Sword collecting is just like collecting fine art, once you get enchanted by the brilliant sheen of the blade and the intricate handle design, you are hooked on the hobby for life. When you purchase your first sword, you come to realize that this addictive hobby can cost you an arm and a leg.
Cheap swords are hard to find, and unique, collectible swords are often expensive and nearly impossible to obtain. It can be challenging to find a budget sword that is well made using high-quality material. Luckily, we have done all of the research for you and found 10 beautiful swords that are not only low cost and mesmerizing, but each is unique and memorable in their own way.
In our best budget swords reviews, we have dived deep into each of the sword’s top features to make comparing the swords easier for you. We hope that you find the sword you have been looking for by the end of this review.
Best Best Budget Swords – Comparison Table
Product Highlights
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK
| 1. Damascus Folded Steel Straight Blade Huali Wood Shirasaya Samurai Ninja Sword (Hand-Forged)
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP  | 2. Folded Damascus Steel Blade White Haze Samurai Katana Sword (Hand-Forged)
| Check Price |
 | 3. Custom-Made Samurai Sword Japanese Katana (Hand-Forged)
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 | 4. 1060 High Carbon Steel Blade Martial Arts Iaito Katana (Hand-Forged)
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 | 5. Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Golden Crane Katana (Hand-Forged)
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 | 6. Ninjato Black Folded Steel Samurai Chokuto Ninja Sword (Hand-Forged)
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 | 7. Ninjato for Sale | Black Folded Steel Blade Ninja Chokuto Sword with Blow Darts (Hand-Forged)
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 | 8. 1060 High Carbon Steel Black Blade Samurai Wakizashi Sword (Hand-Forged)
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 | 9. Folded Steel Blade Samurai Wakizashi Sword (Hand-Forged)
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 | 10. Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Maru Katana (Hand-Forged)
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All of the swords in this review are from Swords Of Northshire, a well respected and reliable site. They have years of experience selling high-quality blades. They sell samurai swords, ninja swords, knives, and accessories. Finding the missing piece of your sword collection or starting a collection from scratch can be done through Swords Of Northshire.
If you are struggling and don’t know what to look for, follow our sword buying guide. Having a better understanding of the sword’s features and benefits will make choosing your next sword easier for you. Enjoy!
Our Best Budget Swords Reviews and Comparisons
1. Custom-Made Samurai Sword Japanese Katana (Hand-Forged)
Product Highlights
This Samurai Japanese katana is a work of art. It is handcrafted and tailored to suit your specific needs.
Features
- Hand sharpening is optional
- Made of high-quality material
- Customized blade length
- Traditional design
What We Like About Custom-Made Samurai Sword Japanese Katana (Hand-Forged)
The level of detail on the sword is exceptional. You can be precise and fussy and create the sword of your dreams. Pictures are usually provided to customers before the sword is shipped out to you, so you can be confident that the sword meets your criteria.
What We Don’t Like About Custom-Made Samurai Sword Japanese Katana (Hand-Forged)
Customizing your sword will bump the price up tremendously, so beware of additional charges. Making the sword takes a long time, and you may be waiting for weeks to receive your sword.
PROS
- Great customer service
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Customizable
- Well built
CONS
- Expensive add-ons
2. 1060 High Carbon Steel Blade Martial Arts Iaito Katana (Hand-Forged)
Product Highlights
Hand-forged and polished, this katana sword has a brilliant balance.
Features
- 1060 high carbon steel blade
- Designed for optimal balance
- Black satte schoepfia wood saya
- Solid alloy fittings
- Rayskin and silk-wrapped tsuka
- Secured with bamboo mekugi
- Craft time is up to two weeks
- Free signature engraving
- Free sword bag
- Free spare mekugi
What We Like About 1060 High Carbon Steel Blade Martial Arts Iaito Katana (Hand-Forged)
The sword is very well balanced and great for using during sword lessons. Its Japanese design is show-stopping and authentic. The sword is excellent for both martial arts training and hanging on your wall for display.
What We Don’t Like About 1060 High Carbon Steel Blade Martial Arts Iaito Katana (Hand-Forged)
The blade does not arrive razor sharp and dulls quickly. The wooden mekugi pegs were not consistent, which was a real shame as it took from the sword’s overall look.
