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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Mystery Katana Four-Pack - Brand-New Functional Katanas, Variety

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Different views of the Shikoto Longquan Master Double-Edged Sword

Shikoto Master Double-Edged Sword and Scabbard

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Sokojikara Pearl Zen Katana shown with bright red cord wrapping on the handle and scabbard and cast tsuba.

The side of the black glossy scabbard has a mother of pearl dragon design inlay, just beneath the bright red hanging cord.

The brass tsuba has a dragon design just beneath the bright red cord wrap of the handle.

A brass menuki is featured on the black ray skin handle with red cord wrap.

The brass tsuba has a swirling dragon design.

A bright red hanging cord is tied around the glossy black scabbard.

Sokojikara Pearl Zen Handmade Katana / Samurai Sword - Hand Forged, Clay Tempered 1045 Carbon Steel - Mother of Pearl Dragon Inlay - Ray Skin; Brass Tsuba - Functional, Full Tang, Battle Ready

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Shinwa Purple Majesty Samurai Sword

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Shikoto Kogane Dynasty Tachi sword shown with brass accents and brass colored cord wrapping handle and black scabbard.

Detailed view of both the Damascus steel blade of the sword and the brass guard and pommel of the handle.

Shikoto Black Kogane Dynasty Forged Tachi Sword Damascus

Shikoto Black Kogane Dynasty Forged Tachi Damascus Sword

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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

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

Kojiro Splintered Sky Katana

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Sokojikara Kitsune Katana shown next to wine-red wooden scabbard and with iron tsuba.

Wine-red wooden scabbard with brown hanging cord shown with sword inside.

The white genuine ray skin handle is wrapped brown cord and has a gold colored menuki.

Detailed view of the iron tsuba with branch detailing.

Zoomed view of the gold colored menuki beneath the brown cord wrapping of the handle.

The brown cord wrapping the handle is pulled through the katana’s pommel.

Detailed look at the speckled wine-red hardwood scabbard with brown hanging cord.

Just beneath the iron tsuba is a gold colored habaki.

Sokojikara Kitsune Handmade Katana

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Shikotoa Eternal Edge Katana and Scabbard

Shikoto Eternal Edge Katana

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Musashi Midnight Warrior Katana shown with detailed view of brass tsuba, blue scabbard, blue handle, and display box.

The glossy blue katana has a black and blue hanging cord and is shown alongside a detailed view of the blade point.

The genuine ray skin handle is wrapped in blue cotton cord with a menuki.

Musashi Midnight Warrior Katana

$377.99

Shinwa katana shown with purple cord wrapped handle, Damascus steel blade, and ornate bronze colored tsuba.

Shinwa Regal Purple Damascus Steel Katana Sword

Shinwa Damascus Steel Katana Sword

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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