FAQs

These are the four main types of traditional Japanese swords:

• Katana — long curved sword with a blade typically 28–30" (71–76 cm), worn cutting-edge up. The most iconic samurai sword, used for both display and cutting practice.
• Wakizashi — short companion sword (18–22" / 46–56 cm), traditionally paired with the katana as a "daisho" set.
• Tanto — dagger-length blade (10–15" / 25–38 cm), historically a defensive sidearm and now collected for its compact craftsmanship.
• Tachi — older, more deeply curved precursor to the katana, worn cutting-edge down with the suspension cords.

Iaito are unsharpened practice swords designed for iaido and iaijutsu dojo training — safer for indoor drills and form practice. They're typically made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel and are not meant for cutting.

Battle Ready swords are sharpened, hand-forged from high carbon steel (usually 1045–1095), with full tang construction, capable of tameshigiri (test cutting) on tatami mats or bamboo. All Battle Ready swords from Handmade Sword are inspected at our California warehouse before shipping.

The number indicates carbon content (1045 = 0.45%, 1095 = 0.95%):

• 1045 — the most affordable, durable for decorative display and light practice. Less ability to hold a sharp edge.
• 1060 — balanced choice for entry-level cutters. Holds a reasonable edge.
• 1080 — slightly harder, better edge retention.
• 1095 — highest carbon content. Hardest, holds the sharpest edge, traditional choice for serious tameshigiri practitioners. Often clay-tempered.

Higher carbon = harder edge but more brittle. For wall display, 1045 is fine. For regular cutting, choose 1080 or 1095. Clay-tempered 1095 is the premium option.

Clay tempering is a traditional Japanese technique where wet clay is applied differently to the spine and edge of the blade before heating and quenching. The thinner clay on the edge cools faster, becoming hard, while the thicker clay on the spine stays softer and more resilient.

This creates two benefits: a harder cutting edge that holds sharpness longer, and a flexible spine that absorbs shock without breaking. Clay tempering also produces the visible hamon line — the wavy boundary between the hard and soft zones, prized by collectors.

A full tang means the blade and the steel that runs through the handle are forged from a single continuous piece of metal — the steel extends the entire length of the handle. This makes the sword much stronger and less likely to break or come apart during cutting practice.

Cheap decorative swords often have a "rat tail" tang (a thin rod welded to the blade) which can snap under stress. Every sword on Handmade Sword is full tang construction.

Our swords are hand-forged by experienced smiths in Longquan — the historic sword-making capital with over 2,500 years of forging tradition. Each sword is then individually inspected, packaged, and shipped from our California warehouse in the United States.

Handmade Sword (HMS) has been a US-based supplier since 2002 — over 20 years of refining our catalog and supply chain. Every sword is hand-forged, full tang, and individually inspected at our California warehouse before shipping.

We offer broad steel selection (1045 through 1095, plus damascus, manganese steel, and aluminum alloy), traditional tsuba themes, and same-day shipping for orders before 2 PM PST. We also serve dojos, collectors, and martial arts practitioners with iaido training swords designed for safe, repeatable form work.

We're an online-only retailer with no physical showroom. Each product page includes high-resolution photos, full specifications (blade length, handle length, weight, materials), and a 30-day return window so you can inspect the sword at home. If you have specific questions about a sword's appearance, fittings, or feel, contact us at sales@handmadesword.com.

All orders ship from our California warehouse in the United States. Orders placed before 2:00 PM PST ship the same business day; orders after 2:00 PM PST ship the next business day. We use USPS, FedEx, or UPS depending on size and destination.

Shipping cost is calculated at checkout based on your delivery address, package weight, and selected speed. US domestic shipping starts at a flat rate for accessories; full sword shipments typically run $20–40 depending on address and method. International shipping varies — see the next answer.

Yes — we ship to most countries. International rates are calculated at checkout. Please note that buyers are responsible for import duties, taxes, and customs fees in their country, and that some countries restrict or ban the import of bladed weapons — please check your local laws before ordering.

Yes — every shipment includes a tracking number, sent to your email within 24 hours of dispatch. You can also track your order at /pages/track-your-order.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover) and PayPal through Shopify Checkout, plus Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. We no longer accept money orders, Western Union, or Cash on Delivery.

If your sword arrives damaged, contact us within 7 days of delivery at sales@handmadesword.com with photos of the damage and the shipping box. We'll arrange a free replacement or a refund.

We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for swords in their original condition (unused, with all packaging and certificates). Used swords — including those sharpened, polished, scratched, or used for cutting — are not returnable unless there's a manufacturing defect. Return shipping is the buyer's responsibility unless the item arrived damaged or defective.

Yes — we can cancel any order that hasn't shipped yet. Email sales@handmadesword.com or call 909-480-4866 (Mon–Fri 9 AM – 3 PM PST) as soon as possible. Once an order has been packed and dispatched, it cannot be canceled.

Every sword carries a 30-day manufacturing defect warranty from delivery. If a covered defect occurs (loose handle, hairline crack, fitting failure under normal handling), we'll replace or refund the sword. Damage from misuse — extreme cutting, dropping, or improper care — is not covered.

After every cutting session: (1) Wipe the blade with a clean, soft cloth to remove debris and moisture. (2) Apply a few drops of choji oil or any food-grade mineral oil to the blade. (3) Wipe off excess. (4) Store in the saya (scabbard). Never store a wet blade — high carbon steel can rust within hours.

For a sword stored indoors at normal humidity: oil every 2–4 weeks even without use. After any cutting practice or contact with skin, oil immediately. In humid climates (>60% humidity) or coastal areas: oil weekly. Stainless steel and aluminum alloy iaito don't require oiling.

No. Iaito are explicitly designed and sold as unsharpened training swords for iaido / iaijutsu dojo practice. Sharpening an iaito voids any warranty, can fracture the blade, and creates serious safety risks during indoor form practice. If you want a sharp sword, choose a Battle Ready model.

Yes — we sell individual tsuba guards in our Sword Tsuba collection in many traditional themes (bamboo, dragon, crane, tomoe crest, etc.). Most katana, wakizashi, and tanto can be disassembled to swap the tsuba; check the specific product's "Construction" specification for "removable assembly". For full custom builds (theme combinations not in our catalog), email sales@handmadesword.com for a quote.

We do not offer in-house blade engraving (mei) on standard inventory. Some products feature traditional inscriptions — see each product page's specifications. For commemorative or custom engraving requests, contact sales@handmadesword.com.

Yes — handmade samurai swords are legal to own in all 50 US states for adults 18 and over. Some states restrict open carry, sale to minors, or specific blade lengths in public spaces. Always check your state and city laws regarding transport and public display. Handmade Sword does not ship to buyers under 18.

A katana cannot go in your carry-on luggage — TSA prohibits all blades over a few inches. It must be packed in checked baggage, in a hard, locked case, declared at the airline counter. Always check airline-specific rules and destination country laws before traveling with a sword.

We don't appraise antique or non-Handmade-Sword swords. For genuine nihonto (real Japanese antiques), contact a registered nihonto appraiser through the NBTHK American Branch or a certified dealer. We can answer general questions about steel and construction but cannot value pieces we didn't make.