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
The black one on top, in the image. Excellent quality, a true masterpiece. I have compared it to my other one, white one. As far as quality, balance and cutting potential. The one I bought from true katana (black one) is unparalleled in every way.
Tamahagane Steel Katana with Hamon Blade, Purple Tsuka & Black Lacquer Saya - Koshirae Style
Verified Purchase
I got exactly what I ordered, very good quality and beautiful craftsmanship. Arrived fairly quickly. Very satisfied with it.
1000-Layer Folded Steel Katana with Dragon-Painted Red-Black Saya and Carved Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Thia katana might be expensive, however the steel and the design is top notch! After i have held the blade and practice with it, I have to say that this blade will protect and serve me well.r
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Thank you to true katana for the blade. Well made and well done!
Tamahagane Steel Katana with Dragon Tsuba, Brown Cord Handle in Black Lacquer Saya
Verified Purchase
Very nice workmanship I will order again to add to my collection
Spring Steel Katana with Black Lacquer Saya - Brown Ito, Bronze Tsuba, Full Tang Blade
Verified Purchase
Never disappointed with the quality of the katana and service is amazing
Plum Blossom Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Brown Saya
Verified Purchase
Very pleased with this Katana purchase, excellent quality! I purchased a Wakizashi from truekatana a few months ago (also excellent quality) and knew I’d end up pairing it with a Katana that caught my eye. This model is exquisite, all components are well crafted with attention to detail that I’m still discovering. I cannot say enough good things about truekatana, the website design makes it easy to find the perfect sword, the ordering process is simple and easy, customer support is top notch, and shipment/tracking/delivery is a breeze! Stop thinking about it and just do it, find that perfect model and place your order, you’ll have no regrets, guaranteed!
Plum Blossom Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Brown Saya
Verified Purchase
My sword is beautiful and better than I expected it to be! I absolutely love it!
Plum Blossom Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Brown Saya
Verified Purchase
Came in a day earlier then expected.
The blade is very shard Can cut paper easily can cut boxes with a clean cut plastic with a clean cut and rope as well as other materials it’s truly razor sharp
Chrysanthemum Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Full Tang, Red Saya & Red Tsuka
Verified Purchase
This is a real katana, well-balanced with unique detail. Everything was as advertised and like other reviews, shipping was fast.
Tamahagane Steel Katana with Hamon Blade, Purple Tsuka & Black Lacquer Saya - Koshirae Style
Verified Purchase
This is my very first Katana. I was impressed by the quality and craftsmanship. For the money I was happy. Not so fancy, but whatever comes with it worthy. They blade was sharp and it hold during testing. fully functional real katana.
Plum Blossom Tsuba T10 Carbon Steel Katana, Clay Tempered, Real Hamon & Brown Saya
Verified Purchase
Hello and thank you for my recent order. I am very pleased with my purchase. From ordering online and the on time shipping and delivery date, to the product itself. The quality of everything, from the length, the weight, blade and attention to detail of the whole package was perfect. I can not thank you enough. This was the first time in a longtime I was completely impressed with a company and product overall. Respectfully, we hope this continues. We will be ordering from you again soon.
Thank you again.
Eric Severino
T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Hamon - Black Lacquer Saya Tiger Relief, Bronze Chrysanthemum Tsuba
Verified Purchase
I received my order of a high quality katana blade and I have to say that I'm impressed with the way the sword is crafted. When I received the sword I opened it up and it's definitely seems protected with much wrappings and a box that contains it. I saw the blade and I did read from other customer reviews that there's oil/lubricant on the blade for it's maintenance.
I did read on the website that depending on the sword you order it does take some time to receive it. In my case it took 2 weeks. You can track your order when you log in notifying the locations your order is coming from so you don't freak out.
Other than that, I will make another order with this company again.
T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Real Hamon, Full Tang - Black & Red Ito, Ornate Scroll Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Thank You
I am so happy :)
The Katana is real and wort that money.
I have also received a discount code while before Christmas buy.
I can recommend Truekatana
I am thinking about order one more too :)
Tamahagane Steel Katana with Black Lacquer Saya - Dragon Tsuba, Green Ito & Hamon Blade
Verified Purchase
For me this seemed like alot of money to spend on a sword. But, that thought changed as soon as I saw and handled it. Ot was exactly as described and then some. Beautiful perfectly balanced sword, Tsuba and case.
A true work of art that will be proudly used and displayed.
T10 Clay Tempered Japanese Katana - Real Hamon, Black Saya, Hand Forged Full Tang
Verified Purchase
It is a gorgeous blade everything about it is beautiful only thing is the tsuba is very loose i took apart tried fixing but still gets loose when you pull out out of the sheath. Ither than that everything is beautiful I’ve ordered 2 more swords from you guys since you guys are great. Im thinkg for my next purchase a Chinese double edge sword. Thank you TK!!!
T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Real Hamon - Dragon-Engraved Black-Brown Hardwood Saya, Gold-Black Tsuba
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