r/iaido • u/More-Competition-603 • 17d ago

Any recommendations for a real katana (traditionally made)

Looking for a traditionally made katana, i don't care so much about the type of steel as long as it's a quality katana but i would like a budget friendly katana, not a fake one that can be sold for like 30 quid. A proper katana, i wouldn't mind even a name of a company that sells good traditionally made katana's.

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u/amatuerscienceman 17d ago edited 17d ago

If you mean a functional sword, not a traditional made in Japan one, Sword Buyers Guide and Ronin katana both make good functional (but in no way traditional) swords.

You want to avoid a sword that is stainless steel, or has rat tail or welded tang. Those traits will result in a sword that can explode in your face when you swing at something( I've seen people lose an eye that way). These decorative swords are pretty much worthless

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u/More-Competition-603 17d ago

The traaditional part is needed because i live in england and the law states i need it traditionally made

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u/amatuerscienceman 17d ago

You'd need at least 5,000 quids (idk how UK money works), in addition to any customs fees.

What do you actually want it for? A British style longsword may be easier to acquire, that or an IAITO, which is made of unsharpenable alloy

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u/More-Competition-603 16d ago

I personally think the longsword would be heaver and longer, so I'd lose control very easily compared to a katana, which is more balanced, in weight and length.