Katana
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a full tang katana?
A full tang katana means the blade steel continues through the handle instead of stopping near the guard. This matters because the handle and blade are part of one continuous structure, which gives the sword better stability and durability than a partial tang or decorative-only construction. For collectors, full tang construction is also a useful sign that the sword was made with more serious build quality in mind. All TrueKatana swords are full tang, but buyers should still read each product page for steel type, blade length, sharpness, fittings, and intended use.
Are katanas legal in the US?
In general, owning a katana at home is legal in many parts of the United States, but laws can vary by state, city, age, transportation method, and public carry rules. Ownership is not the same as carrying a sword in public. California, New York, Texas, Florida, and other states may treat possession, open carry, concealed carry, and restricted locations differently. Before buying or transporting a katana, check your local laws and avoid carrying a metal sword in public unless you clearly understand the rules. TrueKatana products are best treated as collectibles or display items unless a product page says otherwise.
What is the difference between katana and samurai sword?
A katana is one specific type of Japanese sword. It usually has a curved, single-edged blade, a long grip for two-handed use, and a guard called a tsuba. “Samurai sword” is a broader phrase people use for swords associated with samurai culture. That can include katana, wakizashi, tanto, tachi, and other Japanese blade styles. In online shopping, many people use “katana” and “samurai sword” almost the same way, but they are not exactly identical. If you are buying one, focus less on the label and more on the details: blade type, steel, length, tang construction, edge condition, and intended use.
How to display a katana?
The safest and cleanest way to display a katana is with a proper sword stand, wall rack, or display case. Keep it away from moisture, direct sunlight, children, pets, and high-traffic areas where it could be knocked down. Many collectors display the katana in its saya, especially if the blade is sharp or carbon steel. If you display the blade unsheathed, make sure the room is dry and the blade is lightly oiled. For a traditional look, place the sword horizontally on a stand with the handle to the left or right depending on your display preference. The most important thing is stability and safe handling.
What are katanas made of?
Modern katana swords can be made from several types of steel. Common options include 1045 carbon steel, 1060 carbon steel, 1095 carbon steel, T10 tool steel, folded steel, Damascus-style steel, and sometimes tamahagane for higher-end traditional-style pieces. The fittings may include iron, brass, copper, alloy, wood, rayskin, cotton wrap, leather wrap, and a lacquered wooden saya. The best material depends on what you want from the sword. A display buyer may care more about polish and design, while a collector may look more closely at steel, heat treatment, hamon, and full tang construction. All TrueKatana swords are full tang, which is an important construction detail for buyers to know.
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Customer Reviews
Another beautiful sword! The reason I chose the Phoenix theme is because in the middle of May 2040CE The Mandate of Heaven will occur. This is caused by the Phoenix weapon. The 6th seal of Revelation, the sun will darken, worldwide volcanism & earthquakes, oceans slip basins, red rain red mud will fall from the sky. And the return of the Vapor Canopy. Cheers!
Clay-Tempered 1000-Layer Folded Steel Katana with Crane and Pine Copper Tsuba in Navy Blue
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I purchased 5 katana from 5 separate stores. This one had higher quality and tracking than all the others. The balance was good. The sword stays appropriately in the saya/sheath when turned upside down, and there is no rattle in the saya when you gently shake it.
The sword was able to handle tameshigiri on tatami goza without incident for a 1/4 sized, 1/2 sized, and full-sized roll. Other katana started to chip at the blade, had pulls in the tatami on their cuts, or simply couldn't properly slice.
The only downside is all others came with a bag, and this one did not, but as it is the one that will continue to be used, it is not much of a downside.
Damascus Steel Katana with Real Hamon in Black Lacquer Saya - Brown Ito, Chrysanthemum Tsuba
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It is an amazing sword! The balance seems perfect to me. The saya is one of the nicest sayas I’ve ever seen, and I happy to have it, I’m still trying to decide what to do with the Sageo, the black that comes with it is a good look definitely but I’ll change the sageo on several of my swords from from time to time. The blade is just gotgeous and its sharpeness is very impressive, as it cut right through a piece of paper when I took it out. If you want a sword for cutting then this is definitely a worthwhile purchase. It’s a beautiful piece as well so you can’t really go wrong with this sword. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Do I even need to say the last part? I will anyway. Highly recommended!
Bamboo Tsuba Damascus Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handcrafted & Black Red Flower Saya
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Beautiful Katan for the price. I am very happy with my purchase :)
Bamboo Tsuba Damascus Steel Katana, Full Tang, Handcrafted & Black Red Flower Saya
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Very happy with my purchase. Quality sword, to replace the family katana which was lost during WWII due to the internment of Japanese-Americans citizens.
Hand Forged Damascus Steel Katana with Real Hamon - Gold and Silver Gilding Tsuba, Black Saya
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Beautiful craftsmanship, extremely fast shipping, would highly recommend to anyone who is amazed by the culture and these Elegant weapons
Damascus Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Ito Wrap - Collectible Samurai Sword
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I was impressed with this product, especially with the first product I bought wasn't that great but this product is quite solid although the price is a bit up there. Happy either way and now I know more about the True katana company for others to learn.
Damascus Steel Katana with Snake Tsuba - Black-Red Lacquer Saya, Chrome Hamon Blade
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Although not bad it has its problems being a loose scabbard and the polish on the blade wasn’t good either for a $700 katana .
Damascus Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon and Gold Tiger Tsuba in Black Saya
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So worth the purchase! I bought 2 Katana swords for my husband for his birthday and he loved it! Thank you for having such a variety to choose from. I will definitely be shopping for more to add to his collection.
Damascus Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Guan Yu Gold Tsuba, Black Saya, Full Tang
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Very beautiful Amazing workmanship worth every penny
Clay-Tempered 1000-Layer Folded Steel Katana with Crane and Pine Copper Tsuba in Navy Blue
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Excellent product, as expected. I do wish, since they say handmade, that there was a smith's mark on the tang.
Damascus Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon and Gold Tiger Tsuba in Black Saya
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Ordered as a gift for my husband. I know he is going to love it. Definitely would recommend again!
Damascus Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Gold Dragon Tsuba in Black Ito Wrap - Collectible Samurai Sword
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