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 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

$199.98 ~~Price reduced from $229.99 to~~

The 69” Kojiro Kensai Japanese Odachi sword features a leather wrapped hardwood handle, coordinating wooden scabbard and unique guard.

The handle of the odachi sword is shown next to the scabbard, both wrapped with leather.

Kojiro Japanese Odachi Sword

$135.99

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

$49.98 ~~Price reduced from $96.99 to~~

Different views of the Shikoto Tiger Wood Katana

A view of the blade, scabbard and handle

Shikoto Tigerwood Katana and Scabbard

$459.99

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

Scratch & Dent Sword Enigma Set

$27.99

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~~

An incredible sword that has been meticulously-hand forged using ancient, time-honored tempering techniques

The 41 3/4” overall katana slides into its black, lacquered wooden scabbard, which has black cord-wrap accents

The wooden handle is wrapped in genuine rayskin and black cord and the tsuba is in the Miyamoto Musashi design

The 28 3/4”, hand-forged 1045 carbon steel blade is razor-sharp, and it extends from a brass habaki

Shinwa Miyamoto Katana

$74.98 ~~Price reduced from $136.99 to~~

Different views of the Sokojikara Blü-Fyre Katana

Sokojikara Blü-Fyre Katana and Scabbard

$136.99

Shinwa katana shown with zoomed view of tsuba, Damascus steel blade, and black lacquered katana on black wood display.

The black hardwood scabbard has teal hanging cord that matches the cord wrapped around the katana handle.

A detailed view of the Damascus steel blade and ornate cast metal tsuba.

The scabbard has a teal braided nylon hanging cord.

Zoomed view of the cast metal tsuba and teal cord wrapping the handle.

The teal braided cord of the handle wraps through the ornate pommel featuring a bearded man.

Detailed cast metal tsuba shown with themed artwork.

The 39” katana has a Damascus steel blade and teal cord wrapped handle with cast metal details.

Shinwa Teal Damascus Katana

$129.98 ~~Price reduced from $192.99 to~~

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

The Kojiro Black Tanto Sword, crafted with supreme Samurai style, is ready to be the ultimate back-up weapon to the legendary katana

The 17” overall tanto sword fits like a glove in a black, lacquered wooden scabbard with black cord accents

This Kojiro has a hair-splitting sharp, 11” 1045 carbon steel blade, which extends from a polished brass habaki and a black metal alloy guard

Kojiro Tanto Sword With Scabbard

$66.99

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

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