Japanese Samurai Swords

A samurai sword is any bladed weapon historically carried by Japan's samurai warrior class. The katana is the most famous type, but the samurai arsenal also includes the wakizashi (short companion sword), tanto (dagger), tachi (cavalry sword), and naginata (polearm). When people say "samurai sword," they usually mean a katana — but the term correctly covers the entire family of Japanese martial blades. At TrueKatana, our samurai sword collection includes all of these traditional blade types.

Yes. In the United States, samurai swords are legal to purchase, own, and display in all 50 states for adults 18 and older. There are no federal restrictions on ownership. However, carrying a samurai sword in public is regulated by state and local laws — most states require swords to be transported in a secure case. International laws vary by country. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on katana legality.

Focus on three things: blade steel, construction, and purpose. For functional use (cutting, martial arts), choose a full-tang sword in T10 or 1095 carbon steel — these handle impact and hold a sharp edge. For display, 1045 carbon steel or manganese steel offers beauty at a lower price. Avoid stainless steel blades over 12 inches — they are brittle and unsafe for any contact. Check that the sword is full-tang (the blade extends through the entire handle), which is the standard for all swords at TrueKatana.

A functional (battle-ready) samurai sword is forged from high-carbon steel with full-tang construction, a sharpened edge, and fittings designed to withstand real cutting. A decorative sword may use lower-grade steel, a rat-tail tang, or a dull edge — it is built to look good on a wall, not to cut. At TrueKatana, every product page clearly indicates whether the sword is sharpened and battle-ready or designed for display only, so you always know what you are buying.

Store your sword in its scabbard (saya) in a dry environment. Apply a thin coat of choji oil or mineral oil to the blade every one to two months to prevent rust. Never touch the blade with bare hands — skin oils accelerate corrosion. When wiping the blade, always move the cloth from spine to edge, not edge to spine. If your sword arrives coated in protective oil, this is normal for shipping and can be wiped off before display.

Yes. All U.S. orders ship free from our California warehouse with delivery in 5–10 business days. International orders ship with full tracking to most countries worldwide, typically arriving in 10–20 business days. Please note that import duties and customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Some countries restrict sword imports — check your local regulations before ordering. For details, see our shipping policy.