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
Genuinely surprised at what I have here. Now Im no expert but I like how this came especially for the price great for starters.
WWII Type 98 Shin Gunto Officer Katana - 1065 Carbon Steel with Brown Rosewood Saya and Alloy Flower Tsuba
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
It's both affordable and real. Very well made and beautiful sword.
Manganese Steel Katana with Green Ito Wrap in Black Lacquered Saya - Gold Floral Tsuba Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
no complaints. everything was good. it was a gift n i got good feedback. v sharp blade.
Manganese Steel Katana with Bronze Totem Leather Saya in Gold and Dark Blue - Collectible Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
Absolutely excellent quality, product is exactly as described and it arrived quicker than I expected. Will def be shopping more often!
Golden Katana Sword - 1045 Steel Blade with Dragon Tsuba in Gold PU Leather Saya Collectible
Verified Purchase
This sword is really nice and sharp. its a pretty blue tent to the blade. The only small complaint would be the container that holds the sword. The inside is like wood maybe if they color that black instead of raw material I guess it’s not really a complaint. It’s more of a suggestion honestly there there’s really no complaints really it’s a nice product.😅 I bought it for my brothers birthday! I want one myself!💛
Ghost of Tsushima Katana - Jin Sakai Replica, 1065 Carbon Steel, Blue Blade, Black Saya
Verified Purchase
Good evening, r
r
Upon receiving my new katana sword, I was absolutely thrilled at how beautiful it is and it appears to be very well made. It is lightweight and easy to handle! I can’t wait to practice wielding it so that I may become adept and proficient at its use! Thank you very kindly again! I’d also like to add that I will be sharing my appreciation of your craftsmanship with my friends and family, so they are aware of your quality product as well! r
r
Sincerely, Bradley Darin Bluntr
(Prospective Samurai)
Skull Tsuba Manganese Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handmade & Gray Saya
Verified Purchase
The item arrived well packaged and in a timely manner. I am pleased with this item but have made several minor alterations to improve appearance. the price was not too bad. I would buy again from this company if I found an item I liked and was priced right
WWII Type 98 Shin Gunto Officer Katana - 1065 Carbon Steel with Brown Rosewood Saya and Alloy Flower Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Quality was great and shipping was fast. Will definitely recommend to others
Manganese Steel Katana with Green Ito Wrap in Black Lacquered Saya - Gold Floral Tsuba Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
The packaging was very secured, tracking went great. I’m very satisfied with my package
Manganese Steel Katana with Golden Blade and Brown Leather-Wrapped Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
Ordered from another website after 2 months never received. Had previously ordered from true katana should have ordered here first got sword very quickly very happy with purchase
Ghost of Tsushima Katana - Jin Sakai Replica, 1065 Carbon Steel, Blue Blade, Black Saya
Verified Purchase
Omg my boyfriend love it!!! He super heavy and super sharp!!!! It’s literally sword !!! It took a while to get here, but it got here!
Golden Katana Sword - 1045 Steel Blade with Dragon Tsuba in Gold PU Leather Saya Collectible
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
Great product and communication was very professional!
Lion Tsuba Manganese Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handmade & Black Dragon Saya
Verified Purchase
I’d maybe make an effort to emphasize handguards. It’s a sweet item. I may have not chosen to even get it with a handguard but I also just wasn’t aware sometimes it’s worth considering getting one
Lion Tsuba Manganese Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handmade & Black Dragon Saya
Verified Purchase











