$60-$500 Katana Buying Ramble and Suggestions

[@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

[@jamesR1990]

The reason is it's a niche of a niche. The content is FANTASTIC! But this is largely educational rather than just mindless entertainment. Such channels are normally smaller but real gems when you find them.

[@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.

[@utubepunk]

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

[@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!

[@justauser6229]

My first sword is the exact 50$ sword you reviewed from musashi and after nearly 11 months of practicing with it at least once a week. doing light cutting once in a while its still in great condition. 👍

[@yamo3649]

What website did u get it from?

[@SantaBeige]

Can you send the link where you buy it?

[@ChildofGod990]

Very well done and detailed analysis. Appreciate the effort you put into this. It has helped me greatly.

[@miteshmehta6646]

Thanks!

[@Matthew_Jensen]

You bet!

[@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!!!...

[@gushlergushler]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@2KDUDE22]

You deserve those extra subscriptions! Great job as always.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thanks. Kind of you to say.

[@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

[@UnqualifiedDreams]

3 yrs later and I want you to know as a first time buyer your still the goat 😀

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@HeWhoOvercomes]

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

[@-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

[@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

[@petepete66]

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

[@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 😎

[@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✊

[@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!

[@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!

[@elvensteen1]

Great video for the beginners Matthew! Best regards from a fellow Kompletely Katana follower.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Thank you.

[@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-

[@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

[@aristotleoracles1457]

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

[@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??

[@JS-ed2hg]

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

[@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!

[@OccultNoir]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@rockfieldlangley1955]

Awesome info man! Very helpful.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Glad to be of service.

[@DRWTable]

I would love to see more videos on Katanas. I just had my first custom Katana made. The look of it is from a dark era. It's plain and simple with an all black handle a 1095 clay tempered steel blade with hamon and a HM-10 design. The Fuchi & Kashira is all black no design. Habaki/Seppa is brass, TSUBA is all black no design, and no menuki. I wanted this Katana plain and a dark feel but beautiful.

[@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.

[@ervinstankovic2462]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@rbrad0]

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

[@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.

[@jeff-hc8ux]

Wooo! happy for you and all your new subs!

[@DrNikolaiLee]

This video was very informative! Amazing job!

[@TheReviewPigeon]

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

[@fightpsych]

Amazing details! Thank you for sharing.

[@katana24]

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

[@richardpierce7819]

I'm 5'7" and find a 27 " blade very workable. Some of my swords are 1095 steel , that said I just ordered a Ruyigin Dragon sword made out of T-10 tool steel. Have I made any mistakes.??

[@AlienDemonic]

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

[@calebmalm2453]

16k!!! Already!!! Congrats

[@zenmaxer]

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

[@Katana-Karl]

I have several custom Jkoo/Sinosword in the kobuse construction and I had a commenter say on one of my videos that he could tell by looking at my blade it was not of kobuse construction. He said they have been found to decieve the customer because kobuse is too time consuming and difficult to make for the prices they offer. Have you heard this? And is there a reverse kobuse? Where the outer layer is softer and is wrapped around a hard core?

[@micahcampa]

you cant see kobuse on the edge it is on the spine so you could etch a spine of a kobuse blade and you could tell if it is

[@erichusayn]

Only one way to find out....

[@Katana-Karl]

@@micahcampa thanks he claimento see the lamination line on the side of one of my supposed "kobuse" katana.

[@Katana-Karl]

@@erichusayn haha! No way hozay

[@micahcampa]

@@Katana-Karl lol he does not know much if he think the can see it on the edge lol yes there is a reverse kobuse it is called wariha tetsu but never see a modern maker do it at least not in production market

[@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..

[@ervinstankovic2462]

Thank you for the great content!

[@savergon]

A lot of great information on swords. Thanks

[@str3ss529]

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

[@alexanderbattle19]

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

[@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.

[@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 .

[@JDBeastmode]

4:24 catlike reflexes there buddy 😂

[@blackwings7373]

Thank you Matthew, you were really helpful

[@kirivanyam5969]

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

[@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

[@artmercado1735]

oil is choji the only type of oil to use to preserve a blade, plus whats a good mat-cutting sword

[@quentinmac.5579]

How about the brand Shinwa? I’ve seen this brand in BudK catalogs snd they look really good, some I’ve thought about getting but never got around to but while watching this video I thought I’d pop the question about this brand (Shinwa).

