Hi, im about to start the game and im wondering whether to choose katanas or long swords for my main weapon...are katanas really much more rare than long swords? I dont really want spoilers as to exact weapons, but is there gonna be much of a difference in quality and quantity of decent weapon choices?

You will find lots of good magic large swords, some of them early in the game.
There is only 1 good katana (though its REALLY good) and you can get it early. There is another cool katana for mage/thief or mage/fighter.

My thought is are you just going for One handed or Two Handed? I would also check on the speed of both weapons. Also see which makes more sense for your character type. Then make your decision. Myself, I would go for two-handed sword.

BK

well, im goin for two weapon style for sure...as a fighter. Possible ill use two handed with a Cavalier my second time through or if i get sick of being a plain old fighter, thanks for the replies, i think ill go for long swords....till i get upset when i find my first really nice katana : )

Long sword are more plentiful. Valygar is good with the katana should you ever find a good one. He's got a good katana on him as well.