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
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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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Incredible quality to cost ratio. Exceeded expectations in every way. I just wish you offered a laser etching option.
1045 Carbon Steel Blue Blade Katana with Blue Saya and Light Blue Tsuka-ito - Full Tang Collectible Samurai Sword
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Amazing as always, will keep continuing to buy from this company. Always quality with y’all!
1045 Carbon Steel Katana With Purple Blade And Red Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
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My kids are jealous! It's so beautiful and I will display it better soon.
1045 Carbon Steel Katana Sword with Gold Bamboo Tsuba in Black Matte Hardwood Saya - Full Tang Collectible
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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
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I am absolutely in love with this Katana. Beautiful craftsmanship and a well balanced feel. The colors on the blade look amazing when in use.
Pink T10 Steel Clay-Tempered Katana with Gold Floral Tsuba in Red-White Cherry Blossom Saya
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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
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Amazing sword. Exceeded my expectations on almost every level, especially for the price. I'm definitely buying another one!
1045 Carbon Steel Katana with Blue Ito Handle and Gold Floral Tsuba - Full Tang Japanese Sword in Black Hardwood Saya
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Shipped perfectly. The sword is beautiful and clean. Fantastic product.
1045 Carbon Steel Katana Sword with Golden Sunflower Tsuba in Purple Ito and Black Piano Lacquer Saya
Verified Purchase
Thank you so much for the delivery. The sword is very beautiful, powerful, and the sharpening is excellent (it cuts through a sheet of paper). Special thanks for the delivery.
1045 Carbon Steel Katana Sword with Gold Bamboo Tsuba in Black Matte Hardwood Saya - Full Tang Collectible
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I gave it as a gift and was very happy with the quality of the sword. They were also very happy when they saw the katana they had wanted for a long time.
1045 Carbon Steel Katana Sword with Gold Bamboo Tsuba in Black Matte Hardwood Saya - Full Tang Collectible
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Excellent customer service! Couldn’t be happier with our purchase!
Damascus Steel Katana Sword with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible
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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
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the blade is spectacular perfect craftsmanship everything is perfect
1045 Carbon Steel Katana Sword with Dark Red Piano Lacquer Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible
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