Folded steel laminate blade is the secret. I think Cold Steel is the only knife manufacturer that follows this process offering 3 times folded blade in their "military classic" fighting knife that resembles the Randall, considered the finest general purpose bowie sized knife in the world.

Cold Steel makes katanas too but why bother with a sword that you will never use? More likely it will be fun for thrashing at bushes for awhile but then you will get bored with it. Instead I'd recommend getting yourself one damned fine bowie sized knife that you can use for practically anything like dressing deer and game or as general purpose blade for the rest of your life.

Surf Randall, Marbles and Cold Steel knives on ebay.... These are the best manufacturers of knives. Ebay has an amazing population of knife collectors. Offering lots of vintage discontinued models in perfect condition, better craftsmanship then modern day blades. Prices range from about $200- $800 for the best there is.

But if you must get a katana and actually plan to learn how to use it, then start with a well-ballanced wooden practice sword that you can bring to dojo's for instruction and competion, sparring with others.