FIND A SWORD SYSTEM RESULT:
"I just want the toughest, most durable Katana you can get, for under $300. You know, something solid I can use to cut up a few trees and stuff! ;-)"
WARNING: Destructive tests of this manner are NOT recommended as standard test cutting exercises. These tests were conducted after careful examination
of the swords structure and blade geometry to determine probable breaking points. Swords were designed primarily to cut human flesh and bone, with a
little extra to deal with secondary unintended targets like armor, other blades etc. Breakages in battle were commonplace and if you attempt to recreate these tests,
no manufacturer in their right mind would cover you for damages!
Ever since the
review of Howard Clark's L6 blades on SFI back in '99, many have dreamed of owning a super durable Katana (though few had the patience to go on Howards waiting list or the means to afford the $8000 price tag)...
In the years that followed we have seen some new steel types from the likes of Cheness Cutlery with their 9260 Spring Steel flagship sword, the Tenchi Katana, and other models made from this steel such as the the SGC (Specialized Goza Cutter) - a true beast of a sword if ever there was one - both available for under $300.
But even an pretty average, run of the mill steel such as 1060 carbon steel can peform in a very similar way if it is heat treated right, especially if the sword is a little thicker and heavier than average - such as the Cold Steel Warrior, a very durable Katana with something of a 'bad boy' reputation.
While these sub $300 swords may be a lot tougher than the average 'beater', as much as we might like to dream it is so, no sword is actually completely indestructible - and they never were really designed for the abuse and torture testing we sometimes put them through on SBG..
Sure, we do sometimes cut off the odd sapling or tree branch every now and again, or cut into the edge of a 55 gallong drum as the case may be - but it's just a way to accelerate wear and tear and try to find any weak spots that may cause problems with repeated usage - it's not something ANY Katana (even a Howard Clark) was designed to do on a daily basis..!
But if you really must have a durable Katana that has the best chance of withstanding the odd bit of heavy usage every now and again, don't have $8000 to spend, and ALWAYS think safety first - well, below are the toughest sub $300 swords that I would personally want in my hands..
Recommended Most Durable Katana Reviews
"9260 Tenchi Katana"
Cheness Cutlery
PRICE: US$249 to $279
OVERVIEW: The
flagship of the 9260 monotempered line, the Tenchi is a traditional
Katana geometry that has a reputation for extreme durability. It might
not be the prettiest sword on the market, but it is a real workhorse.
"9260 SGC Series Katana"
Cheness Cutlery
PRICE: US$269 to $299
OVERVIEW: Same
durable blade as the Tenchi, but with an modern geometry designed for
heavy duty cutting. A beast of a thing.
"88BWK Warrior Series Katana"
Cold Steel
PRICE: US$299 to $549
OVERVIEW: While
it may be tip heavy and cumbersome, it is one of the strongest,
sharpest and meanest monotempered cutters on the market and extremely
thick and tough. Not to everyone's taste, but everyone should have one
just for the fun of it..
To get a better understanding of what are the differences between 9260 Steel, L6, 1060, etc - check out
this article on our sister site, 'Sword Steels 101'.
I hope that you have been able to find a good durable Katana that suits you.
If not click here to return to our Beginners Guide to Authentic Japanese Swords from the find a sword systems page on selecting a good Durable Katana
