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
Engraving looks fantastic. Sword seems solid. Beautiful craftsmanship. Friendly customer service.
Handmade Japanese Katana in T10 Carbon Steel - Clay Tempered, Real Hamon, Black Saya, Full Tang
Verified Purchase
Placed the order on July 14th and received the sword today. Apparently when TrueKatana says "in stock" that means in stock in China.....still, the tracking was not bad at all, I could log on and get info anytime, right up until delivery. I admit I was apprehensive about paying this much for a Katana, but I have to say that it has exceeded my expectations and I am very happy with this purchase. r
The fit and finish is absolutely perfect, I cannot find a flaw in this blade, handle or scabbard. It even came with a neat silk lined case that I wasn't expecting. The Hamon is perfect, the blade has a beautiful taper and it is true to all the features of a WWII type 98 Shin Gunto. Anyone worried about the quality matching the price should buy with confidence, you will not be disappointed with this Katana!!!!!!
WWII Type 98 Shin Gunto Katana in Damascus Steel with Brown Leather Saya - Gold Tsuba Officer's Replica
Verified Purchase
The blade itself is beautiful And it arrived pretty quick. The fittings feel solid, and the overall aesthetic is exactly what I was looking for. However, the main issue is with the scabbard. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit properly; the sword shakes inside, and if pointed downward, it falls out on its own. With that said if the saya had been properly fitted, this would have been nearly perfect.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Brown Ito Snake Tsuba
Verified Purchase
Great accent piece for any room and very well crafted
Damascus Steel Japanese Katana with Green Ray-Skin Saya - Copper Wave Tsuba, Full Tang
Verified Purchase
Craftsmanship customer service worthy of the highest , appreciation
Clay Tempered Damascus Katana with Real Hamon - Pattern Steel, Black Lacquer Saya, Full Tang
Verified Purchase
Both items arrived packaged extremely well and in good shape. They both appear and feel to be of outstanding quality, and I'm very happy with my purchases!!
T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Real Hamon in Natural Hardwood Saya - Dragon Tsuba, White Ito
Verified Purchase
Very happy with this purchase, always wanted a legit katana. I’ve had friends purchase ones in the past that I felt were low quality, especially for what they paid. This one feels like you’re holding a quality sword that could actually be used for its intended purpose.
Handmade Japanese Katana in T10 Carbon Steel - Clay Tempered, Real Hamon, Black Saya, Full Tang
Verified Purchase
It's a masterpiece. The T10 is incredibly durable and sharp while looking nice too. The black/brown/gold color scheme is perfect. This dragonfly sword is genuinely something to behold.
T10 Folded Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Black Piano Lacquer Saya - Brown Ito Snake Tsuba
Verified Purchase
I loved my 2 swords, very beautiful, they arrived quickly, a dream to decorate my office, thanks, regards
Melaleuca Steel Katana with Lion Koshirae, Real Hamon, Black-Gold Rayskin Saya, Full Tang
Verified Purchase
Lightning fast shipment and transit. Got here EARLY!!! So happy with purchase and quality
T10 Carbon Steel Katana with Real Hamon in Natural Hardwood Saya - Dragon Tsuba, White Ito
Verified Purchase
Very good and well made katana I will be buying another from you guys really soon.
Damascus Steel Katana with Copper Lotus Leaf Tsuba - Frog & Lotus Bud Motif, Black Wrap
Verified Purchase
Fast delivery good communication and product is exactly as advertised
Damascus Steel Katana with Real Hamon in Black Lacquer Saya - Dark Blue Tsuka Wrap
Verified Purchase
Very happy with weight, balance. Sharpness is what I expected. Color and art work very nice. Met my expectations. Thank you
Damascus Steel Katana with Copper Lotus Leaf Tsuba - Frog & Lotus Bud Motif, Black Wrap
Verified Purchase
This exceeded my expectations. I am glad that this was my purchase.
Melaleuca Steel Katana with Real Hamon - Bronze Lion Tsuba, Black Hardwood Lacquer Saya, Full Tang
Verified Purchase
The katana came exactly like the one in the picture, my boyfriend loved it. It was a gift for our one year anniversary! The blade looks so nice and the outside of it was so clean and sleek. My boyfriend’s reaction to the katana was priceless. Thank you so much!
Damascus Steel Japanese Katana with Green Ray-Skin Saya - Copper Wave Tsuba, Full Tang
Verified Purchase