PROS
- Durable
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Very well balanced
- Authentic
CONS
- Craftsmanship inconsistencies
- Wrapped too for delivery
3. Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Golden Crane Katana (Hand-Forged)
Product Highlights
High-quality folded steel katana made in the traditional Japanese way.
Features
- Battle ready sword
- Full tang
- Hand sharpened
- 1060 steel blade
- Bade folded 13 times
- Free sword bags
- Solid alloy fittings
- Silk and genuine wrapped tsuka
- Takes up to 2 weeks to craft
What We Like About Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Golden Crane Katana (Hand-Forged)
The blade has beautiful folded steel patterns that give the sword an intricate and individual appearance. The customer service team is very responsive and polite, issues are resolved instantly to maintain high customer satisfaction.
What We Don’t Like About Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Golden Crane Katana (Hand-Forged)
The sword is on the heavier side, and if you carry it with the handle facing down, the sword may come out of its case. The blade lacks symmetry, and the blade’s tip does not flow smoothly to the base of the sword.
PROS
- Great service
- Attention to detail
- Made to last
- Durable
CONS
- Not symmetrical
- Heavy
4. Ninjato Black Folded Steel Samurai Chokuto Ninja Sword (Hand-Forged)
Product Highlights
The sword has a traditional design and is made of pure steel that is resistant and durable.
Features
- Hand sharpened
- Full tang sword
- Heat-treated
- Hand-forged
- Folded 160 steel blade
- Traditional
- 13 stag hand-polished finish
- Black matte hardwood saya
- Solid alloy fittings
- Free words bag
- Spare mekugi
What We Like About Ninjato Black Folded Steel Samurai Chokuto Ninja Sword (Hand-Forged)
The sword is a beautiful, decorative piece. It fits into a collection perfectly and looks artistic, and stands out amongst other swords.
What We Don’t Like About Ninjato Black Folded Steel Samurai Chokuto Ninja Sword (Hand-Forged)
Although the sword can be customized, there are added charges for this service. The default dragon image is interesting but is not unique.
PROS
- Well made
- Durable
- Folded steel
- Traditional
CONS
- Simple if not modified
5. Damascus Folded Steel Straight Blade Huali Wood Shirasaya Samurai Ninja Sword (Hand-Forged)
Product Highlights
The Shirasaya is a traditional sword with a blade that has been folded 13 times, resulting in over 8,000 layers.
Features
- Hand sharpened
- Full tang
- Battle-ready
- Crafted in two weeks
- Free signature engraving
- Natural hauli wood saya
- Matching tsuka and brass fittings
What We Like About Damascus Folded Steel Straight Blade Huali Wood Shirasaya Samurai Ninja Sword (Hand-Forged)
The sword matches the description on the manufacturer’s website. It is well made and sturdy with a simple design.
What We Don’t Like About Damascus Folded Steel Straight Blade Huali Wood Shirasaya Samurai Ninja Sword (Hand-Forged)
Cutting solid items with this sword is a little challenging. The sword struggles to cut through bamboo and other wooden materials.
PROS
- Sharp
- Handcrafted
- Free engraving
- Easy to hold
CONS
- Looks underwhelming as far as swords go
6. Ninjato for Sale | Black Folded Steel Blade Ninja Chokuto Sword with Blow Darts (Hand-Forged)
Product Highlights
The Ninja Chokuto sword has been designed to resemble a ninjato sword. The colorful blade has been folded 13 times, and its blade has over 8000 layers of strong metal.
Features
- Blow-dart attachments
- Hand sharpened
- Hand-forged
- Full tang attachment
- 1060 folded high carbon steel blade
- Matching black hardwood saya
- Iron fittings
- Includes extra makugi
- Color-treated oxidized blade
- Lightweight
What We Like About Ninjato for Sale | Black Folded Steel Blade Ninja Chokuto Sword with Blow Darts (Hand-Forged)
The sword was made with very close attention to detail and dramatically resembles a ninjato sword. It is usually made and delivered on time and is faultless and precise.
What We Don’t Like About Ninjato for Sale | Black Folded Steel Blade Ninja Chokuto Sword with Blow Darts (Hand-Forged)
Engraving the sword will make its delicate design look very busy. It is extremely sharp and must be handled with the utmost care and shouldn’t be used for training purposes.
