Katana
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a full tang katana?
A full tang katana means the blade steel continues through the handle instead of stopping near the guard. This matters because the handle and blade are part of one continuous structure, which gives the sword better stability and durability than a partial tang or decorative-only construction. For collectors, full tang construction is also a useful sign that the sword was made with more serious build quality in mind. All TrueKatana swords are full tang, but buyers should still read each product page for steel type, blade length, sharpness, fittings, and intended use.
Are katanas legal in the US?
In general, owning a katana at home is legal in many parts of the United States, but laws can vary by state, city, age, transportation method, and public carry rules. Ownership is not the same as carrying a sword in public. California, New York, Texas, Florida, and other states may treat possession, open carry, concealed carry, and restricted locations differently. Before buying or transporting a katana, check your local laws and avoid carrying a metal sword in public unless you clearly understand the rules. TrueKatana products are best treated as collectibles or display items unless a product page says otherwise.
What is the difference between katana and samurai sword?
A katana is one specific type of Japanese sword. It usually has a curved, single-edged blade, a long grip for two-handed use, and a guard called a tsuba. “Samurai sword” is a broader phrase people use for swords associated with samurai culture. That can include katana, wakizashi, tanto, tachi, and other Japanese blade styles. In online shopping, many people use “katana” and “samurai sword” almost the same way, but they are not exactly identical. If you are buying one, focus less on the label and more on the details: blade type, steel, length, tang construction, edge condition, and intended use.
How to display a katana?
The safest and cleanest way to display a katana is with a proper sword stand, wall rack, or display case. Keep it away from moisture, direct sunlight, children, pets, and high-traffic areas where it could be knocked down. Many collectors display the katana in its saya, especially if the blade is sharp or carbon steel. If you display the blade unsheathed, make sure the room is dry and the blade is lightly oiled. For a traditional look, place the sword horizontally on a stand with the handle to the left or right depending on your display preference. The most important thing is stability and safe handling.
What are katanas made of?
Modern katana swords can be made from several types of steel. Common options include 1045 carbon steel, 1060 carbon steel, 1095 carbon steel, T10 tool steel, folded steel, Damascus-style steel, and sometimes tamahagane for higher-end traditional-style pieces. The fittings may include iron, brass, copper, alloy, wood, rayskin, cotton wrap, leather wrap, and a lacquered wooden saya. The best material depends on what you want from the sword. A display buyer may care more about polish and design, while a collector may look more closely at steel, heat treatment, hamon, and full tang construction. All TrueKatana swords are full tang, which is an important construction detail for buyers to know.
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Customer Reviews
Quality is top notch I’ve practice kata for 12 yrs and this is a beautiful blade. Simple, practical, wonderful to swing. My only concern is the visible spots on the blade that won’t come off.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Saya with Gold Dragon Motif in Silver Alloy Tsuba
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Beautiful and high quality!! This was a gift for my son and he absolutely loved it!!
1045 Carbon Steel Blue Katana with Cherry Blossom Engraved Blade and Piano Lacquer Saya - Collectible Japanese Sword
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Order arrived swiftly, zero shipping issues, item came fully intact with no smudges or distention in the metal, it looks exactly like the pictures, is sturdily built and has an incredible balance due to the full tang design. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because there are a couple of strange holes in the leather of the tsuka.
Manganese Steel Blue Blade Katana with White Vine Saya and Flower Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible Sword
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I recently bought a sword from True Katana and I’m very impressed with the quality. The sword looks even better in person, feels solid, and has great craftsmanship. You can tell they put care into the details. Shipping was smooth and the sword arrived in great condition. If you’re looking for a beautiful, well-made sword, I definitely recommend True Katana.
1045 Carbon Steel Blue Katana with Cherry Blossom Engraved Blade and Piano Lacquer Saya - Collectible Japanese Sword
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It was packaged great! The katana is stunning! Super sharp too. Very happy with the craftsmanship. Thank you so much!
1045 Carbon Steel Blue Katana with Cherry Blossom Engraved Blade and Piano Lacquer Saya - Collectible Japanese Sword
Verified Purchase
I'm very impressed with the quality at this pricepoint. The delivery process as well, too the cold north, Norway, was also informative at every stage. r
I'm a new fan :)
Black Katana - T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Engraved Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
fast service and nice looking katana also very shar[......
Golden Damascus Steel Katana with Snake Tsuba and Python-Pattern Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
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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
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Arrived on time. Beautiful piece. Blade is t10 and handles well. Would purchase again.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
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Love my Cortana play wish they had a smaller one to go with it
Golden Damascus Steel Katana with Snake Tsuba and Python-Pattern Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
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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
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A gift for my girlfriend. She absolutely loves it! My first sword now has a friend!
Chrysanthemum Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Folded Steel
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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
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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
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Honest feedback: My first ever katana. Beautiful craftsmanship. Does look exactly like the image online, and an intense feeling of caution and anxiety occurs when I unsheathe the blade. Hilarious, but highly important instruction/liability manual......DO NOT LICK THE BLADE. DO NOT CHOP VEGETABLES WITH THE BLADE. I can only image some of the cases.
Black Katana - T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Engraved Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba
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