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%

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

20% OFF

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

~~Price reduced from $63.99 to~~ $50.97 Save 20%

Different views of the Sokojikara Blü-Fyre Katana

Sokojikara Blü-Fyre Katana and Scabbard

$169.99

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~~ $277.98 Save 18%

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%

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%

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%

Shikoto Rurousha handmade katana shown with cast tsuba, wooden scabbard wrapped in leather to match the leather wrapped handle.

The lacquered wooden scabbard is shown with mottled color scheme and leather wrapping.

Zoomed view of the cast tsuba just beneath the leather wrapping of the handle.

The handle is wrapped with genuine leather for grip.

The scabbard has a black hanging cord wrapped around an ornamental piece that matches the brown leather wrapping of the handle.

Kanji is engraved into the Damascus steel blade, just below the brass habaki.

The handle is wrapped in genuine brown leather.

Shikoto Rurousha Handmade Katana / Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $458.99 to~~ $259.98 Save 43%

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

$272.99

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~~ $317.98 Save 42%

Honshu wakizashi sword with black and brass handle shown in front of other weapons on tatami mats.

Textured black handle of the wakizashi shown outside leaned up against black wood.

Wakizashi shown with steel blade, black textured handle, and brass accents.

The black scabbard features paracord wrapping, matching the paracord lanyard on the sword handle.

Honshu Wakizashi Sword

$229.99

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.