$60-$500 Katana Buying Ramble and Suggestions

This is a video for folks looking to buy a katana from the $60-$500 range. This video makes an attempt at some recommendations for people looking to buy a katana and gives an overview of some of the available options commonly found in swords.
The majority of the video focuses on mass produced swords out of China.
Good spot to buy swords:
www.kultofathena.com/
Recommendations:
These are all off the shelf models that have impressed me in terms of durability and value for the money. None of them are perfect but all of them have been worth the asking price in my opinion.
$60 - Musha 1045 Katana
www.kultofathena.com/product/...
• Musha Musashi $50 Prac...
$130 - Ronin Katana RK #13
roninkatana.com/samurai-sword...
• Ronin Katana Entry Lev...
$260 - Hanwei Practical XL
www.kultofathena.com/product/...
• CAS Iberia Practical P...
$300 - Ronin Dojo Pro
www.kultofathena.com/product/...
• Ronin Katana Dojo Pro ...
$330 - Hanwei Raptor
www.kultofathena.com/product/...
• CAS Iberia Raptor Kata...
These are the customization sites I have worked with. My experience has been different because each of them knew I had a KZbin channel. There have been pros and cons to each.
I think JKOO has the best pricing but the feedback I have heard suggests they have the most challenging website to use and have more mistakes than others. They still make good products at a good value but you will want to be sure you specify exactly what you want.
www.sinosword.com/
Swords of Northshire seems to have the best hit rate in terms of getting orders right and I think the website is the easiest to use. You pay a little more but the service seems worth it.
www.swordsofnorthshire.com/
Ryansword has been somewhere between the two. They also have a tarnished reputation in the sword community for reasons that are not entirely related to the quality of product they produce. My experience with them has been positive overall.
www.ryansword.com/
General recommendations -
Get a sword you are not afraid to use and then use it! For a good value on a durable sword, I recommend a through hardened 1060-1095 blade. They tend to be the most reasonable in terms of budget.
When you get a sword, it is not a bad idea to lacquer the handle. You can get spray lacquer at a hardware store. You may also want to add a dab of glue to the kashira (end cap) to make sure it stays on. Most of these sub $500 swords have mediocre handle construction. It is common across the majority of swords in the market.
This video might have some tips
• Katana Repair: A Crap...
Nate V did a good job giving some more general tips.
• What Sword Should I Bu...
Other Ramblings about what to buy from me..
Top 3 katana - • Ramble Time: Top 3 kat...
What is a "custom" - • What is a "Custom" Kat...
What sword should I buy - • What sword should I buy?
Also if you don’t want to buy products from China but are still on a budget, then TFW and BCI both offer swords made in the Philippines. They cost a bit more but have been good products overall.
Link to the new facebook spot - / matthewjensenswordreview
Link to the new patreon spot - / krunan
Link to my ebay sales page - www.ebay.com/usr/krunangree

[@Cerberusarms]

Great video man, glad people are finding your channel. You definitely deserve the subs!

[@jefesalsero]

@Halley Rodrigo Try using your new Katana to hack your gf's stuffed Teddy Bear. 😁🗡💥

[@stevenfriedman2902]

Honestly Just getting into both of your channels. Started watching Matthew first but then your vids were popping up in my recommendations so I started watching you as well. Was really cool hearing you mention him and now seeing the video he mentions you back!

[@Yellow.1844]

Congrats, no reason for you to have a low subscribers count, the content is amazing

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@beepboop204]

@@Matthew_Jensen

[@KF1]

One thing to mention about cotton ito is that it shrinks over time with changes in humidity etc, so it will actually get tighter and less likely to be a problem than the synth silk. It also absorbs oils from your hands, self-lacquering into a very disgusting (to anyone else) and very functional wrap. It also has just the right amount of friction, synth silk often being way too aggressive. Ok, that's three things, but hey, whatever.

[@rbrad0]

really enjoyed this ramble of yours. thank you for the information

[@Satori630]

I am happy to hear your channel is getting more attention. It is definitely well deserved. Thanks for all of the content you have made over the years.

