Top 5 Best Japanese Katana Under $100

If you know what samurais are, then you probably know of the infamous katana as well. This sword was made famous by Japanese master samurais, a single-edged sword with a curve in the blade, and quite a long handle, with the handle being designed for two handed use.

Katanas may have changed quite a bit over the years, but they are still quite popular, although more for ceremonial use, for collection, and for a bit of fun too, rather than actual mortal combat.

What we are here to do today is to take a look at the five best Japanese katanas for under $100. Ok, so for under $100, these obviously are not going to be the very best katanas in the world, but that said, they are fairly high in quality considering the low prices which they come to us at.

Best Japanese Katana Under $100 Reviews 

1. Handmade Sword Dragon Samurai Katana Sword

Right off the bat, what is really cool about this particular katana is the fact that it comes in over 20 different designs and colors, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Now, although this sword is not technically designed for combat, realistically, it is functional.

The Handmade Swork Samurai Katana Sword is made out of 1045 high carbon steel, which is of course quite strong, durable, and hard. Although it’s not ground to a razor sharp edge, you can do so yourself, and if you do, it will retain the edge quite well.

It is also worth noting that this is a full tang sword, which means that the blade material extends all the way down through to the butt of the handle, thus allowing for added balance, stability, and durability. Speaking of the handle, it is a real wooden handle wrapped in ray skin and white cotton cord, thus producing a very authentic feel, not to mention an excellent grip too.

Features at a Glance

• The overall length is 41”, with a 28.5” blade.
• 5.2 pounds
• Comes in 24 different design options.
• White piano lacquered wood handle wrapped in ray skin and white cotton cord
• Full tang
• Sharp edge
• 1045 high carbon steel

2. Handmade Sword – Japanese Samurai Katana Sword

If you’re looking for an affordable katana sword that is actually functional, then this is an excellent one to go with. This particular sword is forged out of high quality 1045 Japanese high carbon steel, and it has also been clay tempered, which thus allows for excellent impact resistance, overall durability, rust resistance, and more. In terms of the price point, this is one of the more durable katanas out there.

It is also important to note that this particular sword features a full tang design, with the blade material extending all the way down through the handle, and yes, you do get a long handle here, one that is 10.5” long. Although it is of course nothing that you would go into battle with, it definitely makes for a good ornamental decoration, and you might be able to have a bit of fun with it too.

Going back to the handle, what you get here is a wooden handle that is wrapped with both ray skin and black cotton cord, which not only allows for a very comfortable and ergonomic grip, but is also very durable, not to mention quite good looking too. Let’s keep in mind that this sword is 100% hand forged. Do keep in mind that the blade doesn’t come very sharp, but you can always sharpen it yourself. It’s absolutely a great training tool for martial arts.

Features at a Glance

• Made by Handmade Sword
• 44.9 x 4.5 x 4.3 inches
• 28.5” blade
• 5.1 pounds
• Japanese 1045 high carbon steel build
• Ray skin and black cotton cord wooden handle

3. Vulcan Gear Classic Handmade Katana Samurai Sword

When it comes down to it, Vulcan Gear is a well known and popular brand name that manufactures all sorts of blades, not just katanas, although this particular katana is definitely one of their cooler products to check out. What does need to be said here is that all Vulcan Gear katanas are handcrafted with the utmost attention being paid to high-quality craftsmanship.

What you get here is a 40” sword, complete with a 28” blade made out of carbon steel, and yes, it features a full tang design. This particular Tsuba style samurai sword is extremely hard and durable, at least for the price that it comes in at.

No, this sword also does not come sharpened (at least not much), you can sharpen it yourself, although it comes with a wooden sword stand, as well as a wooden scabbard, so it is designed more for ornamental and decorative purposes than anything else, but it is durable enough for some basic training purposes. You do also get a nice handle that is wrapped in cotton cord, to allow for an authentic look and good grip.

Features at a Glance

• Made by Vulcan
• Overall length of 40” with the wooden scabbard, compele with a 28” blade
• The blade is made out of high carbon steel
• Full tang design
• Wooden handle with cotton cord wrapping
• Handmade Tsuba

4. Siwode Handmade Full Tang Sharp Katana Sword

Right off the bat, when it comes to this sword, there are a few different color and design options to choose from, so you can choose the one that suits your tastes the best. One notable aspect of this sword is that the blade is forged out of 1060 high carbon steel.

This is a very special type of steel that it’s known for its excellent durability, hardness, and impact resistance. This is also a type of steel that is not going to rust on you anytime soon. Keep in mind that this particular katanas sword does feature a full tang design, something that also helps add to its overall durability.

It is also important to note that this sword is actually hand forged, which means that it at no point did it ever run through an automated machine. Something else that you do need to be aware of here is that this sword has actually been sharpened. So, when it comes to you, it is already extremely sharp, which means that you do need to be careful with it.

You may also like how this particular Cortana sword comes, complete with a real wooden handle that features real white ray skin as well as black cotton cord. Not only does the handle look very nice and authentic, but it is also highly functional as it does provide for good grip and is durable too. Now, even if something does go wrong with this sword, it comes complete with a 2 year warranty, which is really good considering the low price of it.

Features at a Glance

• Made by Siwode
• 3 pounds
• Overall length of 40”
• Made out of 1050 high carbon steel
• Real wood handle with real ray skin and black cotton cord
• Comes sharp
• Ideal for martial arts practice
• Features a two year warranty

5. Ace Martial Arts Supply Handmade Japanese Shirasaya Samurai Katana

What we have here is one of the most affordable katana swords on the list today. What is pretty neat is that there are three different colors that you can choose from. Considering the very low cost that this blade comes in at, it actually features a pretty high level of quality.

For one, this sword is 100% handmade, which is saying something for a sword that comes in at such a low price. One thing that speaks to the quality of this product is that it features a full tang design which does help add to the overall durability of it.

 Although with that being said, we really have no idea exactly what material this sword is made out of, and this goes for both the handle and the blade itself. Therefore, when it comes down to it, we would recommend using this sword only as an ornamental decoration, but not for any kind of martial arts practice.

Features at a Glance

• 42 x 4 x 4 inches
• Blade length unknown
• Weight unknown
• Materials unknown

FAQ

Why are These Katanas on My Top 5 List?

OK, so the reason why we chose these five particular katanin swords for our top five list is due to a number of reasons. Yes, of course. The fact that we were working with a $100 limit is the most important factor.

However, we also paid attention to things like size, build quality, the materials, the handle, and other customer reviews. Generally speaking, the main point of today’s article was defined view very affordable katanas that were still usable for martial arts practice purposes, as well as for display purposes.

Why Buy a Katana Sword?

Unless you are living in feudal era Japan, chances are pretty big that you are not going to be using a samurai sword to go into battle. However, if you happen to practice martial arts where samurai swords are used, then you may want to get one for practice purposes. Of course, many people also buy katana swords simply as ornamental decorations.

Final Thoughts

Now that we have taken a closer look at the top five katana swords under $100, you are one step closer to making your own decision.