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

144 Results

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 Night Watch Three-Piece Sword Set gives you the full daisho of a Samurai warrior, which is a katana, wakizashi and tanto

Each sword has a black painted, wooden scabbard with a black cord and leather sword hanger and a wooden display stand is included

The handles are traditionally wrapped in faux ray skin and black cord and the blades are razor-sharp carbon steel

Kojiro Night Watch Three-Piece Sword Set And Display Stand

~~Price reduced from $141.99 to~~ $73.98 Save 48%

Different views of the Shinwa Regal Makaku Sword Set

Shinwa Regal Makaku Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $393.97 to~~ $354.57 Save 10%

It has proven itself time and again, and it holds its own against any of today’s most expensive katana, outperforming many

The 40” overall katana slides smoothly into a black lacquered, wooden scabbard with black cord-wrap accents

The hardwood handle is traditionally wrapped in cord-wrap over faux rayskin and the biohazard-style, cast tsuba is black

Shinwa Black Knight Katana

~~Price reduced from $254.99 to~~ $176.98 Save 31%

Sokojikara Bambusa Katana shown from various views, with detailed look at the pommel with lattice design and wood scabbard.

The natural wooden scabbard has a brown hanging cord, matching the brown cord wrapping the handle.

The white ray skin handle is wrapped in brown cord with brass menuki.

The brown cord wrapping of the handle is pulled through the pommel.

Detailed view of the brass menuki peaking out from the brown cord wrapping of the handle.

Sokojikara Bambusa Handmade Katana

~~Price reduced from $546.99 to~~ $317.98 Save 42%

Sword you’re looking for whether you’re an avid collector or a first-time owner, giving you quality and value far beyond the price

The hardwood handle is wrapped in faux rayskin and black cord and has an intricately detailed metal alloy tsuba

The full-tang, razor-sharp, sword has a 28”, 1045 carbon steel blade, which extends from a polished brass habaki

The 41” katana slides into a black lacquered wooden scabbard, accented with a hand-painted dragon and black cord-wrap

Kojiro Golden Dragon Katana

$105.99

Musashi Bushin Sword - Hand-Forged, Water-Tempered 1095 Carbon Steel Blade, Genuine Rayskin Wrapped Handle - Length 41 1/2"

Musashi Bushin Sword

$363.99

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

~~Price reduced from $143.99 to~~ $78.98 Save 45%

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

$272.99

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

~~Price reduced from $324.99 to~~ $238.98 Save 26%

Various views of the Sokojikara Crane Katana, including detailed crane tsuba, scabbard with ornate crane artwork, and crane detailed pommel.

The hand lacquered wooden scabbard has vibrant artwork of a crane with reds, blues, oranges and greens.

Zoomed view of the white ray skin handle with black braided cord wrapped and brass menuki.

Detailed view of the brass menuki beneath the cord wrapping of the handle.

Closeup look at the crane detailing on the katana’s pommel.

The cast tsuba features a brass-colored crane design.

The brightly colored scabbard has a black hanging cord.

Detailed look at the colorful crane artwork on the side of the wooden scabbard.

Sokojikara Soul Crane Handmade Katana

$638.99

The Shinwa Celestial Guardians Katana and its scabbard.

Shinwa Katana

$116.99

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