| Quick History of Samurai Swords | | | | Tang - The tang is the part of the weapon that is |
| The first use of Samurai Swords dates back to | | | | attached to the blade and inside the handle. If the |
| the 14th - 17th century when faster response | | | | sword is not built with a full tang, then it might |
| times dictated the need of having specialized | | | | look really good on the wall, but this is not a |
| swords for battle conditions. The unique design of | | | | functional, real sword that is capable of cutting. |
| these Samurai swords meant that a soldier could | | | | Manufacturer - If you are not able to touch and |
| use it as a draw-and-cut weapon with ease. | | | | hold the weapon that you are considering to buy, |
| These swords enabled the soldiers to attack their | | | | then it is always a safe bet to buy the katana |
| opponents in a quick fashion. | | | | that was built by a trusted manufacturer. |
| Though these main time periods account for the | | | | Manufacturers like Cas Hanwei, Cold Steel and |
| most documented eras from which Japanese | | | | Cheness are reputed names in this niche, so you |
| samurai swords hailed, it is believed that these | | | | can be sure of one thing if you buy one of these |
| ancient weapons dated as far back as 800 AD. | | | | brands - You will be adding an authentic, |
| Things to look at before buying Samurai Swords | | | | high-quality blade to your collection. These |
| online | | | | manufacturers are a small glimpse of a group that |
| Buying collectible blades online can be a painstaking | | | | symbolize the best practices, which are |
| process, but the pain has to be endured if you | | | | associated with the making of authentic Samurai |
| want to find the best possible weapon for your | | | | Swords. |
| collection. Here are some tips you might consider, | | | | Better Business Bureau - I have heard several |
| before purchasing a Katana online. | | | | customers say they have had bad experiences |
| The steel - Don't waste your time buying a blade | | | | buying swords online. This goes with any niche, |
| made of stainless steel. All authentic swords have | | | | however. The fact is that there are countless |
| been forged using carbon steel. And today's | | | | websites that are selling the same stuff. So some |
| weapons are no different. If you want a real | | | | businesses are fly-by-night. So how do you know |
| sword, buy one that is forged using carbon steel. | | | | about Joe's Sword Shop? Well, if all else looks |
| After all, it is the steel that makes these swords | | | | good, then go to the BBB website online and |
| stronger. Buying a sword made of carbon steel | | | | search for the business. Often, if other people are |
| ensures that you have a strong blade. | | | | disgruntled, there will be a paper trail. |
| Heat Treated - True swords have forged blades | | | | The fact is, there are some great stores online |
| that have been heat treated and tempered. If | | | | that give the sword collector an opportunity to |
| you find a carbon steel sword that has not been | | | | save some money. Many stores offer free |
| heat treated or tempered, then you have found a | | | | shipping as well. Once you do your homework, |
| carbon steel sword that is not a real sword. Do | | | | and find a good armoury, then you can rest |
| not buy it if you are looking for a genuine | | | | assure, they will appreciate your return business |
| collectible, that is capable of cutting. | | | | on your next purchase. |