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

Sokojikara uses 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 red slashes and black cord-wrap

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed demon monk and centipede design

Sokojikara Demon Monk Katana and Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $409.99 to~~ $246.98 Save 40%

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

The Kojiro Daisho Sword Set is an eye-catching triple sword collection just begging to be displayed in your home or office

The red wooden scabbards have gold-painted artwork, and each has a white cord and faux leather sword hanger

The set also comes with a high-quality, black wooden display stand

The decorative tsubas, pommels and the habakis are all gold-colored metal alloy, along with the accents on the scabbards

Each sword in the set has a razor-sharp, carbon steel blade and a faux rayskin and cord-wrapped wooden handle

Kojiro Imperial Red Daisho Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $133.99 to~~ $90.98 Save 32%

Musha Hand-forged Blue Damascus Samurai Sword

$160.99

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword - Hand-Forged

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword

$363.99

K Exclusive Biohazard Katana shown from various views, with bio hazard symbol guard and black scabbard.

The neon green imitation ray skin of the katana handle is wrapped in black cord and has a black chain on the end.

The 38” katana has a black scabbard and black cord wrapped handle with neon green imitation ray skin underneath.

Bio Hazard Katana Saber

$45.99

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%

The friend you need when the Zombie Apocalypse happens because everyone knows that a katana is the best weapon again the Undead

The sword has a sharp, 27” carbon steel blade with a black finish with green silk painting and “Zombie Hunter” in white

Zombie Hunter Green Katana

$52.99

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~~ $93.98 Save 69%

Musashi Bushin Sword - Hand-Forged, Water-Tempered 1095 Carbon Steel Blade, Genuine Rayskin Wrapped Handle - Length 41 1/2"

Musashi Bushin Sword

$363.99

Shikotoa Eternal Edge Katana and Scabbard

Shikoto Eternal Edge Katana

$369.99

Shinwa Wellspring Handmade Tachi / Samurai Sword - Hand Forged Damascus Steel - Historical Katana Predecessor - Traditional Wooden Saya - Functional, Battle Ready, Full Tang

Shinwa Wellspring Handmade Tachi

$199.99

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.