[@ervinstankovic2462]

Love your videos! Awesome information and you are a great speaker

[@Ch3kThat]

Good on your for recognizing the influx of new viewers and creating a video to cater to those specific questions! Keep up the good work

[@katana24]

very informative video, thank you for taking the time to explain it to us

[@redsnake93]

One of my favorite channels. Glad your subs are catching up to the quality

[@krisnaputraperdana8468]

Not only your insights are always great for a fresh enthusiast like me (and I highly value them), your video image quality and lightings are excellent! Thank you as always Matthew sir.

[@utubepunk]

Only halfway through & just leaving a comment for the algorithm! Solid work as always, Matthew.

[@BlazeLeeDragon]

Awesome video you are easy to listen too, give good options without pushing opinions and don't sound like you are talking down to anyone. Great stuff!

[@-ius-6502]

Thank you for this amazing informative video; I am new to this and have been looking online but there’s so many and I don’t know 💩… Thank you for taking the time to make this

[@aristotleoracles1457]

this video was super informative and i have been collecting Katana's for 30 years or more easy. Thanks and thumbs up!!

[@evilagelist3089]

I've been a sword need/friend since I was a kid of 15. You said nothing I didn't already know but it was really entertaining. You deserve more subs. I'm gonna share with a friend.

[@Sicsicka]

I like your channel great info watching your videos I ended up here after a stupid 440 stainless purchase that broke wish I found you sooner. This man is humble but you can tell he loves his swords✊

[@fightpsych]

Amazing details! Thank you for sharing.

[@gushlergushler]

It is very nice to see you get some more recognition.

[@jefesalsero]

Really enjoying your channel! I'm a newbie who recently discovered the world of Katanas by way of my fairly new WWII-era military firearms collecting hobby - decided to purchase some WWII Shin Guntos and that started me down the rabbit hole and expanding my interest into Katanas in general. Learning a great deal from your channel. Recently purchased an entry-level Katana from Lyuesword and another entry-level model from Murasame. Happy cutting!

[@bryanleon812]

Well done. The informative & simplistic language used in this video (including your personal preferences) are of "eye-opening" value. One sword, with so many individual components to consider! Well done. And thank you 😎

[@peterv3216]

Hi Matt, long time follower here. Thank you for the video as always! I bought a kanmuri-otoshi tantō from jkoo last year and I'm very satisfied. My next piece of steel is going to be one of the high end Huawei katanas. I like their tsuka shape better as opposed to CAS hanwei ones. Thank you again for these videos. Keep them coming.

[@JS-ed2hg]

Thank you so much for your knowledge, I also truly respect your style from the beginning 3 minutes alone.

[@zenmaxer]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. Very informative and useful video.

[@2KDUDE22]

You deserve those extra subscriptions! Great job as always.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thanks. Kind of you to say.

[@MCMLXXVII-]

thank you for taking your time to create content for those, like myself, that need realistic information for a realistic battle ready instrument, most importantly saving us time allowing us sound decisions in overall quality. Your passion for this beautiful, necessary artform made from war is what will continue to draw more and more people to your content. As a new subscriber I look forward to new content as well as going through everything you have already created. Keep it up! All the best to you and yours.-E-

[@DrNikolaiLee]

This video was very informative! Amazing job!

[@dimaschine8838]

Thanks a lot for your content. I found your channel recently and already learned many usefull things. Im about to by my first sword, cuz my teacher told me that everyone who is practicing swordsmanship should have one and this video was very useful.

[@SouperAsH]

I don't have the words to express how refreshing it is, seeing a video where the commentary is not censored. Real talk, common sense, and raw truth.

[@jeff-hc8ux]

Wooo! happy for you and all your new subs!

[@OccultNoir]

Thank you for making this in layman's terms. This helped immensely and I will share it.

[@savergon]

A lot of great information on swords. Thanks

[@TheReviewPigeon]

Great video bro, thanks for the no bs tips for a newbie in the katana market like me

[@JoeSteel1]

Matt, Well deserved channel sub count...Great video, always great information, all good advice, well done...agree with the Ronin DoJo pro & raptor series for well built durable swords

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Much appreciated!

[@str3ss529]

Really excellent video man!!! thank you very much!!

