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

128 Results

Wellspring Brown Damascus Tachi specifications

Wellspring Brown Damascus Tachi handle close up

Shinwa Wellspring Brown Damascus Tachi

~~Price reduced from $189.99 to~~ NOW $156.99 You Save 17% -17%

White Lotus High Carbon Steel Katana

$63.99

Musha Hand-forged Blue Damascus Samurai Sword

$160.99

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~~ NOW $50.97 You Save 20% -20%

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

Musha Black Shirasaya has a glossy black hardwood handle with matching scabbard and a full-tang carbon steel blade.

The glossy black hardwood handle of the shirasaya matches perfectly with the glossy black hardwood scabbard.

Musha Black Shirasaya Bushido Sword

$70.99

Full image of the Honshu Leather Frog by itself and clipped on a backpack with a Honshu sword.

Angled image of the Honshu Leather Frog attached to a Honshu sword.

Honshu Leather Frog

$19.99

Kojiro Amberwood Chokuto Shirasaya

$104.99

Timber Wolf Full Tang Ninja Sword

$46.99

Musha Samurai sword shown with burgundy scabbard, brass habaki, cast guard, and 1045 carbon steel blade.

Musha Hand Forged Samurai Sword with Burgundy Scabbard

$86.99

Red Dragon Imperial Samurai Sword Set with three swords all have red coordinating scabbards and fit on a wooden display.

Each samurai sword has its own red wooden scabbard with dragon design down the side and red hanging cord.

Detailed view of the cast tsuba with dragon design just beneath the red cord wrapped handle.

Red Dragon Samurai Sword Set with Stand

$85.99

Royal Blue Dragon Imperial Samurai Sword is a three piece set, shown on black display, with blue scabbard and handle.

Each of the three samurai swords has a blue coordinating wooden scabbard with dragon design on the side.

The cast tsuba of each of the three samurai swords features a dragon design beneath the blue cord wrapped handle.

Royal Blue Dragon Samurai Sword Set with Stand

$85.99

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.