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When investing in a real katana, it’s important to look for the best, whether it’s a $200 katana or a $5,000 one. Through conversations with numerous collectors, we have observed that a katana priced at $1,000 encountered similar issues to those found in more affordable alternatives. Some cheaper types even outperformed much more expensive swords, or despite how well they performed, they still had some issues.
However, there are a small handful of battle-ready katanas that are very well-priced, cut well, and are absolutely worth adding to your collection. Whether you are looking for a functional, budget-friendly katana or something to cut with all day, we’ve picked the best katanas.
- Best Overall: Shinto Katana
- Best for Heavy cutting: Watanabe no Tsuna
- Best Entry-Level: Kato Kiyomasa
- Best Mid-Range: Summer Lotus
- Best High-End: Kumagai Naozane
- Custom katanas
How I Chose the Best Katanas
One common issue with katanas, even from the same model, is inconsistent quality. For example, one user we spoke to had a misplaced mekugi, while another didn’t have this issue but had the same model with a loose kashira. In another case, a blade cracked during the first testing, while another didn’t get a scratch at all. To make sure our recommendations were solid, we gathered feedback from users who owned the exact same swords.
We looked at the sword’s strengths and identified any other issues it might have. Then, we checked whether these issues were widespread or specific to just one sword. This process is important because when many people share their experience with the same katana, you know better what you’re getting into. Finally, we selected the best katanas that cut well, showed no damage during testing, were well-constructed, and offered the best value for their price.
The Best Katanas: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Shinto Katana
Specifications
| Overall Length | 39 inch (99 cm) |
| Blade Length | 27 inch (68 cm) |
| Weight | 848 g |
| Handle Specifications | Wood, Tsuka-Maki, Rayskin, Cotton |
| Blade Material | T10 High Carbon Steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $820 |
Pros
- Traditional design
- Designed for heavy cutting
- One of Hanwei’s longest-standing and well-regarded models
- High-quality fittings
Cons
- Might be pricey for some
- No customization options
Shinto is a high-quality katana that features the best balance between functionality and price. Some also say that it is the best Hanwei katana. Over the years, Hanwei has been releasing Shinto in various editions and types, each with distinct features catering to different preferences and uses. However, the only edition they produce now is the standard edition (T10 Version).
Also called a dragon katana, it features a blade that is hand-forged, differentially hardened, and clay-tempered with a cool-looking midareba hamon. The blade also includes a bohi (groove). The handle (tsuka) is made of wood, wrapped in classic white samegawa (ray skin). To top it off, it’s bound with tight high-quality Japanese cotton. One of my favorite parts in a katana is the tsuba.
This one features a blackened iron tsuba with a cool gold-eyed dragon, detailed on both sides. Beyond its beautiful appearance, this is made for cutting. Based on the feedback we gathered, it cuts well and clean, and the blade holds up strong. To be honest, for some this may be pricey, however, considering its traditional design and since everything looks very well done and it functions well, it’s totally worth the price. A maintenance kit is included.
Best for Heavy cutting: Watanabe no Tsuna
Specifications
| Overall Length | 107 cm |
| Blade Length | 72 cm |
| Weight | 1150 g |
| Blade Material | Tempered 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $869.99 |
Pros
- The blade is made of hardened 1095 steel
- Perfect for heavy cutting
- Can be customized
Cons
- Pricey
Longquan swords have been famous for over 2,600 years for their exceptional quality, even supplying imperial families during the Qin and Han dynasties. This centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship continues today, producing some of the finest blades. The Watanabe no Tsuna, for example, is a handmade katana that showcases this legacy.
Watanabe earned the spot in our selection as the best katana for heavy cutting. You can also see this from its design. It features a deep koshi sori and a shinogi zukuri geometry. When cutting, a deeper koshi sori creates a stronger forward cutting angle, allowing the blade to bite into the target more effectively. The sori is 2.8cm at the deepest point while the kissaki measures 5.5 cm.
The blade is made of differentially-hardened 1095 high-carbon steel. Unlike most blades, this doesn’t include a bo-hi. This makes it slightly heavier and has a more forward balance point, so it will have more cutting power. The tsuba is made of alloy and is moderately elaborate. The fuchi, kashira, and menuki are copper with a flower-like motif.
Best Entry-Level: Kato Kiyomasa
Specifications
| Overall Length | 104 cm |
| Blade Length | 71 cm |
| Weight | 998 g |
| Blade Material | 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $265 |
Pros
- Hand forged 1095 high carbon steel
- Fully functional and battle-ready
- Durable for various cutting practices
- Affordable
- Option for engraving
Cons
- Tsuba is simple
When you get your first samurai katana, you often feel like pushing its limits and want to try cutting through different materials. And besides, you are not used to the motions or proper cutting techniques, and it may take you some time. During this time, you might damage the sword, and if you make this mistake with a sword that you paid much more for, you’ll end up regretting it, trust me.
Consider opting for an entry-level katana, particularly if you’re new to Japanese swords. Beginners in disciplines like Iaido and Kenjutsu commonly start with something basic to grasp the fundamentals. While the craftsmanship is more straightforward and the fittings are modest, this katana remains fully functional.
It’s suitable for cutting, martial arts practice, displaying, and even home defense if needed. The blade, crafted from hardened 1095 high-carbon steel, adopts an Unokubi-Zukuri style, tapering at the back and thickening towards the tip. Overall, with no significant flaws noted, this stands out as one of the top choices among entry-level katanas. As Paul highlighted in his review, it offers fantastic value for the price.