[@blackwings7373]

Thank you Matthew, you were really helpful

[@WhatIfBrigade]

I first bought a very cheap Musha katana for my teenager who was in Kendo and a year later bought a matched Ronin Katana scratch and dent Katana Dojo Pro #2 Samurai Sword and a Dojo Pro Wakizashi #1. Honestly happy with the value of both purchases. Especially the scratch and dents from Ronin Katana. Highly recommend for beater swords!

[@not-a-raccoon]

Yours is my favorite sword channel. I have a few pieces (two on the way) that you haven't reviewed on your channel before. One is a HuaWei Unokubi Zukuri, and one is a Balaur Arms type XIV arming sword. If you're interested in reviewing them, I live in St Paul so it would be pretty easy to get them to you.

[@daniellopezeverest]

Awesome video Matthew! Thank you for sharing! :-)

[@ervinstankovic2462]

Thank you for the great content!

[@kirivanyam5969]

Thank you for your advice on the topic of beginner's sword guide. 😀

[@barearms7598]

Excellent video. I educated myself when I started but knew knife steels and properly treated 1095 like Tops knives is a terrific all around usable steel.

[@southerndime333]

new subscriber here. youtube recommended me to come your way. i enjoy your content , so, thank you for your time and effort making these videos.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Welcome aboard!

[@Adrian-lo4bx]

Great Information! U covered all of my main questions regarding blades, made the purchasing of one so much easier. Thanks man !

[@ericschmiedecke7367]

Stumbled across your vids yesterday and have been going through the vast majority of them pertaining to "functional" Katana. I thank you greatly for the enjoyable "rambling". I also appreciate the work you do to show what the blades you test are capable of and to impart your experience with these swords. I was looking at a Hanwei Practical Plus Elite to start my cutting/tameshigiri learning and, after watching your videos, I am leaning now toward a Ronin Dojo Pro. I already have respect for the blades from Iaido practice so no need for the $50 "learn what I can whack" blade, but still need something that will be forgiving with my beginner cuts into an actual target (ie mats). When I get better and more confident in my strikes, I will likely move up to a Tori Elite. I am now a subscriber :-)

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

Those cheaper 50$ blades can still be useful in learning things related to cutting even with respect for the blade. However the fact you have respect for the blade does mean you can spend more to start. I'd say figure out a budget route you're willing to spend on where you can get a mono tempered sword and a clay tempered one. Ones that are rather similar to each other. Beaters are still useful for certain times. But having a blade that bends is also useful.

[@excalibur3311]

If you're looking for something ideally accommodating and forgiving for bad cuts, look into getting a blade made of 5160 Spring Steel. Spring Steel is highly flexible and will do a considerably better job retaining its shape versus the Carbon Steels after performing a bad cut on a hard object or surface. Further note: If you're going to spend sub $1500, don't get a blade made of folded steel, just get a well known and respected model like Hanwei's Bamboo Mat - it's well liked in the sword community for cutting and tameshigiri.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

@@excalibur3311 I'd suggest motohara over hanwei but valid points.

[@roninlifting]

Good video. Subscribed.

[@JoeSteel1]

For your viewers, Regarding Jkoo...there are many more customizations you can make and request on custom swords that are not listed on the options via Email, they are very helpful and open minded to your requests, like wideness of blade, amount of Sori and many more specifics...

[@katananoob5117]

I ordered a katana from jkoo and they sent me the wrong saya, they did send a new saya after arguing with them a little but the new saya doesn’t really fit well. The first saya they sent looked used.

[@JoeSteel1]

@@katananoob5117 sorry to hear that the importance is that they will attempt to correct your issues...for sure...they are a private forge...thats good in one way but they can get overwhelmed

[@katananoob5117]

@@JoeSteel1 Im pretty happy with the sword and I can make the saya fit a little better but overall I really like it. Ill probably buy more from them.

[@zephaniah4531]

@@katananoob5117 how long does a jkoo katana take to ship??

