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 Golden Knight Katana Sword with Wooden Scabbard - 1045 High Carbon Steel - Genuine Ray Skin

Shinwa Golden Knight Katana Sword

~~Price reduced from $209.99 to~~ NOW $174.98 You Save 17% -17%

Sokojikara Falcon Katana shown with ornate tsuba, white scabbard, white cotton wrapped handle, and cleaning kit.

The white glossy scabbard is shown between the carbon steel blade point and ray skin handle with menuki.

The ray skin handle is wrapped in white cotton with a menuki and circular tsuba with wave and bird designs.

Sokojikara Falcon Katana Clay Tempered Folded Carbon Steel

~~Price reduced from $394.99 to~~ NOW $335.98 You Save 15% -15%

Shinwa Purple Majesty Samurai Sword

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

The Shinwa Royal Defender Katana's tsuba, scabbard, blade and full length

The sword's handle, upper blade and scabbard

Two views of the purple, cord-wrapped handle

Shinwa Royal Defender Katana And Scabbard

$86.99

Sword you’re looking for whether you’re an avid collector or a first-time owner, giving you quality and value far beyond the price

The 41” katana slides into a black lacquered wooden scabbard, accented with a red painted design and black cord-wrap

The hardwood handle is wrapped in faux rayskin and black cord and has an intricately detailed metal alloy tsuba

The full-tang, razor-sharp, sword has a 28”, 1045 carbon steel blade, which extends from a polished brass habaki

Kojiro Fire Dragon Katana

~~Price reduced from $124.99 to~~ NOW $102.98 You Save 18% -18%

Shinwa Scarlet Komodo Handmade Tanto / Samurai Short Sword - Hand Forged 1045 Carbon Steel - Mother of Pearl Dragon Inlay; Red Hand Lacquered Hardwood; Shirasaya Mounting - Ninja Stealth - Full Tang

Shinwa Scarlet Komodo Handmade Tanto

~~Price reduced from $247.99 to~~ NOW $177.98 You Save 28% -28%

Shikotoa Eternal Edge Katana and Scabbard

Shikoto Eternal Edge Katana

~~Price reduced from $369.99 to~~ NOW $306.80 You Save 17% -17%

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~~ NOW $90.98 You Save 32% -32%

Shinwa katana shown with purple cord wrapped handle, Damascus steel blade, and ornate bronze colored tsuba.

Shinwa Regal Purple Damascus Steel Katana Sword

Shinwa Damascus Steel Katana Sword

~~Price reduced from $244.99 to~~ NOW $162.98 You Save 33% -33%

Sokojikara Natsukashii Handmade Tachi / Samurai Sword - 1060 Carbon Steel, Clay Tempered, Hand Forged - Genuine Rayskin - Brown Saya - Fully Functional, Battle Ready, Full Tang - 41"

Sokojikara Natsukashii Handmade Tachi

$275.99

Sokojikara Bambusa Katana shown from various views, with detailed look at the pommel with lattice design and wood scabbard.

The natural wooden scabbard has a brown hanging cord, matching the brown cord wrapping the handle.

The white ray skin handle is wrapped in brown cord with brass menuki.

The brown cord wrapping of the handle is pulled through the pommel.

Detailed view of the brass menuki peaking out from the brown cord wrapping of the handle.

Sokojikara Bambusa Handmade Katana

~~Price reduced from $546.99 to~~ NOW $317.98 You Save 42% -42%

Shikoto Eternal Edge Wakizashi with Scabbard

Shikoto Eternal Edge Wakizashi

~~Price reduced from $339.99 to~~ NOW $288.60 You Save 15% -15%

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.