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.
Explore More Categories
Customer Reviews
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
It’s amazing a work of art. I’m ordering one Damascus next. I know it will be perfect.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
My second order, definitely won’t be my last r
Amazing turnaround time r
Blade was razor sharp and pristine
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Sword came packed normally no problem the handle was double wrapped in plasyfor protection during shipping this sword is outstanding true hamon razor sharp unique embeleshments nothing cheap or hoky solid tight great fit in the scabard love this sword and I love the designs true katana comes up with no same old same old here love you guys and everybody involved with true katana Buddha bless
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Arrived faster than I thought and it’s a very beautiful katana!
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
A good quality product for the price. It's already on display in my desk. delivery time was remarkable and prepaid. Thanks
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Beautiful blade, always good stuff from true katana!!
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
This Katana for the money it is an outstanding purchase!!! I will be ordering the stand and the other TWO sizes ??? to complete the set . Compared to the other Katana I ordered from China their work is very POOR QUAILTY!!!!! I am very proud of the Sword and show it to all my friends. Can you please look up the number of the KATAna I purched and give me a Quote on how much for the other two swords to complete the set!!!! VERY GOOD Craftmanship!!!!!!! Thanks in advance for your attention to detail!!!!! MSgt. Wayne E. White USMC (Ret.) 1985.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
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
Sword looks good, nice and clean. Super fast delivery too.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Very Nice product!! Came in quick and not damaged. Love it!!!
T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Dragon Tsuba in Black Lacquer Saya - Real Hamon, Bronze Fittings
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
Verified Purchase
The sword was better than I expected. The workmanship and exquisite detail is amazing. I will proudly display this beautiful piece of art in my weapons room for all to see. Thank you for providing this great product.
David Smith
Hand Forged T10 Steel Katana with Gold Snake Tsuba - Black Lacquer Saya, Clay Tempered
Verified Purchase
Came exactly as seen and described. I am very satisfied with the product, and for the price, it provides serious quality. The blade was oiled well, and the finish on everything looks great.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Katana with Real Hamon - Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Lacquered Saya
Verified Purchase
The sword itself is amazing, and the sheath is even better with the burned wood effect, however the sheath itself slides off the blade very easily, making it unable to be picked up without the risk of the sheath sliding right off. Overall however i am satisifed.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Embossed Black Saya in Gold Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase











