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
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
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
The katana is more than I expected, in detail and beauty
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Received as expected. Very high quality sword. Will be purchasing more.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Vraiment magnifique par contre pour les français sachez qu'il y a 34€ de taxes douanières
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Absolutely beautiful work of art! I’m so grateful to have stumbled upon this website. The katana is flawless in every aspect; you won’t be disappointed with your purchase.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
I find this supplier trust worthy and Katana received meets its description. -tapio
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
I am so delighted to receive my Hand-crafted stunning weapon. I just can't get my hands over this sword. The blade, handle, Saya and the sageo, Tsuba, state of the art.r
I will buy more for my collection. I love you TrueKatana.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
I fell in love with my katana as soon as I saw and held it in my hands. I live in New Zealand so was expecting it to take awhile to arrive. But when it came in the mail within 7 days I was so happy . Would absolutely recommend buying from True katana . I will definitely be buying more from true katana. Thanks again
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
No buyers remorse for me. I got what I wanted at a price that I could afford. A beautiful work of art and just as dangerous as it is pretty to look at. Thank you for the privilege of doing business with you True Katana.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Order arrived rapidly and in perfect condition. Quality is outstanding. Very very good service in all aspects!
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
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
It's great, exactly like the picture, but the handle feels like hard plastic. Idk if that was in the description but I think my brother is gonna like it.
Dragon Head Handle Katana - Spring Steel Full Tang Sword with Embossed Dragon Saya in Black and Gold
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











