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

152 Results

Sokojikara Pearl Zen Katana shown with bright red cord wrapping on the handle and scabbard and cast tsuba.

The side of the black glossy scabbard has a mother of pearl dragon design inlay, just beneath the bright red hanging cord.

The brass tsuba has a dragon design just beneath the bright red cord wrap of the handle.

A brass menuki is featured on the black ray skin handle with red cord wrap.

The brass tsuba has a swirling dragon design.

A bright red hanging cord is tied around the glossy black scabbard.

Sokojikara Pearl Zen Handmade Katana / Samurai Sword - Hand Forged, Clay Tempered 1045 Carbon Steel - Mother of Pearl Dragon Inlay - Ray Skin; Brass Tsuba - Functional, Full Tang, Battle Ready

~~Price reduced from $419.99 to~~ $248.98 Save 41%

Musha Hand-Forged Japanese Military Sword

$99.99

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

Musashi Bushin Sword

$363.99

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 Midnight Warrior Katana shown with detailed view of brass tsuba, blue scabbard, blue handle, and display box.

The glossy blue katana has a black and blue hanging cord and is shown alongside a detailed view of the blade point.

The genuine ray skin handle is wrapped in blue cotton cord with a menuki.

Musashi Midnight Warrior Katana Clay Tempered Carbon Steel

$377.99

Different views of the Kojiro Red Emperor Katana

A view of the Kojiro Red Emperor Katana on and off of its display stand

Kojiro Red Emperor Katana

~~Price reduced from $125.99 to~~ $80.98 Save 36%

Musha Crane Katana shown with crane wing tsuba, black scabbard, and black cotton cord wrapped handle.

The point of the high carbon steel blade is shown next to the black matte scabbard and zoomed view of black menuki.

The shiny katana blades slides into the ornate metal mouth of the scabbard with sun and wave designs.

Musha Samurai Special Full-Tang Crane Katana Sword

$89.99

Musha Hand-forged Blue Damascus Samurai Sword

$160.99

Shinwa Mystery Box

~~Price reduced from $402.96 to~~ $362.99 Save 10%

Kojiro White Zombie Slayer Katana Sword and Leather Wrapped Scabbard

$115.99

Shinwa Purple Empress Short Samurai Sword

Shinwa Purple Empress Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $283.99 to~~ $195.98 Save 31%

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

$409.99

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.