Authentic Samurai Sword Buying Guide

If you've every thought about buying a new samurai sword (I'm talking about a real samurai sword that you can really use for cutting exercises, not just to hang on the wall) you've probably have several questions. There's a plenty out there to choose from but there are a few key things to look for in a quality blade.
The most important thing is that you get a blade that has been forged using traditional construction methods and had authentic parts.
Take the Thaitsuki Nihonto swords, they're forged using a 400 year old family method, are you can normally find them for under $1000, however people are realizing more and more that they are very high quality swords, so their prices probably won't stay low for very long.
Here are a few qualities to look for in a quality samurai sword. An authentic samurai sword should be at least a high carbon steel forge blade (like the Thaitsuki swords) or a folded steel blade. A stainless steel blade is not a blade that is forged using traditional construction methods and should only be used for decoration. Many of them look really nice, but they absolutely must not be used for any type of cutting exercise.
If the blade is not made from at high carbon forged steel or folded steel then it's most likely just stainless steel. When purchasing your authentic samurai sword, make sure that the blade is forged high carbon steel or folded steel. Many companies will tell you that they can sell you a quality authentic samurai sword made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is fine if you're only going to hang it on the wall but it's not an authentic samurai sword made using quality forging methods.
Take the Paul Chen Shinto Katana. It's a fine sword made from traditional claying methods that make it nearly impossible to break, it's a fine authentic samurai sword. Paul Chen swords are some of the best samurai swords you'll find for the money. You can literally get a sword made from traditional construction methods and authentic parts for around $300.