FAQS

A katana is a japanese sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. 

The katana is generally defined as the standard-sized, moderately curved Japanese sword with a blade length greater than 23.86 inches. It is characterized by its distinctive appearance: a curved, slender, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands.

Western historians have said that the katana was among the finest cutting weapons in world military history. 

Having a regular cleaning routine in place is key to maintaining your katana. 

You can purchase a traditional sword cleaning kit that will have everything you need. There are three steps: removing oil, polishing the blade, and oiling the blade. 

Using a sheet of rice paper from the kit or soft cotton cloth, remove any oil that is still on the blade from the previous maintenance. Take the powder ball and tap it lightly against the blade about every two inches or so along its length. Take a fresh piece of rice paper and rub the powder over the blade to polish it. Do this until both sides of the blade have been polished and the powder completely removed. Take the bottle of oil and apply a few drops along the length of the blade on each side. Use a fresh piece of rice paper to spread the oil evenly on the blade.

The most iconic and well known of all the Samurai swords; the katana is distinguished by its long blade and handle that is made to accommodate two hands and strike from a large distance. It has a curved, slender, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard. The katana has a set of dimensions that separate it from other samurai swords. A traditional katana will measure 3 to 4 feet in total length, with the hilt taking up one-fourth of the total and a characteristic curvature of more or less than 1 inch. 

The wakizashi is similar to the katana but shorter in length. The average Wakizashi is about 50 cm long and was usually worn together with the katana by the Samurai of feudal Japan. When worn together the pair of swords was called Daish, which translates to large and small. This sword acted like a side weapon and was worn by the Samurai at all times. 

The Tanto, although not technically qualifying in the category of swords, is the traditional Japanese dagger. It can have a single or double edge. It acts like a wakizashi and is worn at all times. The main purpose of a tanto is to be used as a stabbing instrument but having a pretty sharp edge, it can be used to slice and cut. The Tanto has become more ornate over the years and towards the end of the Samurai era, they were mostly used as decorative pieces, and still are mostly used in decorations to this date.

A full tang katana is the sword where the tang extends to almost the whole length of the handle, which makes the blade and the handle the same piece of metal. This gives to the sword certain rigidity and makes it a very solid piece to enjoy.

Full Tang katanas are handmade swords. They can be made of various stainless-steel types according to the Carbon Concentration. The forging is the essential part of the production because it allows the samurai sword to be solid and relatively light. Commonly, the piece of metal is repeatedly heated by fire and hammered while the metal is being folded. The mounting of the different parts is a very delicate operation that has its origins deep in the Japanese civilization. Samurai are used to cherish their Katanas as their trusted partners, and they handle them with love and care. 

Clay tempered katana are swords made according to a particular process of blade reinforcement. During the forging, there are steps to go through involving several steps and some compounds mixture, used by the entire swords forger, yet each has its own formula. The compound mixture is none but Clay recipe that each forger has a secret ingredients list. Clay tempering is supposed to be an art more than a sword works. Clay tempered katanas are said to be more resistant and durable. Clay treatment must be operated by professionals to be efficient. Also, each steel type is supposed to be responsive to different clay compositions. 

Traditionally, Carbon Steel is obtained by firing up a particular type of charcoal within a Clay Tub for approximately 72 hours. Iron powder should be added at determined amounts to associate appropriate quantity of Carbon. At the end, the obtained Steel is Stainless; its solidity depends on the amount of Carbon that associates to Iron. The steel obtained is referred to by four digits number which designates Carbon by the two first digits and the percentage of Carbon within the steel. Thus, 1045 Carbon steel refers to Carbon steel material that contains 0.45% Carbon fraction. It is called Medium Carbon Steel as well because that carbon concentration is the minimal required for the Steel to be used for industrial purposes; there are lower concentrations of carbon, but the materials are not suited for industrial use. 1045 Carbon Steel is suited for making katanas because it is cheaper than the other materials used for this industry. It is softer and easily forged. The proper application of the hardening techniques and the Clay treatment, certainly produce amazing steel that can be forged in real pieces of arts.

