There are modern swords made the old way. Really good ones go for more than $10,000. Nothing under $1000 is worth looking at. Try http://www.bugei.com and http://www.swordforum.com for a start.
I wouldn't say that any swords under $1000 are not worth looking at. If all you demand is authentic feel and balance, and decent steel and craftsmanship, and you don't care about its 'pedigree', I've seen many nice swords under $1000, some even made in China. I've got my eye on one for under $200 that has a real hamon and feels like the real thing. Plus that way I won't have to kill myself in shame when I inevitably chip or break the edge while out swinging it around in the yard :)
Thanks, don't know about, http://www.swordforum.com
> There are modern swords made the old way. Really good ones go for more than $10,000. Nothing under $1000 is worth looking at.
Hmm. My .45 cost me about $450.