Katana for Sale – Buy Authentic Japanese Samurai Swords

Looking to buy a katana that combines traditional craftsmanship with real performance? Whether you are a seasoned martial artist, a passionate collector, or a first-time buyer drawn to the legend of the samurai, you have come to the right place. At Japanese Swords, every katana in our collection is hand-finished and hand-polished, built to honor centuries of Japanese tradition, and available to order online with free worldwide shipping.

Unlike plastic or wooden practice swords, every metal katana in our collection is crafted from genuine high-carbon steel, built to last, built to impress, and built to perform.

What Is a Katana?

The katana (刀) is the iconic curved, single-edged sword worn by the samurai of feudal Japan. Distinguished by its precise geometry, a blade (nagasa) typically between 60 and 73 cm, a two-handed grip (tsuka), a distinctive guard (tsuba), and a protective scabbard (saya), it is one of the most technically refined edged weapons ever created. You can explore all components in our Parts of a Katana guide.

Far more than a weapon, the katana embodies bushido, the samurai’s code of honor, discipline, and mastery. Today it is prized by practitioners of iaido, kenjutsu, and tameshigiri, as well as by collectors who recognize it as a genuine work of art.

Our Katana Collection

We offer a carefully curated range of authentic Japanese swords for sale to suit every need and budget, whether you are looking for a display katana to hang on your wall, a training blade for daily practice, or a fully functional sharp katana for tameshigiri.

By steel type:

  • 1045 & 1060 carbon steel, durable entry-level blades, ideal for beginners and display
  • 1095 high-carbon steel, a popular choice for dojo training and light cutting
  • T10 tool steel, excellent edge retention and resistance, ideal choice for dojo training and tameshigiri
  • Damascus steel katana, folded steel with a distinctive grain pattern, combining beauty and performance
  • Tamahagane, the traditional Japanese steel, reserved for the most authentic, collector-grade pieces

Not sure which steel to choose? Read our complete best steel for a katana guide to compare performance, durability, and traditional materials.

By edge:

  1. Sharp katana : razor-sharp, full-tang, designed for tameshigiri and martial arts practice (battle-ready)
  2. Dull katana : unsharpened blade, ideal for iaido kata, cosplay, and display

Decorative & display katana

Looking for a decorative katana to display at home? Our display range features ornate fittings, lacquered saya, and hand-carved tsuba, from simple alloy mounts to gold-plated collector pieces, as much art as they are sword.

Looking for something inspired by manga and anime? Explore our anime katana collection, or complete your set with a wakizashi, tanto, or a traditional daisho.

Sharp or Dull – Which Katana Should You Choose?

A sharp katana (shinken) features a fully honed, differentially hardened edge, the right choice for tameshigiri cutting practice, advanced martial arts training, and collectors who want a fully functional blade.
A dull katana is unsharpened, making it ideal for beginners, iaido practitioners working on form and draw technique, cosplay, and display. The weight, balance, and appearance are identical to a sharp version, only the edge differs.
Not sure which to pick? Contact us and we will help you find the right blade.

Buying a Katana in the UK

If you are looking to buy a katana sword in the UK, all swords sold through Japanese Swords are supplied strictly for collectors and martial arts practitioners, in full compliance with the Offensive Weapons Act and UK trading standards. We ship across the UK, Europe, and worldwide, see our shipping page for full details.

How to Choose the Right Katana

  • For martial arts practice (iaido, kenjutsu): Look for a full-tang blade in 1095 or T10 steel with clay tempering (tsuchioki) producing a real hamon. The handle should be wrapped in genuine ito over samegawa for a secure grip.
  • For tameshigiri cutting: Prioritize a shinken with a differentially hardened edge. T10 and 1095 high-carbon steel are the go-to choices.
  • For display and collecting: Focus on the quality of fittings, tsuba, habaki, fuchi, and kashira, and the finish of the saya.
  • For beginners: A well-made 1045 or 1060 carbon steel katana offers a great introduction without sacrificing authenticity.

Still unsure which katana to choose? Check out our complete katana buying guide to choose the right sword based on your needs and experience.

The Art of Japanese Sword-Making

Every real katana passes through a precise sequence of traditional craft. The blade is forged, shaped, clay-tempered, and quenched to create a hard edge and resilient core. A skilled polisher (togishi) then works through progressive grinding stones, revealing the hamon, hada, and full geometry of the sword. Finally the blade is fitted into its koshirae, handle, guard, and scabbard, giving each Japanese sword its finished character.
This process is what separates a genuine katana from a cheap decorative replica. Want to understand the full process? Discover every step in our detailed how katana are made guide, from forging to final polishing.

Caring for Your Katana

  1. Wipe the blade regularly with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints and moisture
  2. Apply choji oil lightly after every handling session to prevent oxidation
  3. Use uchiko powder sparingly before oiling
  4. Store horizontally in the saya, edge upward, in a dry environment
  5. Never touch the bare blade with bare hands, skin oils accelerate rust

For a full guide, see our katana maintenance guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to buy a katana in the UK?

Yes, purchasing a katana in the UK is legal for collectors and martial arts practitioners. All swords sold by Japanese Swords comply fully with UK law. Learn more in our full UK katana legality guide.

Sharp or dull – what is the difference?

A sharp katana has a fully honed edge for cutting practice. A dull katana is unsharpened, safe for iaido, display, and cosplay. Both feature identical construction.

What is a full-tang katana?

A blade that extends fully through the handle, essential for strength and balance on any functional sword.

What is a real hamon?

The temper line produced by clay tempering and quenching, a mark of authentic craftsmanship. Painted or etched hamon are found only on lower-quality pieces.

How long does shipping take?

We ship worldwide. See our shipping page for delivery times by destination.

Ready to buy a samurai sword? Browse our full collection above, sharp or unsharpened, display or battle-ready, every blade is a genuine Japanese sword crafted to last.