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

131 Results

Sokojikara uses 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 red slashes and black cord-wrap

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed demon monk and centipede design

Sokojikara Demon Monk Katana and Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $409.99 to~~ NOW $246.98 You Save 40% -40%

Shinwa Sunset Samurai Tachi Sword

~~Price reduced from $156.99 to~~ NOW $116.98 You Save 25% -25%

Shikotoa Eternal Edge Katana and Scabbard

Shikoto Eternal Edge Katana

~~Price reduced from $369.99 to~~ NOW $306.80 You Save 17% -17%

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%

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

31% OFF

Shinwa Golden Knight Odachi

~~Price reduced from $327.99 to~~ NOW $225.97 You Save 31% -31%

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

It has proven itself time and again, and it holds its own against any of today’s most expensive katana, outperforming many

The 40” overall katana slides smoothly into a black lacquered, wooden scabbard with black cord-wrap accents

The hardwood handle is traditionally wrapped in cord-wrap over faux rayskin and the biohazard-style, cast tsuba is black

Shinwa Black Knight Katana

~~Price reduced from $254.99 to~~ NOW $176.98 You Save 31% -31%

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

~~Price reduced from $272.99 to~~ NOW $199.99 You Save 27% -27%

The Shinwa Samurai Tachi Sword in and out of its scabbard

A view of the handle, blade and scabbard

Shinwa Tachi 1045 Carbon Sword

~~Price reduced from $159.99 to~~ NOW $139.98 You Save 13% -13%

Mystery Katana Four-Pack - Brand-New Functional Katanas, Variety

~~Price reduced from $398.99 to~~ NOW $359.98 You Save 10% -10%

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

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.