How sharp are these katanas?

Our sharp katanas are hand-honed to a refined cutting edge using traditional sharpening techniques with progressive grits. The exact edge geometry varies by model and steel type, but all sharp katanas in this collection have been individually finished to achieve a clean, consistent cutting edge.

Can 1045 katanas be clay tempered?

1045 can be heat treated but produces more subtle hamon effects than higher carbon steels. The lower carbon content limits the dramatic differential hardening that creates bold hamon lines. For prominent hamon display, consider T10 or 1095 steel.

Are all Japanese swords in this store full-tang construction?

The vast majority of our hand-forged Japanese swords use full-tang construction, but this specific collection gathers pieces where full-tang is a highlighted feature. Some decorative or display-only items in our broader catalog may use different tang styles. If full-tang is important to your purchase decision, this collection is curated specifically to include only verified full-tang swords. Each product listing also states the construction type in the specifications, so you can confirm before ordering regardless of which collection you browse.

How should I maintain a lacquered bamboo saya for long-term display?

Lacquered bamboo scabbards are relatively low-maintenance but benefit from a few consistent habits. Keep the saya away from direct sunlight and heating vents, both of which can cause the lacquer to fade or the bamboo substrate to contract and develop fine cracks over time. A light wipe with a dry microfiber cloth removes dust without introducing moisture. Avoid using furniture polish or silicone-based sprays, as these can cloud the lacquer surface. If the saya is stored for extended periods, placing it in a cloth bag inside a low-humidity environment helps prevent moisture absorption. For the copper tsuba fittings, a soft dry cloth is sufficient - avoid metal polishes, which can strip the intentional patina or finish applied during manufacture.

What carbon steel grades do you offer?

Updated Feb 2026

Our collection includes 1045, 1060, 1095, T10 tool steel, manganese steel, spring steel, and Damascus (folded) steel. Each grade offers different characteristics: 1045 for affordability, 1060 for balanced performance, 1095 for edge quality, T10 for hamon display, and Damascus for layered visual patterns.