Thanks for the warm welcome fellas. An original or authentic replica katana probably would not break if used to chop tree limbs. They should be pretty tough when it comes to cutting organic material. The Samurai would test their swords on the bodies of condemned criminals, and the results were often engraved into the tang (this is a three-head sword, etc.). The one you referenced Horn Dog was probably a china cheapie. However an original would not have anywhere close to the toughness of a Bussekin sword. That is what really sets them apart, that and the price to value ratio can't be beat.

I have heard of similar performance from a Howard Clark L6 katana, which are reportedly pretty much indestructible as well. However you will pay several thousand for the sword, several more for polishing, and wait three years for one. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to go traipsing through the woods hacking vegetation with my five thousand dollar sword. This is what makes the Scrapizashi so great.