Thanks for all your input!
Got a modern made one. Good for a starter and will fun to do some chopping and learn a few sword forms while looking at antiques.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...9125&rd=1&rd=1
Turns out that two of the bladesmiths making custom swords mentioned in Antonio's post live near me. I am in contact with them.
I am still very interested in collecting antiques like the swords I already have, but seeing a lot of beauty and fun in the Japanese pieces.