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

The mark of a Samurai was the set of weapons which he carried and went into war with - katana, wakizashi and tanto

The decorative, antique white lacquered wooden scabbards feature one-of-a-kind artwork portraying a Chinese dragon

Each sword has a black 1045 carbon steel blade with display edges and a faux ray skin and black cord-wrapped handle

Each sword has a metal alloy tsuba with a dragon design

Kojiro Black Dragon Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $96.99 to~~ $68.98 Save 29%

Musashi Whirlwind Katana from various views with detailed looks at the tsuba, handle and black scabbard.

The steel tsuba and pommel has swirling wind designs and the black scabbard has a black hanging cord.

Musashi Whirlwind Carbon Steel Katana Sword

$178.99

Musashi katana shown with metal tsuba, black scabbard, and ray skin handle wrapped in black cord.

The black hardwood scabbard has an high quality piano paint finish and the 1060 carbon steel blade point is razor sharp.

The glossy black scabbard has a black hanging cord just beneath the metal tsuba.

Musashi Carbon Steel Katana

$163.99

Different views of the Shinwa Regal Makaku Sword Set

Shinwa Regal Makaku Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $393.97 to~~ $354.57 Save 10%

Shinwa Blue Knight katana shown from various views, with detailed look at ornate guard, detailed pommel and black lacquered scabbard.

Black lacquered scabbard shown with blue hanging cord that matches the blue cord wrapping the handle adjacent to close up of blade point.

The handle is faux ray skin with blue cord wrapping and traditional menuki and mekugi.

A blue hanging cord is wrapped around the black scabbard.

The pommel, just above the blue cord wrapped handle, is ornate intricate line designs.

“Shinwa” is on the blade, beneath the dark blade collar.

Shinwa Blue Knight Handmade Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $275.99 to~~ $167.98 Save 39%

The Kojiro Ruby Red Katana with its scabbard and a view of the tsuba

A close up view of the scabbard, blade and handle

Kojiro Ruby Red Katana & Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $143.99 to~~ $78.98 Save 45%

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

Purple Samurai Warrior Sword shown with open side scabbard and purple cord wrapped handle on colorful background.

Zoomed view of the floral-like tsuba in front of a full view of the Samurai sword in the open side scabbard.

The scabbard has an opening on the side to showcase the Japanese inscription and the handle has plum colored cord wrap.

Samurai Open Scabbard Sword

~~Price reduced from $65.99 to~~ $52.98 Save 20%

The Kojiro Black Tanto Sword, crafted with supreme Samurai style, is ready to be the ultimate back-up weapon to the legendary katana

The 17” overall tanto sword fits like a glove in a black, lacquered wooden scabbard with black cord accents

This Kojiro has a hair-splitting sharp, 11” 1045 carbon steel blade, which extends from a polished brass habaki and a black metal alloy guard

Kojiro Tanto Sword & Scabbard

$103.99

20% OFF

The Shinwa White Genesis Tachi has its roots firmly in Japanese history, predating the legenday katana by centuries

The scabbard also features a genuine leather and black cord cavalry hanger making it easy to carry the sword at your side

The handle is wrapped in gold-threaded cloth and white cord and has a cast metal pommel with a Samurai theme

It has a hand-forged, 27 3/4” Damascus steel blade, which extends from a brass habaki and a cast metal tsuba in a classic crane design

Shinwa White Genesis Tachi

~~Price reduced from $199.99 to~~ $159.97 Save 20%

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword - Hand-Forged

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword

$363.99

Kojiro Splintered Sky Katana

$194.99

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.