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

Japanese Odachi Samurai sword shown with detailed guard, beside wooden scabbard and with Japanese detailing on pommel.

Odachi-style sword inside black wooden scabbard with black cord wrapped around the upper section.

Zoomed view of the wrapped handle with gold colored design on pommel.

Closeup view of the ornate guard that features a dragon design just above the blade collar.

The pommel is detailed with a gold color design just above the black cord wrapped handle.

An ornate gold color design can be seen peeking out from the black cord wrapping the handle of the Samurai sword.

The 65 1/2” sword is held up by a man, showcases its height.

Odachi Japanese Samurai Long Sword

$179.99

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

Sword you’re looking for whether you’re an avid collector or a first-time owner, giving you quality and value far beyond the price

The 41” katana slides into a black lacquered wooden scabbard, accented with a red painted design and black cord-wrap

The hardwood handle is wrapped in faux rayskin and black cord and has an intricately detailed metal alloy tsuba

The full-tang, razor-sharp, sword has a 28”, 1045 carbon steel blade, which extends from a polished brass habaki

Kojiro Fire Dragon Katana

~~Price reduced from $124.99 to~~ $102.98 Save 18%

“Scratch and Dent Swords” text over a background of a sword laying on a tatami mat.

Scratch & Dent Sword Enigma Set

$27.99

The mark of a Samurai was the set of weapons which he carried and went into war with - katana, wakizashi and tanto

The decorative, antique white lacquered wooden scabbards feature one-of-a-kind artwork portraying a Chinese dragon

Each sword has a black 1045 carbon steel blade with display edges and a faux ray skin and black cord-wrapped handle

Each sword has a metal alloy tsuba with a dragon design

Kojiro Black Dragon Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $96.99 to~~ $68.98 Save 29%

Musha Crane Katana shown with crane wing tsuba, black scabbard, and black cotton cord wrapped handle.

The point of the high carbon steel blade is shown next to the black matte scabbard and zoomed view of black menuki.

The shiny katana blades slides into the ornate metal mouth of the scabbard with sun and wave designs.

Musha Samurai Special Full-Tang Crane Katana Sword

$89.99

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

Musha Black Shirasaya has a glossy black hardwood handle with matching scabbard and a full-tang carbon steel blade.

The glossy black hardwood handle of the shirasaya matches perfectly with the glossy black hardwood scabbard.

Musha Black Shirasaya Bushido Sword

$70.99

White Lotus High Carbon Steel Katana

$63.99

Musha Bushido Genko Samurai Katana from various views, including detailed shot of the floral tsuba and floral design on scabbard.

The habaki has a wave-like pattern while the scabbard has a floral design that matches the tsuba.

Musha Bushido Genko Samurai Katana Sword 1045 Carbon Steel

$86.99

Musha Raging Waters Katana shown in various views, including wave detailing on the tsuba and scabbard.

The black scabbard and pommel have wave-like symbols on them.

Detailed shot of the brass-colored habaki and 1045 carbon steel blade.

Musha Raging Waters Full Tang Battle Ready Katana

$86.99

M48 Naginata Polearm is 57 1/2" overall with a 10” blade and Vortec blade cover.

The 10” blade of the polearm Is made of tempered cast stainless steel with non-reflective black oxidized finish.

A man is shown holding the polearm with blade in full view.

M48 Naginata Polearm With Vortec Sheath

$119.99

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.