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

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

K Exclusive Generation Dragon katana shown next to scabbard and detailed view of faux ivory handle with dragon pommel.

View from the top of the faux ivory handle with intricate designs and dragon head.

Dragon Legacy Katana Sword

$51.99

Musashi katana shown beside red glossy scabbard with detailed shots of the cord wrapped handle and antique-finished tsuba.

The red hand-painted scabbard shown with katana inside between zoomed shots of the pommel and blade point.

Just beneath the antique finished tsuba is a brass habaki.

Musashi Clay Tempered 1060 Carbon Steel Katana Sword

$162.99

The Shinwa Celestial Guardians Katana and its scabbard.

Shinwa Katana

$116.99

Shinwa Noble Midnight Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $212.99 to~~ $163.98 Save 23%

The friend you need when the Zombie Apocalypse happens because everyone knows that a katana is the best weapon again the Undead

The sword has a sharp, 27” carbon steel blade with a black finish with green silk painting and “Zombie Hunter” in white

Zombie Hunter Green Katana

$52.99

The Shinwa Crimson Defender Katana's handle, blade and scabbard

The red cord-wrapped handle shown in different positions

Shinwa Crimson Defender Katana

$90.99

Musashi Bushin Sword - Hand-Forged, Water-Tempered 1095 Carbon Steel Blade, Genuine Rayskin Wrapped Handle - Length 41 1/2"

Musashi Bushin Sword

$363.99

Shikoto Eternal Edge Wakizashi with Scabbard

Shikoto Eternal Edge Wakizashi

$339.99

Highlander Dragon Katana

$79.99

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

Painstakingly handcrafted sword, using only the finest materials for spectacular visual allure and tremendous potency

The 40” overall katana slides smoothly into a blue, lacquered scabbard, accented with black and blue cord-wrap

The hardwood handle is wrapped in genuine black rayskin and blue cord and there’s an engraved brass habaki

Sokojikara Elephant God Katana And Scabbard

$417.99

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.