Asian Antique Shop

Japanese Sword (Katana) Buying Guide

Written by admin on March 13, 2010 – 5:13 am -

The Decorative Katana As Design Accent

A katana is a Japanese sword that is mostly used for swordfights as well as in various ceremonies. It is usually two-feet long and has a curved single edged blade. If you're fond of watching Samurai movies, you'll probably be familiar with this sword.
Today, katana swords are also used for decorative purposes. A decorative katana can become an impressive focal point to oriental style design themes in home and office interiors. There are katana swords that you can use for both functional and decorative purposes but there are also those that you can use for only one purpose - either as a decor accent or for martial arts training.

Intricate detail
The thing about decorative katana is that they are more aesthetically appealing than functional. They come in extravagant and rich colors with details that are at par with deluxe katana swords. The blade of a katana sword for decor is made of edged and tempered stainless steel and is about 27 inches long. The handle, for its part is nine inches in length. The size of decorative swords itself make them impractical for training and combat. They are also heavier than the conventional katana swords at three pounds.

Deluxe katana swords
If you want a decorative katana that you can also use for training, you want to opt for the deluxe varieties. These are relatively more expensive and are handmade to look like the authentic varieties. The blades of deluxe swords have been forged out of high-carbon steel and are clay tempered. These swords are also lighter at two pounds so you can use them for practical purposes.
Whether you're buying a katana for training or for its decorative function, make sure that you're getting a sword that feels and looks like its authentic version. Carbon steel that is differentially tempered is great if you're going to use the katana for real cutting and practicing aside from its being a room accent.
Kinds of Katana Swords include the following:

Practical katana swords
Practical katana swords are used for training and martial arts classes.
They have 29-inch long blades forged out of high-carbon steel. They are differentially tempered to obtain specific backs and edges.

Some blades come with blood grooves
Their handles are approximately 12 inches long. They can have leather or gold-wrapped grips.
They weigh one to two pounds.
They are ideal for dojo cutting exercises.
They normally come with wooden scabbards for storing.
They are coated with black lacquer or natural finish for a more authentic look.

Deluxe katana swords
De luxe katana swords can be used for display and practical purposes.
These expensive swords are handmade to replicate the authentic katana swords.

Their blades are forged out of high-carbon steel. They are differentially clay tempered to obtain RC 42-44 spines and RC 58-60 edges.
Their blades have tough, hard edges that resemble those in the old katanas.
They have strong, shock-absorbent bodies.
They have lacquered sheaths with Menuki cast.
They are approximately 40 inches long.
They weigh approximately two pounds.

Decorative katana swords
Decorative katana swords are for decoration only.
They have more extravagant color and detail compared to de luxe katana swords.
Their blades are made of edged and tempered stainless steel. They are approximately 27 inches long with 9-inch long handles.

Some models are embellished Ido style.
Their scabbards are colored and crackle finished to match the handle wraps.
They are heavier than most swords at three pounds.
They normally come with display stands.

Important buying tips
Authenticity: Choose a katana sword that looks and feels like the real thing. It should have a sharp, slightly curved, single edge blade. Research on how an authentic katana sword looks like to get an idea.

Materials used: For real cutting and practicing, choose a katana sword made of carbon steel differentially tempered to ensure flexibility and strength.

Weight: Choose a katana sword that weighs no more than three pounds. Any sword heavier than three pounds can be difficult to use and is no longer practical. Also, look for a well-balanced katana sword with tangs constructed with the blade.

Tags: Japanese Antiques, japanese katana sword, Japanese swords
Posted in Asian Antiques, Japanese Antiques, Japanese swords | 1 Comment »