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Katana Sword

Whether you are a sword collector or a martial art practitioner, if you are looking for a katana sword that is a lot more than just a practice piece, you have c...
Whether you are a sword collector or a martial art practitioner, if you are looking for a katana sword that is a lot more than just a practice piece, you have come to the right place. Our swords are made of quality materials,each sword we make is handmade with care, fully functional, and capable of test cutting. Also if you are considering buying them as collections or gifts for your friends, That would be the best choice.
Showing 431 items

Katana Sword

Whether you are a sword collector or a martial art practitioner, if you are looking for a katana sword that is a lot more than just a practice piece, you have come to the right place. Our swords are made of quality materials,each sword we make is handmade with care, fully functional, and capable of test cutting. Also if you are considering buying them as collections or gifts for your friends, That would be the best choice.

Showing 0 to 60 of 431 results
Handmade Japanese Katana T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel With Orange Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel With Orange Scabbard
9 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
160.00 USD
ON SALE! 30% OFF
Was: 229.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1060 Carbon Steel With Blue Blade
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1060 Carbon Steel With Blue Blade
60 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
139.00 USD
ON SALE! 30% OFF
Was: 199.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Samurai Sword 1060 Carbon Steel With Red Blade
Handmade Japanese Samurai Sword 1060 Carbon Steel With Red Blade
21 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
139.00 USD
ON SALE! 30% OFF
Was: 199.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Golden Blade And Bamboo Style Tsuba
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Golden Blade And Bamboo Style Tsuba
48 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
144.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 169.00 USD
One Piece  Roronoa Zoro Shusui Katana Samurai Sword Replica With Black Scabbard
One Piece Roronoa Zoro Shusui Katana Samurai Sword Replica With Black Scabbard
201 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
118.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 139.00 USD
One Piece  Roronoa Zoro Sandai Kitetsu Katana Samurai Sword Replica With Red Scabbard
One Piece Roronoa Zoro Sandai Kitetsu Katana Samurai Sword Replica With Red Scabbard
214 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
118.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 139.00 USD
One Piece  Roronoa Zoro Wado Ichimonji Real Katana Samurai Sword Replica With White Scabbard
One Piece Roronoa Zoro Wado Ichimonji Real Katana Samurai Sword Replica With White Scabbard
255 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
118.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 139.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword Full Tang With Black Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword Full Tang With Black Scabbard
37 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
189.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1045 Carbon Steel With Golden Blade And Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Obsidian Katana With Black Blade And Strap
Handmade Japanese Obsidian Katana With Black Blade And Strap
152 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
152.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 179.00 USD
High-performance Japanese Katana T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel
High-performance Japanese Katana T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel
2 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
903.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 1,129.00 USD
Japanese Tachi Odachi Sword With T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel
Japanese Tachi Odachi Sword With T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel
Free U.S. Shipping
1,023.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 1,279.00 USD
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword Damascus Steel
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword Damascus Steel
4 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
615.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 769.00 USD
Authentic Japanese Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Sturdy Tactical Swords
Authentic Japanese Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Sturdy Tactical Swords
3 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
607.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 759.00 USD
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel
4 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
775.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 969.00 USD
Authentic Japanese Shirasaya Katana Sword T10 Clay Tempered Steel
Authentic Japanese Shirasaya Katana Sword T10 Clay Tempered Steel
Free U.S. Shipping
791.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 989.00 USD
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword T10 Carbon Steel Real Hamon
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword T10 Carbon Steel Real Hamon
3 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
839.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 1,049.00 USD
Authentic Japanese Katana T10 Carbon Steel Hand Forge
Authentic Japanese Katana T10 Carbon Steel Hand Forge
3 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
615.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 769.00 USD
Authentic Japanese Katana T10 Carbon Steel Hand Forge Real Hamon
Authentic Japanese Katana T10 Carbon Steel Hand Forge Real Hamon
5 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
631.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 789.00 USD
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword 1000 Layer Steel Full Tang
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword 1000 Layer Steel Full Tang
1 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
1,151.00 USD
ON SALE! 20% OFF
Was: 1,439.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Purple Blade And Red Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Purple Blade And Red Scabbard
91 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
104.00 USD
ON SALE! 30% OFF
Was: 149.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1060 Carbon Steel With Black Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1060 Carbon Steel With Black Scabbard
20 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
118.00 USD
ON SALE! 30% OFF
Was: 169.00 USD
Handmade Bleach Kurosaki Ichigo Bankai Tensa Zangetsu Anime Katana Swords
Handmade Bleach Kurosaki Ichigo Bankai Tensa Zangetsu Anime Katana Swords
212 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
127.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 149.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Samurai Sword 1045 Carbon Steel With Blue Blade And Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Samurai Sword 1045 Carbon Steel With Blue Blade And Scabbard
136 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
