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Ninja swords have been around for quite a while but have recently become much more popular. Around the 1960s and ‘70s, ninja swords first popped up in films, and since then, they’ve become popular not only in movies but also in video games and historical talks.
Unlike traditional katanas, ninja swords offer unique advantages in close-quarter combat and stealth applications. Their shorter, straighter blade design allows for quicker draws and more effective thrust attacks, while their lighter weight provides superior maneuverability. These traits still shine in martial arts like Kenjutsu, where ninja sword training is practiced.
Even though we’re not diving into history or fighting tips here, we’re focusing on real ninja swords instead. These are swords with razor-sharp edges—ones you can cut with and use like a real ninja. In this post, we’ll share our research to help you find some of the best ninja swords—authentic, functional, and great additions to any collection.
- Best Overall: Shadow Serpent
- Best for Heavy Cutting: Practice Ninja Shinobi
- Best Budget Ninja Sword: Ninja Damascus
- Best for Ninjutsu Practitioners: Kouga Ninja – To
How I Chose the Best Ninja Swords
While I couldn’t physically test every sword, I relied on the expertise of martial artists, collectors, and smiths to fill in the gaps. I also made sure to highlight any potential drawbacks. I started by defining what makes a ninja sword the best. For me, it came down to four key factors: historical accuracy, blade quality, practicality, and value for money. Historical accuracy ensures the sword honors its roots, while blade quality (like steel type and forging method) determines durability and performance.
Practicality covers ease of use and versatility, and value ensures you’re not overpaying for gimmicks. I consulted historical texts on ninja weaponry and reviewed forums where collectors and enthusiasts share their experiences. I also studied the work of modern swordsmiths who specialize in crafting ninja swords, paying close attention to their materials and techniques.
Next, I scoured hundreds of user reviews across platforms like Amazon, specialty sword forums, and martial arts communities. I looked for patterns—what did users consistently praise or complain about. This step helped me separate marketing hype from real-world performance, ensuring my recommendations are grounded in actual user experiences. Then I pointed to the ones that had fewer flaws and performed best.
The Best Ninja Swords: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Shadow Serpent
SPECIFICATIONS
| Overall Length | 40.9 inch (103 cm) |
| Blade Length | 27.9 inch (71 cm) |
| Weight | 997 g |
| Handle Specifications | Silk and Genuine Rayskin Wrapped Tsuka |
| Blade Material | 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $259 |
Pros
- Offers customizations options
- It features a blow gun
- Designed to cut through light-medium targets
- Offers good reach
- Affordable
Cons
- The blade may be slightly longer for a traditional ninjato
- Doesn’t have attachments to carry behind the back
Shadow Serpent is a battle-ready ninja sword that offers more than just a functional blade with its authentic design. Forged from 1095 high carbon steel, this sword is built to cut through various materials, including bamboo and tameshigiri, making it a strong pick for rigorous dojo practice. The design features the classic straight blade measuring 27.9 inches (70cm) with an overall black finish.
Another reason I chose this as the best ninja sword overall is the blowdart tube attached to the scabbard. Also including 12 darts like-needles ready to bow. You can quickly shoot them directly from the scabbard, giving you a silent way to attack from a distance. I like this detail because it’s closely related to the concept of ninjas, who used similar tools during covert operations.
Besides adding authenticity, it makes the sword more fun to use. It also includes the classic, simple ninjato square guard. Since the price is affordable for such a detailed ninjato, I think it’s totally worth adding to any collection as the best ninjato sword. Whether you use it for display, practice, or completing your collection, this sword offers everything at a great price.
Best for Heavy Cutting: Practice Ninja Shinobi
SPECIFICATIONS
| Overall Length | 34 1/2” inch (87.6 cm) |
| Blade Length | 24 inch (61 cm) |
| Weight | 851 g |
| Handle Specifications | Synthetic black ray skin, tsuka-ito is black leather imitation |
| Blade Material | 1566 High Carbon Steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $513 |
Pros
- Good for heavy cutting practices
- Attractive tsuba (guard)
- Sturdy and durable overall build
Cons
- May not have the tightest fittings
- Might be pricey for some
When I was doing my research, I found the Practical Ninja Shinobi to be highly recommended by Sword Buyers Guide, at least in terms of functionality. Hanwei is known for producing some of the best katanas on the market, and following the same forging techniques, they’ve created this full-tang practical ninja sword. The Ninja Shinobi is a mass-produced ninjato and the latest generation of practical ninja swords by Paul Chen.
It features a traditional design with a blade shorter than the Shadow Serpent, making it easier to use in confronted spaces. Historically, authentic ninjatos are shorter than katanas, most likely closer to wakizashi length. In this case, the length is more closely replicated. The sword weighs 851 grams and has a blade width of approximately 2.9 cm near the guard and 2.2 cm near the tip. The blade is forged from 1566 High Carbon Steel with a mirror-polished surface that features a straight hamon (temper line) and appropriate tapering.
