If you have the means to add some finishing touches to your own blade, then you'll want to take a look at this Paul Chen Hanwei sword.
It's an installment in Paul Chen's Tiger series, similar to his Tiger Katana but available now in a wooden Shirasaya design. There are two models: one with a blood groove and another without a blood groove. The picture you're looking at is the latter.
The blade is forged by hand and overlaid with ASSAB K-120C powder steel for superior hardness and longevity. Its natural hamon effect is differentially tempered, bringing a traditional quality to the design that should be easy for you to build off of.
It measures 40.75 inches in overall length, with a 29.75-inch blade and a 9.75-inch handle.
Paul Chen's Hanwei sword has all the durability essentials you need. Now it's up to you to turn it into a work of art.