127.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 149.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Black Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Black Scabbard
116 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
109.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Waves And Fish Style Tsuba
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Waves And Fish Style Tsuba
76 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
118.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 139.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1060 Carbon Steel With Black Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1060 Carbon Steel With Black Scabbard
80 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
169.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1060 Carbon Steel With Blue Blade And Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword Damascus Steel With Black Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword Damascus Steel With Black Scabbard
79 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
135.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 159.00 USD
One Piece  Roronoa Zoro Yubashiri Katana Samurai Sword Replica With Black Scabbard
One Piece Roronoa Zoro Yubashiri Katana Samurai Sword Replica With Black Scabbard
58 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
118.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 139.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Blue Blade And Silver Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Blue Blade And Silver Scabbard
58 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
159.00 USD
The Walking Dead Michonne's Katana, Zombie Slayer Katana Sword With Strap
The Walking Dead Michonne's Katana, Zombie Slayer Katana Sword With Strap
76 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
161.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 189.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Sword With Blue Blade And White Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Sword With Blue Blade And White Scabbard
49 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
169.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Sword With Orange Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Sword With Orange Scabbard
53 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
101.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 119.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Golden Sunflower Tsuba
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Golden Sunflower Tsuba
54 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
139.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword Damascus Steel With Crimson Blade And Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword Damascus Steel With Crimson Blade And Scabbard
43 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
161.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 189.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1045 Carbon Steel
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1045 Carbon Steel
49 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
135.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 159.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword High Manganese Steel  No Guard With Blue Blade
Handmade Japanese Samurai Sword 1045 Carbon Steel With Blue Blade And Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Samurai Sword 1045 Carbon Steel With Blue Blade And Scabbard
60 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
127.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 149.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel With White Scabbard
Handmade Tsushima Ghost Clan Sakai Katana Swords Cosplay Replica With Blue Blade
Handmade Japanese Sword Damascus Steel With Golden Blade And Snake Style Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Sword Damascus Steel With Golden Blade And Snake Style Scabbard
34 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
152.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 179.00 USD
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Razor Sharp
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel Razor Sharp
1 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
1,189.00 USD
High-performance Japanese Katana Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel
High-performance Japanese Katana Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel
1 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
969.00 USD
High-performance Japanese Katana Sword T10 Carbon Steel Full Tang
High-performance Japanese Katana Sword T10 Carbon Steel Full Tang
2 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
779.00 USD
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword Pattern Steel Full Tang
Authentic Japanese Katana Sword Pattern Steel Full Tang
1 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
1,139.00 USD
High-performance Real Japanese Katana Sword Damascus Steel
High-performance Real Japanese Katana Sword Damascus Steel
Free U.S. Shipping
1,049.00 USD
High-performance Japanese Katana Sword T10 Carbon Steel Real Hamon
High-performance Japanese Katana Sword T10 Carbon Steel Real Hamon
1 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
919.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Tachi Odachi Sword Spring Steel With Orange Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Tachi Odachi Sword Spring Steel With Orange Scabbard
7 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
229.00 USD
Japanese Tachi Odachi Sword 1045 Carbon Steel With Blue Scabbard
Japanese Tachi Odachi Sword 1045 Carbon Steel With Blue Scabbard
4 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
259.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Tachi Odachi Sword Damascus Steel With Brown Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Tachi Odachi Sword Damascus Steel With Brown Scabbard
2 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
269.00 USD
Japanese Tachi Odachi Sword With Damascus Steel With Blue Scabbard
Japanese Tachi Odachi Sword With Damascus Steel With Blue Scabbard
8 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
289.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Samurai Sword Spring Steel With Black Blade And Strap
Handmade Japanese Samurai Sword Spring Steel With Black Blade And Strap
31 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
178.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 209.00 USD
Japanese Katana Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel With Black Scabbard
Japanese Katana Sword T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel With Black Scabbard
22 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
219.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Blood Red Blade And Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword With Blood Red Blade And Scabbard
20 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
189.00 USD
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1045 Carbon Steel With Teal Blade And Scabbard
Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1045 Carbon Steel With Teal Blade And Scabbard
18 Reviews
Free U.S. Shipping
161.00 USD
ON SALE! 15% OFF
Was: 189.00 USD
Showing 431 results
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Customer Reviews

