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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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~~ NOW $249.98 You Save 22% -22%

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

$229.99

Musha Hand-forged Blue Damascus Samurai Sword

$160.99

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

$198.99

Musha Samurai sword shown with burgundy scabbard, brass habaki, cast guard, and 1045 carbon steel blade.

Musha Hand Forged Samurai Sword with Burgundy Scabbard

$86.99

Red Dragon Imperial Samurai Sword Set with three swords all have red coordinating scabbards and fit on a wooden display.

Each samurai sword has its own red wooden scabbard with dragon design down the side and red hanging cord.

Detailed view of the cast tsuba with dragon design just beneath the red cord wrapped handle.

Red Dragon Samurai Sword Set with Stand

$85.99

The Kojiro Brownwood Shirasaya Sword and scabbard

Kojiro Brownwood Shirasaya Sword

~~Price reduced from $105.99 to~~ NOW $65.70 You Save 38% -38%

Full image of the Honshu Leather Frog by itself and clipped on a backpack with a Honshu sword.

Angled image of the Honshu Leather Frog attached to a Honshu sword.

Honshu Leather Frog

$19.99

Musashi katana shown beside red glossy scabbard with detailed shots of the cord wrapped handle and antique-finished tsuba.

The red hand-painted scabbard shown with katana inside between zoomed shots of the pommel and blade point.

Just beneath the antique finished tsuba is a brass habaki.

Musashi Clay Tempered 1060 Carbon Steel Katana Sword

$162.99

Zoomed view of the blue, red, and green detailing of the faux ivory handle with ornate brass plated tsuba.

Sword of the Dragon shown next to black lacquered scabbard and view of detailed brass plated tsuba and dragon pommel.

The brass plated tsuba features an ornate dragon design.

The pommel has a dragon carved into the faux ivory.

Dragon Samurai Katana Sword

$51.99

K Exclusive Biohazard Katana shown from various views, with bio hazard symbol guard and black scabbard.

The neon green imitation ray skin of the katana handle is wrapped in black cord and has a black chain on the end.

The 38” katana has a black scabbard and black cord wrapped handle with neon green imitation ray skin underneath.

Bio Hazard Katana Saber

$45.99

Kojiro Amberwood Chokuto Shirasaya

$104.99

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