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
Great quality. I've had a lot of fun learning this new skill/hobby. This is actually my second katana from true katana. I wanted one for practice and this one really just to admire the artistic value of the craftsmanship
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Navy Blue Cord Wrap and Gold Copper Floral Tsuba
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Amazing quality and craftsmanship. I love my katana.
Chrysanthemum Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Full Tang
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I ordered 2 swords and they are sharp and look amazing. Really good craftmenship.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Blue Blade, Silver Flower Tsuba, Full Tang
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TrueKatana is a professional sword maker and a superior company to deal with. They are fast and built quality SWORDS. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Dragon Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Full Tang
Verified Purchase
I like knives and I have different types of knives and hand sharpener, electric sharpener (Tormek). I keep my knives always sharp. First time owner of a Katana. First impression is good. The steel is original Damascus. The hamon looks good. r
r
Things I did not like much:r
1. It was written that it is razor sharp. No, definitely not razor sharp, even noth sharp. It doesn't cut folded paper towel even though I press much. With fingers, I don't feel the sharpened. After sharpening my knives, I test them and I am what is sharp and what is notr
2. Polish is not good enough. In some points of blade, with my nail, I can easily feel the Damascus layers.r
3. Habaki: design is good, but workmanship looks poor, machine made.r
4. Saya: The thing that really bothered me was the saya. When you shake the blade, it makes wabbling noise. The blade does not perfectly fit to Saya. r
r
I think for this price, it was good enough.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Black Pearl Rayskin Saya - Gold Floral Tsuba
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Amazing quality. The katana arrived fast and in mint condition.
Green Katana T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel with Real Hamon - Rayskin Saya and Copper Floral Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Just what I was looking for. Just beautiful, high quality sword. Very happy, thanks...
T10 Steel Katana with Clay Tempered Blade, Real Hamon in Black Piano Lacquer Saya
Verified Purchase
Exactly as ordered, no wobble or looseness anywhere. Sharp right out of the box. Saya has a friction fit and I worry it may wear out but aside from that small issue it is perfect.
Tiger Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Full Tang
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Well balanced expertly made. r
The quality is amazing
Manganese Steel Katana with Hamon in Teal Ito, Chrysanthemum Tsuba & Black Lacquer Saya
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Beautifully made, I fell in love the moment I opened the package!
Dragon Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Real Hamon, Full Tang & Premium
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I wish I had a picture to show how beautiful this katana is. I spent more on this one and the quality difference was immediately apparent when I pulled it from the Saya. The hamon is beautifully crafted and the blade is mirror polished with minimal scratches.The curve of the blade is extreme and awesome. It feels incredible and nimble in my hands. It is so far my centerpiece of my collection and although I know it would cut beautifully ,I don't want to damage this artwork. Ok with that being said the Saya was a disappointment, all the components of the Saya are great however the seam of one side was obviously apparent and had very rough edges along the seam almost sharp and the fit of the Saya is very tight which I'm not sure is a bad thing as long as it holds together. I'm very happy with quality and craftsmanship of this katana so I'm ok with the flaws in the saya but a little surprised it wasn't caught before shipping.
T10 Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon - Red Rayskin Saya, Black Cord Handle
Verified Purchase
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Real Hamon TK-JP-KT19135 . I am very pleased with the quality of this sword. Everything fits nice and tight, there is no blade rattle once in saya. The Tsuba (Guard) and Kashira (pommel) show no casting imperfections. The Tsuka ito (Cord Warp) is the best I have felt. All parts are of quality. Although I haven't used it Tameshigiri (test cutting), I expect the blade to perform well. Small negatives - first, be in no hurry to receive the sword...3.5 weeks for me. Second, the list of "Do not ...." with this sword seems excessive and sometimes humorous.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Black Pearl Rayskin Saya - Gold Floral Tsuba
Verified Purchase
This is the fourth sword I have purchased from here and I am never disappointed!!! I love it! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a sword!!
Green Katana T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel with Real Hamon - Rayskin Saya and Copper Floral Tsuba
Verified Purchase
The sheath of the katana does not fit the blade, because the blade wobbles inside.
Dragon Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Premium, Orange Saya & Brown Tsuka
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Nicely made and looks good. Blade is nowhere near "razor edge sharp" as claimed.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Black Saya with Gold Silver Gilding and Snake Tsuba
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