Collecting katana swords is a rewarding and profitable hobby. They are very expensive and usable art. What that means is that you can hang your katana swords on the wall and take them down for aikido, which is a form of martial arts. You will need to decide if you want the 'real thing' - one that works and looks good, or perhaps just one to hang on the wall as an ornamental collection. If the latter is the case, perhaps a Japanese replica would be enough to start your collection off. Most of these replicas are far less expensive and easier to care for than the real thing.



If you are looking for a sword for practicing martial arts, you should first talk with your sensei to come up with the ideal sword for your level and style. Are you in a competition level or just beginning? The sensei will be able to help you or guide you in the right direction as to which katana is right for you. There are many manufacturers and resellers of swords specifically made for practicing combat and aikido.

You need a list of properties to look for if you are going to get a katana for martial arts. Such properties include the way the sword is made so it won't break during a competition battle or during practice.

The Real Japanese Katana -

If you have your heart set on a real Japanese katana, they can be very expensive and take a lot of care. It may be worth the price, however, if you are beginning a collection just start with a reputable dealer. Do your homework - read everything you can and familiarize yourself with everything about the Japanese katana swords. You don't want to buy something and not know anything about it. Check to see if there are any knife shows or dealers in your area. They would be a great place to start your hunt for your first Japanese katana sword. There are also sword appreciation groups or collectors clubs that might meet in your area. Look for flyers about them and contact them as well for more information on collecting the katana sword.

Buying a Katana Sword Online -

The Internet is full of specialty sword collections, although, with your first purchase, it's wise to buy from a reputable dealer and one where you can see what you are getting. The online dealers are a good way to familiarize yourself with the various designs and styles of katana swords and to get a feel for prices and what exactly is out there. Investing in a book, magazine subscription or newsletter subscription about katana swords can help you learn more about them and stay up to date with the latest news on katanas. They are always filled with tidbits of information regarding the collection and re-sell of katana swords.

Getting to Know the Katana Sword -

So, before you buy a Japanese katana sword, talk to knowledgeable collectors, retailers, re-sellers, go to knife and sword shows, and find out everything you can about what you want to purchase. But don't purchase it just yet. Make sure you know a thing or two about the katana and taking care of it before you start your collection.

Use the Internet for research only until you know more about the katana and what they look like and feel like in person. Shop around and don't purchase the first sword you see. This is a big investment and you want to make sure you know what you are getting. Look at the resale value and what the benefits are.

There are katana swords that are called 'fixer uppers' that require more work than a novice might want to undertake as their first sword. Restoration is very expensive and there are a lot of pieces to the swords. There is also considerable risk associated with buying a 'fixer upper' because of counterfeit pieces floating around. A reputable dealer will sell you a good, first katana sword and you will be pleased with it instead of getting frustrated with having to piece it together and spend even more money.

Katana Sword Papers -

Some of the katana swords come with certification papers. It is a good idea to buy a sword with the papers. These 'in polish' papers means that one of the major organizations has confirmed the quality of the piece and the validity of the signature - if the piece is signed. To have a signed sword and to have it validated is important, especially for the beginner. In addition, it will make the piece much easier as a resell item in the future, giving the next buyer the same guarantee of quality.