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Katana Blog

Katana Blade Shapes: Shinogi-Zukuri & Beyond

Katana Blade Shapes: Shinogi-Zukuri & Beyond

Katana blade shapes explained: shinogi-zukuri vs hira-zukuri, the kissaki tip variations (ko, chu, o), and how curvature placement (sori) defines what each sword was designed to do.

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How to Sharpen a Katana: Methods, Mistakes & When Not To

How to Sharpen a Katana: Methods, Mistakes & When Not To

How to sharpen a katana the right way: the difference between sharpening and polishing, why DIY methods destroy blades, what owners can safely do at home, and when to send the sword to a professional togishi.

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Parts of a Katana: Complete Anatomy Guide

Parts of a Katana: Complete Anatomy Guide

Parts of a katana broken down zone by zone: every named component of the blade, handle, scabbard, and fittings, what each one does, and why knowing the vocabulary changes how you buy, maintain, and talk about Japanese swords.

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Katana Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Katana Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The complete katana buying guide: how to define your use case, read spec sheets honestly, choose the right steel and construction, match price tier to need, detect fakes, and pick a reputable seller. The cornerstone reference for first-time and experienced buyers alike.

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How to Spot a Fake Katana 8 Red Flags Every Buyer Must Know

How to Spot a Fake Katana: 8 Red Flags Every Buyer Must Know

An $800 "hand-forged" katana turned out to be a $40 stainless steel fake. Here are the 8 checks that would have caught it - tang, hamon, steel, fittings, weight, price, listing, and seller.

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Can a Katana Cut Through Steel? Myths vs Reality

Can a Katana Cut Through Steel? Myths vs Reality

Kill Bill says yes. Physics says it depends. This guide uses real hardness data, historical tameshigiri records, and expert analysis to separate katana cutting myth from reality.

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How to Care for a Katana: Complete Maintenance Guide

How to Care for a Katana: Complete Maintenance Guide

A fingerprint can start rust in 48 hours. This step-by-step guide covers everything - tools, cleaning routine, oiling, rust removal, storage, and the 5 mistakes that ruin katanas.

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Are Katanas Legal? 2026 Laws by Country & US State

Are Katanas Legal? 2026 Laws by Country & US State

From Texas to Tokyo - katana laws vary wildly. This 2026 guide covers US state-by-state rules, UK restrictions, European regulations, and how to legally buy and ship a sword internationally.

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Types of Japanese Swords: The Complete Guide

Types of Japanese Swords: The Complete Guide

From the ancient tachi to the legendary katana - discover every type of Japanese sword, their history, key differences, and which one belongs in your collection.

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