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

147 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~~ NOW $68.98 You Save 33% -33%

Shinwa Unbroken Night katana shown with black lacquered scabbard and detailed view of the cast tsuba.

The black lacquered scabbard is shown with black nylon hanging cord and zoomed view of the point of the Damascus steel blade.

Detailed view of the cast tsuba with ornate swirl design.

The black faux ray skin handle is wrapped in black cord.

Zoomed view of the brass dragon menuki under the black cord wrapping of the handle.

The black hanging cord of the scabbard matches the black cord of the katana’s handle.

The black faux ray skin handle is wrapped in a black nylon cord with brass menuki peaking out.

Shinwa Unbroken Night Handmade Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $298.99 to~~ NOW $93.98 You Save 69% -69%

Shinwa Purple Majesty Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $245.99 to~~ NOW $211.98 You Save 14% -14%

An incredible sword that has been meticulously-hand forged using ancient, time-honored tempering techniques

The 41 3/4” overall katana slides into its black, lacquered wooden scabbard, which has black cord-wrap accents

The wooden handle is wrapped in genuine rayskin and black cord and the tsuba is in the Miyamoto Musashi design

The 28 3/4”, hand-forged 1045 carbon steel blade is razor-sharp, and it extends from a brass habaki

Shinwa Miyamoto Katana

~~Price reduced from $196.99 to~~ NOW $104.98 You Save 47% -47%

Musashi Bamboo Warrior Sword shown with bamboo design steel tsuba, black glossy scabbard and black cord wrapped handle.

The hardwood scabbard has a piano paint finish and black hanging cord, complimenting the black cord wrapped handle.

Musashi Bamboo Warrior Carbon Steel Katana Sword

$159.99

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

$638.99

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

Sokojikara Joker Katana With Scabbard - T10 Clay Tempered Steel Blade, Genuine Black Rayskin, Brass Fittings -Length 39 1/4”

Sokojikara Joker Katana with Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $276.99 to~~ NOW $238.98 You Save 14% -14%

Using the age-old process of clay tempering, to forge swords that have the perfect balance of strength and flexibility

The 40” overall katana slides smoothly into a black, lacquered scabbard, accented with black cord-wrap to match the handle

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed tiger in an open design

The sword has a hand-forged, 29” clay-tempered 1095 carbon steel blade that’s razor-sharp and perfectly balanced

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed tiger in an open design and a pommel to match

Sokojikara Stalking Tiger Katana and Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $332.99 to~~ NOW $269.99 You Save 19% -19%

31% OFF

Shinwa Golden Knight Odachi

~~Price reduced from $327.99 to~~ NOW $225.97 You Save 31% -31%

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

Shinwa Warrior Katana shown with black scabbard, ornate tsuba, and bright pink cord wrapped handle.

Three different views of the cast tsuba and pommel with dragon and scenery artwork.

The black scabbard is wrapped with a bright pink hanging cord that matches the pink cord of the handle.

Shinwa Pink Warrior Katana Sword

~~Price reduced from $236.99 to~~ NOW $169.98 You Save 28% -28%

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.