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

Highlander Dragon Katana

$79.99

Zoomed view of Shinwa makaku katana with handle wrapped in tan sageo and Damascus steel blade.

The black hardwood scabbard has a tan cord that matches the tan wrapping of the katana handle.

Different views of the katana including a detailed view of the cast monkey tsuba, black hardwood scabbard, and tan cord wrapped handle.

Closeup of cast tsuba with monkey detail.

Detailed view of the tan hanging cord wrapped around the black scabbard.

Zoomed view of the Damascus steel blade, showing the intricate patterning.

The tan cord of the handle wraps through the pommel of the katana.

Zoomed view of the tan cord wrapping the genuine ray skin handle with menuki.

Shinwa Makaku Katana

$198.99

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

Scratch & Dent Sword Enigma Set

$27.99

NEW

Two colorful swords with white handles on a smoky background

Crossed black sheaths with swords partially visible

Diagram of cosmic ninja sword set with dimensions

Close-up of a colorful sword blade with cosmic design

White cord-wrapped handle of a cosmic sword

Full view of a cosmic-themed sword with serrated edge

Black Legion Cosmic Ninja Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $55.99 to~~ NOW $49.98 You Save 11% -11%

Zoomed view of the blue, red, and green detailing of the faux ivory handle with ornate brass plated tsuba.

Sword of the Dragon shown next to black lacquered scabbard and view of detailed brass plated tsuba and dragon pommel.

The brass plated tsuba features an ornate dragon design.

The pommel has a dragon carved into the faux ivory.

Dragon Samurai Katana Sword

$51.99

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%

Three Shinwa samurai swords with black cord wrapped handles laid atop an open red display box.

The katana, wakizashi, and tanto of the set laid side-by-side with detailed view of the black tsuba and showing swords on wooden display.

The three sword scabbards are maroon with natural pearl dragon design on the side.

All three swords have a white ray skin handle with black cord wrapped around it and brass menuki and have a wooden display.

Shinwa Pearl Maroon Samurai Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $679.99 to~~ NOW $479.98 You Save 29% -29%

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

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword - Hand-Forged

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword

$363.99

Literally a handcrafted masterpiece from blade to scabbard, it has been forged and painted by master smiths and artists

Included is a complete maintenance and cleaning kit, neatly contained in a wooden box

The 40” overall katana slides smoothly into its black wooden scabbard, which has a colorful hand-painted water dragon

The water dragon-themed, brass tsuba is also complemented by an intricate, dragon-themed brass handle collar

The hardwood handle is wrapped in genuine rayskin and brown cord, featuring brass dragon menuki and a brass twin dragon pommel

The katana has a full-tang, hand-forged, 29” 1060 carbon steel blade, which extends from a polished brass habaki

Sokojikara Shuilong Katana and Scabbard

$588.99

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%

Sokojikara Scorn Handmade Katana shown from different angles

The sword secured in its wooden scabbard

A close-up view of the decorative menuki

Sokojikara Scorn Handmade Katana

~~Price reduced from $460.99 to~~ NOW $280.98 You Save 39% -39%

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.