Japanese Sword FAQ — Steel, Sizing, Care & Buying Guide

Answers to the questions we hear most from collectors, martial artists, and first-time buyers. Can't find yours? Use the chat bubble or contact us.

Are your swords real, functional blades?

Yes. Our battle-ready swords are hand-forged from genuine high-carbon steel, full-tang (the blade runs through the handle and is secured with mekugi pins), and sharpened. Our iaito (aluminum alloy or stainless) are intentionally unsharpened for safe practice.

What's the difference between 1045, 1060, 1080, and 1095 steel?

All are carbon steels; the number is the carbon content. 1045 (often heat-tempered) is a tough, budget-friendly choice for display and light use. 1060 and 1080 balance toughness and edge. 1095 is high-carbon - it takes and holds a keener edge and is often clay-tempered to produce a real hamon, but it is less forgiving of abuse. We also offer Damascus (folded, patterned), HAP40, spring, and manganese steels on select models.

What is a hamon, and are yours real?

A hamon is the wavy temper line along the edge, created by differential (clay) tempering that hardens the edge more than the spine. On our clay-tempered models the hamon is a genuine result of the heat-treatment process, not etched on.

What does "full tang" mean and why does it matter?

Full tang means the steel of the blade extends the full length of the handle in one piece, secured by mekugi pins - the strongest, most authentic construction, suitable for cutting practice. All our battle-ready swords are full tang.

Katana vs. wakizashi vs. tanto - what's the difference?

They're the traditional Japanese blade lengths. A katana is the long sword (blade about 28-28.5 inches) for two-handed use. A wakizashi is the companion short sword (blade about 20-21 inches). A tanto is a dagger-length blade (about 12 inches). A katana and wakizashi worn together form a daisho pair.

Should I buy a sharpened sword or an iaito?

If you want to cut (tameshigiri) or display a fully functional blade, choose a sharpened, battle-ready carbon-steel sword. If you're practicing iaido or drawing forms and want maximum safety and low maintenance, choose an unsharpened iaito (aluminum or stainless). Beginners practicing forms usually start with an iaito.

What blade length should I choose?

Fit to your height and use. For iaido, a common guide is a blade around 27-28.5 inches for average adult height, shorter or longer as your instructor recommends. For display, choose by the look and the sword's story rather than fit.

How do I care for my carbon steel katana?

Carbon steel will rust if neglected. After handling, wipe the blade with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints, then apply a thin, even coat of blade oil. Store the sword in its included protective bag in a dry place. Re-oil every 1-3 months, more often in humid climates.

What oil should I use on the blade?

Use a light mineral-based blade oil (traditional choji-style oil is ideal). We offer a dedicated Sword Maintenance Oil sized for exactly this. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth - a few drops cover the whole blade. Avoid cooking oils, which go rancid.

Is it legal for me to buy a Japanese sword?

In most of the United States, owning a decorative or functional Japanese sword is legal for adults, but carry, display, and sale rules vary by state, county, and city. You are responsible for knowing and following the laws where you live before purchasing.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. Our swords are sold to adults 18 years or older. By ordering, you confirm you meet the minimum legal age in your jurisdiction.

What's included with a sword?

The sword with its saya (scabbard) and a protective sword bag. Sets add a matching companion sword and/or accessories as listed on the product page. Maintenance oil and stands are available separately.

Do you have any discount codes?

Yes - use code SAMURAI10 at checkout for 10% off your entire order, store-wide across our katana, wakizashi, tanto, and accessories.

What makes Handmade Sword different from other sword sellers?

Every blade is genuinely hand-forged and full-tang, in traditional carbon steels (1045 to 1095, plus Damascus and HAP40), with a real clay-tempered hamon on select models. Each sword ships with a protective sword bag, and we're honest about exactly what each blade is made for.