Best Samurai Swords of 2023 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]

Product Highlights

The sword has a polished mirror-like surface. It is both tough and flexible due to the clay temper process.

Features

• Featured in season two of Westworld
• Hand sharpened
• Full tang
• Hand-forged
• Clay tempered 1095 high carbon steel
• Maru blade structure
• Hira zukuri cutting edge
• 14 stage hand-polished finish
• Hardwood saya
• Full rayskin wrap
• Engraved copper fitting
• Free sword bag
• Spare mekugi
• Craft time takes up to three weeks
• Blade Length: 27.9″
• Handle Length: 10.6″
• Overall Length: 40.9″
• Width Near Handle: 1.24″
• Thickness Near Handle: 0.30″
• Point of Balance: 5″ from tsuba
• Weight (Without Saya): 2.2 lbs
• Weight (With Saya): 2.6 lbs
• Spine Hardness (HRC): 53
• Cutting Edge Hardness (HRC): 60

What We Like About Westworld Shogun 1095 High Carbon Steel (Clay-Tempered) Miyamoto Musashi Katana

This sure is a real Katana! It is sharp, durable, and great for demonstration use and for training. It has a great weight to it and doesn’t feel like a toy.

What We Don’t Like About Westworld Shogun 1095 High Carbon Steel (Clay-Tempered) Miyamoto Musashi Katana

It is quite hard to find a fault in this sword; however, it is very detailed, and its design looks cluttered.

PROS

• High-quality
• Great artistry
• Tightly wrapped tsuka
• The saya fits tightly onto the sword

CONS

• Excessive detailing

9. WW2 Type 98 Shin Gunto Japanese Officer Samurai Sword (Clay-Tempered) 1095 Steel Katana

Product Highlights

The Shin Gunto Japanese officer samurai sword is an exact replica of the swords used by the Japanese soldiers during WW2.

Features

• Hand-forged 1095 high carbon steel
• Maru blade structure
• Hira zukuri cutting edge
• 100% copper fittings
• Wrapped tsuka
• Takes up to three weeks to make
• Lock mechanism
• Button release scabbard
• Wrapped in genuine brown leather
• Iron and hardwood scabbard
• Blade Length: 27.9″
• Handle Length: 10.6″
• Overall Length: 40.9″
• Thickness Near Handle: 0.30″
• Width Near Handle: 1.24″
• Point of Balance: 4″ from tsuba
• Weight (Without Saya): 2.2 lbs
• Spine Hardness (HRC): 53
• Cutting Edge Hardness (HRC): 60

What We Like About WW2 Type 98 Shin Gunto Japanese Officer Samurai Sword (Clay-Tempered) 1095 Steel Katana

The sword is very symbolic and represents an important time in history – and not just for the Japanese. It looks and feels exactly like the swords used in battle in world war two.

What We Don’t Like About WW2 Type 98 Shin Gunto Japanese Officer Samurai Sword (Clay-Tempered) 1095 Steel Katana

You can have the sword engraved if you wish, but that is the extent of the personal touches and individuality that you can add to the sword.

10. Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman 1095 Samurai Ninja Shirasaya Sword (Hand-Forged Clay-Tempered)

Product Highlights

The Zatoichi’s blade is hand sharpened and battle-ready.

Features

• Hand-forged
• Impurities have been removed from the steel
• Clay tempered
• Hand-sharpened
• African rosewood saya
• Buffalo horn accessory
• 190 high carbon steel
• Free signature engraving
• Blade Length: 27.9″
• Handle Length: 10.6″
• Overall Length: 40.9″
• Width Near Handle: 1.24″
• Thickness Near Handle: 0.30″
• Point of Balance: 5″ from tsuba
• Weight (Without Saya): 2.2 lbs
• Weight (With Saya): 2.6 lbs
• Spine Hardness (HRC): 53
• Cutting Edge Hardness (HRC): 60

What We Like About Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman 1095 Samurai Ninja Shirasaya Sword (Hand-Forged Clay-Tempered)

The detail and incredible craftsmanship that has gone into making this sword are impeccable. It looks simple yet striking and makes for a brilliant display piece. Swords of Northshire are very communicative and update you throughout the process which makes the shopping experience much more pleasurable.

What We Don’t Like About Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman 1095 Samurai Ninja Shirasaya Sword (Hand-Forged Clay-Tempered)

The sword may take longer than expected to reach you, which can be frustrating, especially when you are excited to receive your sword collection’s newest addition. The sword feels too heavy to train with and isn’t as well balanced as other swords on the market.

11. Folded Damascus Steel Blade White Haze Samurai Katana Sword (Hand-Forged)

Product Highlights

There are 8,192 layers of strong steel in this sword blade. It is affordable and striking, perfect as a wall display.

