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

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~~ $246.98 Save 40%

The Shinwa Lazuli Katana showcased in different angles

Close view of ornate dragon tsuba handguard and brass habaki

The blue cord-wrapped with red rayskin handle

Shinwa Lazuli Handmade Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $318.99 to~~ $249.98 Save 22%

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~~ $251.98 Save 39%

Tomahawk Black Dragon three piece sword set shown with black, mother-of-pearl accented scabbard and on black wooden display.

The katana, wakizashi, and tanto are laid side-by-side, all with matching cord-wrapped hilt.

A detailed view of the mother-of-pearl dragon design on the side of the scabbard.

Black Dragon 3-Piece Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $138.99 to~~ $68.98 Save 50%

Wellspring Brown Damascus Tachi specifications

Wellspring Brown Damascus Tachi handle close up

Shinwa Wellspring Brown Damascus Tachi

$207.99

This Navy Officer Sword makes a distinguished presentation award for distinguished service or an excellent display piece for an office

The 39 3/10” overall sword slides smoothly into a black wooden scabbard with polished brass accents

It has a clay-tempered 27 9/10”, razor-sharp T10 steel blade, which extends from a decorative, polished brass habaki and tsuba

Japanese Type 98 Gunto Officer's Katana Sword 39"

$371.99

Shinwa Regal Wakizashi shown with black scabbard, brown cord wrapped handle, and intricate cast tsuba.

The black hand-lacquered hardwood scabbard as a glossy sheen, offset with tan cord.

Zoomed view of the monkey design on the cast tsuba.

The black scabbard has a tan hanging cord.

The black genuine ray skin handle is wrapped in tan braided cord.

A dragon menuki peaks out from behind the tan cord wrapped handle.

Closeup view of the monkey design of the tsuba.

Shinwa Regal Makaku Wakizashi

$168.99

Shinwa Imperial Dragon katana shown from various views, including detailed shot of metal tsuba, red scabbard, and black cord wrapped handle.

Hand-lacquered red scabbard features a mother-of-pearl dragon design on the side.

The handle is made from white genuine ray skin with black braided cord around it and brass menuki.

Detailed view of the mother-of-pearl dragon on the side of the red scabbard.

Close view of the brass menuki on the white ray skin handle with black braided cord.

Closeup of the metal tsuba with circular, floral type design.

Shinwa Imperial Dragon Handmade Katana

~~Price reduced from $517.99 to~~ $327.98 Save 37%

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

Sokojikara Natsukashii Handmade Tachi

$275.99

Sokojikara Scorn Handmade Katana shown from different angles

The sword secured in its wooden scabbard

A close-up view of the decorative menuki

Sokojikara Scorn Handmade Katana

~~Price reduced from $460.99 to~~ $280.98 Save 39%

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

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~~ $209.98 Save 35%

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.