samurai sword or medieval sword?

If you really insist, get the Katana. It's a single edge sword, which means if worse comes to worse, you're only 50% likely to cut yourself while fooling around with it, compared to a double edged medieval sword.

There is a lot skill required for effective use of either weapon. From an engineering stand point the Katana and Rapier are similar. Both have a curved blade for slashing and both have a pointed tip for thrusts. I would say that the Katana has an edge over the rapier when it comes to the execution of it's design. To my knowledge rapiers did not have variable carbon contents throughout the blade like the Katana has (for maintaining a hard sharp edge, and giving the rest of the blade a softer more flexible steel). The rapier isn't the only type of medieval sword though. Another common sword of the time was the long sword. This weapon was meant for crushing blows. Even if it didn't have the razor sharp edge of some other swords, it could still cause massive internal injuries. Each type of sword is used in a different way. A claymore is effective against an armoured assailant because it's weight and momentum. If you're hit by it you're in serious trouble. The lighter stabbing and/or slashing weapons are effective as well. Their shorter blade length makes them easier to use in less space but require the wielder to move in closer. There are always trade offs when you select a weapon. It comes down to the skill and the luck of the fighter.

If you do not know the difference, which obviously you do not or you would not be asking the question, you should get neither. These are two unique objects with culture and history behind them. I can't even imagine someone shelling out the 2 or 3 thousand dollars for a traditional Japanese sword and not knowing anything at all about it. Or were you planning on buying a toy sword? As long as you are buying a toy sword, what difference does it make? Why spend the money. Just buy a set of cheap butcher knives and throw them at the tree in your back yard.

In the end, you are not actually buying a sword but a work of art. Your question is a bit like asking, "Should I buy a Picasso or a LeRoy Neiman." If you have no appreciation for the art, what difference does it actually make?

For what? I assume that you are not paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for a combat functional, hand tempered and/or alloy metal blade, because you would mention that, or you would at least give a link. I also assume that you have little to no martial training in bladed weapons combat, because again you would mention why you are buying one. With these assumptions in place, the natural conclusion is that you are looking at swords online or in a catalog that range from $20 to $100 that are made of either spring steel or stainless steel. What you might not know is that these swords are made entirely for display and/or forms practice. Having identified aesthetic value as the main goal of your proposed purchase the answer is simple: whichever sword looks the coolest! In my opinion the huge broadswords with crazy hilt designs look the coolest, though I've always wanted to buy a "Green Destiny" replica from Couching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to put on my wall. Katanas are cool and all, but they aren't very impressive to look at; katanas are better for a serene or zen-like decoration. While broadswords scream WARRIOR! to everyone who sees them. In the end, it's your personal preference in decorations that make your purchase!

think you should save your money honestly

but samurai swords are much more badass

Neither until you know a little more about swords.

whatever one you feel looks more cool on your hip or back in your hand or on your wall for me though I am getting this one (but sharpened) it is a cool site you should check it out before you buy http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/DSA-Norman.html edit: spring steel for a bad sword I am laughing

sounds like a question napolean dynamite would ask.lol

A Gurkha Kukuri is alwayz the best no matter wut!- XD