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
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
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
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
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
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
This is my second sword from True Katana. This sword is absolutely breathtaking. Well made with tight tolerances. The blade is dark and elegant. I have it displayed on the wall of my office and it's a beautiful addition. I purchased it more for art, but from my limited experience with functional swords, I would imagine this katana could also get things done.
Snake Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Real Hamon, Handmade & Red Saya
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
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
Beautiful scabbard, awesome sword for the price. Weight and balance is very manageable. Shipping and handling was very nicely packaged to keep the sword safe. Will definitely be returning soon!
T10 Carbon Steel Katana with White Lacquer Saya, Gold Dragon Tsuba & Black Ito Wrap
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
My very first Katana, I loves them since I was in the Navy and stationed in Japan in the 1980’s!!
T10 Steel Hand-Forged Katana with Clay Tempered Blade in Black Lacquer Saya - Gold Dragon Tsuba
Verified Purchase
I read a few reviews online and debated about ordering, but I am glad I did. For the money, I was very impressed with the overall quality. The blade was ground quite well with a beautiful hamon pattern, the saya (case) fit snugly, and the ito (handle) was wrapped tightly and uniform. Overall, it’s a very nice sword for $300. It will look amazing on display.
Black Katana T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel with Real Hamon and Copper Dragon Tsuba - Kanji Saya
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
Got to me relatively quick and sword and craftsmanship look amazing . I’ll definitely be purchasing future swords from here .
Snake Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Real Hamon, Handmade & Red Saya
Verified Purchase
Beautiful, I love it . Everything I was expecting. Very sharp !
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - White Saya with Manga Art and Dragon Copper Tsuba
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