usually made from stainless steel and is coated to make it last longer under normal conditions.

4. Choose a katana the right size and weight for you. Katanas range from about 25 to 30 inches long and weight varies depending on the material used to make the katana sword. Hold the katana sword by your side pointed to the floor. If it's the proper length, the tip will just be at the floor or within a couple of inches of the floor.

5. Buy a sword mount or stand for your collectible or battle ready katana sword. If you aren't using your katana sword, sheath the katana and place it on the mount. Place the katana sword in a place to display its beauty and grace.

6. Keep the katana sword clean. Many places that sell swords also sell sword cleaning and maintenance kits. Use mineral oil to keep your blade from rusting or reacting with moisture or the air. Keep the katana sword sheathed until you use it.

Tips & Warnings

• Be wary of any stores that sell inexpensive katanas. Most true katana swords are at least $100 and many katanas are much more. Ask for a certificate of authenticity.
• Never use a sharpened katana sword unless you are an expert. Use a practice sword until you've mastered the katana.

[jonycage09]

on 10/19/2009 REAL Katana's DO NOT cost 100 dollars. The starting range is around more like 2000 and that to if you are lucky. For a 100 dollars you will just get a wall hanger.

Today Katana sword is basically available in two formats - Production and Authentic. Production being mass produced by manufacturers such as Paul Chen and Dynasty forge and will typically cost from 250 dollars all the way till 3000. These swords are almost exclusively made in forges in China.

Authentic Katana's on the other hand are referred to as Shinsakuto or Katana made by one of the 300 odd Govt sanctioned Japanese sword smith and are exacting to the traditional way made using "Tamahagane" or Jewel steel. These will usually cost between 6000 and 10000 USD for a good quality blade but tend to get pricier if the smith is a high ranking one.

Sometimes people who own shinsakuto katana will sell their swords for far l...

[cydriex]

on 10/3/2009 is it possible to make a katana using a damascus method cause i used that method on my katana. I did not folded the steel but i did gave it a slight curve its also quite large compare to a REGULAR KATANA.

[toninoname]

on 1/27/2009 I also read interesting information like this article on how to find sword sellers on www.antique-swords.net. You guys should go check it out. Thanks for this helpful post.