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

Shinwa Black Knight Katana on bamboo mat, showcasing black Damascus steel blade and ornate dragon tsuba.

Black katana inside black scabbard with black hanging cord and faux ray skin handle.

Katana tsuka wrapped in black cord over faux ray skin.

Zoomed view of the brass dragon menuki under the black cord wrapping of the faux ray handle.

Black and gold notch on black lacquered scabbard with black hanging cord wrapped around it.

Close view of the black cord wrapped handle with line detailing on pommel.

Detailing of the stark contract between the orangish brown lines and curves on the black Damascus steel blade.

Tsuba with black dragon aside full view of the katana with black Damascus blade and black lacquered scabbard with view of detailing on pommel.

Shinwa Black Knight Katana

~~Price reduced from $141.99 to~~ $117.98 Save 17%

The Shikoto Touchstone Handmade Katana displayed on its stand

A detailed look at the decorative menuki

A look at the full length of the katana's blade

Different views of the Shikoto Touchstone Handmade Katana

Shikoto Touchstone Handmade Legacy Katana

~~Price reduced from $369.99 to~~ $306.80 Save 17%

Shinwa Colossus Handmade Odachi / Giant Samurai Sword - Hand Forged Damascus Steel; Genuine Ray Skin; Dragon Tsuba - Functional, Full Tang, Battle Ready - 60”

Shinwa Handmade Monkey King Odachi

~~Price reduced from $337.99 to~~ $277.98 Save 18%

Forged Warrior Emperor Odachi Sword shown in full with black and maroon cord wrapped handle and carbon steel blade.

Full side view of the Odachi sword with 35 1/2" heat forged carbon steel blade and black and maroon cord wrapped handle.

A man is shown holding the Odachi sword by its handle with chain pommel accent over his shoulder.

Detailed view of the classic black metal tsuba and the black cord wrapping of the handle.

Kojiro Forged Emperor Odachi Sword

$156.99

A three piece katana sword set displayed on wooden stand and shows a zoomed view of black dragon handguard with brass habaki

Shinwa 3 japanese swords encased in separate scabbards with handles wrapped in faux ray skin and black nylon cord

Shinwa black 3 piece japanese sword set displayed on a black lacquered wooden stand

Close view of faux rayskin handle wrapped with a black ito extracted from scabbard showing damascus steel and dragon tsuba

Zoomed view of faux rayskin handle wrapped with a black nylon cord extended from dragon handguard

Zoomed view of black nylon wrapped hilt and etched pommel with accents of gold

Close view of hand forged black damascus steel with a razor sharp blade and tip

Shinwa Black Knight 3-Piece Sword and Stand Set

~~Price reduced from $429.99 to~~ $265.98 Save 38%

Tomahawk Black Dragon three piece sword set shown with black, mother-of-pearl accented scabbard and on black wooden display.

The katana, wakizashi, and tanto are laid side-by-side, all with matching cord-wrapped hilt.

A detailed view of the mother-of-pearl dragon design on the side of the scabbard.

Black Dragon 3-Piece Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $138.99 to~~ $68.98 Save 50%

Shinwa SilkSting shirasaya sword shown with unique black Damascus steel blade and black scabbard.

The sword fits seamlessly into the scabbard, with black handle that matches the scabbard exterior.

“Shinwa” is engraved onto the black Damascus steel of the blade.

The black Damascus blade slides seamlessly into the black scabbard.

The hardwood handle has a black hand-lacquered finish.

Shinwa SilkSting Handmade Shirasaya

~~Price reduced from $169.99 to~~ $157.98 Save 7%

Shinwa Colossus odachi laid next to lacquered black scabbard with detailed views of the dragon tsuba and ornate pommel.

The black lacquered wooden scabbard had a black hanging cord that matches the black cord of the handle.

The handle is made of genuine ray skin with braided black cord and brass menuki.

Zoomed shot of the brass menuki beneath the braided black cord wrapping the handle.

Detailed shot of the antique finished habaki with ornate bird.

The black cord of the handle wraps through the antique finished pommel.

The dragon tsuba sits just above “Shinwa” on the black Damascus blade.

Shinwa Colossus Yoru Handmade Odachi

~~Price reduced from $359.99 to~~ $282.98 Save 21%

Shikotoa Eternal Edge Katana and Scabbard

Shikoto Eternal Edge Katana

~~Price reduced from $369.99 to~~ $306.80 Save 17%

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 Shinwa Lazuli Katana showcased in different angles

Close view of ornate dragon tsuba handguard and brass habaki

The blue cord-wrapped with red rayskin handle

Shinwa Lazuli Handmade Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $318.99 to~~ $249.98 Save 22%

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%

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