FIND A SWORD SYSTEM RESULT:
"I hate to say it, but all Katana are starting to look the same to me.. Is there a more exotic katana out there that has a more unique blade or something other than just black and white fittings? I want something a bit different.."
Exotic Katana are starting to become more feasible these days as the market for Japanese swords under $300 gets increasingly competitive, and collectors especially are always looking for something 'just a bit different'.
Some choose to go with a more exotic style of blade, like the specialized Ronin Katana Dotanuki Blades, a very unique style of what is effectively an 'executioners Katana' and 'torso cutters' made famous by the series 'Lone Wolf and Cub'. But it is not just the blades of these exotic Katana that are so interesting, the fittings are exceptionally high quality (real silk ito, iron, etc) and there are several unique options, all priced from between $165 to $265..
But when it comes to 'different from the norm', nothing beats designing your own blade - and that is exactly what we have done with the SBG $330 Entry Level Custom Katana, which is a T10 tool steel blade with real hamon made to order! (You can read more about how this project came about here).
Another one that is such an exotic Katana it doesn't even APPEAR in our Japanese swords section is Cheness Cutleries Oniyuri - a tough as old boots 9260 Spring Steel blade that they are famous for with a long handle and short blade in a deceptively long saya.
While it is still a Katana, it is properly a Ninja weapon - designed to be drawn quicker than expected due to the shorter blade, and then weilded quickly like a short hafted polearm sword to overwhelm an opponent before they have time to figure out what is going on! Which certainly makes it qualify as a very interesting and exotic Katana (that when on display makes a good conversation piece too!).
Recommended Exotic Katana Reviews
"Dojo Pro Model #003"
Ronin Katana
PRICE: US$264
OVERVIEW: A hands on review of what to expect out of the box, and a look at what differeniates these swords from other sub US$300 beaters.
"SBG Entry Level Custom Katana"
Sword Buyers Guide Exclusive
PRICE: US$329
OVERVIEW:
Beautiful T10 tool steel blades in your choice of fittings, the final
result is limited only by your imagination! The review includes
extensive test results to ensure that these swords were up to SBG's
high standards.
”The Oniyuri”
Cheness Cutlery
PRICE: US$234 to $249
OVERVIEW: When sheathed, it looks like a normal Katana with a long handle. But when drawn it acts like a short hafted naginata! Very unique, and as you will see in this review, extremely tough and durable to boot.
With some of these much more unique, yet very high quality blades on the market currently, there really is no need to ever complain about 'boring' Katana ever again!
I hope that you have been able to find a good more exotic 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 an interesting and functional Exotic Katana
