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
Amzing sword exactly what i wanted and shipping was great aswell thank you so much
Ghost of Tsushima Katana and Tanto Set - Jin Sakai Replica, Manganese Steel, Blue Saya
Verified Purchase
Es algo increíble. Es arte gracias. Es más de lo que esperaba. Es elegancia, paz y fuerza juntas esto está hecho con el corazón con el alma. r
Ya también la adquirí para una presente a mi jefe pensé en algo único
Flower Tsuba Manganese Steel Katana, Handmade, Black Saya & White Tsuka
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 sword was damaged on the handle, there was a small piece that is missing from it. I thought it would have came sharper also. I had bought one before this one and it was sharper.
T10 Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Gold Copper Tsuba Full Tang Sword
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
Sword looks beautiful but did come with a couple rusty spots. They offered a little discount and that made me happier. The sword was sharp but not as sharp as I thought it would be from the reviews and description according to the page. Overall still a beautiful sword that looks well made!
Clay Tempered T10 Steel Katana with Real Hamon - Brown Ito Wrap, Kanji Engraved Saya in Gold Gilding Tsuba
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
I rarely leave reviews, but my experience with TrueKatana absolutely deserves one.r
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I initially received an incorrect item with my order. Mistakes happen, that part didn’t concern me. What did matter was how the situation was handled, and TrueKatana exceeded every expectation I had.r
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From the very first reply, their support team was polite, responsive, and genuinely focused on making things right. They clearly communicated my options, worked with my timeline (this was a birthday gift), and went out of their way to minimize inconvenience. Instead of rigid policies or delays, I was met with flexibility, transparency, and solutions.r
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The highlight? They arranged shipment of the correct sword promptly and ultimately told me I could keep the incorrect item at no cost—no return required. That level of trust and goodwill is rare, especially in online retail.r
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What impressed me most wasn’t just the resolution, but how easy they made the entire process feel. No friction. No defensiveness. No hoops to jump through. Just professional, thoughtful customer care from start to finish.r
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TrueKatana has earned a customer for life. Their customer service genuinely rivals what I’ve experienced with top-tier Fortune 500 companies, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering a purchase.r
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If you’re on the fence, don’t be. You’ll be taken care of.
Clay Tempered T10 Steel Katana with Real Hamon - Brown Ito Wrap, Kanji Engraved Saya in Gold Gilding Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Great product! Item was a described. Fast shipping.
Lion Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Hand Forged
Verified Purchase
I honestly was a bit scared to buy it but i 10/10 recommend it was sharp and it looked beautiful would definitely buy again
T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Red Lacquered Saya and Copper Floral Tsuba
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
TRUE KATANA is the bestr
r
Ghost of Tsushima Katana Setr
just same to the game
Ghost of Tsushima Katana and Tanto Set - Jin Sakai Replica, Manganese Steel, Blue Saya
Verified Purchase











