what to look for when buying a japanese sword
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The Ultimate Guide to
Authentic Japanese Swords
Authentic Japanese swords (called Nihonto 日本刀) are usually VERY expensive.
Indeed, the starting price is typically from U.s.$3,000-v,000 and goes up (and up and UP) from at that place..!
Authentic Japanese Swords for auction in Kyoto, Japan
However in our target cost range (effectually $300), there are a handful of blades on the marketplace which come up at least reasonably close to the 'real thing' in terms of their advent, functionality and handling.
And quite a few more that use modern jump tempered steels to create amazingly tough 'Dojo Quality', frequent utilize Japanese style "beaters" if you will...!
On this page we will take a look at them all - including cheap swords that oftentimes get glossed over by the elitists - yous name it, we put them all to the test.
For more in-depth discussions of the various types of Katana nosotros talk about here, follow the links - this is just an overview...
A Newbies Guide to Accurate Japanese Swords
Earlier we take a look at all the replicas of accurate Japanese swords currently available these days, you lot might desire to brush upwards on the history of Samurai swords or spend a fiddling time trying to wrap your head around the basic Samurai sword terminology.
Our quick start guides below cover all of the basics if you want to shortcut the learning process and get a caput offset.
Don't get too hung up on all of this, indeed you lot should find that our reviews and articles are written with the beginner in heed to reinforce and teach you equally you go, but with so much to learn - every piddling bit of knowledge helps.
Do you know how much these swords are worth?
Do you know how much these swords are worth? $30? $300? $iii,000? Or more? It'due south hard to tell - this kind of mounting is called 'Shirasaya' and is used to house a blade. But the value of the blade can vary? How much do you lot call back this set is worth? Tin can you tell? For a word of existent katana prices, click here
But for now, let's have a look at the virtually common and misrepresented types of Japanese style 'swords' on the market place, of which at that place are probably more than of these available than any other type of sword around.
Stainless steel Japanese style sword like objects - which are nigh as far removed from accurate Japanese swords as nighttime is from twenty-four hour period..
Worthless Swords to Avoid...
The overwhelming majority of cheap Japanese way swords being sold online are not in any way functional. Sure, they are made of steel and yes, some of them might even exist sharp - but sharpness lone doesn't hateful very much if the blade bends or snaps on the first strike...
Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with buying some nice looking Samurai sword sets to display over the mantelpiece, etc.
The only problem is that many people who believe they are starting a collection of authentic Japanese swords aren't getting what they retrieve they paid for, as the following rather infamous "home shopping network" video plain shows...
The infamous abode shopping network outtake
Swords like this are a dime a dozen, overpriced and definitely naught similar what you would expect from authentic Japanese swords..
Here is a brief article on how to tell the difference between existent vs false sword set style Katana.
And side by side, nosotros volition look at some alternatives that cost well-nigh the same price, are kind of subconscious in the junk and perform a LOT ameliorate...
Type I: Bare Basic Functionality
What follows is a quick overview
For a detailed expect at sub $150 bare bones Katana:
Most Katana under $150 are going to be ornamental. But not all of them..
For our purposes, the accented most basic cut Katana needs to be:
- Made from some kind of tempered carbon steel. Definitely Non stainless steel.
- Accept a full tang - i.e. goes all the way into the handle, not a welded on rod and..
- Weigh less than 3lbs.
We explore the world of low cost Samurai Swords in detail here, but beneath are what we establish to be the most noteworthy reviews and discoveries.
Easily on Reviews
FEATURED REVIEW
Musashi Bushido Serial
Quite a detailed wait at 2 typical bare basic swords. One was pretty much what yous would expect for the price. But the other i more than than made up for it.
Just goes to prove you that there are still some jewels in the junk to be found. Boilerplate price $65
Type II: With "Hamon", the most Authentic Japanese Swords
What follows is a quick overview.
For a detailed expect at traditional Katana with real hamon:
There are several main techniques used when forging authentic Japanese swords that none of the blades we have expect at and then far usually take..
