Most important features when buying a sword?

Western or Chinese style swords should be of high carbon steel and be flexible enough to bend at least 45 degrees and still spring back into shape.

Katana do not bend like that, but hand forged high carbon steel is very important.

Do not buy the cheap wall hangers. At the very least, the steel is too brittle and the tang is virtually non existent. That means it will break almost the moment you use it.

a katana or somthing chinese?

i can help with chinese swords,

the most important thing is try before you buy, if you have used a decent sword, via instructor or whatever you will know what you are looking for. if chinese you will whant prefferably somthing made of steel, and you whant a balance,

you need to see it has these things thats why you do not get the sword off the net.

hope i helped

hilt should weight as much as the blade does.

i recommend a hand and a half sword.

and it has to be long, but not too long.

or i would suggest buying twin blades. 2 short blades would be good. they can move fast and they can dart around better.

Good luck.