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

152 Results

The Kojiro Apocalypse Katana is the weapon you need in a Post-Apocalyptic world to defend yourself against the raiding gangs

The 39” katana slides into a distressed leather-wrapped wooden scabbard, which has an adjustable leather shoulder strap

The hardwood handle has black faux rayskin and is wrapped in genuine brown leather to complement the blade

The dark metal alloy pommel has an intricate design

The dark metal alloy habaki has a reptile pattern and the dark metal alloy tsuba has an intricate Wind Dragon design

Kojiro Kraken Katana

~~Price reduced from $197.99 to~~ $129.98 Save 34%

Shikoto Rurousha handmade katana shown with cast tsuba, wooden scabbard wrapped in leather to match the leather wrapped handle.

The lacquered wooden scabbard is shown with mottled color scheme and leather wrapping.

Zoomed view of the cast tsuba just beneath the leather wrapping of the handle.

The handle is wrapped with genuine leather for grip.

The scabbard has a black hanging cord wrapped around an ornamental piece that matches the brown leather wrapping of the handle.

Kanji is engraved into the Damascus steel blade, just below the brass habaki.

The handle is wrapped in genuine brown leather.

Shikoto Rurousha Handmade Katana / Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $458.99 to~~ $259.98 Save 43%

The Sokojikara Hammered-Work Katana in different positions

Sokojikara Hammered-Work Katana and Scabbard

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

Honshu high carbon steel sword with a black tpr textured no slip grip handle

Black and Silver Katana Sword in Black Faux Leather Sheath

Black textured nonslip grip with a silver carbon steel pommel knob that features a lanyard hole

Sword in black braided sheath with an inch of carbon steel blade showing

A high carbon steel blade with a sharp edge

Japanese sword with high carbon steel blade extended from a carbon steel handguard engraved with Honshu

Honshu Sub-Hilt Wakizashi

$116.99

Royal Blue Dragon Imperial Samurai Sword is a three piece set, shown on black display, with blue scabbard and handle.

Each of the three samurai swords has a blue coordinating wooden scabbard with dragon design on the side.

The cast tsuba of each of the three samurai swords features a dragon design beneath the blue cord wrapped handle.

Royal Blue Dragon Samurai Sword Set with Stand

$85.99

Japanese Odachi Samurai sword shown with detailed guard, beside wooden scabbard and with Japanese detailing on pommel.

Odachi-style sword inside black wooden scabbard with black cord wrapped around the upper section.

Zoomed view of the wrapped handle with gold colored design on pommel.

Closeup view of the ornate guard that features a dragon design just above the blade collar.

The pommel is detailed with a gold color design just above the black cord wrapped handle.

An ornate gold color design can be seen peeking out from the black cord wrapping the handle of the Samurai sword.

The 65 1/2” sword is held up by a man, showcases its height.

Odachi Japanese Samurai Long Sword

$179.99

Timber Wolf Full Tang Ninja Sword

~~Price reduced from $46.99 to~~ $23.60 Save 50%

The Sokojikara Water Buffalo God Katana was hand-forged and clay-tempered to give it both strength and flexibility

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

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed water buffalo god design

Sokojikara Water Buffalo God Katana and Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $409.99 to~~ $251.98 Save 39%

This Navy Officer Sword makes a distinguished presentation award for distinguished service or an excellent display piece for an office

The 39 3/10” overall sword slides smoothly into a black wooden scabbard with polished brass accents

It has a clay-tempered 27 9/10”, razor-sharp T10 steel blade, which extends from a decorative, polished brass habaki and tsuba

Japanese Type 98 Gunto Officer's Katana Sword 39"

$371.99

Katana sword with dragon-themed guard and black scabbard on a stand

Katana on a stand with a mask and wooden box in the background

Diagram of a katana sword with dimensions and labeled parts

Close-up of katana handle and guard with intricate design

Full view of katana sword with detailed pommel on turquoise background

Samurai Spirit Katana with Scabbard

$43.99

Shinwa White Knight katana closeup with view of ornate tsuba, white cord wrapped handle, and black Damascus steel blade.

The white cord wrapped katana handle matches the white hardwood scabbard with white hanging cord.

White braided cord wraps the faux rayskin handle of the sword with brass menuki.

Zoomed view of brass dragon tsuba and brass blade collar.

The white braided cord wrapping the handle runs through the ornate brass pommel.

The brass menuki sits atop the black faux ray skin handle, wrapped in white cord.

Zoomed view of the ornate brass habaki with depictions of a house and landscape.

White scabbard wrapped with white nylon hanging cord.

Shinwa White Knight Black Damascus Sword

~~Price reduced from $276.99 to~~ $167.98 Save 39%

Shinwa Imperial Dragon katana shown from various views, including detailed shot of metal tsuba, red scabbard, and black cord wrapped handle.

Hand-lacquered red scabbard features a mother-of-pearl dragon design on the side.

The handle is made from white genuine ray skin with black braided cord around it and brass menuki.

Detailed view of the mother-of-pearl dragon on the side of the red scabbard.

Close view of the brass menuki on the white ray skin handle with black braided cord.

Closeup of the metal tsuba with circular, floral type design.

Shinwa Imperial Dragon Handmade Katana

~~Price reduced from $517.99 to~~ $327.98 Save 37%

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.