The Iron Age was a period in human history that started between 1200 B.C. and 600 B.C., depending on the region, and followed the Stone Age and Bronze Age. During the Iron Age, people across much of Europe, Asia and parts of Africa began making tools and weapons from iron and steel.

In the Iron Age, tools from the iron were made by heating the iron on extreme temperatures. They probably used the charcoal fire as a source of heat. As iron is harder and has much more melting point than bronze, it was impossible to use pouring into the mold method for making tools.

By the time tin became available again, iron was cheaper, stronger and lighter, and forged iron replaced bronze tools permanently. During the Iron Age, the best tools and weapons were made from steel, particularly carbon alloys. Steel weapons and tools were nearly the same weight as those of bronze, but much stronger.

Swords made of iron (as opposed to bronze) appear from the Early Iron Age (c. 12th century BC), but do not become widespread before the 8th century BC. Early Iron Age swords were significantly different from later steel swords.

It has taken 15 men nearly six months to create this single katana sword. Though fit for a samurai warrior, this sword will likely sell to art collectors for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A fine example of a Japanese sword could go for more than $100k, but given the history and legends behind the Honjo Masamune, it’s likely worth much more. If it is well preserved, then it would definitely be worth more. However, as stated before, Masamune often did not sign his work.

For this reason, his only existing works are katana and tantō. No exact dates are known for Masamune’s life. It is generally agreed that he made most of his swords between 1288 and 1328.

An authentic Katana that is handmade in Japan is called nihonto. Often, these would usually cost around $12,000 to $25,000 and higher.

North America (USA and Canada) Legally Katana are lumped in the same category as knives and governed by state rather than federal laws, though as with knives, a collector must be over 18 years old OR have their parents implicit permission to buy or own a Katana.

To obtain this license without any hassle, there are some requirements you must keep in mind: The sword must be a Japanese sword aka Nihonto (日本刀); no foreign swords are eligible. If you are buying a rare sword designated as a national treasure or a cultural property, you cannot take it outside of Japan.