[@livingsouthern9358]

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

[@tonyhoodlass1846]

Forged 1095 with Clay temper like's cloud's is Great or a budget 1060 is good starting out, folded Steel seem's heavy to me, i have a background in Martial Art's

[@roninlifting]

Good video. Subscribed.

[@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.

[@kimpanattoni]

The last katana and wakizashi combo I bought was very back in the ancient of days from Bugei Trading Co. and was a great set but life intervened and they were... well lost to bad circumstances and I mourn their loss but intend to purchase new ones down the road. Have you ever used their swords?

[@Matthew_Jensen]

Yes, they are mostly the same as higher end hanwei. Lots of videos of Hanwei swords that should give you an idea of what to expect.

[@kimpanattoni]

@@Matthew_Jensen: Cool. I remember one of my friends at Iaido back in the ancient of days was recommending them highly, and they used a lot of them in their classes and kata. The more advanced students, that is.

[@ianbaker1848]

Thank you very informative!

[@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

[@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 ?

[@daniellopezeverest]

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

[@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. 😅

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@johndoe5229]

If one were going for a bug out bag katana , used for well defense against all odds , what would someone go for? Nice video !

[@Matthew_Jensen]

katana are somewhat high maintenance items in the sword world. They can hold up quite well with proper care but the concept of bug out implies that may not be an option. Something like the tactical katana or the zombie tools version would probably be better.

[@johndoe5229]

@@Matthew_Jensen thankyou for your guided input! I’ve been shown the way with the training tool (boken)! Very helpful !

[@WhiteBoyizFresh]

​@@johndoe5229get a cold steel

[@iichiigo7751]

4:20 LITERALLY A HELICOPTER OF DEATH DEAR LORD. I can only imagine what was going through your mind watching back the footage and seeing how close that shave was - what sword were you testing there???

[@Matthew_Jensen]

It was a Ronin Hammer Forged series blade.

[@iichiigo7751]

@@Matthew_Jensen I'll definitely be checking that video out! Thank you for the reply - and the content. I used your video reviews to decide on what to get for my first ever katana and went with one of the Ronin Katana Dojo Pro series. Could not be happier! 😊

[@lazytongue8405]

Great video

[@jacostajr86]

What are good places to buy hand made katans. The old school way.

[@jamieadams7550]

Just got a diaho set from shadow dancer swords they are really good with working with me. They are the one s I rally like. The best $ 2000.00 I’ve payed for

[@damianticas9914]

Thanks for the great info

[@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.

[@rhysmilligan7934]

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

[@marshalldeleon7375]

What's your opinion on the Hanwei Tori elite XL?

[@erichusayn]

I'm not Matt, and I only own the practical elite, but for what it's worth, their elite geometry makes for an excellent cutter, definitely had to touch up the edge first though. Know several people that also love their XL geometry blades.

[@Matthew_Jensen]

I love the look of the Tori XL but I don't think the steel is great. The musashi XL or Practical XL seem to be more reliable blades for use.. The suede ito hanwei uses also does not hold up as well over time and gets full of gunk quick.

[@marshalldeleon7375]

Ahh, good to know. I was thinking about getting one, but there's not a lot of informative reviews on the durability. Thanks for the info.

[@erichusayn]

@@marshalldeleon7375 welcome. If you do, just make sure and get from a reputable retailer. Their QC has been slipping in recent years. Hopefully they would do a good job on one in that price range, but you never know.

[@marshalldeleon7375]

Will do, it's a shame because it is a beautiful sword. Especially for the price you would think it would be prettt solid.

[@IAMBabylonTheGreat]

Do you ever consider that you have probably cut with and destroyed more swords than most everyone who ever lived. At least you would be in the top 1%. Just an interesting thought. Love your videos. Thank you.

[@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 ???

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@LIONTAMER3D]

At that price? 1095 & properly fitted hardware is all you can ask for. Surprisingly, that seems to be asking for a lot, but it's doable

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@Native_love]

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