Japanese Swords

From the famous katana to the formidable odachi, each Japanese sword has a special role in Japanese history, whether on the battlefield or within ceremonial rituals. Handcrafted with traditional forging techniques, our swords are made to honor the skill, tradition, and beauty of original Japanese blades.

Our Japanese Swords: Hand Forged For True Authenticity

Masterfully Crafted: We handcraft and polish each of our Japanese swords using traditional methods, ensuring perfection for every blade.

Time-Honored Materials: Our Japanese swords are made from high-carbon steel, allowing for a beautifully balanced hold and a razor-sharp edge.

Ready For Battle: Each sword is crafted ready for competitions, martial arts, and practice.

Japanese Swords and Their Significance

The Katana

This traditional Samurai sword is well-known due to its part in Japanese heritage and its popularity within modern culture. Defined by a long, curved blade, a razor-sharp edge, and perfect balance with every sweep, it’s no wonder that the katana has made a home in so many Samurai enthusiasts and artisans' collections. 

Katana swords are made traditionally from tamahagane, a Japanese steel that is forged through the meticulous process of smelting iron sand and charcoal in a large clay furnace.

The Wakizashi

Found within the late medieval and renaissance periods, this blade is known as a trusted companion to the katana, worn alongside it and used for battle. Characterized by a slightly shorter curved blade than the katana (as well as conventional swords), the wakizashi is crafted for closer combat. 

Light and perfectly balanced, the wakizashi sword is designed for one-handed combat.

The wakizashi and katana are often displayed together, which is known as a “daisho.”

Tanto

This small, dagger-like blade is another sword crafted for close combat during battle. Popular during the medieval, late medieval, and Renaissance periods, the tanto also became a ceremonial instrument in the act of seppuku.

The design of the tanto varies, with some designs small enough to be hidden beneath kimono robes and others used during battle when paired with other swords, such as the katana.

Chokuto

First making an appearance in ancient Japan, the chokuto is a traditional Japanese sword characterized by a straight, single-edged blade. This sword became a popular choice on the battlefield, with perfect balance for defeating enemies.

It even influenced the design of future Japanese swords, such as the tachi and the famous katana.

Odachi

Also known as the nodachi, this is the largest Japanese sword that was used widely on the battlefield, with its imposing and intimidating size giving Samurais a significant advantage against their opponents.

Samurais needed two hands to wield this powerful blade, but when used effectively, it could even dislodge enemies from horseback or strike from a distance. 

The odachi makes an impressive addition to any Samurai enthusiast’s collection.

Choosing the Right Japanese Sword For You

We design swords for martial artists, collectors, and samurai enthusiasts alike who are seeking true authenticity and masterful craftsmanship.

When you’re selecting the right blade for you, it’s important to take a few things into account. Consider the purpose of the blade. Are you planning to practice with your Japanese sword, or do you wish to display it as part of your collection? 

Furthermore, what size blade are you looking for? If you wish to collect or practice with a small sword, a tanto or a wakizashi might be the perfect choice for you. Comparatively, an odachi is ideal for those looking to add a large, magnificent sword to their collection.

FAQs About Japanese Swords

What Are The Three Japanese Swords Called?
Although many swords have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, the three primary Samurai swords are as follows:

Katana

Wakizashi

Tanto

How Are Japanese Swords Made?

Authentic Japanese swords (such as the katana) are forged from tamahagane, a special type of Japanese steel that’s made by heating iron sand over charcoal. When making a Japanese sword, most of the raw material is removed as impurities through folding and hammering. 

By using traditional and time-honored methods, the goal is to craft an incredibly strong sword that acts as a faithful companion during battle.

What is the Difference Between a Katana and a Samurai Sword?

A “samurai sword” refers to any traditional Japanese sword used by the Samurai, such as the Tanto or Nodachi. 

In comparison, the “katana” is a specific type of samurai sword characterized by a long curved, single-edged razor-sharp blade. This is one of the most popular samurai swords within modern culture.

Looking to Add to Your Collection?

If you’re looking for a specific Japanese sword to add to your collection, we offer a range of artistic blades to meet your needs. Shop our katana swords that combine that beautiful balance of sharpness and elegance with every sweep. 

Our anime swords make wonderful collector pieces, too.