I don't believe that was an authenthic katana. It's most likely for show which is why it broke in half.
katanas from what I understand uses the demascus folding style. They have a high tension when it comes to bending and breaking. Simple banging on the table won't break them.
So what are those swords made of? Must be some shoddy piece with a craft roll of 1, and trying to pass it off as normal.
Woah there! Not $40. $44.95 PLUS SHIPPING. And these swords are obviously hard to come by because they limit you to two per caller.
One little thing that I find hilarious about it is, if you pay careful attention, just at the moment that the sword breaks the little line at the bottom that says "No payments for 90 days!" slides out of view, almost as though they are concerned for his well being and that this is no time for crass commercialism. But a few moments later when the other guy steps up to the table, that little row slides out again showing the credit cards they accept, as though to say, "They've got another, non-wounded guy to hawk the product! We're back in business!"