The katana is a Japanese sword used by Samurai, an aristocratic warrior class in feudal Japan. It has a curved, single-edged blade that is slender and a square or circular guard. The handle is long and traditionally wrapped in rayskin and then a "braid" of silk or cotton. The blade is sheathed in a scabbard, which is traditionally made of lacquered wood. This weapon was used for slashing and stabbing motions in combat, not necessarily for blocking or clashing.

What should I look for when buying a katana?

The first thing that needs to be considered is whether the sword is for display or functional use. Are you looking for a sword to use or just as a decorative item to wear or display? Once you decide on the purpose, you can explore various designs and ornamentation to find one that fits your personality, style, and budget.

What is that wavy line running down my blade?

Also known as the hamon, it’s the visual divide between the harder and softer metal of the blade. A katana’s blade needs to have a harder edge for retention and a softer spine for flexibility. This is achieved by having the two parts of the blade cool at different speeds during the forging process.

How do I take care of my katana?

Having a regular cleaning routine is key to maintaining your katana. You can purchase a traditional sword cleaning kit that contains everything you need. There are three steps: removing oil, polishing the blade, and oiling the blade. Using a sheet of rice paper from the kit or a soft cotton cloth, remove any oil from the previous maintenance. Tap the powder ball lightly against the blade about every two inches along its length. Use a fresh piece of rice paper to rub the powder over the blade, polishing it until both sides are polished and the powder is removed. Apply a few drops of oil along the blade on each side and spread it evenly with a fresh piece of rice paper.

What’s the difference between a katana and a wakizashi?

Samurai warriors typically carried two swords as part of their dress. The katana was their primary weapon for battle, while the wakizashi was used for close-quarters combat. The wakizashi is built like the katana but is shorter in length, serving as a companion sword.

Wooden Handle Katana, Realistic Katana, Handmade & Full-Tang Katanas

144 Results

The wooden sheaths of the katana, wakizashi, and tanto have ornate designs and cord wrappings, matching the swords’ hilts

The detailing of the sheath is shown next to an ornate knife and letter opener with gold and blue accenting with another view of the dragon tsuba.

3 Pc. Red Oda Nabunga Samurai Ninja Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $186.99 to~~ $108.98 Save 42%

Musha Crane Katana shown with crane wing tsuba, black scabbard, and black cotton cord wrapped handle.

The point of the high carbon steel blade is shown next to the black matte scabbard and zoomed view of black menuki.

The shiny katana blades slides into the ornate metal mouth of the scabbard with sun and wave designs.

Musha Samurai Special Full-Tang Crane Katana Sword

$89.99

Shinwa’s Midnight Bamboo Katana is a masterpiece of design, meticulously hand-forged using ancient, time-honored techniques

The 41 1/2” overall katana slides smoothly into a black lacquered scabbard, which has decorative, black cord-wrap

The high-quality katana has a 27 3/8”, keenly sharp Damascus steel blade, which extends from a brass habaki

It has an expertly cord-wrapped hardwood handle and an intricately crafted bamboo-themed, cast metal alloy tsuba

Shinwa Midnight Bamboo Katana And Scabbard

$200.99

Musha Bushido Genko Samurai Katana from various views, including detailed shot of the floral tsuba and floral design on scabbard.

The habaki has a wave-like pattern while the scabbard has a floral design that matches the tsuba.

Musha Bushido Genko Samurai Katana Sword 1045 Carbon Steel

$86.99

Kojiro White Zombie Slayer Katana Sword and Leather Wrapped Scabbard

$115.99

Musashi Whirlwind Katana from various views with detailed looks at the tsuba, handle and black scabbard.

The steel tsuba and pommel has swirling wind designs and the black scabbard has a black hanging cord.

Musashi Whirlwind Carbon Steel Katana Sword

$178.99

Shinwa SatinSting shirasaya with white hardwood handle next to matching white scabbard.

The shirasaya seamlessly blends into the white scabbard adjacent to zoomed view of the black Damascus steel blade tip.

Detailed view of the white hand lacquered hardwood handle.

Ornate red box with leather handle houses the shirasaya.

Zoomed view of the tip of the black Damascus steel blade.

Zoomed view of the end of the white hand lacquered shirasaya handle.

Shinwa Handmade Shirasaya

~~Price reduced from $231.99 to~~ $154.98 Save 33%

The Musha Hand-Forged Cakraratna Katana has a 1045 high carbon steel blade

The katana can be stored in a black lacquered wooden scabbard

The black metal alloy tsuba is in the shape of a wheel

The Musha Hand-Forged Cakraratna Katana has a traditionally wrapped handle

The katana slides smoothly into its black, lacquered scabbard

The black cord-wrapped handle has a flat, metal alloy pommel

The katana's blade is 1045 high carbon steel

Musha Cakraratna Katana

$109.99

Different views of the Shinwa Regal Makaku Sword Set

Shinwa Regal Makaku Sword Set

~~Price reduced from $393.97 to~~ $354.57 Save 10%

Shinwa Warrior Katana shown with black scabbard, ornate tsuba, and bright pink cord wrapped handle.

Three different views of the cast tsuba and pommel with dragon and scenery artwork.

The black scabbard is wrapped with a bright pink hanging cord that matches the pink cord of the handle.

Shinwa Pink Warrior Katana Sword

~~Price reduced from $236.99 to~~ $169.98 Save 28%

The Kojiro Ruby Red Katana with its scabbard and a view of the tsuba

A close up view of the scabbard, blade and handle

Kojiro Ruby Red Katana & Scabbard

~~Price reduced from $143.99 to~~ $78.98 Save 45%

Shinwa Noble Midnight Samurai Sword

~~Price reduced from $212.99 to~~ $163.98 Save 23%

JAPANESE KATANA FAQS

What is a katana?
The katana is a Japanese sword used by Samurai, an aristocratic warrior class in feudal Japan. It has a curved, single-edged blade that is slender and a square or circular guard. The handle is long and traditionally wrapped in rayskin and then a "braid" of silk or cotton. The blade is sheathed in a scabbard, which is traditionally made of lacquered wood. This weapon was used for slashing and stabbing motions in combat, not necessarily for blocking or clashing.
What should I look for when buying a katana?
The first thing that needs to be considered is whether the sword is for display or functional use. Are you looking for a sword to use or just as a decorative item to wear or display? Once you decide on the purpose, you can explore various designs and ornamentation to find one that fits your personality, style, and budget.
What is that wavy line running down my blade?
Also known as the hamon, it’s the visual divide between the harder and softer metal of the blade. A katana’s blade needs to have a harder edge for retention and a softer spine for flexibility. This is achieved by having the two parts of the blade cool at different speeds during the forging process.
How do I take care of my katana?
Having a regular cleaning routine is key to maintaining your katana. You can purchase a traditional sword cleaning kit that contains everything you need. There are three steps: removing oil, polishing the blade, and oiling the blade. Using a sheet of rice paper from the kit or a soft cotton cloth, remove any oil from the previous maintenance. Tap the powder ball lightly against the blade about every two inches along its length. Use a fresh piece of rice paper to rub the powder over the blade, polishing it until both sides are polished and the powder is removed. Apply a few drops of oil along the blade on each side and spread it evenly with a fresh piece of rice paper.
What’s the difference between a katana and a wakizashi?
Samurai warriors typically carried two swords as part of their dress. The katana was their primary weapon for battle, while the wakizashi was used for close-quarters combat. The wakizashi is built like the katana but is shorter in length, serving as a companion sword.

Japanese Katanas

JAPANESE KATANA FAQS