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
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
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
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
The Sword looks exactly as shown. Great craftsmanship and a wonderful addition to our collection! Arrived quickly, at most 7 days.
Dragon Head Handle Katana - Spring Steel Full Tang Sword with Embossed Dragon Saya in Black and Gold
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
The boy really loves it, it is so lite weight and looks really nice.
Manganese Steel Katana with Gold Dragon Lacquered Saya and Silver White Tsuka - Collectible Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
It’s a beautiful work of art. I am very happy with my purchase. My only complaint is that it fits so tightly in the scabbard It is difficult to unsheathe.
Spring Steel Katana with Dark Red Lacquered Saya and Gold Kanji Engraving in Brown Cord Wrap
Verified Purchase
Absolutely love it such a cool peice totes recommend
Spring Steel Katana with Dark Red Lacquered Saya and Gold Kanji Engraving in Brown Cord Wrap
Verified Purchase
Amazing quality katana, the pictures on website just can capture the beauty of the blade like it does in person
Blue Blade Manganese Steel Katana with Dragon Saya and Floral Gold-Silver Tsuba in Black Cord Wrap
Verified Purchase
The sword is amazing. Craftsmanship is spectacular. The scabbard koi fish design it one of my favorite things about it.
Full Tang Manganese Steel Katana, Handmade, White Dragon Saya & White Tsuka
Verified Purchase
My boyfriend loved his gift!
It’s actually for Valentine’s Day but he wanted to open it sooner. The look oh his face was priceless. He kept swinging it and holding it all day and cutting things in the house.
The detail to the case is so beautiful and the sword is very pretty.
The shipping is fast I ordered my sword on January 24, it was shipped out 2days later and I got it Friday February 4. It actually came 5 days early and since it came international from there another location it came faster than I expected.
The sword does come with oil on it to prevent rust during transit snd storage, not sure if I should clean so I decided to leave it. And it’s very sharp.
Overall good product and whomever you get it for will lose their mind in excitement. Will be buy another one for my brother and other family members.
Blue Blade Manganese Steel Katana with Dragon Saya and Floral Gold-Silver Tsuba in Black Cord Wrap
Verified Purchase
Beautiful blade and sharp. I love everything about it. Excellent work
Blue Blade Manganese Steel Katana with Hand-Painted Geisha Saya in White and Floral Copper Tsuba
Verified Purchase
It’s beautiful and I love it very much ✊🏼💙
Blue Manganese Steel Katana with Dragon-Painted Saya and Red Samegawa in Black Cord Wrap
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