Buying truly authentic handmade blades
If you’ve been looking at handmade swords and ever thought about buying a new one (I’m talking about a real handmade sword that you can really use for cutting exercises, not just to hang on the wall) you’ve probably have several questions.
There’re plenty 
out there to choose from but there are a few key things to look for in a quality blade.
The most important thing is that you get a blade that has been forged using traditional construction methods and had authentic parts.
A sword like the Katana. These are high quality and highly prized blades and you surely can’t lose with Katanas.
Take the Thaitsuki Nihonto swords, they’re forged using a 400 year old family method, and you can normally find them for under $1000, however people are realizing more and more that they are very high quality swords, so their prices probably won’t stay low for very long.
Here are a few qualities to look for in a quality handmade sword. An authentic sword should be at least a high carbon steel forge blade (like the Katanas swords) or a folded steel blade. A stainless steel blade is not a blade that is forged using traditional construction methods and should only be used for decoration. Many of them look really nice, but they absolutely must not be used for any type of cutting exercise.
How to Make a Japanese Sword: Forging a Katana
If the blade is not made from a high carbon forged steel or folded steel then it’s most likely just stainless steel. When purchasing your authentic handmade sword, make sure that the blade is forged high carbon steel or folded steel. Many companies will tell you that they can sell you a quality item made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is fine if you’re only going to hang it on the wall but it’s not the real thing made using quality forging methods.
Take the Paul Chen Shinto Katana. It’s a fine sword made from traditional claying methods that make it nearly impossible to break, it’s a fine and truly authentic. Paul Chen swords are some of the best you’ll find for the money. 
You can literally get a sword made using traditional construction methods and authentic parts for around $300.
Many times people are surprised that the sword they paid so much money for isn’t really what they were made out to be. So in your search, choose wisely making sure that the conditions listed below are met by whoever is retailing the blade. As a matter of fact it is always advisable to buy your swords from really well established sellers or sellers with reputations.
Many times people have gone on sites like Ebay and bought what they thought were good handmade swords only to be shocked at what they got. Anyway listed below are what you should look for.
What to look for in a blade:
1. Can be used for cutting exercises
2. Has a quality blade
3. Forged using traditional construction methods
4. High carbon steel forge or folded steel
Click here to see some authentic handmade swords.
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