A Beginners Guide to Buying Samurai Sword Sets

Like probably 99% of Japanese sword aficionados, my first experiences were with Samurai sword sets of the cheap/ornamental variety.

Unfortunately, many people don't know that there are some major differences between a functional Japanese sword and these Samurai sword sets, as can be clearly demonstrated in this rather amusing post here on Sword Forum International.

In this article, I'll be talking about the main differences between a functional Japanese sword and a purely ornamental sword like object.

But I'll also be taking a closer look at how to identify the best made Samurai sword sets that might be sturdy enough for at least some non-contact sword practice, as well as how much you should be paying.

Functional Vs Ornamental

Before I get started here, I'd like to point out that I have nothing against Samurai sword sets.

As a home or office decoration, it isn't necessary to spend a lot of money to get a really great looking set - and if displaying your swords is your only objective, it doesn't really matter if they are functional or not (though I'll admit displaying a functional sword set is a whole lot cooler!).

What bugs me is the combination of massively over inflated priced and when blatant lies are told about a swords functionality (such as "solid enough for actual use, but not intended for it") and my favorite example is the infamous home shopping network clip where an unscrupulous seller gets his just deserts.

(OW - Serves him right)!

Essentially, there are three major areas that separate a functional Japanese sword from an ornament: the type of steel used (and it's heat treatment), the structural integrity of the handle and (of course) it's sharpness.

Now bear in mind that I am referring to a live fully functional sword here that can be used for both martial arts practice and cutting. There is another class of Japanese sword called Iaito which is designed solely for practicing forms in a martial arts setting that are not sharp and can be made from zinc/aluminum or carbon steel.

And of course, there are also many more subtle differences that apply to the live steel blades - but for our purposes of separating the ornamental Samurai sword sets from the 'real thing' - these three characteristics will do fine.

First off, a real Japanese sword is made from high carbon steel sword, while the ornamental ones are usually made from stainless steel. But just as importantly, the steel needs to be properly heat treated to create a blade that is both flexible enough to withstand impacts and hard enough to hold a decent edge. The stainless steel blades of Samurai sword sets are generally brittle and will tend to snap on impact with a solid object (as the aforementioned home shopping network clip aptly demonstrates!)

Secondly, the handle needs to be sturdily constructed in the traditional manner - and area in which almost all Samurai sword sets fall down. Most ornamental swords have a rat tail tang, in other words a thin rod of steel welded to the blade that runs through the handle. You can see an excellent example of a typical rat tail tang of a wall hanger Katana compared side by side with a functional replica here at Sword Forum International.

Thirdly, it should come as no surprise that a major difference between a functional Japanese sword and a replica designed for display purposes is in the blades sharpness. A real Japanese sword has a blade with a single beveled edge (in other words, the two sides of the cutting edge meet smoothly), while sharp ornamental swords have a secondary bevel much like a knife.

It should go without saying that if a sword is sharp, but made of stainless steel and a rat tail tang, it should NEVER be used for cutting or even practicing martial arts forms as chances are that either the blade will shatter on impact (cutting) or the handle will crack open if you swing it around (much more likely).

Are Any Cheap Samurai Sword Sets Actually 'Functional'?

It wasn't so long ago that all cheap Samurai sword sets (and by cheap, I mean around the US$100 mark or less) were entirely stainless steel 'home shopping network style SLO's' - in other words - cheap and nasty.

However, one of the most innovative manufacturers of low cost but decent quality machine milled (as opposed to hand forged) blades - Musashi Swords - created a fairly decent three piece set Consisting of a heat treated, carbon steel Katana, Wakizashi (shortsword) and Tanto (dagger/knife) - while these Samurai sword sets may not have blades designed for serious, frequent cutting practice, they are a whole lot better than anything else on the market for around $100 bucks!

Musashi's Cheap Functional Daisho Set

The more discerning collector would probably want to create their own Samuari sword sets by combining a Wakizashi from Hanwei or Cheness with a similar full length blade, and this is even an option we have been offering for the SBG Custom Katana (pictured below).

I hope this information on Samurai sword sets has been helpful. To return to A Beginners Guide to Buying Authentic Japanese Swords from Samurai Sword Sets Buying Guide, click here.