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

128 Results

Shinwa Sunset Samurai Tachi Sword

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

The Kojiro Black Tanto Sword, crafted with supreme Samurai style, is ready to be the ultimate back-up weapon to the legendary katana

The 17” overall tanto sword fits like a glove in a black, lacquered wooden scabbard with black cord accents

This Kojiro has a hair-splitting sharp, 11” 1045 carbon steel blade, which extends from a polished brass habaki and a black metal alloy guard

Kojiro Tanto Sword & Scabbard

$103.99

Shinwa Noble Midnight Samurai Sword

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

Musashi Clay Tempered Katana shown next to black scabbard with detailed views of the antique finished tsuba and ray skin handle.

The black scabbard has a black hanging cord and both the pommel and tsuba has an antique finish.

Zoomed view of the hanging cord on the scabbard and brass colored habaki of the katana.

Musashi Clay Tempered Katana Sword

~~Price reduced from $178.99 to~~ NOW $157.99 You Save 12% -12%

Sokojikara Senzo Handmade Tachi / Samurai Sword - 1060 Carbon Steel, Clay Tempered, Hand Forged, Genuine Rayskin - Red Tachi-Style Saya - Fully Functional, Battle Ready - Full Tang - 41"

Sokojikara Senzo Handmade Tachi

$275.99

Kojiro White Zombie Slayer Katana Sword and Leather Wrapped Scabbard

$115.99

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

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%

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

Shinwa Warrior Katana shown with black scabbard, ornate tsuba, and bright pink cord wrapped handle.

Three different views of the cast tsuba and pommel with dragon and scenery artwork.

The black scabbard is wrapped with a bright pink hanging cord that matches the pink cord of the handle.

Shinwa Pink Warrior Katana Sword

~~Price reduced from $236.99 to~~ NOW $169.98 You Save 28% -28%

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.