I just bought a sword and need advice

[Gazrok]

Probably a few more carrying a katana than a shield. Of course, most likely, anyone with a katana is going to have one made for decoration, not actual combat. I'm actually with you on this, too many firearms around for people to resort to fencing.

 

[Roninsensei]

Once again. The first thing to go will be ammo not gas or food. I know this from experience. So having a sword, staff, spear, or machete is a great idea...

 

[MahoganyEclipse]

I've actually been taking a Haidong Gumdo class, its a Korean sword martial art using the katana and yes, a sword thats made for actual combat is pretty pricey, the lowest I've seen is about 2,000$ bucks. But the wooden swords for training can pack quite a wallop too (personal experience). You definitely want to try and get some professional training if you can because you could end up slicing your thumb off or something like that.

 

[X-cop]

if your looking for a solid sword try Albion Sword works. I have 4 of theirs. I love the "Steward" myself.

For Katanas on the cheap that will actually work (90% of what you see for sale is crap), try badgerland blades. Not pretty but solid. They also make great machere like blades, their broadswords balance like a crowbar and feel weird in my hands. They don't feel like a real sword, but their other stuff is good.

Katanas have this mythos built up around them by the movies, it's a specialized single edged sword it's not a light saber. I actually like the Tachi style better myself but i'm odd in my opinion of Japanese weapons. If your in metro Milwaukee ever....go to the public museum. They have a surprisingly nice selection of Japanese weapons and armour if your lucky you can catch them while they're still redoing the display and get a reaaaallly nice look at them.

IN Minneapolis? Check out the Okeshott (sp) collection.

Iirc Dawson Knife co made some amazing Katanas in the 90's.

If you see it in a Bud K, or Atlanta cutlery, or Museum Replicas or Renaissance store etc etc catalogue chances are it's garbage and don't buy it, if you did hang it on your wall.