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In 2024, samurai swords remain a favorite among enthusiasts and collectors, and if you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of them. Some people love the feeling of cutting through tatami, while others appreciate their beauty and craftsmanship, adding these iconic swords to their collections as a piece of history.
However, with so many options available, finding a good samurai sword can be difficult. The market is flooded with products of varying quality and prices, which makes the selection process even more confusing.
With a clear understanding of what makes a good blade, we have curated a list of some of best samurai swords based on their materials and craftsmanship. All swords are forged in Longquan, a place historically known for the art of swordmaking, so you don’t have to worry about their quality.
In this post, we will share our top picks to help you find your fully functional samurai sword, whether you are looking for an affordable option, a heavy-cutting katana, or a unique piece to display.
- Best Overall: Michonne Katana
- Best for Heavy cutting: Watanabe no Tsuna
- Authentic: Kumagai Naozane
- Best for Display: Masamune Sephiroth
- Budget Friendly: Katō Kiyomasa
- Best For Beginners: Miyamoto Musashi
- Best Samurai Sword set: Konishi Yukinaga
- Best Tachi: Miyazaki
- Customize Your Katana
What to Look For in a Samurai Sword
When we talk about samurai swords, we usually mean real, battle-ready swords that are made for cutting. That’s what we have listed in this article. However, some of you might be looking for a unique decorative piece for your room, or something that’s not focused on cutting.
In that case, you might want a sword that doesn’t need to be sharp or made from the best materials.
Buying a real samurai sword can be expensive, and if you don’t plan to use it for more than decoration, you might be spending money unnecessarily. If you want to practice or cut with it, there are some other things you should consider.
Steel Type
Practical cutting swords should be sharp and for sharp swords are some specific type of steel used. Make sure your blade is made of 1045, 1060 or 1095 carbon steel. These ensure durability, edge retention and toughness.
Tang
Another important spec for cutting blades. For most swords, there are 2 types of tang which are rat tang and full tang. Make sure your blade is full tang. In this article, all the blades feature a full tang.
Best Samurai Swords: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Michonne Katana
Specifications
| Overall Length | 104 cm |
| Blade Length | 71 cm |
| Weight | 1179 g |
| Blade Material | 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $653.99 |
Pros
- Fully functional replica of Walking Dead
- Made with high-quality 1095 clay-tempered carbon steel
- Natural hamon
- Includes premium fittings and leather-wrapped saya with shoulder strap
- Authentic movie replica details (triple crescent moon engraving)
Cons
- This sword may be a bit pricey for some
- The white wrapped handle can get dirty easily, be careful when cutting water bottles or bamboo
The Michonne Katana should not be mistaken for a fantasy sword. This gets the overall top spot because it is both a historical and a movie sword replica. When I say historical, I mean a samurai katana made with traditional methods and high-quality materials. Movie sword? Well, it’s a replica from The Walking Dead.
The first thing you should know about this sword is that it’s the only one on this list with a shoulder strap. So, you will have more options to experiment with how you hold or draw it.
Also, if you don’t have a sword stand, you can use the strap to hang it on the wall. The strap is dark brown leather, and the saya is wrapped with the same material. The middle part where the strap is attached is wrapped with white silk ito, which is the same material that wraps the handle.
Now, let’s talk about the blade. After unboxing, the first thing you will see is a very nice natural hamon along the blade. The blade is forged using clay-tempered 1095 high carbon steel and is both strong and flexible. It has no bo-hi.
Near the habaki (blade collar), the sword features an engraving of a triple crescent moon (Goddess Symbol), which is a detail from the Michonne Katana. The tsuba (handguard) is colored in gold with dark accents.
The only thing to be cautious about when using it is the white handle wrap. It can easily become dirty when cutting items like liquid-filled bottles, watermelons, bamboo, or any other material that can stain the ito.
