How did you like the Cold Steel Katana as far as aesthetics and fit and finish are concerned?
Fit and finish are great. There wasn't any rattles when I cut with it (poorly constructed japanese swords usually rattle because of worn fittings or ppor workmanship).
The great thing about the CS is you don't have to worry about losing the temper line should you decide to 'clean' you blade when stained. If you don't maintain the blade regularly after cutting targets, the blade will stain.
Another good thing is the very pronounce V ground blade. Hanwei also makes the swords in V ground, but for some reason, CS katanas are more pronounce.
Rob Criswell also makes excellent cutter. But his swords have more tactical look (paracord handle and convex ground blade). Rob's are usually sharper when used to cut targets because of the convex ground (thin edge).
For looks, CS and Hanwei are the one to go. They have more traditional look which I really like.
TV shopping network --> I would really avoid it. Their swords are craps that cannot cut anything harde than paper, and they also look cheap. Even the obvious, such as the comparison between handle and blade length , is not even close to traditional swords.
Why spend $100 for 100 crappy knives, when you can spend $200 for a MUCH better one.
Again, I'm a practitioner. So, function, durability and traditional looks are what I look for in a sword. (I'm a bit biased when it comes to katana).
For $100-$200, Go for the Practical Plus Katana.
This sword has excellent balance.
For $400-$700, go for CS, Hanwei folded steel series, or customs.
There's not much difference in performance between PK or PPK and these swords.
For $1000 and up, Go for the real thing.
A Gendaito usually runs from $1000 to $8000. Some are made in the moern way, and some are in traditional way. You have to do a lot of research to avoid being getting ripped off. For Gendaito, one name comes to mind immediately : Ichihara Nagamitsu
Hope that helps. Feel free to email me.
