Can someone help me identify a Katana from the TV series?
I purchased a Katana from an arms depot store a few years ago. When I tried to have the sword identified I was told it looked like the following: The marto dragon-head katana from Highlander, The Series, and is the preferred weapon of Duncan MacLeod. They said they were commonly sold to commemorate the show in the 90s.
I did a bit more research on the blade and found a few things. Firstly, mine has no dragon head on the end, it is a straight Katana handle with no slot on location or attachment point for a dragon head. 2. The blade is sturdy, sharp steel, and very realistic. I have read only earlier versions of the blade from the opening episodes were made of such steel but changed to aluminum later for safety reasons. 3. The sheath on the blade is a red candy cane-like material. I have read this type of blade sheath is reserved for authentic designs for Katanas in general, and original swords from the show were sold in these same red cases. The imitations are typically sold in smooth plastic-type sheaths.
It appears to be of a sturdier design than other imitation blades even though it is a bit worn with time. but I have found a number of old posts on forums that make requests for this same sword. They offer a large financial incentive for it but don't say why.
It is a bit difficult searching google for more info using the terms "headless, highlander, and Katana" so if anyone has more knowledge of what it might be it would help a lot.
Posted Mar 22, 2022, 9:25 PM UTC · edited