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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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

~~Price reduced from $409.99 to~~ NOW $246.98 You Save 40% -40%

Different views of the Shikoto Longquan Master Double-Edged Sword

Shikoto Master Double-Edged Sword and Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $299.99 to~~ NOW $262.98 You Save 12% -12%

The wooden sheaths of the katana, wakizashi, and tanto have ornate designs and cord wrappings, matching the swords’ hilts

The detailing of the sheath is shown next to an ornate knife and letter opener with gold and blue accenting with another view of the dragon tsuba.

3 Pc. Red Oda Nabunga Samurai Ninja Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $186.99 to~~ NOW $108.98 You Save 42% -42%

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

~~Price reduced from $272.99 to~~ NOW $199.99 You Save 27% -27%

The mark of a Samurai was the set of weapons which he carried and went into war with - katana, wakizashi and tanto

The decorative, antique white lacquered wooden scabbards feature one-of-a-kind artwork portraying a Chinese dragon

Each sword has a black 1045 carbon steel blade with display edges and a faux ray skin and black cord-wrapped handle

Each sword has a metal alloy tsuba with a dragon design

Kojiro Black Dragon Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $96.99 to~~ NOW $68.98 You Save 29% -29%

Kojiro White Zombie Slayer Katana Sword and Leather Wrapped Scabbard

$115.99

Kojiro Splintered Sky Katana

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Different views of the Sokojikara Blü-Fyre Katana

Sokojikara Blü-Fyre Katana and Scabbard

$169.99

Musha Black Shirasaya has a glossy black hardwood handle with matching scabbard and a full-tang carbon steel blade.

The glossy black hardwood handle of the shirasaya matches perfectly with the glossy black hardwood scabbard.

Musha Black Shirasaya Bushido Sword

$70.99

Musha Bushido Genko Samurai Katana from various views, including detailed shot of the floral tsuba and floral design on scabbard.

The habaki has a wave-like pattern while the scabbard has a floral design that matches the tsuba.

Musha Bushido Genko Samurai Katana Sword 1045 Carbon Steel

$86.99

Different views of the Shinwa White Emperor Samurai Short Sword

The handle and the blade shown with the display stand

Shinwa Samurai Short Sword

~~Price reduced from $283.99 to~~ NOW $149.98 You Save 47% -47%

Shinwa Scarlet Komodo Handmade Tanto / Samurai Short Sword - Hand Forged 1045 Carbon Steel - Mother of Pearl Dragon Inlay; Red Hand Lacquered Hardwood; Shirasaya Mounting - Ninja Stealth - Full Tang

Shinwa Scarlet Komodo Handmade Tanto

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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