All the fittings (koshirae) are made from antiqued black iron. The tsuba is made of iron and features highly elaborate designs of kuji-kiri (energy-channeling hand positions). While many people said it performs very well in terms of cutting ability and durability, we still found a few issues. The handle design and material quality are common complaints (fittings loose quickly), and the backstrap system has known positioning problems. Keep in mind that when it comes to swords, issues may not be general. However, more than one holder has had these issues.
Best Budget Ninja Sword: Ninja Damascus
SPECIFICATIONS
| Overall Length | 40.5 inch (104 cm) |
| Blade Length | 27.8 inch (70.5 cm) |
| Weight | 950 g |
| Handle Specifications | Hard Wood, real ray skin covering and real black silk wrap |
| Blade Material | 1060 folded steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $158 |
Pros
- Beautiful damascus pattern
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Suited for home training, self defense and display
- Perfect for beginners
Cons
- May not be the best for everyday cutting
- The edge retention may not be in the same level as other types
When it comes to the $150-$250 price range, there is a long list of swords. However, we didn’t find a better ninja sword than the Ninja Damascus. And it’s actually quite affordable. The Ninja Damascus is forged by Lyuesword, a factory located in Longquan in the southwest of Zhejiang Province, known for producing mostly Japanese swords. At first glance, it has a simple, traditional design with all the details of a classic ninja sword.
As the name suggests, it features a beautiful Damascus pattern on the blade. It also includes a fuller, unlike the previous two options, making it lighter and easier to use for beginners. The blade material is 1065 high carbon steel, full-tang, and secured with two mekugi pegs. The hilt is covered in genuine ray skin and wrapped in traditional black silk. It is hand-forged.
Although descriptions say it cuts through various hard materials, some collectors suggest it is suitable for light to medium cutting. It is also considered safe for home defense and iaido practice. Many owners find it to be a great value for the money. It comes in a Japanese samurai sword bag.
Best for Ninjutsu Practitioners: Kouga Ninja-To
SPECIFICATIONS
| Overall Length | 33.5 inch (85.1 cm) |
| Blade Length | 22 inch (56 cm) |
| Weight | 985 g |
| Blade Material | 1566 High Carbon Steel 1566 |
| Usage | Fully functional – Battle Ready |
| Price | $608 |
Pros
- Looks both traditional and modern
- Battle-wrap style saya (scabbard) with quality fittings
- Durable enough for hard cutting exercises
Cons
- Some users report minor finishing issues on the saya
- Limited availability
We have listed the Kouga Ninjato as the best pick for Ninjutsu practitioners, and it would be the best overall if not for the price. At first glance, it looks like a tactical ninjato—a mix of traditional and modern styles. At the same time, it shares a touch of Hollywood aesthetics. The handle features blackened ray skin that has been lacquered for a subtle shine, wrapped with a comfortable cotton cord in a traditional battle-wrap pattern.
Iron fittings include the collar, pommel cap, and decorative menuki pieces with kanji designs beneath the wrap. Unlike bulkier replicas, this tsuka maintains a slim, balanced profile that feels natural in hand. Multiple testers confirm that it effectively withstands regular cutting practice and is durable against harder materials like trees or bamboo. The blade measures 58 cm, so it’s not very long.
It is lightweight, well-balanced, and battle-ready, meeting all the characteristics needed for use by a Ninjutsu practitioner. For some, it may be a bit expensive. However, it is highly recommended by collectors, especially for those seeking a premium ninjato that delivers both display appeal and martial arts performance.
How to Chose
Choosing the right ninjato means knowing a few key details about its design and functionality. Authentic ninjatos are typically shorter than katanas (check katana vs ninjato comparison) and feature a straight blade measuring about 55-65 cm in length. This shorter length provides better maneuverability which is an important quality of a ninja sword. The sword should be between light and mid-weight to be able to cut deep while still being easy to handle.
A ninjato also features the classic simple square tsuba (guard). Historical types prioritized function over decoration. The saya (scabbard) should include the sageo (cord) attachment points, which allowed ninjas to carry their swords on their backs unlike the hip-worn katana. Unlike katana scabbards, ninja sword sayas often featured hidden compartments for concealing small weapons or tools. The overall finish is generally darkened or blackened to prevent light reflection during night missions.
Remember that authentic ninja swords balance historical accuracy with practical functionality. And lastly, the ways how Japanese swords are forged in modern times are similar. So make sure the blade is forged with high carbon steel following traditional katana forging processes, features a full tang, iron tsuba, and quality handle wraps.
Last Words
Whether you’re a martial artist, collector, or looking for a display piece, the options we’ve highlighted offer something for everyone. Don’t forget to clean and maintain your sword after each use to prevent damage, and if you want some ideas to display it, check our article here.
