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 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
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
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
Good weight and a razor sharp blade! My only complaints are about the guard and the metal just below the guard dig into the hand/finger when in use.
Damascus Steel Katana with Tiger Tsuba - Brown Cord Handle, Black Lacquer Saya, Brown-Gold Sageo
Verified Purchase
Its a good sword for 380 bucks the silk wrap is on there tight and the blade is sharp cuts through paper like nothing. The dragon isn’t red its orange but it still looks good. I just messed up and bought the sword before a big sale of 40% off, I could’ve got the sword for a lot cheaper and Instead of getting the sword for 233 I bought it for 360 oof
Damascus Steel Katana with Red Dragon Embossed Saya in Black Lacquer - Gold Alloy Wave Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Great quality only problem is one of the pins must have fallen off during shipment
Damascus Steel Katana with Dragon Engraving - Blue Ito, Dark Blue Lacquer Saya, Wave Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Always proficient when I order from here with high quality. I can’t recommend anyone else higher.
Damascus Steel Full Tang Katana with Gold Dragon Saya in Black - Folded Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
Wow, This sword is nice. Great look and seems to be well made. Not actually razor sharp, maybe that’s good too. Shipping was faster than advertised and arrived in protected package. Seems like a great product for the price. I’ll be buying another in near future.
Damascus Steel Katana with Tiger Tsuba - Brown Cord Handle, Black Lacquer Saya, Brown-Gold Sageo
Verified Purchase
Excellent quality. My first of what I hope to be a large collection. Very happy with this katana and the customer service.
Damascus Steel Katana with Real Hamon and Snake Tsuba in Blue Speckled Saya - Collectible Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
Super cool sword, feels amazing, sharp and sturdy. Money well spent
Damascus Steel Katana with Gold Copper Tsuba - Folded Blade, Black Ito, Brown Hardwood Saya
Verified Purchase
Absolutely fantastic completely battle ready. Love it
Damascus Steel Katana with Dragon Engraved Blade, Gold Tsuba, Black-Red Handle and Black Lacquer Saya
Verified Purchase
Beautiful weapon. The scabbard and blade look exquisite. The red color on the blade adds mystique, yet you can still see the pattern and the balance is excellent. The handle and scabbard wrapping are firm and look fantastic. Definitely art and functionality fused beautifully.
Damascus Steel Katana with Dark Red Folded Blade in Red Ito Wrap and Copper Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
so far so good. the paint on the scabbard is worn away and some of the fittings are loose
Damascus Steel Katana with Red Dragon Embossed Saya in Black Lacquer - Gold Alloy Wave Tsuba
Verified Purchase
All skepticism is gone! After receiving my third order, I can say the quality is impeccable and consistent. Customer service is very responsive. Order with confidence- you won’t be disappointed.
Damascus Steel Katana with Dark Red Folded Blade in Red Ito Wrap and Copper Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
This kitana is very beautiful and it is VERY sharp, chopped right through the cardboard without a scratch it could use acouple upgrades like ray skin and Ballance specs but that comes with what your willing to pay
Damascus Steel Katana with Purple Blade, Gold Lion Tsuba & Natural Hardwood Saya
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