Where can I find a good sword?

Question

I am looking to buy a Katana sword as a gift. I was thinking of maybe kill bill. But...I don't know what to look for, I don't know what makes it a good sword. I don't want to spend more than $250. I also don't want to get ripped off! Please help, if any one knows what I should look for.

Answer 1

here is a great place to buy a real battle ready katana

http://www.bladecenter.com/index.php/action/category/id/23/

Answer 2

Hi there

There are various stores on the net that sell decent swords.

Look for the following

1. Full Tang. This means that the metal runs all the way down and through the handle. If you swing a sword that isn't full tang the blade will snap and fly off. So be very careful.
2. You should be able to strip down the sword for cleaning. The cheap ones are all one piece.
3. How the blade has been forged and what type of metal/steal has been used. The more folds the better but expect to pay nearly $1000 for just two folds. Can get expensive.
4. The decoration used for the tsuba and saya etc.
5. If the blade is sharpened or unsharpend. This depends on what you want to use it for. Swords designed for cutting have a fuller blade compared to kata practice swords.

If you spend around $250 you should be able to get all the above except the folded part. But don't let that put you off.

Try these guys.

http://www.chenessinc.com/
http://www.ninecircles.co.uk/

I know of people who have swords from these suppliers. The cheness blades are as tough as old boots plus they are designed for cutting, are sharp and you get a stand, cleaning kit, sword bag and presentation box with every sword.

This one would be a nice one to get you started.

http://www.chenessinc.com/katanas.htm

Best wishes

idai

Answer 3

Try Century Martial Arts.

http://www.centurymartialarts.com/

For that price you can get a nice looking display sword that is aluminum that can also be used for Kata or Forms. It can't be used for cutting and can not be sharpened. Actual swords cost much more and the real thing goes for several thousand dollars and requires special licenses to buy and export from Japan which now regards them as part of their national heritage and all are considered national treasures.

Answer 4

look for something pretty cause thats basically all you are going to use it for...hopefully....
try googling or yahooing Katana you should get a lot more info that way.
it would probably be easier to buy online but might be a pain at customs depending on where you live

Answer 5

theres alot of places usually over the web it isnt require a license either just for show i believe or are you going to like use it for self defence because if you are its a diffrent story

Answer 6

ebay(lol)