Jonathan Gouin New Jersey, United States
May 16, 2023 13:07

UPS had a bit of a malfunction on their end, but the process was streamlined enough on the site and the sword is a masterpiece! Can't wait to purchase again!!

Japanese Shirasaya Katana Swords Pattern Steel Without Tsuba With Blue Blade Japanese Shirasaya Katana Swords Pattern Steel Without Tsuba With Blue Blade
Tyler Plath Illinois, United States
Apr 20, 2023 17:32

Love this Sword! Sanemi is my favorite Hashira so I love the accuracy it has. I got it in 5 days so very happy with the shipping. Now to peruse the tantos...

Sanemi Shinazugawa's Sword, Demon Slayer Sword, Kimetsu No Yaiba Sword - Nichirin Sword Sanemi Shinazugawa's Sword, Demon Slayer Sword, Kimetsu No Yaiba Sword - Nichirin Sword
Jeff Ellis Florida, United States
Apr 19, 2023 02:32

Yes, thank you I was very excited to get it. It’s a very nice piece and hopefully to maybe get a couple more pieces from y’all. You have a very good products. Thank you.

Handmade Chinese Straight Double Edged Sword High Manganese Steel Han Dynasty Handmade Chinese Straight Double Edged Sword High Manganese Steel Han Dynasty
Danyelle Rice Michigan, United States
Mar 08, 2023 13:31

My husband loves it its beautiful exactly like the Photo and I have it hanging in my living room

Handmade Ninjato Ninja Sword With Purple Straight Blade Handmade Ninjato Ninja Sword With Purple Straight Blade
Jesus Mendoza California, United States
Feb 25, 2023 12:03

Amazing sword, gonna order more soon :) they should me one for free on my bd next month :)

Kyojuro Rengoku's Sword, Demon Slayer Sword, Kimetsu No Yaiba Sword - Nichirin Sword Kyojuro Rengoku's Sword, Demon Slayer Sword, Kimetsu No Yaiba Sword - Nichirin Sword
Jarren Price Illinois, United States
Feb 22, 2023 12:16

Besides some issues I had with the habaki and Tsuba being loose Its a wonderful blade. Not razor sharp but sharp enough to give me a nasty cut with some poor handling.

Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1045 Carbon Steel Handmade Japanese Katana Sword 1045 Carbon Steel
Aj Wood Ohio, United States
Feb 18, 2023 16:23

Good Quality. Received oiled and sharp. Great attention to detail. Would make for a good present or if you just want a quality Katana.

One Piece  Roronoa Zoro Wado Ichimonji Real Katana Samurai Sword Replica With White Scabbard One Piece Roronoa Zoro Wado Ichimonji Real Katana Samurai Sword Replica With White Scabbard
Brandon Virginia, United States
Feb 16, 2023 12:18

Got it quick and its sharp could haven't done it with any other than truekatana thanks for the beauty. Unboxing was little messy but otherwise amazing.

