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

130 Results

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

Japanese Odachi Samurai sword shown with detailed guard, beside wooden scabbard and with Japanese detailing on pommel.

Odachi-style sword inside black wooden scabbard with black cord wrapped around the upper section.

Zoomed view of the wrapped handle with gold colored design on pommel.

Closeup view of the ornate guard that features a dragon design just above the blade collar.

The pommel is detailed with a gold color design just above the black cord wrapped handle.

An ornate gold color design can be seen peeking out from the black cord wrapping the handle of the Samurai sword.

The 65 1/2” sword is held up by a man, showcases its height.

Odachi Japanese Samurai Long Sword

$179.99

White Lotus High Carbon Steel Katana

$63.99

The Shikoto Touchstone Handmade Katana displayed on its stand

A detailed look at the decorative menuki

A look at the full length of the katana's blade

Different views of the Shikoto Touchstone Handmade Katana

Shikoto Touchstone Handmade Legacy Katana

$369.99

Honshu sword with a black tpr textured no slip grip handle

Black and Silver Katana Sword in Black Faux Leather Sheath

Black textured nonslip grip with a silver carbon steel pommel knob that features a lanyard hole

Sword in black braided sheath with an inch of carbon steel blade showing

A high carbon steel blade with a sharp edge

Japanese sword with high carbon steel blade extended from a carbon steel handguard engraved with Honshu

Honshu Sub-Hilt Wakizashi

$116.99 - $199.99

Various views of the Sokojikara Crane Katana, including detailed crane tsuba, scabbard with ornate crane artwork, and crane detailed pommel.

The hand lacquered wooden scabbard has vibrant artwork of a crane with reds, blues, oranges and greens.

Zoomed view of the white ray skin handle with black braided cord wrapped and brass menuki.

Detailed view of the brass menuki beneath the cord wrapping of the handle.

Closeup look at the crane detailing on the katana’s pommel.

The cast tsuba features a brass-colored crane design.

The brightly colored scabbard has a black hanging cord.

Detailed look at the colorful crane artwork on the side of the wooden scabbard.

Sokojikara Soul Crane Handmade Katana

~~Price reduced from $638.99 to~~ NOW $489.98 You Save 23% -23%

Shinwa SilkSting shirasaya sword shown with unique black Damascus steel blade and black scabbard.

The sword fits seamlessly into the scabbard, with black handle that matches the scabbard exterior.

“Shinwa” is engraved onto the black Damascus steel of the blade.

The black Damascus blade slides seamlessly into the black scabbard.

The hardwood handle has a black hand-lacquered finish.

Shinwa Handmade Shirasaya Sword

$154.98 - $157.98

Shinwa Colossus Handmade Odachi / Giant Samurai Sword - Hand Forged Damascus Steel; Genuine Ray Skin; Dragon Tsuba - Functional, Full Tang, Battle Ready - 60”

Shinwa Handmade Monkey King Odachi

~~Price reduced from $337.99 to~~ NOW $277.98 You Save 18% -18%

“Scratch and Dent Swords” text over a background of a sword laying on a tatami mat.

Scratch & Dent Sword Enigma Set

$27.99

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword - Hand-Forged

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword

$363.99

Timber Wolf Full Tang Ninja Sword

$46.99

Sokojikara Dragon Wood Hand-Forged Katana - T10 High Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Blade, Genuine Ray Skin, Brass Tsuba And Pommel - Length 40 1/2”

Sokojikara Dragon Wood Hand-Forged Katana

$368.99

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.