A lot of training and research, and even then it's not guaranteed. If you don't know an appraiser then chances are you won't be able to.
I am pretty good and even I got taken once
Here is an article that will inform you on what to look for in a katana
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/authen...
Basically, you want to make sure the sword is forged from high carbon steel, properly heat treated, and have a full tang. Avoid stainlesss steel, which is common among cheap "replica" swords. lt has a distinct luster to it, so keep an eye out. Heat treatment hardens the cutting edge. Full tang means that the metal goes all the way to through the handle to the bottom. Half tang swords (only go half way through the handle) snap easily.
Quality entry level katanas can be as low as 150-300 USD. The best ones can go much higher obviously.
You need to do your homework and research who sells them. There are many fakes as you can imagine so the job is going to be to go online and see who the dealers are who are reputable and who deal in authentic items.
As it was said, it should be documented and have a certificate of authenticity from a reliable source.
Also if the price is too good to believe then it's probably so.
By real katana, I assume you mean one forged by a traditional Japanese swordsmith whether past or present such as those ranked as a Mukansa.
For starters, those kinds of katana are very expensive; minimum price $4500 USD and the sky is limit. Each of those swords comes with a certificate and an exportation license because you cannot remove them from Japan with the paperwork. You are not going to be buying one of the Internet.
Email your question to the 'Antiques Road Show.' They have ways of authenticating the sword based on the manufacturer and the date the sword was made.
If it can maim it's real
Ok but seriously man they should probably have a certificate of authenticity
Most weapons come with a certificate of authenticity or a signature of a company or a blacksmith on them, not sure where you would go about getting one because I think you would have to buy one in person, no deliveries for things like that
Can it cut?
I've been saving to get a katana. Everyone has told me if im going to get one it needs to be a legit samurai katana. how do I know if its legit and where can I find one?
