Katana Shopping

[vantheman]

Hello all,

I have never really ventured into much sword territory thus far through my Martial Arts career, and have been thinking about purchasing a katana (nothing special, probably just something off of Century) and was wondering if anyone could give any insight to what I should get or look for.

I was thinking of something that could be used to chop up targets in my yard and practice Kata with. So far I have found wooden bokken, foam swords, a bunch of "For Display only" swords, Some really high end cutting swords, and a couple of expensive XMA swords. Like I said earlier, I don't need anything crazy, just something I can swing around and cut stuff up with.

UPDATE: I did some research myself, and realized unless I want this

happening, I need to get something higher quality than Century to be cutting stuff up (the "wall hangers" won't do). However, before I need to take a trip to the ER by accidentally cutting myself up with a katana, I think I will may train with something more safe before I start swinging around a sharpened carbon steel sword.

Thanks,

[Kusotare]

However, before I need to take a trip to the ER by accidentally cutting myself up with a katana, I think I will may train with something more safe before I start swinging around a sharpened carbon steel sword.

Thanks,

I train with swords and teach them, and TBH your post makes my blood run cold.

Poor quality swords are very dangerous and could do you some serious harm, but, you are equally at risk with a well made sword if you don't know what you are doing with it.

My advice to you, before even looking at potential purchases would be to go and train with a sword school.

That way, you will not only learn to appreciate and understand a good sword from a bad one, you will also grow to understand the "how’s and why" of swordsmanship and the Japanese katana.

A good group would also be able to give you advice about where you can purchase swords HOWEVER.... A good club will almost certainly NOT allow you to train with a metal blade for some time, and they certainly won’t let you play with shinken for a number of years.

And there is a good reason for this...

[vantheman]

Poor quality swords are very dangerous and could do you some serious harm, but, you are equally at risk with a well made sword if you don't know what you are doing with it.

My advice to you, before even looking at potential purchases would be to go and train with a sword school.

.... A good club will almost certainly NOT allow you to train with a metal blade for some time, and they certainly won’t let you play with shinken for a number of years.

And there is a good reason for this...

The more I researched this topic, the more I found this to be the case. An MMA coach that used to teach in our dojo has had lots of sword training, I will talk to him about taking some lessons.

Thanks for the advice,

[Zoodles]

Swords are hideously freakin' dangerous to the untrained. But if you must get a sword, check out websites like http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/ Ask questions, read the forums. Get something with quality, but not too expensive, because cutting can chew up blades.

[vantheman]

Well I talked to the closest person to Musashi I know (he owns an MMA gym nearby, but is great with the katana) and will be getting lessons.

[Bryan Sensei]

If your interested in getting a "battle ready"Katana you should either go with a Paul Chan blade or Thaitsuki blade which is looks as good as a traditional blade and is made using very traditional techniques .Both of these sword companys are top notch and are very affordable.But like others have said no body should try mat cutting without proper training by a well qualified instructor.BTW:Real carbon steel katana need to be kept oiled ,most "battle ready"katana comes with a standard cleaning kit and basic instructions.