Making a Katana
This is a good snapshot of how modern prodcution (functional) Samurai swords are made. These are folded blades that are suitable for target cutting. This video gives you a good idea of the sword-making process from a simple bar of steel to the wrapping of the tsuka. See the Cheness, Inc. site for some good beginner swords that are worth the money. Even though the blades are made being produced in China (which, like it or not, almost all swords are), these are still decent folded swords for a beginner at cheap prices.This is how katanas were made using traditional methods.