The katana is a Japanese sword used by Samurai, an aristocratic warrior class in feudal Japan. It has a curved, single-edged blade that is slender and a square or circular guard. The handle is long and traditionally wrapped in rayskin and then a "braid" of silk or cotton. The blade is sheathed in a scabbard, which is traditionally made of lacquered wood. This weapon was used for slashing and stabbing motions in combat, not necessarily for blocking or clashing.

What should I look for when buying a katana?

The first thing that needs to be considered is whether the sword is for display or functional use. Are you looking for a sword to use or just as a decorative item to wear or display? Once you decide on the purpose, you can explore various designs and ornamentation to find one that fits your personality, style, and budget.

What is that wavy line running down my blade?

Also known as the hamon, it’s the visual divide between the harder and softer metal of the blade. A katana’s blade needs to have a harder edge for retention and a softer spine for flexibility. This is achieved by having the two parts of the blade cool at different speeds during the forging process.

How do I take care of my katana?

Having a regular cleaning routine is key to maintaining your katana. You can purchase a traditional sword cleaning kit that contains everything you need. There are three steps: removing oil, polishing the blade, and oiling the blade. Using a sheet of rice paper from the kit or a soft cotton cloth, remove any oil from the previous maintenance. Tap the powder ball lightly against the blade about every two inches along its length. Use a fresh piece of rice paper to rub the powder over the blade, polishing it until both sides are polished and the powder is removed. Apply a few drops of oil along the blade on each side and spread it evenly with a fresh piece of rice paper.

What’s the difference between a katana and a wakizashi?

Samurai warriors typically carried two swords as part of their dress. The katana was their primary weapon for battle, while the wakizashi was used for close-quarters combat. The wakizashi is built like the katana but is shorter in length, serving as a companion sword.

Wooden Handle Katana, Realistic Katana, Handmade & Full-Tang Katanas

150 Results

Shinwa Regal Wakizashi shown with black scabbard, brown cord wrapped handle, and intricate cast tsuba.

The black hand-lacquered hardwood scabbard as a glossy sheen, offset with tan cord.

Zoomed view of the monkey design on the cast tsuba.

The black scabbard has a tan hanging cord.

The black genuine ray skin handle is wrapped in tan braided cord.

A dragon menuki peaks out from behind the tan cord wrapped handle.

Closeup view of the monkey design of the tsuba.

Shinwa Regal Makaku Wakizashi

$113.99

Shinwa Dragon Lord katana from various views, with detailed shots of cast dragon tsuba, ornate pommel and lacquered scabbard.

The wooden scabbard with lacquered black with black hanging cord.

Detailing of the cast tsuba is shown with ornate dragon design.

Under the ray skin and black cord wrapped handle is a antiqued cast collar depicting a house and scenery.

The pommel is intricately designed with dragon detailing.

An ornate red box with handle and clasps houses the katana.

The black braided cord of the scabbard surrounds a gold detail.

The handle is black faux ray skin wrapped in braided black cord with menuki.

Shinwa Dragon Lord Handmade Katana

$94.98 ~~Price reduced from $174.99 to~~

“Scratch and Dent Swords” text over a background of a sword laying on a tatami mat.

Scratch & Dent Sword Enigma Set

$27.99

Honshu wakizashi sword with black and brass handle shown in front of other weapons on tatami mats.

Textured black handle of the wakizashi shown outside leaned up against black wood.

Wakizashi shown with steel blade, black textured handle, and brass accents.

The black scabbard features paracord wrapping, matching the paracord lanyard on the sword handle.

Honshu Wakizashi Sword

$187.99

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

$109.98 ~~Price reduced from $196.99 to~~

Twin Ninja Sword Sticks shown side-by-side with decorative metal handles and 15” 440 stainless steel blades.

The twin ninja sword sticks lock together, forming a 33 1/4" club.

The twin ninja sword sticks can combine to become a 63” double-bladed ninja spear.

Dual Ninja Sword Set

$39.98 ~~Price reduced from $49.99 to~~

The Honshu Boshin Midnight Forge is 40 13/16” in overall length

The double-edged sword slides smoothly into its black wooden sheath

Honshu Boshin Midnight Forge Double-Edged Katana

$129.99

Tomahawk Black Emperor katana shown with black lacquered scabbard, ray skin handle with black cord wrap, and black tsuba.

Zoomed view of the black-coated tsuba and black imitation ray skin handle wrapped with black nylon cord.

The black scabbard for the katana has a black hanging cord, matching the black nylon cord wrapping the handle.

Emperor Katana Sword With Scabbard

$39.99 - $49.99

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.

The black Damascus steel blade shown in detail with distinct color pattern.

The black Damascus steel blade shown sliding into the red lacquered scabbard atop a bamboo mat.

Shinwa ScarletFang Handmade Shirasaya

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

Shikoto Tigerwood Wakizashi shown on a stand with brown tigerwood handle, matching scabbard, and T10 carbon steel blade.

Detailed view of the matching tigerwood on both the scabbard and handle of the Shikoto Tigerwood Wakizashi.

Shikoto Tigerwood Wakizashi

$429.99

Three Shinwa samurai swords with black cord wrapped handles laid atop an open red display box.

The katana, wakizashi, and tanto of the set laid side-by-side with detailed view of the black tsuba and showing swords on wooden display.

The three sword scabbards are maroon with natural pearl dragon design on the side.

All three swords have a white ray skin handle with black cord wrapped around it and brass menuki and have a wooden display.

Shinwa Pearl Maroon Samurai Sword Set

$464.98 ~~Price reduced from $718.99 to~~

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

$96.98 ~~Price reduced from $139.99 to~~

JAPANESE KATANA FAQS

What is a katana?
The katana is a Japanese sword used by Samurai, an aristocratic warrior class in feudal Japan. It has a curved, single-edged blade that is slender and a square or circular guard. The handle is long and traditionally wrapped in rayskin and then a "braid" of silk or cotton. The blade is sheathed in a scabbard, which is traditionally made of lacquered wood. This weapon was used for slashing and stabbing motions in combat, not necessarily for blocking or clashing.
What should I look for when buying a katana?
The first thing that needs to be considered is whether the sword is for display or functional use. Are you looking for a sword to use or just as a decorative item to wear or display? Once you decide on the purpose, you can explore various designs and ornamentation to find one that fits your personality, style, and budget.
What is that wavy line running down my blade?
Also known as the hamon, it’s the visual divide between the harder and softer metal of the blade. A katana’s blade needs to have a harder edge for retention and a softer spine for flexibility. This is achieved by having the two parts of the blade cool at different speeds during the forging process.
How do I take care of my katana?
Having a regular cleaning routine is key to maintaining your katana. You can purchase a traditional sword cleaning kit that contains everything you need. There are three steps: removing oil, polishing the blade, and oiling the blade. Using a sheet of rice paper from the kit or a soft cotton cloth, remove any oil from the previous maintenance. Tap the powder ball lightly against the blade about every two inches along its length. Use a fresh piece of rice paper to rub the powder over the blade, polishing it until both sides are polished and the powder is removed. Apply a few drops of oil along the blade on each side and spread it evenly with a fresh piece of rice paper.
What’s the difference between a katana and a wakizashi?
Samurai warriors typically carried two swords as part of their dress. The katana was their primary weapon for battle, while the wakizashi was used for close-quarters combat. The wakizashi is built like the katana but is shorter in length, serving as a companion sword.

Japanese Katanas

JAPANESE KATANA FAQS