I cannot seem to locate one of these, do they exist and are they worth it? Wooden ones have their limitations and steel gets banged up readily

There is a German who makes various kinds of aluminum sword simulators. He also has a katana. They are sold, among other things, through this German shop: https://www.trainingsschwerter.de/waffen/training/alu/224/aluminium-katana

Not sure if they ship to the States or if you'd even want to go through the horrible shipping and customs expenses.

Our club has used several of his aluminum blades in various shapes and sizes and they all hold up very well and have been in use for over ten years. Just don't use them against steel.

I could imagine that Jesse Belsky might be able to make them as well.

Thanks for the mention Johannes. Thomas, I can build you pretty much anything you need out of 7075-T6 Aluminum. Feel free to shoot me an email at info@jessebelsky.com.

https://jesse-belsky-stageswords.squarespace.com/