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.
Explore More Categories
Customer Reviews
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
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
Great gift for my son. He loves the color and it's exactly what we expected! Looking to buy a green colored katana next time!
Red Blade 1045 Carbon Steel Katana with White Ito Handle and Floral Red Saya - Collectible Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
Apsolutly love it.r
r
4 star because the blade is a bit damadged at the top…
1045 Carbon Steel Katana Sword with Gold Bamboo Tsuba in Black Matte Hardwood Saya - Full Tang Collectible
Verified Purchase
This is a beautiful piece. Came in packed well and timely. Exactly what I was expecting and love the blue coloring in the blade.
1045 Carbon Steel Katana with Blue Blade and White Saya - Dragon Tsuba Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
The red is hot, I love the design on the blade too its fireee!!
1045 Carbon Steel Katana with Red Lacquered Saya and Bamboo Leaf Engraving - Collectible Japanese Sword
Verified Purchase
loved it! very quick shipping and exactly what i ordered
Red Blade 1045 Carbon Steel Katana with White Ito Handle and Floral Red Saya - Collectible Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
The sword looked pretty online but is JAW DROPPING in person! Such a beautiful blade!
1045 Carbon Steel Blue Katana with Cherry Blossom Engraved Blade and Piano Lacquer Saya - Collectible Japanese Sword
Verified Purchase











