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
After receiving my order from TrueKatana, I wanted to say that I was very pleased with the quality and construction of the katana and saya. The delivery came quicker than I expected coming all the way from China, and I was pleasantly surprised at the all-around quality and craftsmanship of the product. I was so pleased, I already ordered another.
T10 Carbon Steel White Katana with Dragon Tsuba & Hand-Painted Anime Saya - Full Tang Samurai Sword
Verified Purchase
OMG THIS IS MY DREAM SWORD!r
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Words can’t describe my joy & happiness with this Katana it’s truly a masterpiece & such a work of art & truly everything I wanted for a sword & it’s perfectly sharpened when it arrives & perfectly packaged & when you open it…. It’s definitely gonna be worth what you paid for & it cuts like butter. I’m gonna be coming back to buy more swords THANK YOU! True Katana yall freakin rock!
Damascus Steel Katana with Iron Chrysanthemum Tsuba - Black Hardwood Saya, Full Tang Blade
Verified Purchase
Beautiful sword! Got it for my son and he loves it!
1065 Carbon Steel Katana with Dark Red Floral Saya - Gold Samurai Tsuba, Black-Red Tsuka
Verified Purchase
Truly badass sword. Exactly as pictured and man feels good to hold and swing like a samurai! Seriously though feels very strong and sturdy we will put that to the test.
T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Dragon Tsuba in Black Hardwood Lacquer Saya - Hamon Blade
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