Folding (aka Damascus) and lamination are two of the more avant-garde techniques, though with mod steels, they are largely obsolete practices.
Indeed, many entry level Damascus Swords are some of the worst swords you tin can purchase - see our related articles "Damascus Sucks" and how some swords being advertised as laminated swords end upwards being Damascus swords anyway with no lamination in sight with the review "Ryan Sword - the 'Sanmai' Katana review"..
Simply at that place is at least ane feature that all authentic Japanese swords accept in mutual, and that is the famous tempering line known as the HAMON - which is achieved by claying the blade and tempering information technology so that the border is harder than the spine..
You tin can read much more about what makes this technique special here - but in the meantime, as before, hither is a list of our in depth, hands on reviews and cutting tests.
Hands on Reviews
Hanwei Practical Plus Katana
The original entry level Katana. May exist an erstwhile model but still holds information technology's own $350.95
Hanwei Practical Pro Katana
Solid blade and actress long handle on this Paul Chen Classic $364.95
Hanwei Practical Katana
Was dandy value once, just the PK is showing its age $250.95
Hanwei Practical Katana Elite
A stride in the right direction with this 3' razor blade past Hanwei. $257.95
Hanwei Practical Plus Elite
An splendid sword for the money with several huge improvements over earlier models. $378.95
Hanwei Practical XL Calorie-free
Crazy sharp blade geometry, but perhaps just a little too sharp for its own good.. $271.95
Hanwei Practical Forty
Skillful for cutting light targets, but lacks versatility $257.95
Ryumon Dragon Katana
Often disregarded, only something of a diamond in the rough $219
And Finally,
The RYUJIN CUSTOM KATANA!
Finally, inspired by the (at present discontinued) SBG Custom Katana - one of the almost exciting sword projects that started in 2015 and came to fruition in 2016 is the Ryujin Custom Katana line which was the encephalon kid of one of the founders of Musashi Swords, Mr Sam Sung..
Using the same way of T10 tool steel sword as the SBG Custom Katana, the number of options are less - but what makes them revolutionary is how FAST they are fabricated because, instead of being forged from scratch in China and taking 3-six months to arrive, the components are stocked and assembled in the USA so tin be sent out in equally little as one week..!!
But it is non but the speed of customization that makes them adept. They cut pretty well as well - with the virtually basic model close to the $200 toll betoken, proving to be surprisingly durable..
Bank check out the review beneath to see for yourself.
FEATURED REVIEW
Ryujin Custom Katana
The concept was revolutionary - import the blank blades and katana parts and assemble them to the customers preference inside a week!
SBG helped test and refine the concept. Out of three swords tested, one failed, 1 did okay and the other exceeded all expectations. $229
Click here for info on Katana with Real Hamon
Blazon III: Heavy Duty Beaters
What follows is a quick overview.
For a detailed look at Ultra Durable Beater Swords:
"Beaters" - or relatively inexpensive, but very TOUGH Katana for dojo and backyard cut practices are a fairly recent development.
Instead of beingness differentially hardened with a real hamon like authentic Japanese swords have always been made, they are what is called "Monotempered" so the blades can take a lot of punishment and if bent, spring dorsum to true...
While they may not be authentic Japanese swords, they are a lot of fun - suitable both for the dojo and the backyard. And being and then forgiving of poor technique or mishaps, are highly recommended for beginners..
We explore the world of these "beater" Katana in full detail hither. But in the meantime, hither are some all time classics..
Hands on Reviews
Common cold Steel O-Katana
It's big and it's bad. In a good manner.. Tough as nails, but a piddling besides heavy and expensive for what it is. $641.95
Hanwei Raptor Nanbokucho
Designed by Shihan James Williams from the Bugei company, these are first-class blades only not without a few issues. $328.95
Cold Steel Warrior Katana
"Handles like a crowbar, cuts like a light saber.." $305.95
Pretty much all of these swords cutting the mustard. But 1 came out head and shoulders above the residue..
The blades are extremely tough and expertly tempered. The fittings, the best of any sword below $300. And their powerful, thick Dotanuki (Body cutting - i.e. cut a man in half way) blades can cutting through near anything put in forepart of them without breaking a sweat..
They are the Dojo Pro series by Ronin Katana.
Cheque the video and the detailed hands on review and testing to see why this proven brand has become so pop...
FEATURED REVIEW
Ronin Katana Dojo Pro Serial
1 of a series of 31 models - all with heavy duty, no-nonsense mono-tempered 1060 carbon steel blades and the best fittings available at swords in this price point.
Here we not only test them out to the max, but nosotros fifty-fifty take a trip to where they are made in Longquan, China. $294.99
Hands on Reviews
Ronin Katana Dojo Pro two & iv
Double review of models #2 and #4 - and the first sighting of the legendary 'ghost' hamon. $294.99
Ronin Katana Dojo Pro #8
A close look at the 29" bladed model # viii reveals not just a workhorse, but a beautiful sword in its ain correct, inside and out.. $314.99
Ronin Katana Dojo Pro 3,5 & nine
The ultimate review of not one but 3 swords by three SBG members, yet they all come to the same conclusion... $294.99
Click here to read about Samurai Sword "Beaters"
Wakizashi, Ko Katana & Daisho
What follows is a very quick overview.
For detailed data on Wakizashi, Daisho and their history
Inside each of the main categories of authentic Japanese swords we have explored so far, there is 1 more very of import type of sword that defined what it meant to be a Samurai - and that is the companion sword, the Wakizashi and diverse types of Shoto.
It was the exclusive privilege of the Samurai form to wear the two swords known as the Daisho (big and small) and no collection of Japanese swords is consummate without at to the lowest degree a few of the smaller companion swords in it.
However, compared to Katana at least, there are not that many Wakizashi available on the sword marketplace considering they cost almost equally much to make as a full length Katana, however as they are smaller most sword buyers expect they should exist significantly cheaper. So the but fashion this works is if they are made and sold at cost price, something very few manufacturers are willing to do.
Merely there are some options, below are some reviews of Wakizashi and Wakizashi sub types similar the Ko-Katana that can be used to make a Daisho set or enjoyed on their ain claim.
Hands on Reviews
Ronin Dojo Pro Ko-Katana #x
Fast, versatile and tough - what more could you want in a Ko-Katana beater? $294.99
Hanwei Practical Wakizashi
The showtime entry level Wakizashi e'er to grace the sword the market, it even so holds its own and makes a skillful daisho when paired with the Hanwei Practical Katana $199.95
Click here to learn more nigh Wakizashi & Daisho
One Final Very Of import Word Regarding Quality and High End Swords
What follows is a quick overview.
For a detailed look at high end Katana:
Nearly of the swords nosotros have looked at so far are smashing value for money. Many are mitt made, with each sword starting equally a lump of fe and going through many different processes with many hours of hard piece of work going into every piece. Many are actually thrown away by QC at diverse stages of the procedure, and it has been said that to brand one decent hand fabricated sword takes two-3 failures that never exit the forge.
At the terminate of the day ALL sub US$300 Japanese swords, exist they dojo level swords with real hamon, monotempered beaters or but cheap machine made 1045 carbon steel knockoffs have one thing in mutual - despite how well they might perform, they are still NOT truly authentic Japanese swords and will never exist "perfect"...
With the proliferation of these bare basic Japanese mode swords, it is unfair (and unreasonable) to compare them to a high level $i,500-$2000 production sword or (heaven forbid) a real Shinken/Nihonto (Authentic Japanese swords made in Japan past a chief smith).
Kid in a Candy Store: the author checking out accurate Japanese swords in Osaka, Japan. Average price, $4000..