1060 Carbon Steel is a high carbon steel. The number 1060 refers to a material made of an alloy of Iron with a Carbon tenor of about 0.60%. Other elements can be found mixed to this alloy, but their tenors are not very significant. 1060 Carbon Steel Is harder than 1045 Carbon Steel; this property makes this steel harder to forge. The high Caron tenor makes the 1060 Steel more durable, but it is not high enough to compromise its pliability. The swords made of 1060 Carbon Steel keep their edges sharp longer and they are more expensive. It is the favorite steel material of famous swords companies.

1060 Carbon Steel katanas inherit the durability and the hardness of the steel material. 1060 Carbon Steel Katanas require more effort to produce. The edge is durable, and the sharpness lasts longer. It is more resistant to corrosion and oxidation and therefore requires less maintenance processing than the 1045 Katanas. Though, it is very important to clean the blade and polish it after every extensive use to ensure the durability and the sharpness, and to keep the edge healthy. 1060 Carbon Steel Katanas are expected to be heavier than those made of 1045 Carbon Steel, because of the steel properties. These Katanas create curves while being forged. This is the property of high and medium Carbon Steels: they keep a certain softness which makes them to develop ideal curves  during the clay tempering processes and folding operation. The differential hardening and the folding operations, which are meant to harden the blade can increase the weight of the piece; this situation is handled by an aesthetically implanted blood groove that help eliminate the extra weight but keep the resulting spine from the differential Clay Tempering process.

1060 Carbon Steel Katanas have the medium rank between 1045 and 1095 Carbon Steel Katanas. It appears that they are appreciated for their durability, their hardness and for their affordable price if compared to properties. The easiness of forging reduces dramatically the price of the 11060 swords and makes them very popular.

1060 carbon steel katana is customizable from the forging to the mounting processes. You can chose the Hamon type, the sharpness of the edge, the hardening type and even the forging process. 1060 Carbon steel is hard steel but it is susceptible to hand forging, special press mechanical devices and to milling by dedicated machinery. Opting for 1060 Carbon Steel material is to choose low price material that can be forged into resistant and valuable pieces.

1095 carbon steel is a high-carbon steel containing 0.95% carbon, classifying it as very high carbon steel. This carbon content imparts hardness to the steel, making it challenging to forge manually. Heat treatment must be performed with great care due to the risk of carbon loss at certain temperatures, which can compromise the formation of martensite and render the material unusable.

Heat treatment is a critical process that requires meticulous attention. Improper heat treatment can lead to the loss of carbon content, preventing the formation of martensite and thus compromising the integrity of the material. Compared to stainless steel, 1095 carbon steel is softer but more durable and easier to handle. Among carbon steels, 1095 is the hardest and is often preferred for crafting swords intended for prolonged and heavy use.

The carbon content in 1095 steel provides resistance to oxidation, even though it lacks chromium and cannot be considered stainless. Despite this, its durability surpasses that of stainless steel, making it a preferred choice for sword-making. The hardness and toughness of 1095 carbon steel katana are inherited from the material used in forging. These swords are designed for regular use and frequent dojo cuts. For outdoor displays and performances, 1095 carbon steel katanas are more suitable than 1060 or 1045 carbon steel katanas, which are better suited for decorative purposes.

The hardness of 1095 carbon steel makes the forging process more challenging, leading to higher production costs, especially if handmade. This characteristic results in excellent durability and edge retention for 1095 carbon steel swords. Differential hardening further enhances these properties. Clay-tempered 1095 carbon steel katanas exhibit increased resistance to corrosion and oxidation, approaching the performance of stainless steel. These swords are easier to sharpen and maintain their edge for extended periods without requiring a thick layer of material referred to as "meat" by swordsmen.

Despite their toughness, 1095 carbon steel katanas remain susceptible to abrasion and corrosion if not properly cleaned and maintained. Regular cleaning and the use of recommended oils and tools can significantly extend the life of the blade and preserve its properties. The hardness of the blade, which makes it ideal for frequent functional use, also necessitates robust mounting components to form a complete katana. Due to the hardness and shock resistance of the material, 1095 carbon steel katanas are typically full tang, with a solid handle mounted on a sturdy tang. Differential clay tempering hardens the edge while keeping the spine softer, enhancing both durability and corrosion resistance, thereby supporting frequent dojo cuts and outdoor displays.

