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Katana Selection

This section offers a comparison between different Katana and Wakizashi that are available.  It covers both shinken (real swords) and iaito (practice swords).  If you have any questions just email me at info@toyama-ryu.com and we will be glad to discuss any topic.

• Sword Dimensions: We keep a record of  key weights and measurements of various production katana.  These are helpful in determining how different katana compare to ones you may be familiar with.  There are weights and measurements on 63 different production sword models.
   
• Sword Testing: Everyone seems to be interested in how different swords compare in cutting ability. Every sword is different and everyone has their own opinion about what they like. We decided to put a few to the test.  The 2006 testing represents our biggest selection of new katana with over 50 being tested.
  
  • Details of Ranking Categories
  • Shinken Katana Sorted Ratings
  • Iaito Katana Sorted Ratings
  • Shinken Wakizashi Sorted Ratings
  • Iaito Wakizashi Sorted Ratings
    
    

• Shinken Selection Guides: Shinken are real katana made for real use.  These katana are all hand made so there will be some variation between each sword.  These guides are on the Nihonzashi sword store site.

  • Model Comparison - Basic data about all of the different models
  • Size / Weight Charts - Full set of measurements on all of different models
  • Choosing a Blade Length - Guides in choosing a sword length
  • Choosing a Wrap - Pros and cons of the different tsuka ito wrap types
  • Old and New Practical Comparison
  • Old and New Practical Plus Comparison
  • Elite, XL, and XL Light Comparison performance blade types
    
    

• Iaito Selection Guides: Iaito are unsharpened Japanese swords designed for training.  These blades are not designed for impacting any object, but will hold up to years of heavy practice.  These katana are all hand made so there will be some variation between each sword. These guides are on the Nihonzashi sword store site.

  • Model Comparison - Basic data about all of the different models
  • Size / Weight Charts - Full set of measurements on all of the different models
  • Choosing a Blade Length - Guides in choosing a sword length for your height
  • Choosing a Wrap - Pros and cons of the different tsuka ito wrap types