Best for Heavy cutting: Watanabe no Tsuna
Specifications
| Overall Length | 107 cm |
| Blade Length | 72 cm |
| Weight | 1150 g |
| Blade Material | Tempered 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $869.99 |
Pros
- The blade is made of hardened 1095 steel
- Perfect for heavy cutting
Cons
- No bo-hi
- Pricey
Watanabe no Tsuna is a heavy cutting katana forged from differentially-hardened high carbon steel. The blade features a deep curve (koshi sori) with a shinogi zukuri geometry.
This katana offers a blend of durability, precision, and clean cuts, even in the strongest materials. The tsuba is made of alloy (moderately elaborate), while the fuchi, kashira, and menuki are copper with a flower motif.
The tsuka is made of wood and is wrapped in genuine black rayskin and cotton ito. The saya is dark brown hardwood with rayskin wrap, lacquered to reveal the wood grain. Polished black buffalo horn accents complete the design.
Authentic: Kumagai Naozane
Specifications
| Overall Length | 104 cm |
| Blade Length | 71 cm |
| Weight | 998 g |
| Blade Material | Tamahagane |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $3,689.99 |
Pros
- Is made with premium tamahagane steel
- Natural hamon
- Shining apperence
- Fully functional
- Highly polished blade with detailed craftsmanship.
Cons
- Pricey
- No bo-hi
- Requires careful maintenance to preserve the blade’s quality
If the question is what is the best katana, the answer would definitely be the Kumagai Naozane. However, before investing in such a piece, you should consider a few things.
Now, this is a really expensive sword. If your primary goal is cutting practice (tameshigiri), modern alternatives like 1095 or T10 high-carbon steel will offer similar performance and will be just as effective for learning and practice without the high price tag.
A tamahagane katana is more suitable for display or collection rather than heavy practice. Now, why should you invest in such a katana? First, owning a tamahagane katana connects you to the ancient heritage and art of Japanese sword-making. This offers authenticity.
Usually, the tests that many people do are with light materials, and sometimes it seems funny to see such an iconic weapon used to cut cardboard.
Whether you are going to perform tameshigiri with this sword, cut bones, wood, or even test it against pistol bullets, it will definitely offer the highest chance of passing the tests. However, I don’t suggest using this $3,689 sword just for cutting bamboo or bones.
This Tamahagane steel katana is folded multiple times during forging, creating a distinctive grain pattern and a cloudy hamon line that are clearly visible and add a unique, cool-looking texture to the blade. It lacks a bo-hi.
The tsuka is wrapped in genuine black leather and white rayskin. The saya is made of hardwood with light-brown colors, straight lines, and reinforced with buffalo horn.
The tsuba is elaborate, not like modern tsubas but with a more refined and traditional appearance. The blade length is 71 cm, and it weighs nearly 1 kg without the saya. If you are a serious collector and the price is not a problem, this will absolutely be a unique and authentic piece to add to your collection.
Remember, tamahagane steel is more prone to rust and requires regular care to maintain its condition. Make sure to clean and oil it regularly.
Best for Display: Masamune Sephiroth
Specifications
| Overall length | 135 cm |
| Blade Length | 90 cm |
| Weight | 1500 g |
| Blade Material | 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Specifications | Hand-Sharpened, Full Tang, Battle-Ready |
| Price | $439.99 |
Pros
- Hand Forged 1095 High Carbon Steel
- Features Premium Iron Fittings
- Fully Functional
- Eye-catching size, perfect for display
Cons
- No hammon
If you want a samurai sword that is both eye-catching and battle-ready, the Masamune Sephiroth replica is our top pick. I mean, who isn’t going to look at a huge katana? Masamune Sephiroth is also listed as one of our best fantasy sword replicas for this year.
Although it may look like a katana, this is actually a Nodachi or Odachi, which is known as the best samurai sword used for open battlefields. Historically, they were made using the same techniques and materials.
This Japanese sword has an overall length of 135 cm (53.1 inches). The blade is forged using 1095 high carbon steel and is both strong and flexible. Along the blade, it features a fuller, which helps reduce its weight and improve balance.