PROS
- Sharp blade
- Does not dull quickly
- Looks authentic
CONS
- Looks better without engravings
- Too sharp for training
7. 1060 High Carbon Steel Black Blade Samurai Wakizashi Sword (Hand-Forged)
Product Highlights
With such a reasonable price, this sword is made to a very high standard and uses high-quality materials in its construction.
Features
- 1060 high carbon steel blade
- Hand-forged
- Hardwood saya is lacquered black
- Solid alloy fittings
- tight ito wrapping
- Secured with bamboo mekugi
- Takes two weeks to craft
- Optional free signature engraving
- Black blade
What We Like About 1060 High Carbon Steel Black Blade Samurai Wakizashi Sword (Hand-Forged)
The quality and craftsmanship of the sword are outstanding. If you look closely at the binding work, you will see that it is beautifully done without errors giving the sword an overall enchanting look.
What We Don’t Like About 1060 High Carbon Steel Black Blade Samurai Wakizashi Sword (Hand-Forged)
The sword’s black color is created during an oxidizing process, and if you scratch the blade accidentally, the black color dulls and may even be removed.
PROS
- Precise bringing work
- Made using high-quality material
- Attractive aesthetics
- Unique blade
CONS
- Color fades over time
- Aesthetics are unattractive to some
8. Folded Steel Blade Samurai Wakizashi Sword (Hand-Forged)
Product Highlights
The Wakizashi sword is made using a traditional Japanese sword making method. It is a great sword to have on display or give to a friend as a gift.
Features
- Hand sharpened
- Crafted in two weeks
- Comes with a free sword bag
- Premium iron fittings
- Black lacquered
- Painted hardwood saya
- Silk and rayskin wrapped tsuka
What We Like About Folded Steel Blade Samurai Wakizashi Sword (Hand-Forged)
The blade has a beautiful sheen to it and doesn’t scratch easily or bend. This is a brilliant sword to hang on a wall display due to its colorful nature and vibrant look.
What We Don’t Like About Folded Steel Blade Samurai Wakizashi Sword (Hand-Forged)
Its striking design and bold color may look too dominant and out of place on a wall display that shows an extensive collection of swords. Its point of balance is 3 inches from the tsuba which may make it uncomfortable and hard to balance.
PROS
- Colorful
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Durable
CONS
- Design overwhelms a wall display
- May have balancing issues
9. Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Maru Katana (Hand-Forged)
Product Highlights
A popular folded steel katana designed with tradition in mind.
Features
- Hand sharpened
- 13 times folded blade
- Over 8000 layers
- Black matte ribbon
- Hardwood saya
- Premium iron fittings
- Long blade
What We Like About Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Maru Katana (Hand-Forged)
The blade’s base has an intricate design that makes it different from other maru katana samurai swords. You have the option of getting the blade hand sharpened or engraved to add to its individual appearance.
What We Don’t Like About Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Maru Katana (Hand-Forged)
Dojo students can train with this sword; however, its comfort level while training highly depends on how experienced you are in handling swords. Young students or new dojo students shouldn’t use this sword during training.
PROS
- Comfortable to hold
- The blade shines beautifully
- The base of the blade is detailed
CONS
- Can take longer than two weeks to craft
- The point of balance is 5 inches from the tsuba
10. Folded Damascus Steel Blade White Haze Samurai Katana Sword (Hand-Forged)
Product Highlights
This sword is sharp enough to slice paper and strong enough to cut bamboo. It is unique yet delicate, certainly a beautiful piece of art.
Features
- Hand-forged
- Folded Damascus steel blade
- Takes two weeks to craft
- Silk and rayskin wrapped truka
- Free signature engraving
- White lacquered saya
- Smoke design
- Battle-ready
- The blade has been folded 13 times
- Over 8000 layers
- Premium brass fittings
What We Like About Folded Damascus Steel Blade White Haze Samurai Katana Sword (Hand-Forged)
White lacquered swords have an exquisite appearance. It is a rarity for a sword to look better in person than in pictures, but this sword really does. The white cloud design is exciting and unique.
What We Don’t Like About Folded Damascus Steel Blade White Haze Samurai Katana Sword (Hand-Forged)
The steel is folded well overall; however, it lacks a bit of finesse. The white details can discolor easily, and the color may even chip off and scratch.
PROS
- Striking aesthetics
- Attention to detail
- Fast shipping
- Can be used for training purposes
CONS
- White details discolor over time
- Too sharp for training
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a unique sword on a budget, we recommend the hand-forged folded Damascus steel blade with a white haze samurai katana sword. Its clear, white details are intricate and well designed.
