Cold Steel Katana quality?

[drjones]

I have been eyeballing the Cold Steel line of Katanas. I have some of their smaller blades, and have been impressed with their quality.

Any opinions or links to reviews?

Anyone have one?

Specifically, I'm interested in the traditional, full-sized, single-edged Kat.

Thanks!
Drjones

 

[Robert Marotz]

All reports I've seen is that they are quite good quality overall. They are through-hardened 1050, so their edge retention is probably sacrificed somewhat in favor of greater flexibility/durability. This is also a slight cosmetic shortcoming (no hamon) I have also heard they are a little on the hefty side, again likely geared around borderline-abuse orientation.

If you can run across one in a store or find one to borrow briefly, feel it yourself and see if it's comfortable to you. The blade quality is plenty good, so it will wind down to feel and look for you. I really wish I could absolutely recommend for or against it to you, but it depends on what you are after, and what kind of tastes you have.

There are a number of other swords in the price range as well, so if you can help us determine what your needs are, we can probably help you decide on something

 

[drjones]

Well, as much as I'd like to imagine I'd use it, it really won't see any use. Maybe chopping a stick here or there, and that's about it. I just want one, but I do NOT buy junk.

Unfortunately, I can't afford thousands of dollars for a top of the line kat (not YET!) so my range is closer to $400 or so...


Thank you