Handmade Japanese Katana Sword High Manganese Steel With Red Saya Handmade Japanese Katana Sword High Manganese Steel With Red Saya
Claudio Ricciardi New Jersey, United States
Feb 11, 2023 22:52

Perfect sword. Great work. Arrived on time and is totally awesome!!

Handmade Real Japanese Katana Sword With Red Scabbard Handmade Real Japanese Katana Sword With Red Scabbard
Marco Rodriguez Oregon, United States
Jan 18, 2023 13:19

It’s perfect and very well balanced I love it a lot thank you guys

Kokushibo Sword, Demon Slayer Sword, Kimetsu No Yaiba Sword - Nichirin Sword Kokushibo Sword, Demon Slayer Sword, Kimetsu No Yaiba Sword - Nichirin Sword

Katana Parts (Structure)

What are the parts of the Katana?


The Handle and Scabbard


  • Kashira: The Kashira is the very end bit of the sword, basically the butt cap. You might think of it as a money jar ‘KASHira’. Pronounced: Ka-shee-ra.


  • Menuki: This part of the sword is ornamental and can depict almost anything. You can get dragons, sunsets, or really whatever strikes your fancy. They will most often be related to the theme of the sword. To help you remember, think about how many parts there are to the sword. It would be a lot easier if there were a MENU to help remember them all. Pronounced: Meh-noo-ki.


  • Tsuba: This one’s easy: it's the hand guard. This can be themed, decorated, or plain, depending on the style of the sword. Pronounced: Sue-bah.


  • Seppa: The spacers on the sword. If you were a samurai, you might commit SEPPuku by thrusting the sword into yourself, all the way up to the Seppa. Pronounced: Sep-pa (a long double 'p').


  • Saya: The next one is the Saya or also called Scabbard. This part is used to protect the blade while dormant, or when not being in use. It helps avoid unnecessary injuries from handling the Katana.


  • Kurigata: The cord is tied around this knob. Traditionally, it would be made from buffalo horn. There are no clever ways to remember this, you’re going to have to rely on brain power alone. Pronounced: Kooh-Reeh-Gah-Tah.


  • Koiguchi: The koiguchi makes up the mouth of scabbard. I like to think of a Koi carp opening it’s mouth for food. Pronounced: Koy-Goo-Chee.


  • Sageo: The sageo is the cord found on samurai swords. Only the very best sword SAGE can work out the OH-so-difficult knot used to tie the cord. Pronounced: Sa-Geh-Oh.


Moving Up the Sword


  • Ito: The Ito is the handle wrap and holds it together. IT’s OH so hard to wrap properly. Pronounced: Eee-To.


  • Fuchi: The next is the Fuchi, which is basically the metal sleeve that keeps the Tsuka locked together.


  • Samegawa: The third is the Samekawa, which is another form of hilt wrapping, sitting under the Tsukaito. Stringray skin and shark skin are the most common skins used in the early times. Now, synthetic materials can be used as a replacement.


  • Mekugi: The fifth part is the Mekugi, which are small pegs created from bamboo. They affix the sword’s Tang in place underneath the handle.It may not look like it, but the Mekugi are actually important. They are durable and flexible so that the sword could remain intact when taking impact.


  • Ha: The blade of the Katana. Laugh at your friends as they attempt to remember all the parts of the Samurai Sword. HaHaHa. Pronounced: Ha.


  • Habaki: Another part is the Habaki, which is the metal collar located at the base of the blade’s sword. Its purpose is to increase stability and keep all parts balanced and tight.


  • Munemachi: The collar notch. Can be used for measuring the length of the blade, starting from the notch all the way to the tip. Pronounced: Moo-Neh-Mah-Chee.


  • Bo-Hi: Used to lighten the sword, but sometimes called the blood groove. Pronounced: Boh-Hee.


