I’m in the market for a Japanese sword, but i don’t know what qualities to look for 
. Does anyone out there know?
These guys would know:
http://www.sevenstarstrading.com/
Do you want an antique or a replica?
Best to start out with a replica, because if you’re new to sword collectin, and you spoil an antique, it’s a crime against the art.
And here’s our most affordable.
You’ll find more at our forum sponsor www.martialartsmart.com
It depends on if you want a real sword or just a toy. I would suggest saving your money and buying a real sword.
There is a company in CA that has bought old railroad tracks from mongolia and flown japanese sword makers to CA to heat, fold and pound them into tradtional samurai temper.
They show blade on blade demos and cutting tests through hay, (not bodies anymore) but it is almost as acurate. So if you want a real sword order from here.They range from $1,500 to $10,000
Anything else like 420, 440, 680 stainless steel and all that garbage will be only for decoration and cannot be used to cut anything! These are meant for displays and halloween costums.
go to bugei.com if you want a sword! other wise dont buy one, you will only be dissapointed!
If its just a real sword you want, get one from Cold Steel (Lynn Thompson/Special Products). They are the best for the price I have found. They will send out a demo dvd of their products showing the tests performed for free.
As for what to look for, The site I posted is to not just sellers. The people who own it are very knowledgable about the weapons they sell & are not afraid to tell you what you want to know.
1 thing
Make sure the blade goes ALL the way down into the hilt. If not over time, or just from sheer force you will break it, possibly hurting someone in the mean time.
Slightly OT
> # Family heirloom sword stolen in Sacramento martial arts studio smash-and-grab
By Cecilio Padilla
March 31, 2026 / 8:55 AM PDT / CBS Sacramento
New security video has been released of the break-in at an East Sacramento martial arts studio over the weekend.
The incident happened early Saturday morning at Zen Martial Arts on J Street.
Staff says a family heirloom sword was taken in the smash-and-grab.
“It’s visible from the street and maybe it looked like the easy thing to get,” said owner Mike Oliver.
The sword that was stolen.Zen Martial Arts
The sword taken was a Wakizashi sword, staff says. The studio says they are willing to give a reward for information that leads to the sword’s return.
Sacramento police confirmed they responded to the studio for a burglary report. Crime scene investigators have processed the scene.
No information was available on a possible suspect, however.
