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

The Shikoto Touchstone Handmade Katana displayed on its stand

A detailed look at the decorative menuki

A look at the full length of the katana's blade

Different views of the Shikoto Touchstone Handmade Katana

Shikoto Touchstone Handmade Legacy Katana

$369.99

Sokojikara Falcon Katana shown with ornate tsuba, white scabbard, white cotton wrapped handle, and cleaning kit.

The white glossy scabbard is shown between the carbon steel blade point and ray skin handle with menuki.

The ray skin handle is wrapped in white cotton with a menuki and circular tsuba with wave and bird designs.

Sokojikara Falcon Katana

~~Price reduced from $394.99 to~~ NOW $335.98 You Save 15% -15%

The Kojiro Brownwood Shirasaya Sword and scabbard

Kojiro Brownwood Shirasaya Sword

~~Price reduced from $105.99 to~~ NOW $65.70 You Save 38% -38%

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword - Hand-Forged

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword

$363.99

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%

Sokojikara Bambusa Katana shown from various views, with detailed look at the pommel with lattice design and wood scabbard.

The natural wooden scabbard has a brown hanging cord, matching the brown cord wrapping the handle.

The white ray skin handle is wrapped in brown cord with brass menuki.

The brown cord wrapping of the handle is pulled through the pommel.

Detailed view of the brass menuki peaking out from the brown cord wrapping of the handle.

Sokojikara Bambusa Handmade Katana

~~Price reduced from $546.99 to~~ NOW $317.98 You Save 42% -42%

M48 Naginata Polearm is 57 1/2" overall with a 10” blade and Vortec blade cover.

The 10” blade of the polearm Is made of tempered cast stainless steel with non-reflective black oxidized finish.

A man is shown holding the polearm with blade in full view.

M48 Naginata Polearm With Vortec Sheath

$119.99

Sokojikara Joker Katana With Scabbard - T10 Clay Tempered Steel Blade, Genuine Black Rayskin, Brass Fittings -Length 39 1/4”

Sokojikara Joker Katana with Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $276.99 to~~ NOW $238.98 You Save 14% -14%

Musha Raging Waters Katana shown in various views, including wave detailing on the tsuba and scabbard.

The black scabbard and pommel have wave-like symbols on them.

Detailed shot of the brass-colored habaki and 1045 carbon steel blade.

Musha Raging Waters Full Tang Battle Ready Katana

$86.99

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%

Highlander Dragon Katana

$79.99

The master swordsmiths of Lonquan used centuries of tradition and experience to hand-forge the Shinwa Blood Moon Tachi

The 38” overall tachi fits securely into a maroon lacquered sheath with metal accents and an intricately wrapped sword hanger

It has a forged 28 1/2” 1045 high carbon steel blade, extending from a brass habaki and pewter-colored metal alloy tsuba

The sword has a faux rayskin and white cord-wrapped hardwood handle with a pewter-colored metal alloy pommel

Shinwa Blood Moon Tachi Sword

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

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.