Like all the swords in this list, the blade is full-tang and features a hand-engraved Mei (signature). The sword comes with silk sageo/ito, genuine same’ (rayskin), premium iron fittings, and a black matte hardwood saya.
It is a very good choice for dojo and iaido use, cutting practice, display, or collection. It is durable enough for cutting through tameshigiri, bamboo, bones, small trees, etc.
Check Nodachi vs Katana comparisson.
Budget Friendly: Miyamoto Musashi
Specifications
| Overall Length | 104 cm |
| Blade Length | 71 cm |
| Weight | 998 g |
| Blade Material | Folded 1060 Steel Blade |
| Usage | Fully functional |
| Price | $189.99 |
Pros
- Good quality
- Traditional craftsmanship
- Versatile for various uses
- Affordable
Cons
- No engraving on the blade
- No hamon
- The blade may tend to dull faster with regular use
Not everyone can afford to buy an $800 or $1000 samurai sword. The idea of a budget-friendly katana is to be affordable and functional at the same time. And the most important thing is to be safe when you use it.
A difference that the Miyamoto Musashi has compared to the Watanabe no Tsuna, for example, is that the details in the fittings or tsuba are not elaborate. The design and structure are basic.
The tsuba is simple and circular, although functionally it does not make any difference. The saya is black, handle is black synthetic leather, rayskin is white, and iron fittings.
As for the quality of the blade, it is made following the traditional Japanese process, but with less hard steel. Normally, it will not make any big difference, but it tends to have a less lasting edge. The blade has a visible grain pattern and bo-hi.
If you want something affordable to display at home without a significant financial commitment, yet functional, this Musashi is an entry-level sword and absolutely one of the best katana under $200.
Best For Beginners: 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
- Hand forged 1095 high carbon steel
- Fully functional and battle-ready
- Durable for various cutting practices
- Affordable
- Option for engraving
Cons
- The simple disc guard lacks the intricate details of traditional katana guards
Although there is no such thing as the best katana for beginners, if this is the first functional samurai sword you are getting, this is the best option for several reasons.
Besides being affordable, it is made from better quality material compared to the Musashi. If you want a sword that is safer in use, and you know that you will use it for heavier cutting, a 1095 high carbon steel blade will perform better.
When you get your first katana, you often feel like pushing its limits and want to try cutting through different materials. And besides, you are not used to the motions or proper cutting techniques, and it will take some time.
During this time, you might damage the sword, and if you make this mistake with a sword that you paid much more for, you’ll end up regretting it, trust me.
Again, the design is simple: the tsuba is simple, the fittings are simple. The blade is about 71 cm long, clean, and very sharp. The handle is wrapped with black silk sage and red rayskin.
The saya is colored in black with painted details. Something that is not visible in the image is the tang, which has hand-engraved Mei, something authentic and not often found in swords of this price.
Best Samurai Sword set: Konishi Yukinaga
Specifications
| Length, KATANA | Blade: 28.7″ (72.9 cm), Overall: 40.6″ (103.1 cm) |
| Length, WAKIZASHI | Blade: 20″ (50.8 cm), Overall: 30″ (76.2 cm) |
| Length, TANTO | Blade: 12″ (30.5 cm), Overall: 20″ (50.8 cm) |
| Blade Material | 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Specifications | Hand-Sharpened, Full Tang, Battle-Ready |
| Price | $836.99 |
Pros
- All swords feature same design
- All are functional
- Practise with the Daisho set
Cons
- Pricey
This katana sword set includes three of the swords used by samurai warriors: a tanto knife, a wakizashi, and a katana. They all feature the same design, colors, and fittings, and are forged with the same methods and materials.
The blades have the Unokubi-Zukuri design, with a spine that thins out around the middle and thickens again near the tip. The tanto blade length is 30 cm (12 inches), the wakizashi is 51 cm (20 inches), and the katana is 73 cm (28.7 inches).
