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'm very impressed with the quality at this pricepoint. The delivery process as well, too the cold north, Norway, was also informative at every stage. r
I'm a new fan :)
Black Katana - T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Engraved Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba
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A gift for my girlfriend. She absolutely loves it! My first sword now has a friend!
Chrysanthemum Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Folded Steel
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Honest feedback: My first ever katana. Beautiful craftsmanship. Does look exactly like the image online, and an intense feeling of caution and anxiety occurs when I unsheathe the blade. Hilarious, but highly important instruction/liability manual......DO NOT LICK THE BLADE. DO NOT CHOP VEGETABLES WITH THE BLADE. I can only image some of the cases.
Black Katana - T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Engraved Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Awesome Blade for the price. Will be purchasing again! Thanks guys!
Black Katana - T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Engraved Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Great katana, it genuinely holds up as a true katana the T10 metal is a strong durable metal for sure!
Chrysanthemum Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Folded Steel
Verified Purchase
loved it had to order me a tachi to complete the set😍
Chrysanthemum Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Folded Steel
Verified Purchase
I thought the blade was going to be a natural color and not black.
Slightly disappointed.
Black Katana - T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Engraved Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Great product, I'm very happy with it, so happy I'm thinking of another one
Black Katana - T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Engraved Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
It came in within a week, the blade was so sharp I accidently cut my finger testing it. Quality is okay for the price, visually it looks good and if you take care of it should last a long time.
Black Katana - T10 Carbon Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Engraved Saya and Orchid Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Bought as a gift for my son and he loves it. well made and great service.
T10 Folded Carbon Steel Katana with Golden Blade and Real Hamon - Manga Art Silver Saya Collectible Sword
Verified Purchase
Fantastic
Sharp, beautiful and light. Attention to detail. Never bought a better sword at a better price, and I own a lot. Will definitely buy more.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon Tsuba in Gold-Tone Engraved Saya
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
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Absolutely fantastic completely battle ready. Love it
Damascus Steel Katana with Dragon Engraved Blade, Gold Tsuba, Black-Red Handle and Black Lacquer Saya
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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
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I would have to say that these katanas are the best for their price point.
Chrysanthemum Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Folded Steel
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