Samurai Katanas

[Shinji246]

Is anyone else here highly interested in samurai katanas? i would really like to have a real one but i cannot afford more than $100. Does anyone know where i can get one for around $120 or so that is made of 1040 high carbon steel or higher?

[sirdarksol]

You will not be able to get an authentic, traditionally made katana (called a shinken) for less than $1,000. Honestly, it is probably more like $3,000+
http://www.chenessinc.com/1045.htm

This is the cheapest katana that I can come up with that is useful for any sort of cutting.
Beyond light cutting (one tatami mat at a time, and not all that often, or softer items such as watermelons more constantly), you'll be spending quite a bit more money.

[disgruntled]

i don't think that you can get them out of Japan.... but i am not positive

[sirdarksol]

If by "them" you mean shinken, yes, you actually can. Anyone who can pay for one and is willing to wait can buy one. The issue is that there may be a huge wait. One must be certified to be allowed to make swords in Japan, as swordsmithing is considered a national living treasure.
To maintain the quality of the swords, as well as to limit the number produced (in order to keep their value up, I presume), each swordsmith may make only one sword every so many months (I think once every 3 months). Of course, smiths likely have huge lines waiting for their work, which means that getting one custom made is usually a long process.
One can, however, purchase a katana that was made in the past. One of the most difficult things about this is determining that it was, indeed, made by a Japanese smith.

[Jewel]

I think that katanas are so beautiful and elegant. It might seem weird to some people, but I just think that some weapons are so amazingly crafted.

[Shirindo]

Originally Posted by Jewel

I think that katanas are so beautiful and elegant. It might seem weird to some people, but I just think that some weapons are so amazingly crafted.

I dont think that's weird at all. Some weapons are indeed beautiful, some are not. And dont forget that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

[disgruntled]

the weapon forms tend to be very elogant too, which make them that much more beautiful.

[rubybeetle]

There's a wide range of prices at bud k. Maybe you could find something there. I always get their catalogs, they have some interesting items.

http://budk.com/search.asp?t=ss&ss=katana&x=0&y=0

[disgruntled]

if you are just looking for something ordimental ^ that site looks pretty good. some neat looking stuff

[DOCBROWN1705]

www.swordsoftheeast.com

So far one of the best suppliers I have found.