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

K Exclusive Biohazard Katana shown from various views, with bio hazard symbol guard and black scabbard.

The neon green imitation ray skin of the katana handle is wrapped in black cord and has a black chain on the end.

The 38” katana has a black scabbard and black cord wrapped handle with neon green imitation ray skin underneath.

Bio Hazard Katana Saber

$45.99

Shinwa Colossus Handmade Odachi / Giant Samurai Sword - Hand Forged Damascus Steel; Genuine Ray Skin; Dragon Tsuba - Functional, Full Tang, Battle Ready - 60”

Shinwa Handmade Monkey King Odachi

~~Price reduced from $337.99 to~~ NOW $277.98 You Save 18% -18%

A three piece katana sword set displayed on wooden stand and shows a zoomed view of black dragon handguard with brass habaki

Shinwa 3 japanese swords encased in separate scabbards with handles wrapped in faux ray skin and black nylon cord

Shinwa black 3 piece japanese sword set displayed on a black lacquered wooden stand

Close view of faux rayskin handle wrapped with a black ito extracted from scabbard showing damascus steel and dragon tsuba

Zoomed view of faux rayskin handle wrapped with a black nylon cord extended from dragon handguard

Zoomed view of black nylon wrapped hilt and etched pommel with accents of gold

Close view of hand forged black damascus steel with a razor sharp blade and tip

Shinwa Black Knight 3-Piece Sword and Stand Set

~~Price reduced from $429.99 to~~ NOW $265.98 You Save 38% -38%

Shinwa ScarletFang Shirasaya Sword has a red lacquered hardwood handle, shown atop ornate display box.

The shirasaya sword and scabbard seamlessly fit together with both vibrant red lacquered handle and scabbard.

A brass habaki can be found just beneath the red hardwood handle of the shirasaya.

Detailed look at the silky smooth appearance of the red lacquered hardwood handle.

Shinwa Jade Defender Katana

$86.99

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

Katana sword with dragon-themed guard and black scabbard on a stand

Katana on a stand with a mask and wooden box in the background

Diagram of a katana sword with dimensions and labeled parts

Close-up of katana handle and guard with intricate design

Full view of katana sword with detailed pommel on turquoise background

Samurai Spirit Katana with Scabbard

$43.99

Zoomed view of Shinwa makaku katana with handle wrapped in tan sageo and Damascus steel blade.

The black hardwood scabbard has a tan cord that matches the tan wrapping of the katana handle.

Different views of the katana including a detailed view of the cast monkey tsuba, black hardwood scabbard, and tan cord wrapped handle.

Closeup of cast tsuba with monkey detail.

Detailed view of the tan hanging cord wrapped around the black scabbard.

Zoomed view of the Damascus steel blade, showing the intricate patterning.

The tan cord of the handle wraps through the pommel of the katana.

Zoomed view of the tan cord wrapping the genuine ray skin handle with menuki.

Shinwa Makaku Katana

$198.99

Since 2007, Shinwa Swords has been hand-forging their swords using ancient tempering techniques that give them a custom look

The Shinwa Golden Dragon Odachi Sword was crafted with painstaking detail, making it a collector’s dream

The hand-lacquered, black wooden scabbard protects the blade while adding classic style to this 60” overall katana

The colossal, full-tang 36” Damascus steel blade is expertly hand-forged by seasoned swordsmiths using centuries-old techniques

The exquisitely detailed, gold-plated metal tsuba is square-shaped and it is embossed with an intricate Chinese dragon

Shinwa Golden Dragon Odachi Sword

~~Price reduced from $323.99 to~~ NOW $209.98 You Save 35% -35%

Wellspring Brown Damascus Tachi specifications

Wellspring Brown Damascus Tachi handle close up

Shinwa Wellspring Brown Damascus Tachi

~~Price reduced from $189.99 to~~ NOW $156.99 You Save 17% -17%

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

Timber Wolf Full Tang Ninja Sword

$46.99

Kojiro Amberwood Chokuto Shirasaya

$104.99

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.