One of the most popular and sought after swords is the traditional Japanese Katana, commonly referred to as the Samurai sword. With their rich history and master craftsmanship (and of course there continuous presence in popular culture) they have become the centrepiece of any serious sword collector’s ornamental structure. They are the ultimate collector’s sword, and no collection is complete without one of these glorious instruments.
A Samurai sword is a type of sword that has been in production for over 600 years, since the Muromachi period. They have since been popularised in the sword world.
The Samurai sword is notable for its distinctive appearance: a curved, single edged blade with enough grip room to accommodate two hands. Due to its unique design, the Katana requires specialised precautions to handle it. The blade is very good for cutting and therefore improper use can lead to damage or severe injury.
The downfall with purchasing a Samurai sword is that it will cost you a considerable amount more to purchase an authentic one, than it would many other authentic swords. You will struggle to find an authentic Samurai sword for much less than $1000, and the price tag continues upward considerably from there.
You will find many decent looking replica’s for under the $300 dollar mark, though they will not be able to perform in the same manner as an authentic one. Many are without cross guards and are manufactured cheaply, meaning they will break easily. If purchasing for purely ornamental reasons then you may find this acceptable, but for actual use you will be disappointed.
As with any sword, special care must also be given to ensure the condition of the sword is maintained. If mishandled, the Katana may become severely damaged, often beyond repair. The blade should be stored at all times in its sheath, curve down and edge facing upward to maintain the edge. In order to prevent rust, the blade must remain well-oiled and must be polished frequently, as moisture from fingerprints has an adverse effect on the swords condition.
The Katana/Samurai sword is one which should be greatly appreciated, if you are considering purchasing one, decide where you will store it – you don’t want to spend hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars only to realise there is no space for it and so store it in a dark room. The Samurai sword must be inspected frequently and aired out regularly. You may return to it years after its purchase and notice it is far from the condition it once was.
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