The Practical is the most bare-bones katana you can buy that will still cut well.  All of the aesthetics are cut in order to keep the price low, while cutting none of the function and allowing you to practice cutting at an extraordinary low price.  The 27 1/4" blade and 11 1/4" tsukka makes for a very light and lively sword, especially suited for those smaller in stature or wanting to practice more kodachi-type sword work as in the Togakure Ryu.  This is the only Paul Chen model that includes imitation same (skin from the back of a ray), and the tsukka wrapping consists of imitation suede.

The tsuba is a plain but effective and traditional pattern.

These come with a medium (chu) kissaki and are still hand forged, high carbon steel blades.  They are differentially tempered using a traditional claying method to achieve the hamon (temper line) shown above - but more importantly, it gives a very hard edge (Rc60) and a soft, flexible back (Rc40).

The plain hamon is more evident here.  Even though it may not be as beautiful as a well-charactered and more intricate hamon, it still indicates the differential tempering process, which is the key to a strong and long lasting sword.

Note the plain but effective kashira (butt cap).  The menuki (handle decoration) seems all the more intricate and beautiful in stark contrast to the pure functionality of the rest of the sword.