The Blade


  • Nakago: The tang of the blade. You should not oil this part of the blade. With time it’ll get a black protective patina. Pronounced: Nah-Kah-Goh.


  • Sori: The curvature of the samurai sword. Soh-ree, your sword has been bent… Pronounced: Soh-Ree.


  • Nagasa: The length of the blade. Pronounced: Nah-Gah-Sah.


  • Hamon: The famous hardened edge of the samurai sword. Pronounced: Har-Mon


  • Boshi: The tip Hamon. Pronounced: Boh-Shee


  • Kissaki: The very tip of the blade. Pronounced: Kiss-Sah-Ki


In today’s time, of course, the process of creating a functional katana has improved and technologically-abled. But according to some who have insights and experienced the traditional Katana, the blades produced during the Edo period will always be priceless.


The process, the intimacy and the passion between the Swordsmith and its sword, will never be replaceable. This is what makes the katana so special.

Katana Parts (Structure)

Carbon Steel Type

Carbon Steel katanas are appreciated pieces. Forged according traditional methods developed in the Old Japanese civilization, these particular samurai swords have a lot of features and so many secrets. According to the Carbon Steel type, the sword inherits lots of particularities and properties commonly known to be characteristics of the material. He, who needs to have a sword, should know exactly why and how he needs his sword to be, which will guide the choice of the material to use in the forging process. Moreover, the material properties can implicate the parts to mount on the sword to obtain the desired design and serve the intended purpose.


When looking for a combination of quality and price the high carbon steel katanas seem to be most preferable and common in the market. These types of katana swords are usually favored due to their strong durability as a result of their chemical makeup. High carbon steel blades lack the chronium component that you’d find in stainless steel which does allow for the carbon blades to be stronger yet on the flip side they are susceptible to corrosion because of this missing component.


Despite their name, carbon steel swords do have less carbon than typical stainless steel swords do which allows them to be more compatible with other metals. Carbon steel is much harder than stainless which creates the ability to hold a sharper and more acute edge. As a result, they are quicker to sharpen and can achieve a sharper edge than the stainless do.


As the percentage of carbon in the blade rises the steel has the ability to become more durable through heat treating; however, it also becomes less pliable. Additionally the higher the carbon content the lower the melting point is. So the higher the carbon content the stronger and less pliable the blade is, the lower the carbon content the softer and more pliable the blade is.


Within the carbon steel swords there are numerous types of metal grades, far more than I will take the time to mention and put you through the long, boring definition of the slight variances in each. Instead I’ll let you know the most common high carbon steel blades you’ll probably come across in the katana market.


10xx Steels (where xx could be any combination of numbers signifying the carbon density). The numbers following the ’10’ signify the carbon percent in the sword. For example a 1055 carbon steel means that the sword is 0.55% carbon content, a 1095 is as you would guess…0.95% carbon content.


1045 Carbon Steel

1045 is what most cheaper swords are made from, they are softer and in my mind I wouldn’t go with anything less than a 0.45% carbon content otherwise it’ll be too soft for functional use unless you’re looking for another wall hanger. At anything below a 1045 sharpening and maintaining an edge becomes more difficult.


1060 carbon steel

1060 (0.60% carbon content) is probably your best bet of the 10xx carbon steels. It is hard enough to be durable yet still soft enough where it is pliable. These swords will hold up pretty well in almost all normal katana uses.


1095 carbon steel

1095 is also a common carbon steel yet you’re more apt to find this in knives. This is a harder more brittle carbon steel that is easy to sharpen and holds an edge better than lower carbon content swords. The disadvantage is that if it is simply 1095 steel then if you hit another hard target with it there’s a greater chance it could break.


9260 Spring Steel

The name gives you an indication of how this metal behaves, spring like. Meaning that it has more flexibility and can recover from bends and vibrations better than other steel blades. A little fun fact about the name is that it comes from the same steel being used in the suspension coils of vehicles, hence the name ‘spring steel’. 9260 spring steel adds an additional component to it’s composition – silicon (2%). By adding silicon to the chemical make up it gives the sword added flexibility.


