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
Excellent. As described. Another great piece for my son and I's collection. Certainly not a cheap toy. Battle Ready.
Ornate Scroll Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handcrafted & Green Saya
Verified Purchase
I bought this Katana as an 18th birthday gift for my son. He’s very involved in martial arts and things of that nature. He went and found the Katana and asked for it as his gift. We were actually blown away by the craftsmanship and beauty of both the katana and the wooden sheath. The Katana itself is gorgeous and so well made the attention to detail is remarkable. The wooden sheath is stunning and looks like a masterpiece itself. We quickly ordered wall mounts and it’s proudly mounted on my son’s wall in his room. It’s a stunning piece to look at and he LOVES having it as part of his decor for his room as well as just an amazing piece of what I’d call art! I’m sure he will be finding more on your site to order for future occasions and I will definitely happily purchase knowing we are getting such high quality goods.
Damascus Steel Katana with Dark Red Folded Blade in Red Ito Wrap and Copper Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
They never gave me a shipping date so it showed up with out me knowing, but was packaged well could be sharper in spots on the blade but looks to be decent quality workmanship. Already bought a second one different style.
Damascus Steel Katana with Purple Folded Blade - Dragon Tsuba in Gold with Black Red Speckled Saya
Verified Purchase
This sword is a very, very beautiful sword and I am proud to own it. Feels great, nice and tight. Definitely a work of art. Damascus steel rocks! I plan to purchase others very soon.
Damascus Steel Katana with Red Dragon Embossed Saya in Black Lacquer - Gold Alloy Wave Tsuba
Verified Purchase
The sword arrived less than 15 days, very fast shipping. The sword is very sturdy and the quality is great, for the price!! The edge is not very sharp, which is okay. It is very unfortunate that the blade and tsuka cannot be disassembled for maintenance. That would be my only compliment
Ornate Scroll Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handcrafted & Green Saya
Verified Purchase
The sword is a great addition to the start of my collection.
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Katana with Red Folded Blade in Blue Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
I Love It The Handling Is Great And It Looks Awesome. r
Will Definitely Be Ordering Again
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Katana with Red Folded Blade in Blue Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
My son LOVES his new sword.
Very happy with the purchase!
Ornate Scroll Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handcrafted & Green Saya
Verified Purchase
excellent katana, very pretty, I would definitely buy again
Damascus Steel Katana with Red Dragon Embossed Saya in Black Lacquer - Gold Alloy Wave Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Absolutely love it. The color is outstanding, just what I thought it would be a loved the blade. Everything is perfect on it. Couldn't ask for a better sword. Thank you so much
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Katana with Red Folded Blade in Blue Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
Good sword, not high level but very cool decorating item
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Katana with Red Folded Blade in Blue Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
Light in my hands, easy to grip and handle, love the material of the blade 👌
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Katana with Red Folded Blade in Blue Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
Fang lives here.. temporarily
I made short video
https://youtu.be/uIu6IK1KrM0?feature=shared
Big fan
Snake Eyes
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Katana with Red Folded Blade in Blue Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
I have held a real 95 gunto military sword and this one for the money is an excellent reproduction! Very sharp, so be careful! The metal is high grade carbon steel (1095) which holds its edge! A nice collectors piece without having to spent serious money on the real thing!
Ornate Scroll Tsuba 1095 Carbon Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handcrafted & Green Saya
Verified Purchase
All I can say is beautiful craftsmanship. The blade itself was done very good. “If looks could kill this be it.” Lol. My 2023 Xmas gift came in very fast on basic shipping. I’m very impress
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Katana with Red Folded Blade in Blue Piano Lacquer Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase











