how to know if a katana is hand made?

Question

i want to know when a katana is hand made or a piece of trash.
and don't say look at the box or look for stickers cause i dont trust that.

Answer 1

The biggest indicator is the blade, especially where the blade curves into the tip:

Fake ones look like this:
___________________
__________________/

REAL ones have a line that shows the end of the blade's edge, because you never cut with the tip of the blade, so they have a sharp line dividing where the sword's edge ends, and looks like this:

_____________________
___________________|_/

Other indicators are that real swords are signed on the tang of the blade (the part under the handle which you can't see unless you remove the pins, unwrap it and take apart the handle).

Some Real sword makers include Paul Chen. His are relatively inexpensive.

Answer 2

biggest indicators:

price and location of where it is being sold.

If it's less than $100 and being sold in a touristy area - it's a replica. Look for a sword shop. I know of one in Ikebukuro. ask around

Answer 3

Obviously they were once hand made..

Answer 4

Ask the swordsmith...