Anyone know anything about swords?

[Geddy Peart]

I've been wanting to buy a replica of Connor MacLeod's katana from Highlander for some time. However, I've found that there are several replicas available on the Internet ranging from $40-$300.

Now naturally, I would have assumed that the $300 swords would be the best, however, I've heard otherwise. So I'm asking if anyone here has any knowledge in regards to what I should be on the look out for and how I can determine what is and isn't a good replica of this sword?

[The Taff]

Movie replicas are there just to look pretty. Take a look at appearences and whichever one looks the best or most authentic, go with that.

If you're swinging it around, the hell is the matter with you?

[Uncle Hoody]

Bud K always does the trick for me.

[Geddy Peart]

Movie replicas are there just to look pretty. Take a look at appearences and whichever one looks the best or most authentic, go with that.

If you're swinging it around, the hell is the matter with you?


I know, I just want to get one that isn't shoddy in quality.

[AmonStone]

For me, I would never buy a knife or a sword without actually seeing it in person. I've seen a few replica knives that were just awful, very poor quality.
Short of seeing it in person, check around the net and see if theres a forum that might talk about the different versions of the Highlander swords that are available, and which companies are recommended.
Just realize that even if you pay 300 bucks for a sword, it's not going to be an actual katana. For a sword to be functional it has to be zone tempered. Basically the temper is different on different parts of the blade. The cutting edge will be the hardest, the middle section will be softer, and the spine will be softer still. This zone tempering keeps the blade from being brittle.
Ive done a little research in the past and for an actual handforged folded steel katana, your going to pay at LEAST 5000 bucks.
No matter what you spend, buy it and hang it on the wall. I have a friend that has bought swords in the past and has broken a couple by whacking trees with them. No zone tempering.
Good luck!

[Violent VictiM]

Girls like guys with skills.

[AmonStone]

Found this. Seems like a pretty good version and also seems to be a quality made piece.

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/highlander-sword.html

[Rick]

The pointy end goes in the other guy, that's what I know about swords.
I agree with Master Taffer, go with what ever replica looks nicest. There's no reason to really be swinging them around so detail should really be your biggest priority.

I have a katana and wakizashi set.
The guards are a little more squared then round and the scabbards are a dark purple.
They are 440 stainless steel and very sharp.
I picked them up at house of Knives (not sure if the business is even around any longer) years ago.
They are pretty well made, but they look really nice, that's the important thing.
I kind of wish they didn't come sharp from the factory, every time someone comes over and sees them they pick them up and I have to warn them to be careful.
For some reason no one believes they are sharp.

[Geddy Peart]

Thanks for trhe input gyuys it's been very helpful. It's going to be a while before I can actually buy a sword, but eventually I'm looking to get the Highlander, Kill Bill and Last Samurai katanas as well as Conan and William Wallace's swords

[Darth Sinister]

You need to go over to http://www.highlander-community.com/Forum/forumdisplay.php?f=112

There are people there who can help you out. Tell them I sent you. I post over there under this name.