Haven't gotten one yet. I am looking at the one Below along with a companion Tanto. I can get both for just a shade over 350

The Katana has a 24 inch blade (actually called an O Wakizashi or Ko-Katana with a full sized 11 inch handle. The Tanto has a 9 inch blade.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=3W0gvgBs&id=82E06907F743175E95B5D746697572F30A39EF35&thid=OIP.3W0gvgBsUdxV1RtAvBfJPQHaFj&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fsbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com%2fmedia%2fDojo-Pro2015%2fRonin-Katana-Dojo-Pro-model22-pic1.jpg&exph=450&expw=600&q=ronin+katana+ko+katana&simid=607986554780649175&selectedIndex=26


And this Tanto

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=rFq1wxbC&id=0DF93E8BF7E4245A3358E8D8321EDC993B0237FA&thid=OIP.rFq1wxbCspbxqNBCY79dBgHaDm&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fkultofathena.com%2fimages%2frkdt02_2_l.jpg&exph=1030&expw=2120&q=ronin+katana+pro+tanto&simid=608044996385114175&selectedIndex=11

Randy,
Read the description which includes ...

“These 1060, through tempered, no-nonsense monosteel blades are exceptionally HONEST and RELIABLE. ”

I’m trying to remember what knives I tested that used 1060. Was your Ontario Rat?

Could have been, not sure now. And I gave it away to someone that needed a better knife than the Walmart special they had. They had seen it and love it so off it went to a new home and he has used it and is quite happy with it. BUT it could have been the Gunny. Like I said, I just can't remember.

Those swords have gotten some good internet reviews but I am still not sure. Before I put down that money I want to make sure I am getting something that COULD be used if needed and not fail with the first contact. Oh and that HONEST and RELIABLE had me putting on the binders real quick but then I started reading many reviews and thought, well maybe just Chinese way of translation problems in speech/grammar. The company owner of the sword site (Sword Buyers Guide) recommended a different brand to me but they only have a 17.75 inch blade and a 7 inch handle. I was wanting something a bit larger. Actually wanted a 21 inch blade but can't find any like that with the full size handle of 11 inches besides the one with the 24 inch blade.

We shall see.

Randy, Cheness has a Ko-katana with a 21” blade and. 10.5” handle. Website is: http://www.chenessinc.com/
SBG also sells it in their store and has a review. The Cheness website also has some good info on blade steels and heat treatment.

1060 for $300 with “honest” in the description concerns me Randy.

Thanks Ray! Yeah Me as well Gary.

OK. So Ray, and possibly Endeavour you're saying that the Cheness in 9260 would work for what I HOPE to never need it for?

Randy,
I'd still be suspect. Why not just buy a Busse AK-47? It isn't traditional, but none of the swords we're discussing are (no folded steel, etc). With the AK47 Battle Grade you 100% know you could but a car in half. I know its only has a 18.5" blade, but if you really want a TEOTW sword ... we both know there isn't a more durable steel than Busse heat-treated 92100 (SR101) or INFI.

ETA: Busse still has the AK on their website.

I would actually like a Busse AK47, but would only be gaining an inch of blade length over what I already have and I just want a tad more "Reach" than that.

The Cheness 9260 is spring steel (leaf spring steel).

For comparison ... Busse's "carbon steels" (non INFI) are all "durable steels" (SR77 was jack-hammer bit steel while SR101 is ball bearing steel). They didn't chose a spring steel. Busse's durability is legendary.

Rice (or sushi) for thought ...

That makes sense. If the AK47 was 20-22" I may be tempted. Again, I don't like asian inspired designs. However, I'd trade length for durability but that's just me. Past the reach of a short sword ... you're better off running (or rolling away in your case )

I think that a 9260 spring steel would be excellent for a Japanese style fighting sword. Most Busse blades are shorter and thicker than a fighting sword and more oriented toward chopping wood and camp chores. How difficult is it for a blade to cut flesh?