Zilberfrid said:
I have not handled real katana's, they are rare, but have handled a good replica, it was not as flexible as medieval replica's I handled, it does cut a fair bit better, and vs fabric it stabs better as well, I have not handled messer though, these should mimic that feature.
To be fair- comparing two reconstructions can be very much a question of the relative craftsmanship. I'm yet to see any established reason why a katana cuts any better than any other sword- and as for the concept of it stabbing better, well, basic physics voids that argument a bit when comparing the sharply tapered triangular pointed swords of the mid-13th century onwards with the average katana profile. They are not a stabbing tool by design, whilst nearly every sword designed for use on foot in Europe generally was.
Interestingly there was a series of comparative tests done a while ago on a tv programme (I'll try and find it, can't remember now the exact title) testing the cut, thrust and behavioural characteristics of a katana and a pattern-weld Viking-style sword. The only real difference was that whilst the katana delivered a slightly cleaner cut, the viking sword delivered more trauma damage with a lesser cut (wider cut due to blade profile), and a deeper thrust when tested against clay. In reality, despite each culture's claim to superiority, there is very little difference, practically speaking, bar designed preferences.