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

129 Results

Using the age-old process of clay tempering, to forge swords that have the perfect balance of strength and flexibility

The 40” overall katana slides smoothly into a black, lacquered scabbard, accented with black cord-wrap to match the handle

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed tiger in an open design

The sword has a hand-forged, 29” clay-tempered 1095 carbon steel blade that’s razor-sharp and perfectly balanced

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed tiger in an open design and a pommel to match

Sokojikara Stalking Tiger Katana and Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $332.99 to~~ NOW $269.99 You Save 19% -19%

Shinwa Wellspring Handmade Tachi / Samurai Sword - Hand Forged Damascus Steel - Historical Katana Predecessor - Traditional Wooden Saya - Functional, Battle Ready, Full Tang

Shinwa Wellspring Handmade Tachi

$199.99

The Sokojikara Water Buffalo God Katana was hand-forged and clay-tempered to give it both strength and flexibility

The 40” overall katana slides smoothly into a matte black scabbard, accented with brown cord-wrap to match the handle

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed water buffalo god design

Sokojikara Water Buffalo God Katana and Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $409.99 to~~ NOW $251.98 You Save 39% -39%

Musashi katana with black glossy scabbard, steel tsuba, and ray skin handle wrapped with cord.

The glossy black scabbard is shown next to a zoomed view of the 1060 high carbon steel blade of the katana.

The brass colored habaki compliments the steel tsuba.

Musashi Black Polished Ryoushi Katana Sword

$163.99

The Kojiro Night Watch Three-Piece Sword Set gives you the full daisho of a Samurai warrior, which is a katana, wakizashi and tanto

Each sword has a black painted, wooden scabbard with a black cord and leather sword hanger and a wooden display stand is included

The handles are traditionally wrapped in faux ray skin and black cord and the blades are razor-sharp carbon steel

Kojiro Night Watch Three-Piece Sword Set And Display Stand

~~Price reduced from $141.99 to~~ NOW $73.98 You Save 48% -48%

Musashi katana shown with metal tsuba, black scabbard, and ray skin handle wrapped in black cord.

The black hardwood scabbard has an high quality piano paint finish and the 1060 carbon steel blade point is razor sharp.

The glossy black scabbard has a black hanging cord just beneath the metal tsuba.

Musashi Carbon Steel Katana

$163.99

Shinwa Noble Midnight Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $212.99 to~~ NOW $163.98 You Save 23% -23%

Shinwa Purple Empress Short Samurai Sword

Shinwa Purple Empress Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $283.99 to~~ NOW $195.98 You Save 31% -31%

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

Shikoto Eternal Edge Wakizashi with Scabbard

Shikoto Eternal Edge Wakizashi

~~Price reduced from $339.99 to~~ NOW $288.60 You Save 15% -15%

Musashi Whirlwind Katana from various views with detailed looks at the tsuba, handle and black scabbard.

The steel tsuba and pommel has swirling wind designs and the black scabbard has a black hanging cord.

Musashi Whirlwind Carbon Steel Katana Sword

$178.99

The Kojiro Daisho Sword Set is an eye-catching triple sword collection just begging to be displayed in your home or office

The red wooden scabbards have gold-painted artwork, and each has a white cord and faux leather sword hanger

The set also comes with a high-quality, black wooden display stand

The decorative tsubas, pommels and the habakis are all gold-colored metal alloy, along with the accents on the scabbards

Each sword in the set has a razor-sharp, carbon steel blade and a faux rayskin and cord-wrapped wooden handle

Kojiro Imperial Red Daisho Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $133.99 to~~ NOW $90.98 You Save 32% -32%

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.