| Are you still looking for the perfect Katana to add | | | | several cutting strokes going up and down and |
| to your collection? You should read this article | | | | then left to right. |
| before you make your next sword purchase. In | | | | When doing this, pay close attention to the handle |
| this article I will show you how to check your | | | | and listen for any rattling noise or loose tang. |
| new sword to make sure that it is of the highest | | | | 2. Make sure that the tsuba (hand guard) is |
| quality and best value. | | | | straightly mounted to your katana with no |
| Many sword buyers are simply looking for a | | | | looseness. |
| beautiful looking piece to display in their house or | | | | 3. Check the edge of your Katana for any nicks |
| condo. It is not necessary to have a traditionally | | | | or dents. Defects like this are traditionally referred |
| made, full tang sword with folded steel in this | | | | to as "Kizu" which means flaw. You can carefully |
| case. However, some are not willing to sacrifice | | | | run your finger nail down the edge which will allow |
| the quality of the sword in order to save some | | | | you to feel any kizu that you could not see. |
| money. | | | | 4. Examine the habaki or blade collar (above the |
| There are several ways to make sure that your | | | | guard) and make sure that it is not loose. |
| new katana is structurally sound: | | | | 5. Look at the entire blade of the sword for any |
| 1. Hold the katana very firmly with both hands | | | | rust,corrosion or general discoloration (also |
| grabbing the handle. Shake the katana and make | | | | considered Kizu). |