Sure, if you are looking for a decent cutter for dojo applications, lawn cut or a functional sword for display purposes (after all, a brandish sword that will fall apart if swung through the air is more embarrassing than impressive) - these swords will all meet (and probably exceed!) your requirements.
But that said, ALL OF THEM Take THEIR Bug, especially when compared to truly authentic Japanese swords in the US$1000+ price range. They but aren't in the same league - it's like comparing a Ferrari to a Pinto...!
Most issues yous volition encounter with major, respectable sword brands are small-scale and are purely cosmetic. And when a truly flawed sword does sometimes sneak past QC, they are unremarkably pretty proficient about getting it exchanged or refunded depending on what the customer wants to exercise.
But if a minor tool mark that did not polish out completely is the kind of matter that will keep you lot up at nights, yous demand to double or triple your budget at the very least..
Equally the major departure between high terminate Katana and the kind of swords we have looked at so far is merely - refinement. More than time and better materials = a higher price tag.
Click here to read more about what separates basic entry to mid level Katana from the loftier finish - it has more than to do with REFINEMENT and very little to exercise with immovability (the $300 cost point beaters we looked at earlier are some of the toughest effectually, click hither to read a review of a $2000 Katana I bent trying to cutting a tough target that the $300 beaters would handle with ease).
In the meantime, here is a review of two of our mid to our ain high terminate Katana to give you an idea of what is possible..
FEATURED REVIEW
Forge Direct Custom Katana
One of the projects we are proudest of that grew out of our dealings with master smiths in Longquan - hither we take a close look at the kind of designs you can make yourself and put them to the test. Cost includes all standard customizations and even gratuitous worldwide aircraft. $779.99
Hanwei Shinto Katana
A readily available high quality Katana and proficient choice to dip 1's toe in the higher end. Ticks all the boxes. $699.95
Thaitsuki Model KTN5
Strikingly attractive, and a nice cutter, information technology's a tad overpriced just still worthwhile for information technology'due south hand made, very high quality fittings. $i,349.99
Purple Forge Kesshi Katana
Bonny and well made folded blade, but let downwardly a bit by boilerplate fittings. $749.95
Angel Swords Brilliant Knight
Opinions on their swords are oft highly polarized. And so hither is an impartial review to try and set the record directly. $2400+
And for those of y'all who are interested in actual antiquarian Nihonto, check out my detailed behind the scenes article Antiquarian Samurai Swords: A Personal Journey
This article documents a trip to Japan in January 2020 where I took a crash grade introduction into the world of Japanese antique swords, from meeting and befriending a Japanese swordsmith to visiting one of the virtually of import museums for swords in Nippon to actually selling antiques first hand!
Check out what we have available in the SBG Sword Store by clicking the link beneath!
Further Resources
Unfortunately Katana are non legal to own everywhere in the globe. Click hither for a breakdown of where they are and were they are not legal.
To help yous discover more information on authentic Japanese swords we put together a list of Japanese sword sites which lists only the best Japanese sword sites on the web, whether its for more than information or buying a Katana from $20 to $20,000.. Curtailed, and to the point (with no dead links, these sites are SOLID and take been effectually for years), information technology's a doorway to a veritable wealth of extra data..
To avoid getting ripped off on eBay check out our article - Japanese Swords for Sale on eBay.
For Japanese sword preparation techniques, click the link - it contains a quick run down of the etiquette, basic cutting techniques and a gratuitous ebook to become you started if you lot can't find a dojo nearby or are merely curious.
There's as well an accented mountain of information on accurate Japanese swords over at the various Sword Forums - simply using the search function there will uncover an absolute goldmine of useful info, user reviews and more. Check information technology out - highly recommended, though nearly as addictive as collecting authentic Japanese swords! ;-)
In the meantime, see how much you take learned and how with our 2 minute Samurai sword knowledge quiz or find your perfect sword with our find a sword quiz!
I hope this information on authentic Japanese swords has been helpful. To return to the SBG Homepage from A Beginners Guide to Authentic Japanese Swords, click hither
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