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
I ordered a mid range priced katana just to see the quality. I just wanted to personally write the review. This katana is beautiful the inlays and the detail exceeded my expectations. The blade is just as beautiful as the sheath. I probably called it the wrong. I will definitely order more from there. The best place to buy a katana hands down.
1060 Carbon Steel Katana with Dragon-Painted Black Saya and Phoenix Alloy Tsuba - Brown Ito Wrap
Verified Purchase
Finally got my katana from truekatana.com I am absolutely in love with it! The craftsmanship is great, the quality is amazing and I'm very happy with it overall. If your looking to buy your own I recommend truekatana.com you won't be disappointed! The price you pay for the quality sword you get is amazing. I will be buying another in the near future! Go get yours, you will be very happy! Truly a beautiful piece of art! I am very happy with my purchase! Thank guys your the best!
Folded Melaleuca Steel Katana with Orange Dragon-Painted Saya - Black Tsuka, Geometric Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Beautiful blade buy it isn't sharp. I'm assuming that if you want the sharp one you have to go to the performance katana section which makes sense. Overall I'm happy the design on sheath is as pictures but felt slightly small on the blade which really doesn't matter since it's for decoration purposes.
1060 Carbon Steel Katana with Dragon-Painted Black Saya and Phoenix Alloy Tsuba - Brown Ito Wrap
Verified Purchase
For my son's birthday. There were plenty of choices online and his friend bought a sword from Truekatana and loved it, so I trusted the website. All he keeps saying, "This is so cool!" It arrived in 6 days, less than half the quoted delivery time!!! He says it's his birthday gift ever. Only rule I had was he doesn't use it around his brother.
1060 Carbon Steel Katana with Dragon-Painted Black Saya and Phoenix Alloy Tsuba - Brown Ito Wrap
Verified Purchase
Very nice and fast delivery. The quality is really good. Looking forward to buy another one in the future.
1060 Carbon Steel Katana with Dragon-Painted Black Saya and Phoenix Alloy Tsuba - Brown Ito Wrap
Verified Purchase
This was my first purchase from this site. I am truly impressed by both their service and their product! They shipped the sword promptly and came from Japan to Arkansas in about a week or so. Talk about impressive! The packaging was air tight to ensure no damage in the shipping process. The sword itself? MAGNIFICENT! The photos on here really do not give it justice. The details are incredible and the color is beautiful and vibrant. This was a gift for my dad and he was absolutely blown away by it! I tried to upload a pic of him with the sword, so I hope it uploads with this review! Will very definitely purchase another sword for myself.
Folded Melaleuca Steel Katana with Orange Dragon-Painted Saya - Black Tsuka, Geometric Tsuba
Verified Purchase











