One's a Sabre, the Other is a broadsword, their applications in combat are slightly different. One is a slasher, the other is a cutter, neither are really meant for stabbing. generally speaking Katanas are sharper...., but the blunt force of the long sword makes up for that fact (you can find youtube vids of both swords cutting through tatami mats with relatively the same end result). To each his own I'd say. I prefer the Katana, i feel like it takes less physical energy to wield and cause the same degree of bodily harm as the long sword.