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 Scarlet Komodo Handmade Tanto / Samurai Short Sword - Hand Forged 1045 Carbon Steel - Mother of Pearl Dragon Inlay; Red Hand Lacquered Hardwood; Shirasaya Mounting - Ninja Stealth - Full Tang

Shinwa Scarlet Komodo Handmade Tanto

~~Price reduced from $247.99 to~~ $177.98 Save 28%

Shinwa Golden Knight Katana Sword with Wooden Scabbard - 1045 High Carbon Steel - Genuine Ray Skin

Shinwa Golden Knight Katana Sword

~~Price reduced from $209.99 to~~ $174.98 Save 17%

Shinwa Regal Wakizashi shown with black scabbard, brown cord wrapped handle, and intricate cast tsuba.

The black hand-lacquered hardwood scabbard as a glossy sheen, offset with tan cord.

Zoomed view of the monkey design on the cast tsuba.

The black scabbard has a tan hanging cord.

The black genuine ray skin handle is wrapped in tan braided cord.

A dragon menuki peaks out from behind the tan cord wrapped handle.

Closeup view of the monkey design of the tsuba.

Shinwa Regal Makaku Wakizashi

$168.99

Shinwa Dragon Lord katana from various views, with detailed shots of cast dragon tsuba, ornate pommel and lacquered scabbard.

The wooden scabbard with lacquered black with black hanging cord.

Detailing of the cast tsuba is shown with ornate dragon design.

Under the ray skin and black cord wrapped handle is a antiqued cast collar depicting a house and scenery.

The pommel is intricately designed with dragon detailing.

An ornate red box with handle and clasps houses the katana.

The black braided cord of the scabbard surrounds a gold detail.

The handle is black faux ray skin wrapped in braided black cord with menuki.

Shinwa Dragon Lord Handmade Katana

~~Price reduced from $169.99 to~~ $149.98 Save 12%

Shinwa katana shown with purple cord wrapped handle, Damascus steel blade, and ornate bronze colored tsuba.

Shinwa Regal Purple Damascus Steel Katana Sword

Shinwa Damascus Steel Katana Sword

~~Price reduced from $244.99 to~~ $162.98 Save 33%

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

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

$63.99

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

White Lotus High Carbon Steel Katana

$63.99

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%

This sleek, tactical looking wakizashi sword was inspired by the rogue, masterless Samurai warriors, who were called Ronin

The wakizashi sword comes housed in a black injection molded sheath and the sword is 27” in overall length

It has a keenly sharp, 17” stainless steel blade with a black finish and a faux rayskin, black nylon cord-wrapped handle

Black Ronin Combat Wakizashi Sword

$49.99

Sword you’re looking for whether you’re an avid collector or a first-time owner, giving you quality and value far beyond the price

The hardwood handle is wrapped in faux rayskin and black cord and has an intricately detailed metal alloy tsuba

The full-tang, razor-sharp, sword has a 28”, 1045 carbon steel blade, which extends from a polished brass habaki

The 41” katana slides into a black lacquered wooden scabbard, accented with a hand-painted dragon and black cord-wrap

Kojiro Golden Dragon Katana

$105.99

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.