T10 Carbon Steel

T10 is a newer steel being used in katana sword manufacturing. It is a Tungsten alloy (tungsten is also what some wedding bands are made of) with a high carbon content (0.90%-1.0%) combined with a smaller silicon content than the spring steel (0.30%-0.35%). Due to the mixture of silicon and high carbon content these swords perform better than other 1095 carbon steels and are more durable.


Remember, having a higher carbon content provides for a sharper edge, adding silicon to the composition slightly helps reduce the brittleness of the blade.


Combination Materials

One of the more popular types of katana swords is the combination of 1095 high carbon + folded steel. This combines the two powerful methods to create a sword that is hard at the core yet durable to avoid breaking on the outer layer.


These combinations usually feature the 1095 as the core component providing the internal structure that is hardened with the 0.95% carbon content. They are then layered in folded steel to protect the inner hard, yet usually otherwise more brittle core. The benefit of this method is that once you sharpen the sword past the folded steel layer you reveal the hard edge of the 1095 component which as I described earlier will hold a sharper edge longer.


So in summary a hard long lasting sharp inner element protected from breaking by the folded steel outer layer.


Katana History & Culture

The first use of the term katana to describe a sword occurs as early as the Kamakura period (1185–1333), but the actual history of bladed weapon craftsmanship in Japan stretches back over twenty centuries. At first, Japanese swords were simple variations of the chinese swords that were straight, double-edged iron blades. The first original Japanese swords that are considered the precursor of the 'modern' katana began to appear during the early Heian period (around 700 CE).


Katana was mainly used by the samurai, the military nobility of feudal Japan (1185-1600) up through the Edo period (1603–1868). The increased popularity of the katana among samurai came about because of the changing nature of close-combat warfare. The quicker draw of this sword was well suited to combat where victory depended heavily on fast response times. The katana was worn and thrust through a belt-like sash (obi) with the sharpened edge facing up. Ideally, samurai could draw the sword and cut the enemy in a single motion.


With the end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji period, Japan began a rapid process of industrialization and westernization. Regarding the military, the weapons shifted from swords to firearms. The use of the katana in Japanese daily life came to an end at almost the same time with the Haitōrei (sword prohibition) Edict of 1876, which allowed only police and military personnel to carry them. Many of the swordsmiths were required to close their businesses, leading to the near extinction of katana swordsmithing until 1906. At that time, two well-known swordsmiths were appointed as imperial household artists, thus preserving the skills of the swordsmiths, a cultural legacy that has been passed on to the present day.

Katana History & Culture

Uses of Katana

The katana was used primarily as a cutting weapon, allowing both a two-handed and a one-handed grip. The oldest schools of katana art originate in the XV-XVI centuries. The basic idea of the Japanese art of sword and the techniques based on it is that the longitudinal axis of the sword during the attack must go to the target not at a right angle, but along its plane, causing cutting strokes. Therefore, it is more appropriate to speak not about strikes in the form in which they are characteristic of Western sword technicians but about cuts. That is why the blades have a curved shape.


The Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi wrote the book “Gorin no Se” (“The Book of Five Rings”), in which he reveals his technique of two swords. Working with a katana and wakizashi is similar to the methods of eskrima. Kenjutsu, the practical art of fencing with a sword, reborn into a modern look – Gendai budo. The art of a surprise attack and counterattack is called Iaido and is a meditative type of combat that is fought with an imaginary opponent. Kendo is the art of fencing with a bamboo sword, in which it is mandatory to wear a protection kit similar to fencing European and consisting of a helmet with a grille covering the face and armor. This type of sword fencing, depending on the particular style, can be practiced as a sports discipline. In Japan, there are still numerous traditional fencing schools that managed to survive after the general prohibition of Emperor Meiji to carry swords. The most famous are Kashima Shinto Ryu, Kashima Shin Ryu, and Katori Shinto Ryu.