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

144 Results

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

Inspired by a historical movie franchise weapon, Sokojikara’s The Bride’s Sword has all the details that you’re looking for

The 28 1/2” 1095 carbon steel blade has the requisite Japanese lion etched on it just below the brass habaki

The hardwood handle is wrapped in white rayskin and intricately braided black cord over a leaf-shaped silver metal menuki

Sokojikara The Bride’s Sword and Scabbard

$272.99

Shikoto Kogane Dynasty Tachi sword shown with brass accents and brass colored cord wrapping handle and black scabbard.

Detailed view of both the Damascus steel blade of the sword and the brass guard and pommel of the handle.

Shikoto Black Kogane Dynasty Forged Tachi Sword Damascus

Shikoto Black Kogane Dynasty Forged Tachi Damascus Sword

~~Price reduced from $324.99 to~~ $238.98 Save 26%

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%

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

~~Price reduced from $231.99 to~~ $154.98 Save 33%

The Musha Hand-Forged Cakraratna Katana has a 1045 high carbon steel blade

The katana can be stored in a black lacquered wooden scabbard

The black metal alloy tsuba is in the shape of a wheel

The Musha Hand-Forged Cakraratna Katana has a traditionally wrapped handle

The katana slides smoothly into its black, lacquered scabbard

The black cord-wrapped handle has a flat, metal alloy pommel

The katana's blade is 1045 high carbon steel

Musha Cakraratna Katana

$109.99

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword - Hand-Forged

Musashi Woven Bamboo Samurai Sword

$363.99

Shinwa Mystery Box

~~Price reduced from $402.96 to~~ $362.99 Save 10%

Shikoto Eternal Edge Wakizashi with Scabbard

Shikoto Eternal Edge Wakizashi

$339.99

Sokojikara Dragon Wood Hand-Forged Katana - T10 High Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Blade, Genuine Ray Skin, Brass Tsuba And Pommel - Length 40 1/2”

Sokojikara Dragon Wood Hand-Forged Katana

$368.99

Musha katana shown with ornate brass tsuba and pommel and alongside a glossy black scabbard.

The hardwood scabbard is shown between the brass pommel and point of the Damascus steel blade.

The brass habaki is shown in detail with the Damascus steel blade.

Musha Hand Forged Damascus Steel Katana Sword With Scabbard

$340.99

Shinwa Noble Midnight Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $212.99 to~~ $163.98 Save 23%

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