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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
My new blade just arrived yesterday and I was shocked by the craftsmanship and the quality.r
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I was also surprised at how substantial it was to hold. This is no cheap knockoff. It’s the real thing.r
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Just ordered a wakizashi to go along with the katana.
Damascus Steel Katana with Gold Dragon Tsuba - Brown Tiger Saya, Black Cord Handle, Full Tang
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
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
Verified Purchase
About 2 years ago I purchased my first katana ever from this site and I couldn’t have been more excited. I had settled upon a shirasaya katana with a nice plain wood look for around $250-$300 US. It was a nice katana made from T10 Carbon steel, but it obviously was going to have its imperfections for the price. It served me well and was a great beginner katana. This time however, I wanted something a bit higher quality and with full fittings. When you look at the two blades, it is a night and day difference. Don’t get me wrong they are both magnificent looking blades, but there are basically no faults with the new blade. The hamon itself is absolutely hypnotic and of hard not to just stare at. Not only that but the sword came in a box with a protective bag that you can keep as well. The amount of craftsmanship that went into this blade compared to the other is clear. The best part was they gave me a coupon for 25% off. I could not resist buying this and I hope this blade lasts generations beyond me so I will be taking great care of it. Well worth the paying more and they gave shipping info and updates the whole way here.
Tamahagane Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Red Rayskin Saya and Black Cord Tsuka
Verified Purchase
Hello, as of today 6/14/2024 and this survey, the sword itself is awesome and we appreciate you expediting our purchase yesterday. Unfortunately, we still can not login to your website and all of our emails to you regarding website technical support, as well as the emails we sent regarding tracking and this order have gone unanswered. We have shared all of our contact information with you and it is our hope, you contact us so we can login properly before our next purchase.
Here is just one of our emails to you yesterday.
Hello, we are not sure if any of our emails have reached you, as we still have not received one email or phone call response and are still unable to login to your website to track our order. Surprisingly, we received our sword in question this afternoon and we thank you for getting this issue resolved. The sword looks and feels right and we appreciate your work and determination to get this shipped to us today. We were not expecting delivery, only a response. We do respectfully suggest you find a solution for your website problem and log in issues, we still cannot log in. We also respectably ask that customer service address the communication problems we just experienced, No responding to customer emails or phone calls is terrible business and will slowly but surely hurt what we feel is an outstanding company with a great reputation. Communication has solved almost every problem we have ever experienced in our own business and we hope to do business with you again.
Thank you for finding a solution today.
Eric Severino
Tamahagane Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Red Rayskin Saya and Black Cord Tsuka
Verified Purchase
Blade is very nice, heavy but balanced, very sharp, I am very happy with my purchase
Tamahagane Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Red Rayskin Saya and Black Cord Tsuka
Verified Purchase
I don't have a pic of the sword only a video but I do have a pic of what it did to my thumb when I dropped it and reached for it mid-fall. The sword obviously came super sharp, it looked just like the pictures on the website. It cuts good (not just fingers) so please be careful. Cuts bamboo like butter. It's definitely carbon steel not stainless. The weight is good not too heavy but with enough heft it'll swing good. The hamon is beautiful, the saya feels good and durable. I've bought swords for about $200 that weren't anywhere near the quality of this sword. I got it on discount from the website, TrueKatana also upped the discount after it sat in my cart for a week so I couldn't pass it up at that point. Took about 7 days to get it even from outside the US. The only issue I've found is it needs two mekugi (pegs through the handle and tang) instead of just one. I got it for use not for show so two would've been preferable for rigidity. Also if you plan on sharpening you need the right stones to polish or it will scratch the blade. I felt good with my purchase, definitely got my money's worth. I will get another as soon as possible. Also I'm giving 5 stars because this is the first one I've bought at this price range and with only one thing I considered a con (the single mekugi) I have no reason to not give a full 5 star rating. I hope this helps anyone considering making a purchase.
Tamahagane Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Red Rayskin Saya and Black Cord Tsuka
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
My katana is gorgeous with awesome craftsmanship in all aspects. Ordering was easy and delivery rapid. Tracking of the shipment was simple to follow via the link supplied.
T10 Clay Tempered Katana with Red Hardwood Saya - Real Hamon, Tiger Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
My order arrive in record time and was as specified. Very pleased with the merchandise and the service. Thanks
Tamahagane Steel Clay Tempered Katana with Real Hamon in Red Rayskin Saya and Black Cord Tsuka
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
so I bought a $ 1000 t 10 katana super sharp, owned a cheap 200 three sword set that was a gift several years before and the new katana I just received makes the others feel like a cheap children's toy , that actually broke some pieces off. this is the real deal, the fit and finish are very clean and well done, the sword has a real nice balance , im no expert but a way better feel than the others I owned.. I am going to buy another from them later but I cannot decide if the 3000 sword is really worth it . oh lastly the sword was shipped to Fl in about 4 days , kinda was shocked how quick.
true katana , awesome sword , super happy , now send me a discount coupon so I can make my next purchase easier
T10 Steel Katana with Real Hamon, Lion Tsuba in Bronze-Gold, Black Rayskin Saya
Verified Purchase
I love my True Katana battle ready steel forged sword. It is very sharp and is so much fun and enjoyment thanks True Katana :)
T10 Clay Tempered Katana with Red Hardwood Saya - Real Hamon, Tiger Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
After revuing the product i found 2 small blemishings. But i am still excited about placing another order.
T10 Steel Katana with Clay Tempered Blade, Real Hamon - Blue Ito & Black Lacquer Saya
Verified Purchase
my first buy from TK was kind of ok for the $. The second was a midrange tanto and about 10 times better than the 1st. The third buy was a katana. Which is beautifully impressive and another 10 times better. Thank You
T10 Clay Tempered Katana with Red Hardwood Saya - Real Hamon, Tiger Alloy Tsuba
Verified Purchase