[@shanewright344]

Good vid Matt! Very informative 👍 I know you mentioned some vendors in the video, but I just want to reiterate for new sword buyers that online vendors such as Ryan Sword, Swords of the Northshire, and JKOO do not actually manufacture the swords they're selling. The swords are functional "imitations" of Japanese katana swords, using a variety of modern steels, and they are manufactured/forged in China - not in Japan. This doesn't mean that they are inferior blades, it just means that they are not authentic Japanese swords that have been forged using traditional Japanese smithing methods, materials, and iron ores. Japanese katana that have been forged in Japan using historically accurate (traditional) smithing methods are considered national treasures, and getting one can be very difficult, and very expensive - some of these swords have a price tag of $10,000 or more. So, if you're new to sword buying, and you don't have a lot of money to spend, online vendors like JKOO and Swords of the Northshire are great alternatives for the average buyer. They're affordable, the swords are functional, their customer service is great, and they provide plenty of options that allow a person to customize the look and performance of a blade.

[@jeellisse2553]

Thanks for the tip

[@shanewright344]

@@jeellisse2553 You're very welcome

[@DedicatedSpirit8]

You have incredible potential for deadpan jokes every once in a while. You made a comment "People online wracking stuff with swords." Something about the delivery was funny af

[@saberserpent1134]

Ryansword 1095 monosteel shinogi-zukuri: 6 years cutting and counting. Ronin Dojo Pro 1060 monosteel "doutanuki": 8 years cutting and counting. In short, I concur, sir. I would add for buyers planing to cut, to opt for a semi-polished option if possible, as the inevitable scratches show less than with a high-polish finish. Great vid!

[@eyewatchhentai4447]

Great vid!

[@ianbaker1848]

Thank you very informative!

[@damianticas9914]

Thanks for the great info

[@calebmalm2453]

16k!!! Already!!! Congrats

[@AlienDemonic]

Great information about swords u the best on KZbin great video. What is an best sword for the zombie apocalypse.

[@RadTradX]

I’m glad I found this guy I’m brand freaking new to swords and knives and this has helped a lot because I would commit harakiri if I spent a bunch of money in a shitty katana.

[@Blindy_Sama]

I recommend and also sell knives on the side myself and I often get the same question about apocalypse or this or the other and people seem to be dumbfounded by the Majesty of the magical katana. I usually look at them smile and tell them to go buy a cold steel sword machete because they're made out of pretty tough steel and they can take a beating or any reputable tactical sword made out of the right types of steel. Of course most people still have the heart set on katana so I generally them ask them what their budget is and go from there. Also, what they actually plan on doing with the sword including if they're going to be whacking stuff in their backyard what they're going to be whacking and the do's and don'ts of basic sword stuff which some people seem to still think that in this day and age you can still cut through a solid 2 x 4 with one stroke with a magical mythical katana or any other magical mythical sword for that reason which I tell them very plainly they're going to be severely disappointed in and out some money if they try.

[@deniskochnev4189]

Amazing guide!!!!

[@shannonwolf2736]

You answered a bunch of questions I had, thank you. Great video as always. What do you or your viewers recommend for sharpening these types of swords, I.e. belt grinder, ceramic stone, etc... ? It would be a learning curve for me no matter what.

[@MiguelReyes-yl3bp]

Straight up water stone, it can be done. I have done so with a traditional tanto I bought on Amazon, because it was dull, maybe needed a good strop. I was able to do it the right way, there are many videos on how to do this.

[@jeffbaade3521]

I’ve had a couple very nice usable swords from Kurt of Athena. Cold steel 2 handed broadsword and Knights of Templar repro broadsword. Both 1060 and came very sharp and very good quality .

[@erichusayn]

Excellent video. Helpful as always. Great video for the new guys. Hahahaha. Im one of those geometric yokote guys. Not a deal breaker, but i much prefer geometric.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Give it time sir..

[@lazytongue8405]

Great video

[@rhysmilligan7934]

I am about to buy a sword and your videos have been the light in the katana confusion

[@battlearenatoshinden]

Wonderful video.