The handles are made of genuine rayskin and wrapped with dark brown silk ito. The saya (scabbard) is made of hardwood and finished with black lacquer and white painted details.
All of them are full-tang with hand-engraved Mei (signature). They are suitable for dojo and iaido use, as well as for gifts, cutting practice, and display.
Best Tachi: Miyazaki
Specifications
| Overall length | 104 cm |
| Blade Length | 71 cm |
| Weight | 1225.8 g |
| Blade Material | High Grade Damascus Folded Steel |
| Specifications | Hand-Sharpened, Full Tang, Battle-Ready |
| Price | $538.99 |
Pros
- Functional Tachi
- Highly decorative
- Beautiful Damascus pattern blade
Cons
- The blade may tend to dull faster with regular use
Many new collectors often face the tachi vs katana decision when choosing their first samurai sword. Although the tachi was originally a horseback weapon, in modern times their usage is pretty much the same, and the decision is based more on personal preference.
The Miyazaki is more like a decorative or ceremonial-looking sword, yet it is functional. It features a typical square tachi guard that is gold-colored with dark accents. The handle is wrapped in black rayskin and brown silk ito, and secured with two mekugi.
Something to keep in mind is that this steel blade is more likely to become dull over time(if used), and you have to resharpen it yourself or you will pay extra to a professional.
It comes with a hardwood tachi saya (which is also wrapped with the same silk ito) and premium brass fittings. Overall, the sword is very detailed, decorative/functional and perfect for display, dojo, iaido use, cutting practice etc..
Customize Your Katana
In 2024, cutom katanas are the most popular among enthusiasts and collectors. Unlike mass-produced blades, a custom katana offers a personalized experience that aligns with your unique needs and preferences.
Whether you’re a martial artist, collector, or enthusiast, customizing your katana elevates it from a tool to an extension of your identity.
You can choose the length of the blade, the type of steel, style of the handle, different guard designs, colors and even signature engravings. Except normal high carbon steel used for swords you also can choose the traditional Tamahagane, the same steel Japanese swordsmiths used back at the time.
This level of customization will ensure that your hand forged Japanese katana will be unique and tailored to your specific needs and preferences. The prices vary from $190 – $3,700, depending on materials you choose.
Last Words
Before buying a katana, ask yourself some questions, Do you want it for martial arts, cutting practice, or display! If you’re purchasing a functional samurai sword, the first things you should be aware of are the steel type and the tang, as they are crucial for the sword’s performance and safety. Avoid cutting hard materials that can damage or break the katana. Before purchasing, make sure to check local laws regarding the ownership and carrying of swords to ensure compliance with regulations.
FAQ
How much is an authentic samurai sword?
The price of an authentic samurai sword can vary widely depending on its quality, craftsmanship, and historical value. Generally, a genuine, traditionally forged samurai sword starts from around $5,000 and can go up to $50,000 or more for high-quality or antique pieces.
What is a samurai sword called?
Samurai used several types of swords, each with different names and pourposes. The most well-known is the katana. See our Samurai Sword vs Katana to see and learn their similarities and differences.
How much does a katana cost?
A standard production katana can range from $180 to $1,000, while a high-quality, hand-forged katana can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.
How heavy is a katana?
A typical katana weighs between 1.1 to 1.5 kilograms (about 2.4 to 3.3 pounds). The weight can vary depending on the blade length, thickness, and materials used, but katanas are generally designed to be lightweight for swift handling and precise movements.
How to Maintain a Katana
To keep your katana in top condition, clean it regularly to prevent rust. Use a soft cloth, oil, and powder ball (uchiko) to wipe the blade after handling or cutting practice. Store it in a dry place, away from moisture, and avoid touching the blade with bare hands to prevent staining.
How to Display a Katana
The traditional way to display a katana is on a katana stand (kake), with the blade facing upward and the handle (tsuka) to the left. You can also mount it on a wall. For collections, consider a multi-tier stand to display several swords elegantly.
