Have you never made a knife before? If the answer to that is 'no' then trying to start with a katana is a monumentally bad idea. This is still true if you happen to be a gunsmith or a blacksmith already. Nonetheless, I imagine you will do what you will do.
I agree, PVC pipe is a terrible idea although it can work. My tank is a 3ft section of 4" steel pipe that I welded a bottom on, it holds about 3 gallons - which is minimal - and has a heating element built into it. Traditionally, I believe katanas were quenched in shallow horizontal tanks. Even for regular knives many makers today prefer horizontal tanks. Any metal container that holds 3 gallons or more and has a cover that fits well enough to smother a fire can be used....
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