Katana
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a full tang katana?
A full tang katana means the blade steel continues through the handle instead of stopping near the guard. This matters because the handle and blade are part of one continuous structure, which gives the sword better stability and durability than a partial tang or decorative-only construction. For collectors, full tang construction is also a useful sign that the sword was made with more serious build quality in mind. All TrueKatana swords are full tang, but buyers should still read each product page for steel type, blade length, sharpness, fittings, and intended use.
Are katanas legal in the US?
In general, owning a katana at home is legal in many parts of the United States, but laws can vary by state, city, age, transportation method, and public carry rules. Ownership is not the same as carrying a sword in public. California, New York, Texas, Florida, and other states may treat possession, open carry, concealed carry, and restricted locations differently. Before buying or transporting a katana, check your local laws and avoid carrying a metal sword in public unless you clearly understand the rules. TrueKatana products are best treated as collectibles or display items unless a product page says otherwise.
What is the difference between katana and samurai sword?
A katana is one specific type of Japanese sword. It usually has a curved, single-edged blade, a long grip for two-handed use, and a guard called a tsuba. “Samurai sword” is a broader phrase people use for swords associated with samurai culture. That can include katana, wakizashi, tanto, tachi, and other Japanese blade styles. In online shopping, many people use “katana” and “samurai sword” almost the same way, but they are not exactly identical. If you are buying one, focus less on the label and more on the details: blade type, steel, length, tang construction, edge condition, and intended use.
How to display a katana?
The safest and cleanest way to display a katana is with a proper sword stand, wall rack, or display case. Keep it away from moisture, direct sunlight, children, pets, and high-traffic areas where it could be knocked down. Many collectors display the katana in its saya, especially if the blade is sharp or carbon steel. If you display the blade unsheathed, make sure the room is dry and the blade is lightly oiled. For a traditional look, place the sword horizontally on a stand with the handle to the left or right depending on your display preference. The most important thing is stability and safe handling.
What are katanas made of?
Modern katana swords can be made from several types of steel. Common options include 1045 carbon steel, 1060 carbon steel, 1095 carbon steel, T10 tool steel, folded steel, Damascus-style steel, and sometimes tamahagane for higher-end traditional-style pieces. The fittings may include iron, brass, copper, alloy, wood, rayskin, cotton wrap, leather wrap, and a lacquered wooden saya. The best material depends on what you want from the sword. A display buyer may care more about polish and design, while a collector may look more closely at steel, heat treatment, hamon, and full tang construction. All TrueKatana swords are full tang, which is an important construction detail for buyers to know.
Explore More Categories
Customer Reviews
See a little more detail on the definition, otherwise good product
Ornate Scroll Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handcrafted & Green Saya
Verified Purchase
Blade is sharp and sturdy! Looks really authentic such a great job.
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Black Piano Lacquer Saya and Dragon Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible
Verified Purchase
Excellent quality and got exactly what I ordered quicker than expected. Will buy more!
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Black Piano Lacquer Saya and Dragon Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible
Verified Purchase
Sharp, well-made, but the blade is not the straightest. When I looked down from the handle, mine was curving slightly to the left. But it looks nice on display and can cut and slice soft fruit.
WWII Type 98 Shin Gunto Officer Katana in 1095 Carbon Steel with Brown Leather Saya and Flower Tsuba
Verified Purchase
This is an early Father's Day present from my wife. I absolutely Love it!r
I am new to collecting swords, so I can only speak as an amateur. Quality seems great. The scabbard is beautifully designed with dragons. The blade is sharp, Black, and wickedly cool looking!r
One of the best Father's Day gifts ever!
Lion Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Real Hamon, Full Tang & Handcrafted
Verified Purchase
Absolutely perfect. I got this as a wedding gift for my soon to be husband and he's going to FREAK. It's stunning. The blade is beautiful, sheath and handle are perfect and the DETAIL!! The detailing on the sword is incredible
Lion Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Real Hamon, Full Tang & Handcrafted
Verified Purchase
AAAA++++ AWESOME PIECE. AWESOME CRAFTSMANSHIP SUPER FAST SHIPPING AND GREAT PRICE
Ornate Scroll Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handcrafted & Green Saya
Verified Purchase
Really great looking sword. I appreciate it as it is a replica of an NCO's sword from WW2. Goes good with my other military items in my collection.
Ornate Scroll Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handcrafted & Green Saya
Verified Purchase
The ghost is Tsushima sword inside the scabbard sounds very clanky when we move it around.
Lion Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Real Hamon, Full Tang & Handcrafted
Verified Purchase
fast service and nice looking katana also very shar[......
Golden Damascus Steel Katana with Snake Tsuba and Python-Pattern Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
very good quality blade , it was exactly as advertized, really happy with this purchase
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Black Piano Lacquer Saya and Dragon Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible
Verified Purchase
I love it! The purchasing process was easy, and the shipping was quick. The Katana is amazing!
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Black Piano Lacquer Saya and Dragon Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible
Verified Purchase
Beautiful scabbard and elegant purple blade that is straight and sharp. Fits in great with any collection.
1090 Carbon Steel Purple Katana with Dragon Engraved Blade in Purple Saya with White Stripe Accents
Verified Purchase
Sharp and precise I love it great katana and great work!
1090 Carbon Steel Purple Katana with Dragon Engraved Blade in Purple Saya with White Stripe Accents
Verified Purchase
Came good better then i expected but not sharp as a expected but still very good for the price
Butterfly Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handmade & Black Gold Saya
Verified Purchase