T10 steel katanas are categorized among the finest and most durable modern samurai swords. This type of steel, known as tool steel, undergoes traditional processes including forging, heat treatment, water quenching, and clay tempering. Despite these common processes, T10 steel katana blades possess unique properties that distinguish them from other types of swords. These properties are inherent to the specific steel material used in their construction.

T10 steel, also referred to as high-speed steel due to its superior performance compared to standard steel, is a preferred material for crafting samurai swords today. The exceptional qualities of T10 steel contribute significantly to its popularity among sword enthusiasts and collectors, making it one of the top choices in the market.

5160 Spring Steel contains approximately 0.6% carbon, which imparts characteristics similar to those of 1060 Carbon Steel. It is an alloy primarily composed of chromium with a minor addition of silicon. Specifically, it contains 0.7% chromium and 0.2% silicon. The chromium content, while insufficient to render the steel stainless, significantly enhances its resistance and durability compared to 1060 Carbon Steel.

This type of spring steel is renowned for its toughness and is commonly used in the fabrication of robust machine components. It exhibits exceptionally high tensile strength and retains edge sharpness for extended periods, even under conditions of significant corrosive and abrasive stress. The carbon content within this chromium alloy necessitates careful heat treatment, as this process primarily influences physical properties rather than chemical composition. Consequently, the final properties of 5160 Spring Steel are largely determined by the specific heat treatment applied.

5160 Spring Steel is highly valued in sword-making, particularly for crafting katanas. Despite its challenging forgeability, many swordsmiths prefer this material due to its superior performance. The small amount of silicon present in 5160 Spring Steel contributes to producing exceptionally durable swords. These katanas are well-suited for frequent tatami rolls and backyard cutting exercises. Like all spring steels, they exhibit excellent resistance to bending and can return to their original shape after deformation. The hardness of the material makes the forging process intricate and requires temperatures between 1600°F (871°C) and 2200°F (1024°C).

The hardness of a 5160 Spring Steel katana can be further enhanced through proper heating and oil quenching, a process that should be conducted by skilled professionals, especially when following traditional methods. The edge of these katanas remains exceptionally sharp over time, even after repeated and rigorous cutting sessions involving relatively hard materials. Due to its extreme shock resistance, the edge does not require additional hardening, and 5160 Spring Steel katanas are typically made from monosteel. However, if a distinct hamon pattern is desired, other steel types can be folded with the base material to achieve the desired aesthetic effect.

When assembling the components to form the final 5160 Spring Steel katana, it is crucial to select parts that can withstand shocks and support a blade with excellent tensile yield, shock absorption, and hardness. Key components such as the tsuba and tsuka must be resistant enough to endure frequent, intense cutting sessions. Ideally, the blade should be full tang to balance its high tensile strength.

Clay tempering and quenching do not significantly affect the formation of the blade's characteristic curve. Given the extreme hardness of spring steel and the difficulty in correcting any mistakes during forging, it is advisable to define the curve before hardening and clay tempering the blade. Differential hardening increases edge durability while maintaining a softer spine.

The four-digit number used to reference this specific spring steel represents the major elements in its alloy composition. This steel contains 2% silicon and approximately 0.9% manganese, resulting in a material highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion. The silicon content provides exceptional metal fatigue resistance and high tensile strength. Products made from 9260 spring steel, particularly 9260 spring steel katanas, exhibit remarkable resilience to lateral bending. Even when bent to a 90-degree angle, they can return to their original shape. However, due to its hardness, 9260 spring steel is challenging to forge by hand, making it a demanding material for sword crafting.

Compared to its closest counterpart, 1060 carbon steel, 9260 spring steel demonstrates superior heat treatment resistance, retaining its properties even under extreme conditions. For carbon steel, heat treatment is a critical phase that determines the quality and usability of the material. In contrast, 9260 spring steel maintains its integrity, ensuring consistent performance.

