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When I first thought about getting a battle-ready katana, it wasn’t because I was fascinated by history or martial arts. I wanted one for two simple reasons. First, because it looks cool, and second for home defense. That was my initial thought, and I ended up using my katana in every other application except self protection. Now, it is displayed in my room and to be honest is my favorite home decor.
As I mentioned, I’ve never had to use it for self-defense, and I hope I never will. Yet, there’s a comforting reassurance knowing it’s there if I need to protect my family or myself. Instead of viewing katanas merely as sharp tools for cutting, I’ve found three of the best katanas for self-defense that help you keep distance from threats, are easy to use, and serve multiple purposes. They also combine authenticity in their crafting, affordability, and functionality.
Here are our top picks:
- Best Overall: Bessho Nagaharu
- Authentic: Sakai Tadakiyo
- Affordable: Katō Kiyomasa
Best Katanas for Self Defense: Reviews & Recommendations
As we mention in our article Best Swords for Self-defense, katanas are very effective for self or home defense in modern days, even though they didn’t make the top three.(We listed all the pros and cons for each sword.) When it comes to self defense a katana has 2 downsides. One, is a two handed bladed weapon and the other might be kind of challenging to use tight spaces. That’s why our best overall is a wakizashi type as it eliminates these downsides.
Best Overall: Bessho Nagaharu
Specifications
| Overall Length | 78 cm |
| Blade Length | 50 cm |
| Weight | 862 g |
| Blade Material | 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $439.99 |
Pros
- Elaborate, yet functional
- Easy to control
- Nice reach
- Quick to draw
- Ideal for tight spaces
Cons
- None
The Bessho Nagaharu is a wakizashi-sized samurai sword and our top pick for self-defense. Its effectiveness dates back to early Japanese culture, where samurai used it in emergencies or tight spaces where longer swords were impractical.
What makes this sword so effective is its compact design, which makes it easy to carry, maneuver, and control—even if you don’t have experience with swords and this is exactly what you need in a self-defense sword.
It features an elaborate tsuba for hand protection while the handle is wrapped in slik ito and is both comfortable and nicely balanced. Its overall length is 30.7″ (with a 19.7″ blade). This medium length offers a good reach, allowing you to maintain distance without the risk of losing control, as can happen with larger blades.
Authentic: Sakai Tadakiyo
| Overall Length | 104 cm |
| Blade Length | 70.8 cm |
| Weight | 998 g |
| Blade Material | 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $529.99 |
Pros
- Multi pourposes
- High effective for cutting
- Authentic
Cons
- Two handed
The Sakai Tadakiyo is a high-quality katana crafted using traditional methods. It’s a full-length samurai katana (overall length 40.9″, with a 27.9″ blade) and is primarily a two-handed weapon.
This is not created primarily for self defense, but much more for heavy cutting and destroying stronger targets. This doesn’t mean it’s not a good fit for self-defense.
It just means you should be more careful, as it can cause significant damage even if unintended. The sword comes with a natural hualee saya with buffalo horn at the ends, silk sageo/ito, premium copper fittings, and genuine rayskin.
The blade features a natural hammon and is full tang with hand engraved Signature. Since it is a fully functional katana, it serves for multiple applications. This is not for those who want just a protective item. This is for those who want authenticity, craftsmanship, a real samurai sword.
Affordable: Katō Kiyomasa
Specifications
| Overall Length | 104 cm |
| Blade Length | 71 cm |
| Weight | 998 g |
| Blade Material | 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $265 |
Pros
- Affordable
- Fully functional
- Multi purposes
Cons
- Less authentic appearance
- Two handed
You want to buy a battle-ready katana for self protection without breaking the bank?! Kato Kiyomasa is one of the best katanas under 300$. This is also one of the best samurai swords money can buy and our beginner suggestion.
Despite being affordable, the Kato Kiyomasa is a fully functional katana. You can do pretty much everything with it. The blade is still forged from high quality steel and is designed for heavy cutting.
The only thing it lacks is an authentic appearance. It feature a simpler, less traditional design. Tsuba is circular and not highly elaborate like Bessho Nagaharu or Sakai Tadakiyo. The blade is clear-polished, without a hamon pattern.
Kato Kiyomasa features an Unokubi-Zukuri style, with a back that gets thinner around the middle of the blade and regains its thickness before the point. It features a visible fuller and is razor sharp.
The only thing I can say about this is its simple look, if you want your Japanese sword to have a more authentic appearance. Overall, it is suitable for dojo, iaito use, cutting practice, and will surely make a great display and a defensive tool.
Last Words
Even though self-defense methods have evolved, katanas remain effective in modern times. Using a sword for self-defense is just one of its many possible uses, though it might be considered a secondary purpose, as situations requiring it are rare.
The idea behind using a katana for self-defense is to maintain distance, create intimidation, and ideally avoid causing harm. Causing damage can lead to legal complications(even if it’s in self-defense). Be sure to check your state laws regarding self-defense weapons.
Until that day comes, find a good place to display, and don’t forget to maintain it regularly.
Can you Use a Katana for Self Defense
Yes, a katana can be used for self-defense, but the purpose is to maintain distance and intimidate, not necessarily to cause harm. Most importantly, check your state laws for legal guidelines.
