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3/24/2011 6:33:18 PM EDT
Can anyone recommend a nice katana sword for under $500.  I want it to be a real working sword and not a decoration piece that is unsharpened.
3/24/2011 6:49:30 PM EDT
[#1]
You can find Cold Steel Warrior Class Katanas for around $500.

You should check them out.

-Arbiter



Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
3/24/2011 10:29:43 PM EDT
[#2]
I was gonna say Cold Steel as well, but you might try Zombietools.net also. They're stuff has been recommended on here as well. Not a traditional looking katana if that's what your looking for, but it looks functional.

Might try Cas Hanwei and Bugei Trading Company (Bugei.com).
3/25/2011 2:35:59 AM EDT
[#3]
I have this one: "Kurome"

Very sharp. Very well made. It may be a bit on the heavy side, but it balances nicely.
3/25/2011 4:25:15 AM EDT
[#4]
take a look at    handmadeswords.com....... very well made and reasonable prices for looks they are all ok for actual cxutting the 1095 steel is very good. plus they have a daily special which has a good discount on price
3/25/2011 6:21:08 AM EDT
[#5]
Dynasty forge.
3/25/2011 6:45:47 AM EDT
[#6]
Cold Steel sucks. They are a katana in look only, with all the balance of a piece of rebar. They are durable, but beyond that.. Eh
Look at Dynasty Forge or Hanwei, they are making the best blades on the market in that price range. For the ~$250 range, the Dynasty Forge Musha series or the Hanwei Raptor series are gold. If I were working around 500, I'd hold out for a Dynasty Forge Bushi or Hanwei Great Wave/Bamboo Mat. If you are really patient and willing to buy used, haunt the sword forums and you can probably pick up a nice Bugei, higher end Hanwei or Dynasty Forge Daimyo class. If you want to order something direct from Dynasty, shoot me a PM and I know a coupon code for 15% off anything they sell.
Any of the ones I've mentioned will hold up to Tameshigiri quite well. Fork out some money for a Kendo club membership too, you'll be glad you did.
 
3/25/2011 9:56:07 AM EDT
[#7]
+1 on Dynasty Forge
3/25/2011 2:36:58 PM EDT
[#8]
Rob Criswell sword.
3/25/2011 10:07:30 PM EDT
[#9]
It's tape!
3/26/2011 7:40:15 AM EDT
[#10]
Any opinions on Cheness?
5/21/2011 7:48:57 PM EDT
[#11]
Rob stopped making blades a long time ago due to carpel tunnel....
5/21/2011 8:20:05 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
Rob stopped making blades a long time ago due to carpel tunnel....


He actually started up again.  That rumor was going around in 2005.  

http://www.criswellswords.com/



5/22/2011 6:39:49 AM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
Rob Criswell sword.


This or Henwei Forge practical katana +
5/30/2011 10:51:35 AM EDT
[#14]
It was just what he told me is all....hadn't seen his blades out there for quite a while....seems that this company carries his blades....I do not know if they are current tho...
5/30/2011 4:16:04 PM EDT
[#15]
The latest I could pull up on him was between  2008-2010 with a forum post from his wife or someone who knew him.  They said he just slowed down for a bit.  He never completely stopped.  I think it'd be hard to stop if you have the bug in you.  Might take a while to put one out,  but I could see a determined guy work around an injury.
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