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 Shirasaya shown with sword laid next to the black lacquered scabbard and with detailed view of the blade.

The black lacquered hardwood handle seamlessly fits with the coordinating scabbard.

Zoomed view of the glossy black hardwood handle, brass habaki, and hand-forged carbon steel tempered blade.

Shinwa Sleek Black Shirasaya Sword

~~Price reduced from $102.99 to~~ $68.98 Save 33%

Shinwa Mystery Box

~~Price reduced from $402.96 to~~ $362.99 Save 10%

Different views of the Shikoto Tiger Wood Katana

A view of the blade, scabbard and handle

Shikoto Tigerwood Katana and Scabbard

$499.99

Ghost Katana 3-Piece Carbon Steel Sword Set with Display Stand

Ghost Katana Carbon Steel Sword Set & Display Stand

$96.99

Sokojikara Dynasty Handmade Katana / Samurai Sword - T10 High Carbon Steel, Hand Forged, Clay Tempered - Genuine Ray Skin; Bronze Tsuba - Functional, Full Tang, Battle Ready

Sokojikara T10 Steel Handmade Katana

~~Price reduced from $532.99 to~~ $264.98 Save 50%

Honshu tactical katana has a carbon steel blade, black handle with brass accents, and cord wrapped black sheath.

“Honshu” is printed on the blade beneath the brass tsuba.

The black scabbard is wrapped in paracord, matching the lanyard of the katana’s hilt.

Honshu Full Tang Tactical Katana

$269.99

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

Shinwa SilkFang Shirasaya shown with full black Damascus steel blade, black lacquered handle and matching scabbard.

The shirasaya handle blends perfectly into the scabbard, both with black hand-lacquered finishes.

The black hand-lacquered hardwood handle has a silky smooth look.

Zoomed view of the shine of the black hand-lacquered hardwood handle.

Shinwa SilkFang Handmade Shirasaya

~~Price reduced from $135.99 to~~ $121.98 Save 10%

Various views of the Musashi katana with black glossy scabbard, cast dragon tsuba, and ray skin handle.

The hardwood scabbard is shown with a glossy black finish between detailed shots of the katana pommel and blade point.

The white ray skin handle is wrapped in black cord and has a brass menuki.

Musashi Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana Sword

$178.99

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

The wooden sheaths of the katana, wakizashi, and tanto have ornate designs and cord wrappings, matching the swords’ hilts

The detailing of the sheath is shown next to an ornate knife and letter opener with gold and blue accenting with another view of the dragon tsuba.

3 Pc. Red Oda Nabunga Samurai Ninja Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $186.99 to~~ $108.98 Save 42%

The Sokojikara Hammered-Work Katana in different positions

Sokojikara Hammered-Work Katana and Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $443.99 to~~ $324.98 Save 27%

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.