Features

• Hand sharpened
• Full tang
• 1 to 2 week craft time
• White lacquered saya
• Premium brass fittings
• Intricate moke design
• Free engraving
• Folded 13 times
• Blade Length: 27.9″
• Handle Length: 10.6″
• Overall Length: 40.9″
• Width Near Handle: 1.24″
• Thickness Near Handle: 0.30″
• Point of Balance: 5″ from tsuba
• Weight (Without Saya): 2.2 lbs
• Weight (With Saya): 2.6 lbs
• Hardness (HRC): 54

What We Like About Folded Damascus Steel Blade White Haze Samurai Katana Sword (Hand-Forged)

The White Haze Samurai Katana is affordable and made using only the best materials. Its blade is durable and can absorb high impact knocks without cracking or breaking.

What We Don’t Like About Folded Damascus Steel Blade White Haze Samurai Katana Sword (Hand-Forged)

White is a high maintenance color, and if you are going to use this sword for training, be careful not to stain the handle or chip the saya.

12. Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Maru Katana (Hand-Forged)

Product Highlights

The Maru style Katana Sword is hand-forged with thousands of folded steel layers to make it strong and durable.

Features

• Full tang
• Hand-sharpened
• Silk rayskin tsuka
• Free sword bag
• Spare mekugi included
• Takes up to two weeks to make
• Black matt ribbed hardwood saya
• 1060 folded steel blade
• Folded 13 times
• Blade Length: 27.9″
• Handle Length: 10.6″
• Overall Length: 40.9″
• Width Near Handle: 1.24″
• Thickness Near Handle: 0.30″
• Point of Balance: 5″ from tsuba
• Weight (Without Saya): 2.2 lbs
• Weight (With Saya): 2.6 lbs
• Hardness (HRC): 54

What We Like About Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Maru Katana (Hand-Forged)

The combination of matte and shine makes this deep black sword stand out from the rest. Its design is simple, and the contrast between the black blade and deep blue tsuka is mesmerizing.

What We Don’t Like About Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Maru Katana (Hand-Forged)

The sword is simplistic and maybe underwhelming when hung next to detailed swords.

13. Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Sabaku No Senshi Katana (Hand-Forged)

Product Highlights

The Sabaku No Senshi Katana’s sharp folded steel blade can cut through paper and bamboo without any trouble.

Features

• Full tang
• Hand sharpened
• Hand-forged
• 1060 steel blade
• Folded 13 times
• Solid alloy fittings
• Takes up to two weeks to make
• Free sword bag
• Spare mekugi
• Blade Length: 27.9″
• Handle Length: 10.6″
• Overall Length: 40.9″
• Width Near Handle: 1.24″
• Thickness Near Handle: 0.30″
• Point of Balance: 5″ from tsuba
• Weight (Without Saya): 2.2 lbs
• Weight (With Saya): 2.6 lbs
• Hardness (HRC): 54

What We Like About Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Sabaku No Senshi Katana (Hand-Forged)

The Sabaku No Senshi Katana sword is bright and detailed. Its golden hardwood saya is individual and interesting. You can get the sword engraved to give it an interesting twist.

What We Don’t Like About Folded Steel Blade Samurai Sword Sabaku No Senshi Katana (Hand-Forged)

Only experienced dojo students should use this sword for training as it isn’t the easiest sword to balance.

14. Black and Red Folded Damascus Steel Samurai Tanto Knife Short Sword (Hand-Forged)

Product Highlights

The short Samurai Tanto knife is colorful and makes a brilliant gift.

Features

• Battle ready design
• Full tang
• Hand sharpened
• Hand-forged red folded steel
• The blade has been folded 13 times
• 13 stage hand-polished finish
• White lacquered saya
• Free signature engraving
• Takes up to three weeks to craft
• Blade: 11.8″
• Handle: 5.9″
• Overall: 18.1″
• Weight (Without Saya): 1.26 lbs
• Weight (With Saya): 1.48 lbs

What We Like About Black and Red Folded Damascus Steel Samurai Tanto Knife Short Sword (Hand-Forged)

The blade is incredible. It is sharp, strong, and can cut hard objects. The blood-red color of the blade looks incredible in contrast to the white smoke design saya.

What We Don’t Like About Black and Red Folded Damascus Steel Samurai Tanto Knife Short Sword (Hand-Forged)

Its casing is simple and feels a bit cheap. It’s a great first sword, but you may feel like it is not up to par for an experienced swordsman.

15. Ninjato Folded Steel Blade Samurai Ninja Toge No Bara Sword (Hand-Forged)

Product Highlights

This sword has been made using the traditional Japanese sword making process.