[@alexanderbattle19]

The Like/Dislike Ratio Displays How Amazing This Video Is. Awesome Video Man. THANK YOU! 🙏

[@justiceforall6412]

Very good and useful content, thank you

[@MaaZeus]

Regarding Unokubi Zukuri, I can see that shape be beneficial if you have to do a lot of one handed fencing. There is a lot of material removed from the spine of the blade so not only is it lighter the point of balance should be pushed closer to the tsuba too, which usually makes sword feel more agile and nimble. At the cost of some chopping power, obviously. That is always a trade off. Anyway, might be handy if you are a one handed amputee swordsman or you practice some Niten Ichi Ryu style dual wielding and feel like normal katana is too cumbersome for one hand. 🤔 I have actually ordered a semicustom Unokubi Zukuri katana from one of these Lonquan sellers (Tsunami dragon to be specific) so when it arrives, I definetly want to feel how it feels like in one hand. I even took it without bohi so there is more mass around the Tsuba. Dunno if that invalidates the experiment though because you ususlly see Unokubi's WITH a bohi. 😅

[@niceone170]

Perfect timing, Im just about to buy a sword in this price range

[@guloguloguy]

WOW!!!!!! THANK YOU, MATTHEW!!!! IT'S REALLY NICE TO HEAR YOUR EDUCATED, EXPERIENCED OPINIONS, AND COMPARISONS, BETWEEN VARIOUS SWORDS, ESPECIALLY COMPARING ORIENTAL, vs EUROPEAN SWORDS!!!...

[@bwest8372]

I wish I would of seen this before i bought my first 1 lol I'm pretty good after I've studied steels and different things i know what to buy now. I recently bought a T10 steel katana for 169 it's pretty nice. My first 1 was a 1060 zatoichi blade but the handle was glued i wanted a katana to take apart.

[@varun009]

Just bought the musha practical katana. I've mentioned this here and there, but you're right in saying that if nothing else, they're great project swords. Great to practice your wrapping and metal engraving (more accessible than ceramic cast iron). Can't wait for it to get here. My brother basically wants a wall hanger he can show off.

[@c2lhu]

Thank you for your work! You're my go-to place for reviews and information. I was wondering do you have any experience with japanese made shinken? Not antique, newly made. How do they compare to one of those good ones made from these manufacturers that you mention?

[@t10claytempered16]

Good to see ya' using colorful adjectives for destroying a knife. I collect and am addicted to Ko Katanas and would like to see you enjoy destroy. The speed and ease is awesome

[@BassWhoopinFishingTeam]

Really great video. I was also recommended a Ronin Dojo Pro by someone who trains regularly. He spoke very highly of them and said they are a great “bang for your buck,” katana. I have a few cheap ones i got strictly for display that just aren’t really meant for use nor do i really trust them but they look good on the rack. I wanted to grab a few to use and swing around so Ronin seems to be a good learning option. My question to you is what would be the best katana to buy for right around $850? And is there a law of diminishing returns with katanas? Like a point where you pay more for fancy parts and looks over the functionality of the steel?

[@backstabber3537]

Appreciate it, brother...

[@michaelbarr9139]

I think you covered everything. The only other thing i would bring up is don't expect to get genuine nihonto quality for $400. You'll get something that's very nice and functional but it's not going to be perfect. They almost never are. Even when you're paying a couple thousand.

[@thumperlockpicking9269]

Really beautiful collection of swords you have. My question is what are the difference tips on a Katana. I see them with the regular type tip,then I see them with a Tanto type tip. What are the Tanto Katana call ???

[@ShowemRight]

Wow, I learned a lot, your like the Mishaco of Katana's on KZbin.

[@notanotherswordreviewchann4901]

I use the theory of car machinists, the more parts or methods it needs, the more problems that can go wrong and things fail. Less is best. Doesn't mean it can't look nice, but the more that goes into it the more that can go wrong.

[@weaponman3872]

What is your opinion on blade curvature, a more curved blade should add more pressure on cutting surface right? And it should also help the blade slide down the draw instead of “chopping” like a straighter blade should do. Do you have a tachi ?do you have a katana with a false edge ?

