Decent katana up to $ 350

I

ikorulez

Joined
Sep 23, 2021
Messages
8
Hello, everyone

I would like to buy a katana up to $ 350.

It should be suitable for editing exercises, with Bo Hi and real Hamon if possible, T10 or 1095 ( may also good quality 1060)
There are many different manufacturers. Most of them, however, are from China. Nevertheless, the quality does not seem to be bad at times.

Are there any Japanese manufacturers who produce katanas in this price range? I am aware that no really high quality sword can be produced at this price.
It would be nice if it came from Japan in terms of authenticity.

Some of the tests/reviews on YT are very interesting.
Unfortunately, these swords that do well are usually no longer available or too expensive and the ones that I would have liked to have tested have not yet been tested

I have 2 models here that I like and where I think the price-performance ratio is right.



(Ryujin)

and



(Munetoshi)

Are there brands in this price segment that you can rely on for the quality of the blade or do you have to look at every single sword? (which is a little difficult online).

If you have any further tips for a good katana in this pricerange, I'll be happy to take a look.

Thanks very much :)
 
I’ve been thinking the same thing for a while now. What about the Cold Steel Katanas? I’d like to know how these compare to the brands you suggested.
 
Hi John

i can't judge cold steel

In the tests for YT, they score only mediocre.


Who can say more about it?
 
I think you'll get more and better answers if you post here next time.

Sword Discussion

The place to discuss all aspects of swords and sword fighting from the traditional style of the Samurai to modern European fencing, you will find it here.
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com

I have asked moderation for this section to move your thread there for you. Also, you are not supposed to post links to dealers who are not Bladeforums supporters, just FYI, so they may say something to you about that.

Good luck finding your answers.
 
It's going to be really tough to find something that is both authentic and hit a low pricepoint. Even before a sizeable pop in inflation due to shipping costs and material scarcity, it would be tough to find a sword that will behave like a "real" katana for under $500.

I am not a sword expert. I like them. I collect some. I know the pointy part goes into the bad guy. That's about it. All of my pieces are cumbersome and weight forward due to my preference in style (Claymores, Falcatas, etc) as well as the manufacturers that I purchase from. I have a couple of incredible katana-like swords from Himalayan Imports that were close to $350 once upon a time. Tough as all get out, but really not traditional in any sense of the word short of having a single edged curved blade.

If I were to look at a budget katana these days, I would look at Hanwei. I have one of their Claymores. It's not perfect but it's pretty stout and came in under $300, I think. That's a lot of steel for the money.
 
Hanwei and Cheness are probably top of the bottom if that makes sense. Do some reading at Sword Buyers Guide, that's where you'll get the best information.
 
ikorulez said:
Hello, everyone

I would like to buy a katana up to $ 350.

It should be suitable for editing exercises, with Bo Hi and real Hamon if possible, T10 or 1095 ( may also good quality 1060)
There are many different manufacturers. Most of them, however, are from China. Nevertheless, the quality does not seem to be bad at times......
Click to expand...

If you are planning to do specific training, is there a school or instructor that can provide guidance on what would be acceptable? I have not seen any realistic Katana's in your price range, just wall hangers and saber bladed things that vary widely from the correct weight and balance and appearance. You would be better off to wait and invest in a good sword then to buy something that can hurt you.

n2s
 
Last edited:
Sadly for $350 you can buy Peoples Samurai swords only !
Maybe wait a moment, earn some money (say $1000+) and ask then
Sorry
 
Be realistic and understand that you don't have the funds yet for a "real" katana. Save until you can afford something that won't look like garbage or snap and endanger yourself or others.

Until then, may I suggest:

bokken-roble-rojo-con-tsuba.jpg
 
Not into swords but I see a bunch of Hanwei blades at my local bricks & mortar, but priced around double what you're looking for. All in 1060 steel, I believe, look pretty neat but I am no expert. Check out Swords on this forum. You can pick up a Phill Harsfield katana here and there for around $4000+ USD.
 
I trained in both Kendo (Shinai its a Bamboo sword) and some Aijutsu (fast draw) We used Bokken's to train with. (wood sword).

I would not hit anything or try to cut with those swords. Would not even swing it if there are people close to you lol. Get your self a Bokken to train with. And look to see if there any schools that train Kendo (its a sport in Japan) You can have full contact wearing Kendo armor. You get this stuff at Asian World (AWMA)


Rich K.
 
Last edited:
Google "Paul Chen Hanwei".

I have several. This is probably one of the best makers to get your foot in the door with a quality piece, at a relatively affordable price (above $350.00 however.)

There are many models and options. Quite addictive if your wallet is up for it.

Ronin Katana is another quality option with some models <$350.00
 
Save your money. If you are serious you will eventually end up buying a more expensive sword so maybe you can be smarter than I and skip the starter sword.
 
Condor do a decent looking katana shaped machete.

It is a weird sort of niche. So for example if you did HEMA. you could probably pick up a sword for $300 and jump in to cutting comps.


The problem is they are not going to be katanas.

Or you could get in to katana cutting and need a mortgage for the sword.

And there seems to be no middle ground.

Which is silly. Because cutting things looks like heaps of fun. And who wouldn't want to rock a katana to those events.

And so. The reason I think there are no entry level cutting katanas. Is because there is no market for it. Which blows my mind a bit.
 
Last edited:
I am a fan of Cheness and have a few that are good cutters and attractive but not overly adorned.
 
If you really want to buy something then invest in a demonstration sword. These are type of blunt bokken used as a martial arts weapon for training and exhibition. They are light in weight, but in the correct proportions and are used to drill through katas etc. The blades are often made from hard plastic or polished aluminum. You can’t spar with these, but they look good and are designed for safely working through your routines.

This would get you something to train with while you save and prepare for the eventual purchase of a nice cutting sword. Even then, you would still use it to practice your routines. You can find examples under “laido training katanas”. Prices start at around $200.



n2s
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top