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
Beautiful stunning Handmade Swords, Thank you so much. I have always wanted a real true katana.
Manganese Steel Katana with Blue-White Blade, Mermaid-Engraved White Saya & Blue Tsuka
Verified Purchase
What a wonderful gift chosen for my grandson. His smile speak the million words of the detailed craftsmanship of the sword to the life time of memory of having this beautiful piece of art.
Manganese Steel Blue Blade Katana with White Vine Saya and Flower Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
Sword is legit and authentic. I definitely recommend.
Dragon Tsuba Manganese Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handmade & Beige Saya
Verified Purchase
This was the 3rd sword I've received from True Katana recently and once again exquisite. It arrived on time well packaged in perfect condition and is sharp as all 3 from True Katana have been and it is absolutely beautiful. True Katana blades are top notch and priced well. True Katana not only has my trust but my loyalty. Excellent customer service and quality real deal blades each masterfully crafted with attention to detail. I highly recommend True Katana...
Dragon Tsuba Manganese Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handmade & Beige Saya
Verified Purchase
All I can say is wooooooow !!!!
I bought the katana for my fiancé and he was In love ! It’s gorgeous, it’s heavy, he loved it so much that he is already 3D printing a mount for it and wants to purchase more for himself ! If I could give it more stars I would !
Golden Blade Manganese Steel Katana with Sakura Floral Engravings in Black Piano Lacquer Saya
Verified Purchase
Sword is awesome and got here in a good amount of time, just my sword came and was a little bent at the edge to the side, but overall awesome
Manganese Steel Blue Blade Katana with White Vine Saya and Flower Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
Shipping was fast and packaging was great! Arrived much sooner than expected. Now my husband will get his anniversary gift on time.
Black Blade Katana in Manganese Steel with Kanji Engraved Saya and Red-Black Tsuka Wrap
Verified Purchase
This was our 1st purchase and was a gift for our 12 yr old daughter who has been wanting her very own real katana.
I was beyond impressed on the high quality and beautiful blade and case. Looking forward to a wall mount once they are back in stock to display it on the wall in her room.
Delivery was quick and good communication and updates. Will purchase again.
Manganese Steel Blue Blade Katana with White Vine Saya and Flower Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
Third sword ordered from true katana very impressed.Thank you senior sword maker and staff
Blue Blade Manganese Steel Katana with Floral-Engraved Black Saya and Gold Alloy Bamboo Tsuba
Verified Purchase
I'm absolutely in love with my katana, I have had no problems with it sense getting it.
Manganese Steel Blue Blade Katana with White Vine Saya and Flower Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
Well I can say that the sword is a work of art with out a doubt I can also say that it is made of cheaper parts besides the metal that I ordered. The craftsmanship is not to bad but not incredible. It is good for its price range. But I can't see myself using it to learn any new skills.
On a different note there was a bit of shipping damage SO PLEASE be
warned!
Black Manganese Steel Katana with Geisha-Painted White Saya and Wave Tsuba - Brown Wood Handle
Verified Purchase
A month delivery and the katana is great!
Shipping company UPS was the only bad part but Katana well made and looks cool!
Manganese Steel Katana Sword with Red Ito Handle and Floral Engraved Black Saya - Collectible Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
Friend told me about it and I got one, I’m quite impressed
Manganese Steel Katana Sword with Red Ito Handle and Floral Engraved Black Saya - Collectible Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
Hey its truly amazing what you have created katana and delivered on me i really appreciated on all the efforts tho.
And i almost forgot that i haven’t received my other katana yet contact me or email me asap because its been 13 days on that one and haven’t received it yet or delivered here if something happens lmk asap please thanks.
Manganese Steel Katana Sword with Red Ito Handle and Floral Engraved Black Saya - Collectible Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
It come in the best shape and it look very cool and nice I like it a lot
Manganese Steel Katana Sword with Red Ito Handle and Floral Engraved Black Saya - Collectible Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase











