my first katana

[Pajarito21]

I just purchased my first katana... a two handed one. The guy i bought it from said it was made from carbon steel. the question is... what metal is the best and the worst for a katana? Also, how do I know if it is a well designed or crafted blade?

[Sibylla]

You bought a sword but don't know what it is? Be careful. It may break or loosen from the tsuka (hilt) just by swinging it.

If you want to know more about swords you have to read and research. All real swords (beside practice swords for iaido) are made of carbon steel. But the way the sword is made will differ. The quality will wary. One thing is certain though is that a quality Japanese sword isn't cheap. Last time I looked a modern made in steel, useful for cutting practice would at least come in on 10 000 usd.

[Spodo Komodo]

Take a look at the mekugi, the peg that holds the blade onto the hilt (tsuka). If it is plastic then avoid swinging it around, the worst kind of swords have plastic mekugi pegs that can shear and send the blade flying. People have been seriously injured this way. A proper mekugi should be made of smoke-hardened bamboo which should be obvious by the darkened texture of the end-grain. Although not necessarily a measure of quality, a useable Iaito (training sword, often alloy or unsharpened steel) should cost around £250-£500 with a shinken (live blade with a hardened and sharpened cutting edge) costing considerably more.

[sensei8]

For me, how the katana's been forged is primary to that katana's strength and worthyness. A master swordsmith's skill is not only needed, but, it's required.

Check this link on forging...

http://www.handmadesword.com/forging.html

[Pajarito21]

Thanks guys. I looked at the hilt and it does have two bamboo pins holding in the blade. also it is made of a metal that if I touch it and don't wipe it off before i sheath it, it will rust. What is this metal and what is the result of that?

[Sibylla]

Is the hilt made of metal? Well the reason it rusts is that it's carbon. The construction of the hilt plays an integral part when it comes to safety, it's not only the pegs.

I really think you should read up on construction of swords and perhaps join a dojo that does Japanese sword arts before you start swinging your sword.

[Spodo Komodo]

I think Pajarito meant that the blade is made of carbon steel rather than the tsuka. We really can't say much about a sword without seeing it, it's a bit like being a postal dentist. If you want someone to say whether it is good or not I suggest you find someone who teaches Iaido and ask them.

If you decide to train then don't expect to be allowed to use a sharp sword until the dan grades, you will probably spend a lot of the kyu grades using a bokken anyway. I know you are excited with your new shiny purchase but unless you are prepared to spend a lot of time training then it doesn't matter how good it is, it is really a decorative object.

I have to admit that I did the same thing though, bought a sharp, smart new sword and then ended up keeping it on a stand while I trained with my Bokken and then my Iaito.

[Akikazeninja]

If you give me the site you ordered it from i could do some research for you one very good supplier for a shinken is swordstore.com very nice stuff their tabi r very nice for training also

[Kensei723]

Acceptable carbon steels for tamegashiri are within the 1060 - 1090 line. Anything above 1090 will be too hard, therefore too brittle, for use by someone who has not %110 perfected their technique. Anything below 1060 will be too soft, too forgiving, and will bend quite easily. 1060 spring is probably your best bet. It can handle occasional omote along with your backyard targets like pool noodles or water bottles, without much fear of losing shape or snapping on "kinda good" cuts. Once you get better with your cuts you can upgrade the carbon content in your sword. Contrary to popular belief, you can find well made, reasonably priced shinken at https://www.chenessinc.com I own the 3rd generation Mokko and have not had one single problem with the performance of the steel.