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
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
Thank you very much for this beautiful katana. It arrived to me recently. Wow, the katana looks incredibly good. This design isbunique, I cannot find similar katana nowhere on the internet. Pure beauty. Just as described, craftsmanship and details on brondze parts are well made, the blade has got a very nice shape and visible hamon. Overall look is amazing. I want to thank you for your fast responses via emails and also fast delivery process without complications. There was a very short time at custom office in my country (Slovakia) and a day latter it got courier in his hands. I am totally satisfied.r
Thank you.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Teal Ito Wrap and Green Sparkle Saya - Snake Tsuba Full Tang Sword
Verified Purchase
The sword was STUNNING. It came exactly as pictured, the blades are sharp and the designs are flawless. 100% would recommend.
Cherry Blossom Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handmade & Cyan Black Saya
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
The first one was damaged, but they did replace it.
T10 Carbon Steel Shirasaya Katana with Clay-Tempered Real Hamon in Natural Wengewood Saya
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
Very pleased with the quality the order.was shipped promptly too.very sharp too so be careful kiddos.
T10 Carbon Steel Shirasaya Katana with Clay-Tempered Real Hamon in Natural Wengewood Saya
Verified Purchase
I love the wood looks beautiful .has a great feeling. Price was awseome shipping was awseome. I just can't get the sword out of the sheath .it's like it's swollen. Inside
T10 Carbon Steel Shirasaya Katana with Clay-Tempered Real Hamon in Natural Wengewood Saya
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
Awesome Blade for the price. Will be purchasing again! Thanks guys!
Black Katana - T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Engraved Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Whether it was actually Japanese hands made it or not it is a well put together Cortana sword
Black Katana - T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Sword with Dragon Tsuba and Matte Black Hardwood Saya
Verified Purchase
I ordered a Katana and a sword stand. However, the sword stand couldn't deliver which was unfortunate but it was made transparent to me with an immediate refund. The quality of the sword is really nice for the price. The shipping costs were unknown until after the purchase, which would have been nicer to know beforehand. For the rest, very nice quick response times :)
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Katana with Red Lacquered Saya and Floral Alloy Tsuba - Black and Red Ito
Verified Purchase
Nice sword.good quality. I have plans to buy more in the future
T10 Carbon Steel Shirasaya Katana with Clay-Tempered Real Hamon in Natural Wengewood Saya
Verified Purchase
Love this sword. It was exactly what I was hoping for. I will be buying again.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Katana with Red Lacquered Saya and Floral Alloy Tsuba - Black and Red Ito
Verified Purchase
It’s amazing a work of art. I’m ordering one Damascus next. I know it will be perfect.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase











