Top tips you can use to buy Samurai swords

There are several benefits to each samurai sword. Some are great for starting your collection while others are good for use during a form demonstration or as training aids. The good news is that you can make the purchasing process a lot easier by focusing on material and construction quality, appearance, and practical concerns. This page discusses the top tips you can use to buy samurai swords.

Identify the quality

You need to check the blade first before you decide to purchase Samurai Swords online. The best sword should have lightweight alloy like carbon steel or aluminum. It’s always a good idea to look for sturdy construction when it comes to the guard and handle. 

You should have durable handle wrap materials, though you can also choose to make your customized wrap after buying the sword. Besides, you should check that it has the finished or lacquered wood scabbards so that it can have a professional appearance and protect the blade.

That said, many samurai warriors used to carry two swords, but they usually used the longer one. The smaller sword was considered to be a ceremonial sidearm. Hence, it makes sense to purchase several swords to match your fighting styles. 

Choosing a size

You can find the standard contemporary katana swords that measure at least 40 inches. But some people may need a specific length or even combination of lengths depending on the practical application of the forms like disarming aggressors or fighting indoors. For example, you can find a daito that has 40 inches, shoto with 36 inches, and wakizashi with 29 inches. 

The sizes of these swords refer to the length of the samurai sword and are measured from end to end in a straight line. The length of the blade can also sometimes be listed. The blade of a standard 40-inch katana sword can be at least 27 inches to 29 inches.

Some samurai sword suppliers can offer items that have two numbers for a sword. For example, a sword can have the large size indicated as 29 inches by 40 inches. This means that the first number stands for the length of the blade while the second number is a measure from tip to butt end.

Training equipment

You can learn a samurai fighting style by practicing with bamboo or wooden swords. This traditional training equipment is considered to be safer than the metal swords to make it suitable for pairing sparring sessions or even routine form practice. You should also note that foam weapons are also another popular option. On the other hand, metal swords can be displayed in training areas, so you can take them out only during demonstrations.  

Bamboo, foam, and wooden swords can be adequate for practice situations. But some people also prefer to utilize metal swords during training. For example, iaido discipline focuses on unsheathing the samurai sword and placing precise strikes. Therefore, you need to learn the balance of a metal sword to master this technique.