[melbell]

really? It would cost that much? Crap. I would think they would have some lying around somewhere.

Perhaps I should just buy him classes to learn how to use one. That would be cool, too. I am married to the hardest man in the world to buy for. He has the bamboo sword (can't remember what they are called) that you use for practicing...he actually has two of them...but I'm not tough enough to even practice with him...first time that thing struck flesh I would be a pile of groaning flesh and the floor.

[JenB]

I know I'd be thrilled with kenjitsu lessons. Is his stick called shinai or bokken?

[TalonDJ]

considering they have been not legal to own in Japan without a permit for close to 100 years and tons of people love the idea of a samurai sword...
Any old pawn shop will have nice looking but useless swords. If you want cheap but still functional do a web search for Paul Chan or Last Legend Katanas. A 'real' samaurai swords is an antique and a highly sought after one. A modern made fully functional weapon is not and hence is much cheaper. A sharp piece of metal that looks pretty to hang on the wall is desired by lots of wannabees and hence is cheap.