[@sullythepankake9663]

I'd like to get one mainly for wall art. I've spent 8 years (2 years retired) in martial arts and I want to get a sword and I'd like to get back to the sport. For an o shit moment I grab the strap, I'd prefer not to bring a knife to a gun fight

[@tem_anu]

I have a ryan. Bought from ebay bout 6 years ago. Its nice. Really nice blade. Wrap is super tight. Little short for you only 27.5. No bohi. Idk I don't like them on katanas

[@joshmccool7345]

Hello the 9th guard you didn’t like so much stating it looks muddy do you recall the blade it belonged to or is it just a generic guard?,just bought a sword with the same guard but no history. Interesting video. Thank you

[@meowmeow147]

I purchased a tanto with a red blade and it looks amazing. Got it for home protection since I’m in a small space a tanto works better for me compared to a katana. For people curious what a red blade tanto looks like, I got it from True Katana and serial number of the tanto is TK-JP-XY20106.

[@Native_love]

Awesome video! What type exactly would you choose to cut multiple heads off of zombies? Asking for a friend. 😀 Subbed!

[@VolkXue]

I'm looking for something that's more homage to my love of Samurai culture. I want something as close to traditional and functional as i can get for the price but for the most part it will be a display piece. There's just so many companies and it's hard to tell what's reputable for authenticity. I imagine i would use it more for kata than cutting but i do still care for both functions

[@kygent508]

Ordered a sword from sinoswords was expecting to get it in Dec but with ships sitting off shore it may be next summer 2022.

[@JDBeastmode]

4:24 catlike reflexes there buddy 😂

[@hvskyline1368]

So I heard from someone you need to spend at least 500 dollars on a katana for it to be actually trainable with safely like for yourself where the balance is proper not too tip heavy and stuff as a practitioner where would you go as a certain price point just to get a feel for katana you can do everything with and any suggestions? I’m wanting to do kata I want to cut with it doing tameshigiri practicing drawing and sheathing etc just a good all around blade

[@pauly51]

Thanks for info. What about the company Skyjiro? For 300 to 600 range

[@richardbulaon796]

Hi Matthew, been supporting your video or actually learning from it. I hope you can recommend which I think you can I am in the Philippines. Where can I buy an Iaito or Katana between $50-150 where I can ship it here in Manila and how much will it cost?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

When it comes to sales outside the US I do not have a lot of insight. Sorry I can't help more.

[@petepete66]

Please… do you know the Fudoshin odoiro practical katana Naturell … is this a good choice ? .. thx

[@kimpanattoni]

May have been a kinda dumb question... but I am new to the channel and have not spent a long time digging through it for such a thing. :)

[@luffy_the_god8927]

So I’m pretty young and recently bought a katana and I’m wondering if I should get a cleaning set from mini katana if u have any sword cleaning kits to recommend it would be greatly appreciated

[@orvismaw1078]

Well I a Martial Artists (karatedo, Aikido, and Taekwondo) and my next blackbelt I want to get is in Japanese sword so I do want something I can cut mats with but also looks great on my wall but I like the look of the folded steel and I don't like a real thick Suka. What would suggest for this scenario?

[@lio88jian]

Broke my $400 Huawei on an old hard 2x2. It was one of the deep sori models, super gorgeous, but live and learn.

[@KF1]

Like it full snapped? Wow. What blade type?

[@lio88jian]

@@KF1 Differentially hardened T-10

[@KF1]

@@lio88jian damn

[@Theholyhamsandwich]

I was thinking of getting a replica of the Yamato from devil may cry 5, probably from hanbon forge or swords of the northshire, would I be able to use it or would it be more of a decorative peice

[@notsans9995]

What are some recommendations for higher tier katana in the sub$2000 range? Prefered if your given some choices in choose small details like ito color and same. I wanted to grab a citadel but theyve been out of stock for awhile.

[@yosiaplays6040]

If you have that much, then i recommend you to go for Skyjiro, they made good stuff

[@blackwings7373]

You mentioned about different type of blades material, can you please do one video which one has best performance, like which one is better T10 or 1095 clay tempered?

[@boomerisadog3899]

Thru-hardening is superior, when using modern steel. The only real benefit to deferential hardening with modern steel is that you get better edge retention but that also makes the edge more brittle. Personally, I think thru-hardened 1095 is better for a katana but I'm no expert.

[@livingsouthern9358]

Where did you get the scabbard with the ray skin on it. I really like it time stamp 41.00

[@shady80s22]

so can we agree that the king of the sub $300 range is the Ronin Dojo Pro? If so, are the scratch and dent versions worth it?