Features

• Takes up to two weeks to craft
• Battle ready design
• Hand sharpened
• Black matte hardwood saya
• Solid alloy fittings
• Free sword bag
• Spare mekugi
• Folded 1060 steel blade
• Folded 13 times
• Blade Length: 27.9″
• Handle Length: 10.6″
• Overall Length: 40.9″
• Width Near Handle: 1.24″
• Thickness Near Handle: 0.30″
• Point of Balance: 5″ from tsuba
• Weight (Without Saya): 2.2 lbs
• Weight (With Saya): 2.6 lbs
• Hardness (HRC): 54

What We Like About Ninjato Folded Steel Blade Samurai Ninja Toge No Bara Sword (Hand-Forged)

The blade has been folded over 13 times to create more than 8,000 strong steel layers. Considering how long the sword is, it is easy to swing precisely and balances well.

What We Don’t Like About Ninjato Folded Steel Blade Samurai Ninja Toge No Bara Sword (Hand-Forged)

Signatures and added details look out of place on the Ninjato sword. We recommend keeping the styles simple and neat.

Final Verdict

We loved the hand-forged red and black folded steel Katana Wakizashi & Tanto Samurai Sword set. Having a complete set on display is a real show stopper and is a great conversation starter. The swords are very well made and are certainly built to last.

What was your favorite sword on the list? Are you looking for a full set or a single sword to complete your collection?

Budget Swords

It is possible to find budget, high-quality samurai swords online. The swords listed from 10 to 15 are brilliant budget samurai swords. When sword shopping on a budget, there are a few features to look out for to ensure you are getting a good sword at a low ticket price. Here are some of the important features you shouldn’t compromise on when searching for a budget sword;

1. Layers
Samurai swords blades can consist of as many as 33,000. Of course, a blade that consists of 33,000 layers is going to be at the higher end of the price range, and so many layers are redundant in a display sword. Look for a sword that has a blade with between 6,000 to 8,000 layers.

2. Craftsmanship
If the sword you are thinking of buying is made in a factory, it is unlikely to have all of the traditional samurai sword features. Samurai swords are traditionally handmade and hand sharpened.

3. Detail and Aesthetics
You can find beautiful Samurai swords that are individual with unique engravings and aesthetics on a budget. It takes some rooting around and researching to find, but luckily for you, we have done the searching for you and found five unique and high-quality swords for those of you on a budget.

4. Size
When shopping for a Samurai sword on a budget, the longer Katana swords may be out of the question for your budget. Instead, the smaller Wakizashi sword may be more in your price range.

Buyers Guide

Whether you are looking for a Samurai sword for training purposes, or to hang on your wall as part of a vast sword collection display, it is vital to know what to look for when buying your new Samurai sword. Below is a buying guide that you can use to help you find the best Samurai sword for you;

1. Budget
Samurai swords can cost thousands of dollars, or be as little as $200. Setting yourself a budget before proceeding to look for a Samurai sword for you is a good idea as that way, you can match the features and quality of the sword to your budget and sword’s use.

2. Steel and Structure
Samurai swords are made of both high carbon and low carbon steel. The area where the two steel types meet is called the Hamon. Depending on when the sword was made (if the sword is authentic), the Hamon will have its own unique shape.

If you are purchasing a made-to-order or replica sword, look for a Hamon line that is smooth and consistent. If the sword does not have a Hamon line, it probably isn’t made of two types of steel and is a lower quality sword.

3. The Koshirae (Mounting)
The Koshirae is responsible for adding character and individuality to your samurai sword. This is a combination of a few features such as the Tsuba (guard), Ito (wrap), Fuchi (collar), and Menuki (grip). These sword parts are very detailed and sometimes bright.

4. Authenticity
Are you on the hunt for an authentic samurai sword or a replica? Replica swords are cheaper; however, they are usually not collectible pieces and are only bought ‘for show.’

5. Building Your Own Sword
It is possible to tailor-make your Samurai sword just the way you want it. If you have a very specific image in mind for your sword, this can be quite a good idea and ensures you are purchasing a sword that meets all of your needs.

6. Type of Samurai Sword
There are many types of Samurai swords, and understanding which sword you are looking for is crucial. Every sword type has its own style and distinct features, so research the sword types before making a purchase.

Samurai warriors carried two swords with them to war, the Katana and the Wakizashi. Most sword collectors like to purchase swords as a set if they were worn together traditionally, so keep this in mind when you are sword shopping.

7. Can I Use the Sword For Training Purposes?
Professional martial arts students may use Samurai swords in training. This should only be done once your sensei says you are ready and never before. While some swords are brilliant training tools, others may be too sharp or hard to balance to train with.

