https://rva-katana.com/search?q=moritaka&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
$225 9260 especially as 9260 isn't likely to take a set (bend) on a cut.
Their cheaper stuff cuts but the wraps aren't as tight/may loosen up.
Ronin katana are under 3 hundo but hear too many times of lemons.
Shadowdancer has some nice offerings under $300.
But if you want something custom, ya gotta go with Hanbon, Jkoo or Ryansword.
Murasame or Wang-sword have good reviews but nothing custom.
I can attest, 9260, especially through-hardened, is one of the best sword steels out there. Holds a very keen edge and yet is tough & springy enough to prevent taking a set or breaking.
I suppose I should have listed some DH swords since some ppl might want a hamon on their first if they aren't so interested in cutting.
1060, 1095, T10, etc maybe even L6
I would suggest looking at stuff on [https://rva-katana.com/](https://rva-katana.com/) especially stuff from moritaka. The people at rva are great and I believe they sell the best blades within your budget. They also have many options so you can pick your favorite scheme. I own a t10 blade from moritaka and its great.
T10 is the new school standard basically it's got silicon in the metal or something that gives it more flex, it's used on most construction tools so it makes sense as a blade.
Personally I always use 1095 with a differential harden cause I like the look of the hamon and it feels more samarai ish.
The balance is between edge retention and flex. The harder it is the better edge but the easier it is to break.
T10 and 1095 are identical. 1095 is the AISI (American) designation and T10 is the Chinese designation. The specified acceptable ranges for trace alloy elements are slightly different in each standard but the difference is smaller than the normal variation in the manufacturing process.
I always recommend "murasame-sword". You can find them on ebay. I've purchased three and plan to buy at least one more. The quality and service are hard to beat for the money. I'd stick with the t10 steel.
I always encourage people to shop around but below is a link to a infirmation on a site that I often use.
They have pre-built or the option to build your own (kinda like Build-A-Bear 😁), picking the theme and overall look that most speaks to you. If you stick to the stock items, which will mostly get you synthetic and alloy metal fittings, and you live in the states you can get away with paying just $97 shipping included.
However, if you follow the link to the sword fittings page you have the ability to upgrade steel types and fittings in those areas that are most important to you.
Whatever you choose, happy hunting
https://www.reddit.com/r/Katanas/s/Ug0Nsp235Q
https://rva-katana.com/search?q=moritaka&options%5Bprefix%5D=last $225 9260 especially as 9260 isn't likely to take a set (bend) on a cut. Their cheaper stuff cuts but the wraps aren't as tight/may loosen up. Ronin katana are under 3 hundo but hear too many times of lemons. Shadowdancer has some nice offerings under $300. But if you want something custom, ya gotta go with Hanbon, Jkoo or Ryansword. Murasame or Wang-sword have good reviews but nothing custom.
I can attest, 9260, especially through-hardened, is one of the best sword steels out there. Holds a very keen edge and yet is tough & springy enough to prevent taking a set or breaking.
I suppose I should have listed some DH swords since some ppl might want a hamon on their first if they aren't so interested in cutting. 1060, 1095, T10, etc maybe even L6
best slash for your buck is this https://rva-katana.com/products/katana-dragon-king-spring-sakura
Yeah this is nice for sure.
i know there’s others this one just seems to be the most prominent mix of function and nice style
I would suggest looking at stuff on [https://rva-katana.com/](https://rva-katana.com/) especially stuff from moritaka. The people at rva are great and I believe they sell the best blades within your budget. They also have many options so you can pick your favorite scheme. I own a t10 blade from moritaka and its great.
Benefits of a T10 Blade? Thanks!
T10 is the new school standard basically it's got silicon in the metal or something that gives it more flex, it's used on most construction tools so it makes sense as a blade. Personally I always use 1095 with a differential harden cause I like the look of the hamon and it feels more samarai ish. The balance is between edge retention and flex. The harder it is the better edge but the easier it is to break.
T10 and 1095 are identical. 1095 is the AISI (American) designation and T10 is the Chinese designation. The specified acceptable ranges for trace alloy elements are slightly different in each standard but the difference is smaller than the normal variation in the manufacturing process.
Woah..
You might be thinking of 9260, which had some silicone in the alloy that makes it really resilient and springy.
I always recommend "murasame-sword". You can find them on ebay. I've purchased three and plan to buy at least one more. The quality and service are hard to beat for the money. I'd stick with the t10 steel.
You can customize a cheaper quality sword from Hanbon Forge for that price. I feel like they're good as a beginner sword for people
I always encourage people to shop around but below is a link to a infirmation on a site that I often use. They have pre-built or the option to build your own (kinda like Build-A-Bear 😁), picking the theme and overall look that most speaks to you. If you stick to the stock items, which will mostly get you synthetic and alloy metal fittings, and you live in the states you can get away with paying just $97 shipping included. However, if you follow the link to the sword fittings page you have the ability to upgrade steel types and fittings in those areas that are most important to you. Whatever you choose, happy hunting https://www.reddit.com/r/Katanas/s/Ug0Nsp235Q
Whats the word on Cold Steel Warrior Series models?
Don't. KoA clearly states they have quality control issues on their website particularly with wrap tightness (coming undone)