In addition to its bending resilience, the silicon in 9260 spring steel enhances its hardness and toughness. When compared to carbon steel with similar carbon content, 9260 spring steel excels in shock absorption—a highly valued property in katanas. This characteristic, combined with its hardness, makes hand forging exceptionally difficult. High-temperature processing is essential to make the material malleable enough for forging, as its heat resistance minimizes the risk of carbon loss during treatment.

The exceptional durability, bending resilience, and forging challenges of 9260 spring steel contribute to its high cost. With several subtypes—such as 9260 TH, 9260 Hybrid, 9260 Lam, and 9260 DH—this material is an excellent choice for crafting katanas. These subtypes share the same high resilience and heat treatment capabilities, making them ideal for producing long-lasting, low-maintenance blades. The hardness of 9260 spring steel ensures the durability of the blade's sharp edge, making it a preferred choice for swordsmiths and users alike.

Katanas made from 9260 spring steel inherit the material's outstanding properties, including high resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Due to the difficulty of hand forging, these swords are rare and expensive. When crafting a 9260 spring steel katana, it’s important to consider its intended use: for cutting, a longer blade is recommended, while a thicker blade is preferable for applications involving striking or impact.

Thetsubais the handguard of a katana, positioned between thehabaki(blade collar) and thetsuka(handle). It serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose, protecting the hand while also showcasing intricate artistry. Tsuba designs range from simple and utilitarian to highly ornate, reflecting the craftsmanship and cultural significance of the sword.

Hamon is the wavy line running down the blade. It's the visual divide between the harder and softer metal of the blade. A katanas blade needs to have a harder edge for retention and a softer spine for flexibility. This is achieved by having the two parts of the blade cooling at different speeds during the forging process.

Hamon is the visible line or pattern that appears on the blade of a traditionally forged Japanese sword, such as a katana. It is created during the differential hardening process, where the edge of the blade is coated with a special clay mixture before heating and quenching. The edge cools rapidly, becoming hard and sharp, while the spine cools more slowly, remaining softer and more flexible. This contrast in hardness creates the hamon, which is not only a functional feature but also a highly aesthetic one, often displaying unique and intricate patterns that reflect the skill of the swordsmith.

Companion sword to the katana, carried by samurai as part of their daisho (the paired set of swords). The wakizashi was typically shorter than the katana, with a blade length ranging from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches), while the katana usually had a blade length of 60 to 80 cm (24 to 31 inches).

The wakizashi served multiple purposes:

Close-quarters combat: It was easier to wield in tight spaces, making it ideal for indoor fighting or situations where the longer katana was impractical.

Backup weapon: If the katana was lost or broken, the wakizashi could be used as a secondary weapon.

Ritual and ceremonial use: The wakizashi was also used in seppuku (ritual suicide) and other formal occasions.

Symbol of status: Carrying the daisho (katana and wakizashi together) was a mark of a samurai's social standing and honor.

The wakizashi was built similarly to the katana, with a curved, single-edged blade and a guard (tsuba), but its shorter length made it more versatile for certain situations. Together, the katana and wakizashi represented the samurai's readiness for both battle and personal defense.

The purpose of using oil to maintain the blade is to form an oil film on the surface of the blade to isolate the oxygen in the air and prevent the daily storage from oxidizing and rusting the blade.

Legally katana are lumped in the same category as knives and governed by state rather than federal laws and local laws, though as with knives, a collector must be over 21 years old OR have their parents implicit permission to buy or own a Katana.

What is the difference between an economical entry-level katana and a high-level katana? It would be easiest to say you get what you pay for. There are many different things that directly affect the cost of a katana: The sword Smith, The Tempering Process, The Level of Polish, The Type of Polish, The Details of the Hamon, The Edge Creation, Blade Shaping, The Material of Blade, Handle , Samegawa, Tsuka, Mekugi Pins, Furniture, Saya and Saya Cap, Furniture Production Method, Furniture Finish, Furniture Pieces Included / Excluded, Furniture Final Fit, Saya Fit and Profile, Saya Ornaments, Produced Location.