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.
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Customer Reviews
Excellent customer service! Couldn’t be happier with our purchase!
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible
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This is a beautiful piece. Came in packed well and timely. Exactly what I was expecting and love the blue coloring in the blade.
1045 Carbon Steel Katana with Blue Blade and White Saya - Dragon Tsuba Full Tang Collectible Sword
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It is as described accept the tsuba is bright gold and fairly cheap looking. Otherwise it’s a decent sword as looks go.
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible
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Top Sword, handle 4/5, had minor proble3m with FedEx, but overall 5/5 because sword is very good.
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible
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Blade is high quality, and handle is nicely incorporated with the scabbard. The hand guard is impressively detailed as well.
1045 Carbon Steel Katana with Blue Blade and White Saya - Dragon Tsuba Full Tang Collectible Sword
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My fiance loved it! Great quality and beautiful craftsmanship.
1045 Carbon Steel Japanese Sword with Blue Blade and White Piano Lacquer Saya - Gold Dragon Tsuba
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Sword was a gift and she loves it. It arrived on time with no issues. Will definitely buy from again!
1045 Carbon Steel Japanese Sword with Orange Piano Lacquer Saya and Gold Dragon Tsuba
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This was my first purchase with True Katana so I went with one of the lesser expensive swords. Upon receiving the sword, I found it to be of good quality for the money. That being said I did have an issue with removing the sword from the scabbard. The first time took some finesse and patience as the sword did not want to budge. I eventually was able to free it and worked the sword back and forth until it smoothed out. All in all a fine sword for the money. I will be moving up in price range with my soon to be next purchase with this company.
1045 Carbon Steel Katana with Teal Blade and Dragon Tsuba in Blue Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
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If I could leave a 4 and a half star response, I would. The website may seem shaky but these blades I've adopted this month are beautiful. The website has outdated coupons but I was offered a discount on a blade I had in my cart for less than 2 days as well as a coupon for my last feedback review. I'd buy again one day.
1045 Carbon Steel Japanese Sword with Orange Piano Lacquer Saya and Gold Dragon Tsuba
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It’s my first sword and I’m really satisfied with its quality. The materials look premium, the handle feels good and the balance is nice although I haven’t cut anything with it apart from some paper. It’s not as sharp as I would have wished it to be and it has a little chip on the apex, which may have occurred from transportation or from sheathing/unsheathing, but nothing that can’t be fixed with a little patience and sharpening. Regarding transportation and sheath; the package was simple, foam wrapped in tape, the sheath and handle were wrapped in plastic, BUT, the blade was coated probably with an anti corrosion oil and wrapped in a plastic foil; the sheath feels a bit on the big side as the blade kinda wobbles inside from left to right and sheathing/unsheathing leaves chips of wood on the apex.r
I love the pattern on the blade.r
All in all, I’m really satisfied with it as a first purchase, and I’m really curious and excited about buying a tamahagane blade in the future.
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible
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It looks very nice, however I think the color is more gold than orange
1045 Carbon Steel Japanese Sword with Orange Piano Lacquer Saya and Gold Dragon Tsuba
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Amazing. Came in before xmas and was well received!
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible
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First time ever owing something that screams discipline. I was researching ok weaponry and the history of Japan, At first I was learning about shikomizue which then lead me to Zatoichi and now you guys(TrueKatana). I am very thankful to own this and thankful for you guys for having marketing available for customers such as myself. Eleven out of ten in my opinion if that’s even possible?
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible
Verified Purchase
Everything is tight and blade is sharp. Shipping time was acceptable and a great price for the quality.
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible
Verified Purchase
The sword is absolutely beautiful and sharp enough to shave with. The scabbard is like the design is engraved into the leather before being painted silver with is pretty cool. It's sturdy and the blade fits nicely in the scabbard. All in all I'm happy with this new addition to my now 7 katana sword collection.
T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Silver Engraved Saya - Real Hamon, Full Tang, Dark Blue Cord Handle
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