Beginner level swords are the $500 to $600 dollar swords you can find at your local mall. They have mass-produced low to moderate quality handles, hardware and wrap. Handle shape is typically poor, and the blades themselves are either poorly forged or not forged at all. Those that are of high enough quality will be able to handle very limited target test cutting. Students of Tameshigiri (target test cutting) will typically outgrow these swords in 6 months to a year

Intermediate Level Swords will feature higher quality hardware, improved handle shape design and overall better sword to handle balance. Blades are typically able to handle 99% of the techniques most practitioners can accomplish. These are usually higher quality mass-produced blades made in china under supervision of Japanese smiths. These are the best you can get without spending $5,000 or more on a traditional Japanese forge folded blade.

Advanced level swords will be old or newly made swords crafted by certified Japanese smiths. Hardware will be all hand crafted new or antique, and handles will be hand crafted and of good shape. Quality swords able to handle target test cutting will typically begin at $5,000 and Very good ones at $15,000.