Last Samurai Katana

QUESTION: First, thank you for your attention and help.

I buyed a sword in ebay:

http://www.download2ship.com/html/rek/262.htm

Blade Material: High Carbon Steel 1045
Blade Length (with Habaki): 28â€
Handle Length: 10.6â€
Overall Length (with Saya): 40.9â€
Weight (with Saya): 2.8 lb
Weight (without Saya): 2.3 lb
Blade: fully hand forged; heat tempered
Hamon (tempered line): distinct real Hamon hand polished on
Edge: razor sharp, hand sharpened by Japanese whetstone
Tsuka (handle): Genuine Shark Rayskin & Brown Japanese Cotton Ito (Braid) with Menuki (Ornament)
Tang: full tang with 2 Mekugi (peg); engraved with black smith’s signature
Saya (scabbard): black lacquered wood with black cotton Sageo (cord)

I want it for decoration mainly, but is dangerous to play it at bottles with water for example?

Thank you for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Jamie,

Actually - it is ALWAYS dangerous to do any test cutting. In theory, a really bad cut on a bottle can cause all kinds of possible accidents or injuries...

Personally though, as waterbottles are considered to be light targets, it should be ok. Most swords can handle them. But you want to make sure that the sword is structurally sound by carefully inspecting it before you even think about doing any cutting.

Stay safe and have fun.

- Paul