Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all our Katanas are hand-made with different quality steels and a complete traditional nomenclature.
Most of our modern Katanas are handcrafted in China, in a region that is world-renowned for its specialization in making high-quality, affordable swords. This allows us to offer functional, battle-ready blades that maintain professional standards while remaining accessible to collectors and martial arts practitioners.
Do you offer swords made in Japan?
Yes. For those seeking a piece of history, we offer a selection of authentic antique Japanese swords (Nihonto) made in Japan by traditional swordsmiths. You can browse our authentic collection here: Authentic Japanese Katanas.
What is the difference?
- Modern Chinese Katanas: These are modern recreations designed for durability and performance. They are ideal for practical use, such as martial arts training, offering excellent craftsmanship at a more accessible price point.
- Authentic Japanese Katanas: These are historic artifacts or registered pieces of art. They are primarily sought after by serious collectors for their cultural heritage, historical significance, and the traditional techniques used in their creation.
Yes, all our Katanas are Full Tang because they are real Katanas. There is more strength.
All our Hamons are made in the traditional way with fireclay. We have different styles of Hamon according to the Katana. If it is a decorative and fictitious Hamon, we specify it in the description.
We offer a wide range of materials and traditional methods to suit every level of collector and practitioner.
1. Steel Types
- 1045 Carbon Steel: Flexible and durable; the best choice for beginners.
- 1060 Carbon Steel: The ideal balance of strength and price for regular practice.
- 1095 High-Carbon Steel: Very hard; holds a razor edge and shows a beautiful natural Hamon.
- T10 Tool Steel: High-performance "super steel" with extreme edge retention and durability.
- Manganese Steel: Highly resilient and "springy," designed for heavy-duty impact.
2. Forging & Lamination
- Maru: Forged from a single type of steel; simple and effective.
- Folded Steel (Damas): Steel is folded 10+ times to create a beautiful Hada (grain pattern) and remove impurities.
- Kobuse: A hard steel jacket wrapped around a soft iron core for shock absorption.
- San-Mai: A hard core sandwiched between two flexible outer layers for superior performance.
- Honsanmai: A complex traditional forge using three different steel hardnesses for the ultimate blade.
You can order the Katana sharpened. You will be able to practice Tameshigiri Cut on tatami or bamboo easily. You can also choose to have it unsharpened.
The main difference lies in the quality of the steel, the forging technique, and the intensity of labor.
- Steel & Forging: A $200 sword is usually made of a single type of steel (monosteel) for durability. A $1,000 blade involves a much more time-consuming process, such as clay tempering to create a genuine Hamon or complex lamination (like San-Mai or Kobuse) where different steels are assembled to balance hardness and flexibility.
- Artisanship: High-end blades require weeks of hand-polishing with traditional stones to reveal the steel's grain and sharpen the edge to a professional level.
- Fittings (Nomenclature): On a $1,000 Katana, the components are more detailed and made from premium materials like solid brass, iron, or silver, rather than basic alloys. You will also find genuine rayskin and high-grade silk or leather on the handle.
Yes. If you want any modifications to the Katana please write it in the notes of your order, we will make the change for you !
You can also build your own Katana with our custom katana page.
You can buy the stand separately for a few dollars.