Some people may not be opportune to own samurai swords in their life. For those who are lucky, buying one may be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Therefore, it is not something that should be taken lightly.
There are a lot of things to consider or look out for when buying samurai swords, especially if you’re a beginner. This is why you need a handmade swords expert so that you can get the best quality of products you can find in the market.
Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, here are some things to look out for during your purchase.
Factors to consider when buying Samurai swords
a. What is your aim?
You have to know why you’re getting a samurai sword before going to buy one. There are basically two reasons why anyone gets a sword- either for collection or martial arts.
If you’re using it for martial arts, then you should look out for one that has strong blades. If it doesn’t, it will just bend or break upon impact.
If it’s for collection, then you should meet an expert that will help you get the original ones.
b. Does it have a Tsuba?
Contrary to popular opinion, the Tsuba isn’t just an aesthetic feature of the sword. It is very functional. If you trace down to ancient Japanese history, all their swords were created with a Tsuba.
Why?
It prevents the holder from self-inflicted injuries. It is found between the blade and handle. Lots of traditional Japanese katana swords are produced with circular Tsubas for enhanced safety.
c. What is the metal like?
You just cannot afford to joke with the metal of your samurai swords. You just can’t.
Famous martial arts swords are often made with high-carbon steels, so it’s recommended that you get one made of it. It has more carbon than traditional steel, so it’s durable and stronger. However, you can also go for aluminum swords as they’re a cheaper alternative.
d. How much does it weigh?
The weight of the sword is another important factor. You don’t want to choose a sword that’s too heavy, as you can’t use it effectively in martial art practices. Although the weight of a sword largely depends on a lot of factors, the recommended weight is between 2 to 4 pounds.
That way, it is balanced and easy to hold.
e. What’s your style?
What style resonates with you?
The most popular sword is the katana because it has a curved single edge. It has been used for centuries. Another popular sword is the Korean jingum that pays lots of attention to detail.
f. How was the blade polished?
You have to carefully consider the blade polish. Some manufacturers try to be smart with the process by using mechanized and automatic processes, but it ends up in a roughly finished product.
Handmade sword experts in feudal japan understood the importance of polishing samurai swords after forging. They could spend over two weeks doing it. In today’s world, you can still see neatly forged samurai swords that are polished with natural stones.