If you are experienced with swords, you can use it for training purposes, as long as you are comfortable doing so, and your sensei approves. It is a particularly good choice for dojo students as it is well balanced and comfortable.
Buying Guide
The thrill of purchasing a sword is invigorating, and with every purchase, you decide that the swords you already have in your collection are missing something. That missing ‘something’ is hard to pinpoint, and because of this, we have put together a buying guide that may help you discover what that ‘something’ is. It is possible to find unique swords at an affordable price, simply follow this guide and find out for yourselves!
Training or For Show?
Learning traditional warrior fighting techniques is energizing, but you would never use a real, metal sword during sword training. Metal swords are for display purposes only, so if you are looking for a training sword, look for one that is made of wood or foam.
Note: Some experienced swordsmen use metal swords during training sessions, but this is after years of practice and many consultations.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is probably the most important feature; after all, your sword is going to be hung proudly for visitors to see. Engravings, wooden details, and sharp, polished edges make a sword stand out from the rest.
When it comes to the design and overall impact of the sword, it is down to your personal preference. Regardless of the style and overall aesthetics you are searching for, you can almost certainly find what you are looking for as long as you have a clear image in mind.
Sword Size
Each sword style has different lengths and specifications to be classified as a collectible sword. If collectability isn’t essential to you, simply look for a sword that will be large or small enough to have the impact you are looking for it to make.
If you will be having the sword on a wall that is already filled with other swords or similar items, measure the available space before starting your search for a sword. That way, you can guarantee you are getting a sword that fits your display.
Set Completion
Are you collecting samurai swords? Did you know that samurai warriors carried two swords with them to battle?
Become familiar with the history of the swords you are collecting. Samurai warriors, for example, would only ever fight with their longsword, and their shorter sword was for ceremonial occasions or kept as a spare.
Serous sword collectors would benefit from having full sword sets that tell a story and mean something to you. If you are purchasing swords to match a certain historical warrior’s gear, make sure you wear their full sword set to make the look appear more polished.
Quality
Even though you are looking for a budget sword, that doesn’t mean that you should lower your sword quality standards. A high-quality sword should be made of lightweight alloy. Aluminum and carbon steel are excellent materials that are usually sturdy and strong.
Swords often have attractive and detailed handle wraps. If the sword you have been eyeing up doesn’t have a stunning handle wrap, you can always customize your own.
Note: Customized handle wraps look more authentic once you get to grips with the wrapping technique.
FAQ
Swords have such a deep and mysterious history, and they are far more than just an interesting item that is fun to look at. If you want to learn more about swords, have a look at the following section.
Below is a frequently asked questions section that aims to clarify any questions that you may still have about swords. There is no such thing as a silly question, and the likelihood is that what you are curious about has passed through many sword enthusiasts heads too.
Q: Is it legal to carry around a sword?
A: If the sword’s blade is longer than five inches, the chances are that it is illegal to carry it around with you.
Q: Are old swords valuable?
A: Old swords are precious and are considered by many collectors to be an investment item. An original sword increases in value by an incredible 20 percent every year.
Q: Can you use a sword for self-defense?
A: Using a sword as a self-defense weapon at home is legal, but using it outside of your home is not. To be on the safe side, you should check the law regarding weapons for self-defense in your state.
Q: How much are old samurai swords worth?
A: Old samurai swords are worth anywhere from $15,000 and above if they are original.
Q: Can you throw a sword in the trash?
A: You must dispose of swords and other weapons carefully. Breaking the sword into small pieces or taking old swords to a junkyard are the most appropriate disposal methods.
Q: Is a Katana better than a longsword?
A: Each sword is unique and has its own special features. The best sword for you depends on your personal preference and what you are looking for in your sword.
Q: What does a black sword symbolize?
A: Black swords are extremely rare and were not used a lot traditionally in war. Balck swords are historically used by demon slayers, although a slayer who used a black sword never lived long after the battle.
Q: Can a sword stop a bullet?
A: Yes, a sword would most probably stop a bullet in its tracks. However, it will not be able to stop repeated shots and certainly will not shield you during a shoot out.
Q: Is it legal to carry a sword in Texas?
A: It isn’t legal to carry a sword in Texas just yet.
We hope you found our reviews helpful. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section below.
