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

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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

$129.98 ~~Price reduced from $196.99 to~~

The Shinwa Celestial Guardians Katana and its scabbard.

Shinwa Katana

$94.99

Different views of the Shinwa White Emperor Samurai Short Sword

The handle and the blade shown with the display stand

Shinwa Samurai Short Sword

$114.98 ~~Price reduced from $193.99 to~~

Painstakingly handcrafted sword, using only the finest materials for spectacular visual allure and tremendous potency

The 40” overall katana slides smoothly into a blue, lacquered scabbard, accented with black and blue cord-wrap

The hardwood handle is wrapped in genuine black rayskin and blue cord and there’s an engraved brass habaki

Sokojikara Elephant God Katana And Scabbard

$296.99

Shinwa Sunset Samurai Tachi Sword

$82.98 ~~Price reduced from $98.99 to~~

Using the age-old process of clay tempering, to forge swords that have the perfect balance of strength and flexibility

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

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed tiger in an open design

The sword has a hand-forged, 29” clay-tempered 1095 carbon steel blade that’s razor-sharp and perfectly balanced

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed tiger in an open design and a pommel to match

Sokojikara Stalking Tiger Katana and Scabbard

$296.99

Sokojikara Shadow Grove Katana shown with detailed views of the floral tsuba and bamboo accents on pommel and scabbard.

The glossy black scabbard has a bright green bamboo design on the side with brown hanging cord.

Detailed view of the white genuine ray skin handle wrapped in brown cord with menuki.

The scabbard has a braided brown hanging cord wrapped around it.

Cast tsuba shown with brass-like coloring and floral design just above the brass habaki.

The pommel has a bamboo leaf design just above the brown cord wrapped handle.

Zoomed view of the cast tsuba with floral and bamboo pattern.

The handle has bamboo detailing just beneath the brown cord wrapping, above the tsuba.

Sokojikara Shadow Grove Katana

$366.99

Musha Hand-forged Blue Damascus Samurai Sword

$114.99

Musashi Whirlwind Katana from various views with detailed looks at the tsuba, handle and black scabbard.

The steel tsuba and pommel has swirling wind designs and the black scabbard has a black hanging cord.

Musashi Whirlwind Carbon Steel Katana Sword

$163.99

Sokojikara uses the age-old process of clay tempering, to forge swords that have the perfect balance of strength and flexibility

The 40” overall katana slides smoothly into a black, lacquered scabbard, accented with red slashes and black cord-wrap

It has an antiqued brass, round tsuba with an intricately detailed demon monk and centipede design

Sokojikara Demon Monk Katana and Scabbard

$176.98 ~~Price reduced from $296.99 to~~

The Shinwa Crimson Defender Katana's handle, blade and scabbard

The red cord-wrapped handle shown in different positions

Shinwa Crimson Defender Katana

$69.99

The Kojiro Ruby Red Katana with its scabbard and a view of the tsuba

A close up view of the scabbard, blade and handle

Kojiro Ruby Red Katana & Scabbard

$56.98 ~~Price reduced from $99.99 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