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.

Odachi Sword, Japanese Sword, Katana Damascus Blade & Sets

156 Results

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

$189.98 ~~Price reduced from $302.99 to~~

Shinwa SatinSting shirasaya with white hardwood handle next to matching white scabbard.

The shirasaya seamlessly blends into the white scabbard adjacent to zoomed view of the black Damascus steel blade tip.

Detailed view of the white hand lacquered hardwood handle.

Ornate red box with leather handle houses the shirasaya.

Zoomed view of the tip of the black Damascus steel blade.

Zoomed view of the end of the white hand lacquered shirasaya handle.

Shinwa Handmade Shirasaya

$110.98 ~~Price reduced from $152.99 to~~

Shinwa Purple Majesty Samurai Sword

$151.98 ~~Price reduced from $182.99 to~~

The mark of a Samurai was the formidable weapon that he carried that became a part of him for the rest of his life

The 41 7/10” overall katana slides smoothly into a matte black, wooden scabbard with a black cord-wrap accent

The hardwood handle is wrapped in genuine, white rayskin and black cord and the tsuba is metal alloy in a golden dragon design

It has a 28”, razor-sharp 1045 carbon steel blade with a visible hamon, which extends from a brass habaki

Kojiro Golden Dragon Katana And Scabbard

$109.99

Highlander Dragon Katana

$59.99

Musashi Midnight Warrior Katana shown with detailed view of brass tsuba, blue scabbard, blue handle, and display box.

The glossy blue katana has a black and blue hanging cord and is shown alongside a detailed view of the blade point.

The genuine ray skin handle is wrapped in blue cotton cord with a menuki.

Musashi Midnight Warrior Katana Clay Tempered Carbon Steel

$279.99

Shinwa Noble Midnight Samurai Sword

$115.98 ~~Price reduced from $166.99 to~~

Musashi katana shown from various views with red glossy scabbard and dragon tsuba.

The katana measures 39 3/4" and is housed inside a glossy hand-painted red scabbard.

The white genuine ray skin handle is wrapped with black cord and has a menuki.

Musashi 1060 Carbon Steel Hand Forged Katana Sword

$134.99 ~~Price reduced from $144.99 to~~

Shinwa ScarletFang Shirasaya Sword has a red lacquered hardwood handle, shown atop ornate display box.

The shirasaya sword and scabbard seamlessly fit together with both vibrant red lacquered handle and scabbard.

A brass habaki can be found just beneath the red hardwood handle of the shirasaya.

Detailed look at the silky smooth appearance of the red lacquered hardwood handle.

Shinwa Jade Defender Katana

$69.99

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

$119.99 ~~Price reduced from $194.99 to~~

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

$39.99

Mystery Katana Four-Pack - Brand-New Functional Katanas, Variety

$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.

Japanese Swords

JAPANESE SWORD FAQS