8. Does the Sword Go With The Rest of My Collection?
You might have fallen in love with a particular sword, but if it does not look right with the rest of your sword display, you probably won’t have it ‘on show,’ which is a real shame. Think about where you are going to put it. Is it going to be displayed alone or alongside a collection of swords? What colors would look good on display? If the sword is not going to be on display, this is less relevant to you.

Top Tip: Purchasing such a special item without following a buying guide can be risky, and the excitement of purchasing a new sword could lead you to forget about important features and specifications that you need. We recommend writing down the important specifications to you and referring back to them as you search for your next Samurai sword.

FAQ

Samurai warriors have an irreplaceable spot in Japanese culture, and they are unforgettable when it comes to the country’s history. Because of this, people all over the world today are fascinated by these strong warriors, and collectors and sword enthusiasts are forever on the hunt for high-quality Samurai swords.

This frequently asked questions section answers common Samurai sword related questions. We hope the following section helps you understand Samurai swords a little better and helps you on your quest for the best Samurai swords.

Q: Are Samurai swords really sharp?
A: Yes, Samurai swords are extremely sharp. Make sure that the Samurai sword you are thinking of getting has been hand sharpened by a professional.

Q: Can a Samurai sword slice through an object if it simply falls on the blade?
A: Japanese swords have been designed to cut objects if the blade is pulled across an object. Samurai swords are not meant to cut an object if it falls on the blade.

Q: What swords did the Samurai use?
A: Samurai warriors carried two swords on them, the Katana and the Wakizashi swords. The long and sharp Katana was the main fighting sword, whereas the Wakazashi is short and was used as a backup in case the Katana became damaged or got lost.

Q: What makes Samurai swords stronger?
A: The combination of materials makes Samurai swords strong. High carbon is used on the sharp side of the blade, and low carbon is used to make the blunt side; when both low and high carbon is used to make a sword, it makes it extremely tough and hard to break.

Q: What is a straight Katana sword called?
A: A straight Katana is called a Ninjatō.

Q: How long did it take to make a Samurai sword?
A: Each Katana sword took over six months to make and sometimes, more than 16 men had an input in the making of an original Katana sword.

Q: Are real Katana swords still made?
A: Yes, real Katana swords are made today by specialized and licensed craftsmen that have been professionally trained to make Katanas in the traditional way.

Q: What makes a good sword?
A: A good sword should be strong and flexible so that when it hits a hard object with high impact, it will not crack or break.

Q: Were Ninjas real and are they around today?
A: Ninjas were highly respected swordsmen. Their skills were passed down through generations from father to son; however, it is thought that today’s generation of Ninja swordsmen will be the last.

Q: Are Samurai and Ninjas the same kind of warrior?
A: No, Samurai and Ninjas were not the same types of warriors.

Samurai Facts

The more you learn about Samurai and their traditions, the more fascinating their history becomes. Many myths and legends are surrounding Samurai and their traditions, but what is fact and what is fiction?

Here are 10 Samurai fun facts for you to learn. How many of these interesting facts were you aware of?

1. It is rumored that a traditional samurai sword can chop a regular sword in half with just one slash of the sword. In actual fact, it is unlikely that a Samurai sword was capable of doing this as it requires immense force to break a steel sword in half. Any recorded evidence of this happening was likely a fluke and not didn’t occur regularly.

2. Samurai soldiers would fend off attackers by launching their swords upon an attacker. Many believe that they blocked an opponent’s blows with the sword’s sharp edge, which was a less common form of defense.

3. Samurai swords were more than capable of chopping an opponent’s limb off with just one strike. During the era of the Samurai, losing a limb would mean instant death as their medical treatment was not as advanced as it is today.

4. Did the samurai fight against Ninjas? The answer is unknown, although it is believed to be more of a legend than a historical fact.

5. Samurai swords consist of thousands of layers. The layers are made by heating and folding the steel multiple times, and with each fold, the layers multiply.

6. Samurai soldiers would carry two swords on their person at all times. They never used both swords simultaneously and their main fighting sword was the Katana. The Wakizashi was only used if the Katana was damaged or lost.

7. Some swords were worn with the blade facing up, while others were worn on a harness with the edge facing down.

8. Handling a Samurai sword can make it rust overtime if the sword isn’t maintained properly. The oil from your hands will rust the blade; to avoid this, wear gloves when handling your Samurai sword.

9. Traditionally, the Japanese would test the sharpness of a sword’s blade by shaving off arm hair. This is a very dangerous way to check how sharp your sword is, it is best practice to test the swords sharpness on other objects and not on living things.

10. If you misuse your Samurai sword, it can cause it to bend. For this reason, along with many others, is a reason to seek proper training before training with a Samurai sword.