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
The only thing I am not happy with is that there is a streak that could be part of the hamon that is very close to the edge of the blade and it doesn't look good. I like and are happy with everything else, but this streak takes away from it's appearance. It is on both sides of the blade.
T10 Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Green Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword with Copper 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
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
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
It arrived on time! :) But it was poorly made. It has loose parts. I would personally not buy from here again because $200 bucks for a poorly made katana is not it.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Dark Green Textured Saya and Openwork Iron Tsuba - Full Tang Collectible
Verified Purchase
great product! The blade is balanced and the handle feels great
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Ito Handle and Gold Silk Thread Saya
Verified Purchase
Seems to be very well made and edge is very sharp hope the steel is actually as they advertised
Lion Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Hand Forged
Verified Purchase
Very well made. r
The Tsuba is a bit thinner than I expected, but that is not necessarily a problem. r
I also note that the balance point is about 5 inches forward of the Tsuba - a bit farther forward than most. It works for me as the sword handles quite well.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Ito Handle and Gold Silk Thread Saya
Verified Purchase
Great looking katana, comfortable to hold and very well balanced
Dragon Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Handmade, Dark Red Dragon Saya & Red Tsuka
Verified Purchase
The katana arrived in 7 days. It is a beautiful blade and cuts smoothly and precisely.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Ito Handle and Gold Silk Thread Saya
Verified Purchase
The buying process was made smooth and easy by much of their educational materials that are available on their web site. I wsa able to choose a proper katana suited to my needs in the dojo. The price was excellent. I received the sword promptly and safely and the product is very good.r
I don't know what more I could ask of a vendor other than great product and excellent service.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Ito Handle and Gold Silk Thread Saya
Verified Purchase
This sword came out a lot better than I thought it would the sword is amazing and the hamon is very nice and well made only 1 things as you can see the saya does not match up as perfect as in the pics but is still very nice but overall love it and will be buying again
T10 Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Green Saya - Full Tang Collectible Sword with Copper Tsuba
Verified Purchase
This katana is now my favorite and I've bought over 7 from TK ,the reason is it's special blade geometry which makes it very light and fast with one hand. The hamon and polish are impeccable and the blade a beaty.The other reason is the fit and finish is flawless and especially love the fit of the Saya and its elegant silk string. Wanted to take this opportunity to recommend the t10 folded naginata's I've included, these have the same blade geometry as katana reviewed (which also makes them light)they are 1 3/8" tall the whole way through the blade(which is the same length)opposed to a 11/4" tapering to 1". These naginata's are bigger and badder ,you won't be sorry you picked one up.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Black Ito Handle and Gold Silk Thread Saya
Verified Purchase











