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
The product arrived quickly and was in good condition when arrived. My husband loves his katana, he was very pleased.
Ghost of Tsushima Katana - Jin Sakai Replica, 1065 Carbon Steel, Blue Blade, Black Saya
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Quality is top notch I’ve practice kata for 12 yrs and this is a beautiful blade. Simple, practical, wonderful to swing. My only concern is the visible spots on the blade that won’t come off.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
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Daughter beyond happy for her birthday surprise!!! Loved the details and feel and weight great piece !!!!
T10 Carbon Steel Shirasaya Katana with Clay-Tempered Real Hamon in Natural Wengewood Saya
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Sword was delivered fast and no damage. Sword looks amazing and well built would recommend to get one yourself.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Katana with Red Lacquered Saya and Floral Alloy Tsuba - Black and Red Ito
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I bought the katana as a birthday present for my husband and he was like a kid on Christmas when he got to open it he loves it and it's now his favorite thing in this world.
T10 Carbon Steel Shirasaya Katana with Clay-Tempered Real Hamon in Natural Wengewood Saya
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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
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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
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Great quality, I'm very happy to have placed this order and definitely will be coming around again for more! I really like that you get to track the package and it was well protected that there would be no issue in the product getting damaged or stolen. Very happy with the Service and product!
1065 Carbon Steel Blue Blade Katana with Dragon-Themed Saya in Deep Blue Lacquer and Grey Cord Wrap
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I'm very impressed with the quality at this pricepoint. The delivery process as well, too the cold north, Norway, was also informative at every stage. r
I'm a new fan :)
Black Katana - T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Engraved Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba
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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
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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
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It looks great. Shiny, good quality, I would buy another one.
1065 Carbon Steel Full Tang Katana with Silver Saya, Floral Alloy Tsuba and White Cord Handle
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Awesome great product I am very happy with it. Will be Bach for another one 🥷🏻
Lion Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Full Tang
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Timely delivery and product was as advertised. Very nice sword!
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
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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
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