Sub-$300 Katana (2014 edition)

TrueBlue11c said:
I think the traditional style will suffice, I don't plan on chopping anything harder than bamboo.
I've broken high end knives and I've had cheap knives that exceeded the more expensive knives.
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I actually picked up 3 knives at the flea market 2 days ago. Great value for what they are. Not high-end by any means, but badass none the less. All are 10-12" blades, beautiful handles, and cool design as well. I got the 3 of them for $30! :)
 
I'm going to stick with Ronin and Skyjiro, until I find another in the same price range that compares. The Skyjiro has a great polish and the sharpest blade I've seen on a katana.
I know in time I will get both higher end lines from the 2 brands.
 
For me personally, I liked Hanwei as well. Just not the fittings so much. But if you plan on changing the tsuba and fuchi-kashira anyway, they seem like a quality blade. And quite a range on their prices as well. I have heard the Paul Chen's are the same blade, just higher mark-up. Similar with Bugei as well, correct?
 
I've heard a lot of different things. I'm not completely sure who to believe. I've never talked to Bugei so I really can't say. I think starting on a Ronin is the best strategy, they're very well made and light weight.
 
TrueBlue11c said:
I've heard a lot of different things. I'm not completely sure who to believe. I've never talked to Bugei so I really can't say. I think starting on a Ronin is the best strategy, they're very well made and light weight.
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I agree. They are my #1 choice so far. Unless anything changes between now and then...
 
I've broken so many high end knives, that I broke down and got a Busse (now I'm a Busse believer). But I also have an M-Tech that's a beast and it was a $20 knife.
 
Speaking of flea markets, I might as well be one. I'm doing spring cleaning and selling all kinds of things I don't use anymore. That's how I'm getting my new items.
 
TrueBlue11c said:
Cool man. I've been trying to figure out way's to help you on a budget.
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You DA MAN! This time last year, I would have just picked up a Ronin with a paycheck no problem. Fell on some hard times in December though. Not quite on my feet yet. Went for about 3 months unemployed. Plus I had, and still have, other interests as well.
 
Other interests definitely bite into the budget of other stuff you like. Like me, my first love is the sai and tonfa. But I have a soft spot for Iaido. I only get high end kobudo gear. I can't spend as much as I'd like on katana, because of my other arts.
 
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