Where to buy a Katana?

redmile · (#1 (**permalink**))

Hi all, i'm new here

i'm looking for an online (reliable) shop that ship authentics (and maybe economics

) Katanas in the world. Can somebody suggest me, please?

Thanks in advance and sorry for my english

x2cool · (#2 (**permalink**))

I have seen some pretty cool swords on eBay. Just be smart about what you buy cuz sometimes people lie on there. And also this place seems pretty cool, True Swords - Samurai Swords, Full Tang, Real Blades, Movie, Anime, Video Game, & Manga Replicas

GoNative · (#3 (**permalink**))

Only thing I can advise is regarding price. I do Iaido in which we use a katana. A genuine katana here in Japan will cost at least Y300,000. So unless you're buyiing something up around $3,000 or more you're not getting the genuine article.

Jaydelart · (#4 (**permalink**))

If you're really serious about it, I know a sensei who deals with Japanese artifacts, and specializes in restoring authentically crafted Japanese blades. He possesses the 3rd longest spearhead in the world, which I believe is Japanese-made, and a respectable array of swords, some of which are historically valuable. He does have some of these weapons (and related elements) available for purchase, so I can try and get some information to point you in his direction, if you're interested. Realize, however, they may be expensive (expected to range from $1,000 - +$10,000 USD).

MMM · (#5 (**permalink**))

What is the definition of "authentic"?

redmile · (#6 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMM

What is the definition of "authentic"?

made by "sensei" (or master, or whatever). Artigianal, in a word

Katana is my dream since i was children

redmile · (#7 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaydelart

If you're really serious about it, I know a sensei who deals with Japanese artifacts, and specializes in restoring authentically crafted Japanese blades. He possesses the 3rd longest spearhead in the world, which I believe is Japanese-made, and a respectable array of swords, some of which are historically valuable. He does have some of these weapons (and related elements) available for purchase, so I can try and get some information to point you in his direction, if you're interested. Realize, however, they may be expensive (expected to range from $1,000 - +$10,000 USD).

Thank you (and the others) very much for your helpfulness, but for now that price is too expensive. Isn't there in japan others sensei more inexpensives? Maybe under $300 for a "basic" katana?

Nyororin · (#8 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by redmile

Thank you (and the others) very much for your helpfulness, but for now that price are too expensive. Isn't ther in japan others sensei more inexpensives? Maybe under $300 for a "basic" katana?

The only thing you`re going to find in that price range is going to be a replica. And even then, probably not a very nice replica.

Katana are not cheap - especially not ones made by a dedicated swordsmith.

For an idea of pricing, look here.

GoNative · (#9 (**permalink**))

You can get ones that have not been sharpened from about $400. In Iaido people who have no attained shodan use the unsharpaened katana.

Nyororin · (#10 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoNative

You can get ones that have not been sharpened from about $400. In Iaido people who have no attained shodan use the unsharpaened katana.

They`re cast (usually aluminum-zinc alloy) though, not forged. The guy is asking for an authentic sword forged by a smith.

I think that price should be a pretty good hint to him. Mass produced cast swords run in that range. "Authentic" swords forged by a smith are going to be worlds above in cost.