Katana
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a katana?
A katana is a traditional Japanese sword recognized by its curved, single-edged blade, circular or squared guard (tsuba), and long handle designed for a two-handed grip. Historically carried by samurai warriors, the katana is celebrated worldwide as both a masterwork of metallurgy and a symbol of Japanese culture. Today, katana swords are collected as art pieces, displayed as home decor, and used in martial arts training.
What steel is best for a katana?
It depends on your goals. 1045 carbon steel is durable and affordable — great for first-time collectors. 1095 carbon steel and T10 tool steel offer excellent edge retention and are ideal for serious enthusiasts. Damascus steel is prized for its distinctive folded patterns. For the ultimate in tradition, tamahagane steel represents the pinnacle of Japanese sword-making, produced using methods dating back centuries.
What is a full tang katana?
A full tang katana is a sword where the blade's metal extends the entire length of the handle, making the blade and handle one continuous piece of steel. This construction provides superior structural integrity, better balance, and enhanced durability compared to partial tang designs. All TrueKatana swords feature full tang construction as standard.
How should I care for my katana?
Clean the blade with a soft, lint-free cloth after each handling to remove oils and fingerprints. Apply a thin layer of choji oil (or mineral oil) every few months to protect against rust. Store your katana in a dry environment with the cutting edge facing upward. For display pieces, avoid direct sunlight to preserve the saya's lacquer finish.
Does TrueKatana offer free shipping?
Yes. Every katana order ships free within the United States — no minimum purchase required. We also offer international shipping to most countries. Standard U.S. delivery typically arrives within 1–2 weeks for hand-forged items, while our Ready to Ship collection delivers in 3–7 business days.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all purchases. If your katana doesn't meet your expectations, contact our support team within 30 days of delivery for a full refund or exchange. We want every customer to be completely satisfied with their sword.
Are your katana swords handmade?
Every katana in our collection is individually hand-forged by our team of 40+ skilled swordsmiths. From steel selection and forging to clay tempering and handle wrapping, each step is done by hand using traditional Japanese techniques. No two swords are exactly alike — that's what makes each one a genuine collectible.
Can I customize a katana?
Absolutely. Our custom katana service lets you choose the blade steel, length, handle wrap color, tsuba design, saya finish, and more. Custom Japanese swords are built to your specifications and typically ship within 3–4 weeks. Visit our Custom Katana page to start designing yours.
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Customer Reviews
Genuinely surprised at what I have here. Now Im no expert but I like how this came especially for the price great for starters.
WWII Type 98 Shin Gunto Officer Katana - 1065 Carbon Steel with Brown Rosewood Saya and Alloy Flower Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Great blade looks good only issue is that the sheath is pretty lose and will not keep the blade in well
1060 Carbon Steel Katana Sword with Blue Blade and Gold-Thread Lacquered Saya in Black Ito Wrap
Verified Purchase
Over not bad Ito is slightly loose but overall good sword pretty sharp
1065 Carbon Steel Katana Sword with Natural Wood Saya and Dragon Alloy Tsuba - Brown Ito Wrap
Verified Purchase
This sword is really nice and sharp. its a pretty blue tent to the blade. The only small complaint would be the container that holds the sword. The inside is like wood maybe if they color that black instead of raw material I guess it’s not really a complaint. It’s more of a suggestion honestly there there’s really no complaints really it’s a nice product.😅 I bought it for my brothers birthday! I want one myself!💛
Ghost of Tsushima Katana - Jin Sakai Replica, 1065 Carbon Steel, Blue Blade, Black Saya
Verified Purchase
Love the product, packaging styrofoam got stuck to the leather strap though.
Obsidian Katana - 1060 Carbon Steel Black Blade with Leather-Wrapped Saya and Carry Strap
Verified Purchase
Excellent workmanship very authentic reproduction of the real sword. Thank yo
WWII Type 98 Shin Gunto Officer Katana in 1095 Carbon Steel with Brown Leather Saya and Flower Tsuba
Verified Purchase
I'm no expert, and won't pretend to be, but I did grow up around blades and martial arts and have owned many swords over the years. I'm 64 years old now, on the other side of some hardships and setbacks. r
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I still train with a boken, and have been since I was a teen, but I sold all my swords several years back. Life forced me to learn to do without, but as my life improved, I missed my swords and wanted to replace them.r
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My late Father was a cutlery distributor, so I built my previous collection with great discounts and lots of resources. I didn't have those advantages this time. I had to study the new market. So I began reading posts and watching reviews about the available makers and suppliers, as well as their specific offerings in my price range. This led me to take a chance on Truekatana and this particular offering.r
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I thought I owned some pretty nice blades before, but this one beats them all! I love everything about it! It feels great in my hand, and it is so much better than I hoped for. I immediately ordered another model katana, and I'm sure I'll be getting more in the future. It was packed well and arrived quickly and safely. r
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I'm definitely a huge fan of Truekatana!
1060 Carbon Steel Black Katana with Clay-Tempered Hamon in Matte Black Hardwood Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
Craftsmanship is of excellent quality.I love the solid black aesthetic of the sword.Blade is sharp and durable.
Obsidian Katana - 1060 Carbon Steel Black Blade with Leather-Wrapped Saya and Carry Strap
Verified Purchase
Was an amazing gift! r
He loved it and it’s actually very sharp and durable.
1060 Carbon Steel Katana Sword with Blue Blade and Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya
Verified Purchase
The item arrived well packaged and in a timely manner. I am pleased with this item but have made several minor alterations to improve appearance. the price was not too bad. I would buy again from this company if I found an item I liked and was priced right
WWII Type 98 Shin Gunto Officer Katana - 1065 Carbon Steel with Brown Rosewood Saya and Alloy Flower Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Ordered from another website after 2 months never received. Had previously ordered from true katana should have ordered here first got sword very quickly very happy with purchase
Ghost of Tsushima Katana - Jin Sakai Replica, 1065 Carbon Steel, Blue Blade, Black Saya
Verified Purchase
The Katana was AMAZING quality. Shipping was quick. It was the perfect gift and the company is very considerate and thoughtful. The perfect place if you want to ow your own Katana.
1060 Carbon Steel Katana Sword with Blue Blade and Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya
Verified Purchase
2nd Model and it is just as quality and arrived earlier than anticipated as well.r
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Loyal customer here for our new Katana Collection!
1060 Carbon Steel Katana with Golden Blade and Ornate Gold Alloy Tsuba in Black Saya
Verified Purchase
My order came in pretty quickly and the quality seems pretty good! It’s a gift so I have to wait till it’s opened to see how durable it is but it’s got good weight to it :D
WWII Type 98 Shin Gunto Officer Katana - 1065 Carbon Steel with Brown Rosewood Saya and Alloy Flower Tsuba
Verified Purchase
At first the katana its hard to take out from the scabbard so need to trim a little bit in the inside to loosen a bit. Then the piece of wood that is holding the sageo in the scabbard fell off. But all in all the katana is sharp. Good balance of the blade and when you swing the blade it makes a hacking sound, and what I like is the hamon of the blade with a wave like pattern.
1060 Carbon Steel Black Katana with Clay-Tempered Hamon in Matte Black Hardwood Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
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