Best Mid-Range: Summer Lotus
Specifications
| Overall Length | 104 cm |
| Blade Length | 71 cm |
| Weight | 1134 g |
| Blade Material | 5160 carbon steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $392 |
Pros
- Not expensive
- Cuts well
Cons
- The handle may be thinner for some
Considering the price, both Shinto and Watanabe are considered mid-range katanas. If you want a mid-range katana and if the price is not a problem for you, I highly suggest those two. However, if you want a japanese katana that features a more elaborate design and is still budget-friendly, Summer Lotus is a very good option.
For most enthusiasts and collectors, mid-range katanas are the most popular because they somehow bridge the gap between entry and high-end katanas. They offer high performance while still featuring an elaborate design. To be honest, there are a lot of good katanas with a mid-range price. And a lot of trash. However, we made sure to pick one lower than $500 since we had two options already.
The Summer Lotus Katana is part of Dragon King’s series of themed katanas, designed to capture the essence of the summer season. The blade is forged from 5160 high-carbon steel. Compared to 1095, 5160 has less carbon, resulting in slightly lower edge retention. However, it’s significantly tougher than 1095. It can withstand more impact and is less likely to chip or break.
Also, it’s more flexible and resistant to bending. The only thing we found is that the handle is slightly thinner than most other types. I don’t think that is big of a problem; however, based on all reviews and conversations, it comes sharp and cuts very well.
Read: How to Sharpen a Katana
Best High-End Katana: Kumagai Naozane
Specifications
| Overall Length | 104 cm |
| Blade Length | 71 cm |
| Weight | 998 g |
| Blade Material | Tamahagane |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $3,689 |
Pros
- It’s made with premium tamahagane steel
- Natural hamon
- Shining apperence
- Fully functional
- Highly polished blade with detailed craftsmanship
Cons
- Pricey
If the question is what is the best katana, the answer would definitely be the Kumagai Naozane. However, before investing in such a piece, you should consider a few things. Now, this is an expensive sword. Suppose your primary goal is cutting practice (tameshigiri). In that case, modern alternatives like 1095 or T10 high-carbon steel will offer similar performance and be just as effective for learning how to use a katana or for other training practices without the high price tag.
A tamahagane katana, in my opinion, is more suitable for display or collection rather than heavy practice. Whether you are going to perform tameshigiri with this sword, cut bones, wood, or even test it against bullets, it will definitely offer the highest chance of passing the tests. However, I don’t suggest using this $3,689 sword just for cutting bamboo or bones.
Kumagai Naozane is a high-quality katana forged by Longquan swordsmiths following the purest traditional methods. First, iron sand is combined with carbon to create tamahagane, then the blade is forged, clay tempered, and polished with stones. You can clearly see the cloudy hamon. It lacks a bo-hi. The tsuka is wrapped in genuine black leather and white rayskin.
The saya is made of hardwood with light-brown colors, straight lines, and reinforced with buffalo horn. The tsuba is elaborate, not like modern tsubas but with a more refined and traditional appearance. It features a blade length of 71 cm, and it weighs nearly 1 kg without the saya. If you are a serious collector and the price is not a problem, this absolutely would be a unique and authentic piece to add to your collection. Remember, tamahagane steel is more prone to rust and requires regular care to maintain its condition.
Custom Katanas
In 2025, custom katanas are the most popular among enthusiasts and collectors, and for a few good reasons. First, who doesn’t want a one-of-a-kind katana. A custom katana allows you to specify nearly every aspect of the sword, from the blade length and curvature to the type of steel, the design of the fittings, and the materials used.
Besides the standard high-carbon steel used for swords, you can also choose the traditional Tamahagane—the same steel Japanese swordsmiths used back in the day. Second, you design it based on your purpose, ensuring it perfectly suits your needs. And finally, let the swordsmith work their art.
How to Choose a Katana
Use Case
Before buying a samurai sword, you need to know what you’ll use it for. If it’s just for display, there’s no need to spend extra on a real sword. A decorative katana with a stainless steel blade will look just as good on a wall. But if you want to practice cutting, you need a fully functional katana made of high-carbon steel and a full tang. Anything less could break and be dangerous. For martial arts like Iaido, a sharp blade isn’t necessary. Instead, a blunt, well-balanced sword is the right choice.
Steel Type
The type of steel determines how strong and sharp the blade is. A good balance between hardness and flexibility is important. 1060 carbon steel is a solid choice for beginners because it’s durable and holds an edge well (is also cost less). If you want a sharper blade that cuts better, 1095 carbon steel is harder, but it’s also more brittle and can chip if used incorrectly. T10 tool steel is even stronger and resists wear, making it great for long-term use. Spring steel, such as 5160 or 9260, is extremely tough and flexible, allowing the blade to bend without breaking.
Tang
Another important spec for cutting blades. For most samurai swords, there are 2 types of tang which are rat tang and full tang. A battle-ready sword should have a full tang, meaning the blade extends through the entire handle. This makes it much stronger and safer to use.
FAQ
Is a 100 dollar katana good?
A $100 katana is highly unlikely to be a good, functional sword. At that price point, you’re almost certainly looking at a decorative piece, often called a wall hanger.
What is the best steel for a katana?
The best steel for a katana is usually high-carbon steel like 1095 or T10, as they offer excellent edge retention and durability. Traditional blades are made from tamahagane, but modern steels provide a good balance of performance and affordability.
Is the katana the best sword?
When it comes to the samurai sword vs. katana, I think the katana is the best. However, when it comes to the katana vs. longsword, I think the longsword offers more advantages in single combat.
Last Words
When it comes to the best samurai swords, more specifically katanas, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these options. Whether you’re looking to become a modern samurai or just want one for fun, we made sure to pick the best katanas that offer the highest performance.
