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
Beautiful katana, well built. No rattle in handle, perfectly straight blade. It come decently sharp. Not as sharp as I would like. Overall it's a beautiful piece of art. I also recently purchased the matching Tanto. Just waiting for it to arrive
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Katana with Clay-Tempered Real Hamon in Natural Hardwood Saya - Full Tang Collectible
Verified Purchase
I’m really proud to have this in my collection. It’s beautiful work of art. Thanks again.
Damascus Steel Katana with Black Lacquer Dragon Saya - Brown Tsuka, Skull Tsuba, Full Tang
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
I’m very happy with the quality of this, very beautiful and strong example.
Damascus Steel Shirasaya Katana with Clay-Tempered Real Hamon in Natural Hardwood Saya - Full Tang Collectible
Verified Purchase
Superb quality and detail. My sword arrived much quicker than I expected. he sworn itself is as seen in the online images, I was very happy I got what I paid for just like my order. The craftsmanship is amazing and the details are more beautiful in real life. I could not be more happy with my purchase.
Damascus Steel Katana with Dragon Tsuba in Gold and Silver Gilding - Black Leather Saya Collectible Sword
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
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
I just bought This katana and it’s beautiful. It came with dragonfly designs. This is one great piece of artwork.
1000-Layer Folded Steel Katana with Red Lacquer Saya - Black Cord Handle, Gold-Black Flower Tsuba
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
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
I was surprised by just how nice this sword is. When you buy a handmade sword for under $300, you're not expecting to use it fighting other immortals for their power, but I was actually blown away by how well it is made. The purple color of the Damascus blade is beautiful. It was way sharper than I expected it to be. The detail of the engravings and hand guard is perfect. The sword fits securely within the sheath, which is also very nice and the wrapping on the handle is tight and the spacing is very even in the cord. While my intention for this was a wall mounted display, I have found myself handling this sword way more than I expected. Shipping was lighting fast, I think about 4-5 days from order until it arrived. I will be buying my next TrueKatana soon!
Damascus Steel Katana with Purple Folded Blade - Dragon Tsuba in Gold with Black Red Speckled Saya
Verified Purchase
great took a little long to come but ig that makes sense since its high quality great sword.
Damascus Steel Full Tang Katana with Dragon-Painted Black Saya and Copper Snake Tsuba - Collectible Sword
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