Katana Q needs A

[sergemaster]

Amici,
I've been thinking of purchasing a Japanese Katana for the collection but since I'm not at all a sword guy, I thought I would ask you all on any recommendations on where and what to buy.


Cheers,
Serge

[hawkchucker]

Tagging this to see where it goes. Interested also.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Paul Chen, Hanwei and Cold Steel all do good usable ones

[2xTap]

Paul Chen, Hanwei and Cold Steel all do good usable ones

I concur with Mike here and his three picks, but with one addition.....Cheness Cutlery. For affordable fully functional Katanas I have heard nothing but good about them. I've been wanting a good Katana myself and this is where I will be getting mine: http://chenessinc.com/

2xTap

[sardauker]

I think you know you have to prepare yourself to part from a big lot of bucks, if you want the real deal.




These come from my honeymoon in japan. Not too antique swords -tanto, indeed-, not of the best quality, even as expensive as a little car.

I'm happy with a modern variation on the theme

[kwakster]

If it doesn't need to be a real Japan made katana and a high quality & fully functional Chinese replica will do i would advise you to take a look at this dealer who is based in Canada: http://www.wiwingtiswordsupply.com/

I already bought 4 swords from there, and owner Marc Lecompte has very good service as well as the best prices i have found on the internet so far.
If i need another sword i will most certainly buy from him again.

From the brands he sells i like the Hanwei swords the best, and i currently still own the SH2414 Raptor Shinogi Zukuri katana as well as the SH2267 Zatoichi katana.

Here are a few pics of my Zatoichi katana; full tang construction & fully forged 65Mn spring steel blade with hamon and nicely done hardwood handle and saya.

[yokomode]

That Zatoichi Katana is so damn nice!

i usually prefer Tanto and other smaller blades myself, but that's just beautiful.