What is the difference between a katana, wakizashi, and tanto?

The katana is a long sword, the wakizashi is a shorter companion sword, and the tanto is a dagger. Traditionally, samurai would carry both a katana and wakizashi as part of a daisho set, with each sword serving a specific purpose.

What materials are used to make Japanese swords?

Japanese swords are typically made from high-carbon steel, Damascus steel, or folded steel for the blade. Handles are often wrapped in ray skin or cord, and scabbards are crafted from lacquered wood or leather.

Are Japanese swords functional or decorative?

TrueSwords.com offers both functional and decorative Japanese swords. Functional swords are suitable for martial arts or cutting practice, while others are designed mainly for display and collection.

What maintenance is required for a Japanese sword?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the blade after use, applying a light coat of oil to prevent rust, and storing it in a dry place. This care ensures the blade's longevity and keeps it sharp.

Japanese Swords

151 Results

Royal Blue Dragon Imperial Samurai Sword is a three piece set, shown on black display, with blue scabbard and handle.

Each of the three samurai swords has a blue coordinating wooden scabbard with dragon design on the side.

The cast tsuba of each of the three samurai swords features a dragon design beneath the blue cord wrapped handle.

Royal Blue Dragon Samurai Sword Set with Stand

$85.99

Last Samurai Spirit Katana shown atop traditional background with detailed view of the dragon tsuba and stand.

The black scabbard has traditional engravings and has a black hanging cord.

The circular cast tsuba has an ornate dragon design between the engraved carbon steel blade and cord wrapped handle.

Samurai Spirit Katana with Scabbard

$43.99

Zoomed view of the blue, red, and green detailing of the faux ivory handle with ornate brass plated tsuba.

Sword of the Dragon shown next to black lacquered scabbard and view of detailed brass plated tsuba and dragon pommel.

The brass plated tsuba features an ornate dragon design.

The pommel has a dragon carved into the faux ivory.

Dragon Samurai Katana Sword

$51.99

The 69” Kojiro Kensai Japanese Odachi sword features a leather wrapped hardwood handle, coordinating wooden scabbard and unique guard.

The handle of the odachi sword is shown next to the scabbard, both wrapped with leather.

Kojiro Japanese Odachi Sword

$186.99

Forged Warrior Emperor Odachi Sword shown in full with black and maroon cord wrapped handle and carbon steel blade.

Full side view of the Odachi sword with 35 1/2" heat forged carbon steel blade and black and maroon cord wrapped handle.

A man is shown holding the Odachi sword by its handle with chain pommel accent over his shoulder.

Detailed view of the classic black metal tsuba and the black cord wrapping of the handle.

Kojiro Forged Emperor Odachi Sword

$156.99

The Shinwa Crimson Defender Katana's handle, blade and scabbard

The red cord-wrapped handle shown in different positions

Shinwa Crimson Defender Katana

$90.99

Inspired by a historical movie franchise weapon, Sokojikara’s The Bride’s Sword has all the details that you’re looking for

The 28 1/2” 1095 carbon steel blade has the requisite Japanese lion etched on it just below the brass habaki

The hardwood handle is wrapped in white rayskin and intricately braided black cord over a leaf-shaped silver metal menuki

Sokojikara The Bride’s Sword and Scabbard

$272.99

A silky and graceful display sword and scabbard that just begs to be added to and displayed in your collection

The 39” overall sword slides into a glossy black wooden scabbard with a shiny gold accent featuring a faux red jewel

Both the pommel and mouth of the scabbard are crafted of metal alloy with a genuine gold look to complement the circular tsuba

Black Lotus Katana

$63.99

Timber Wolf Full Tang Ninja Sword

~~Price reduced from $46.99 to~~ $23.60 Save 50%

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Different views of the Shinwa White Emperor Samurai Short Sword

The handle and the blade shown with the display stand

Shinwa Samurai Short Sword

~~Price reduced from $283.99 to~~ $71.90 Save 75%

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The Kojiro Brownwood Shirasaya Sword and scabbard

Kojiro Brownwood Shirasaya Sword

~~Price reduced from $105.99 to~~ $65.70 Save 38%

The Musha Hand-Forged Twin Musashi Katana is 38 3/4” overall

The sword comes with a black wooden scabbard

The Musha Hand-Forged Twin Musashi Katana has a traditional double-ring tsuba

The hardwood handle is wrapped in black, cotton cord with rayskin

The sword's blade is sharp, 1045 carbon steel

The traditionally wrapped handle has a metal-alloy pommel

The Musha Hand-Forged Twin Musashi Katana fits like a glove in its scabbard

Musashi Twin Katana

$109.99

JAPANESE SWORD FAQS

What is the difference between a katana, wakizashi, and tanto?
The katana is a long sword, the wakizashi is a shorter companion sword, and the tanto is a dagger. Traditionally, samurai would carry both a katana and wakizashi as part of a daisho set, with each sword serving a specific purpose.
What is an odachi sword?
An odachi sword, also known as a nodachi, is basically a large katana, similar in size to a European “two-hander” or “Zweihander” sword. Whereas a katana would typically have a blade between 24 and 30 inches, an odachi sword would exceed 35 inches, with some being 50 or greater.
What is a shirasaya?
A shirasaya, or “white scabbard” is not a sword but a method of housing or storing a sword’s blade. When at home, a sword’s blade stock would be removed from the hilt and guard and placed in the wooden shirasaya, protecting the tang and blade from the elements, but rendering them easily removable and thereby accessible for oiling or routine maintenance. Effectively, the shirasaya is a way to store or transport the blade.
What materials are used to make Japanese swords?
Japanese swords are typically made from high-carbon steel, Damascus steel, or folded steel for the blade. Handles are often wrapped in ray skin or cord, and scabbards are crafted from lacquered wood or leather.
Are Japanese swords functional or decorative?
TrueSwords.com offers both functional and decorative Japanese swords. Functional swords are suitable for martial arts or cutting practice, while others are designed mainly for display and collection.
What is the value of a katana with a damascus blade?
Damascus steel is made by layering several different grades of steel together, conferring the benefits of each alloy to the new damascus matrix. As a result, some damascus steel blades are highly durable, wear-resistant, and corrosion resistant, among other beneficial attributes. Additionally, many find the unique patterns created in the surface of damascus steel to be an aesthetically pleasing selling point.
What maintenance is required for a Japanese sword?
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the blade after use, applying a light coat of oil to prevent rust, and storing it in a dry place. This care ensures the blade's longevity and keeps it sharp.