Easy Katana Guide

The Katana is often misunderstood and surrounded by confusion. With all the Japanese terms, different blade types, and traditions, it’s easy to get lost.

So we’ve made this SUPER EASY GUIDE to help you understand everything in just a few minutes — no need to be an expert or a historian. Whether you're buying your first katana or just curious about Japanese swords, you're in the right place.

1. Types of Katanas and What They’re For

There isn’t just one katana — and it’s important to know how to choose based on what you actually want to do with it.

Sharp Katana

If you're looking to practice cutting (called Tameshigiri), you’ll need a sharpened blade.

These katanas are used to cut things like rolled tatami mats or bamboo, and it’s not just about slicing — it’s a serious physical and mental training. You need to master your form, your angle, your breathing. Every detail matters.

You can sharpen your katana yourself (with special whetstones), or send it to a professional. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, we recommend the second option — it’s easy to damage a blade if you’re not careful.

Unsharpened Katana

Just because a katana isn’t sharp doesn’t mean it’s low quality.

In fact, in many martial arts like Iaido or Kendo, you’re not allowed to use a real blade. That’s why there are Iaitos — non-sharp, lightweight katanas made specifically for training. They’re safe, balanced, and often very well made.

You can also choose a non-sharp katana if you just want to display it safely or sharpen it later.

For Decoration

Let’s be honest — a lot of people buy katanas for decoration. And that’s totally fine.

Tatami rolls are expensive. Not everyone has the space or time to practice swordsmanship. But a katana is a beautiful object, rich in history and meaning — and it looks amazing in your living room or office.

And just to be clear:
Decorative doesn’t mean cheap.

Many decorative katanas are made with incredible care: hand-carved tsubas, traditional wrappings, lacquered scabbards…
Owning a beautiful katana can be a way to connect with Japanese culture, or simply express your passion — and impress a few friends along the way.

2. Types of Katana Forge

One of the most important (and most confusing) parts of choosing a katana is understanding how the blade is forged. And just to be clear: forging style is not the same thing as the type of steel. We'll cover steel in the next section.

Here, we’re talking about how the blade is made — how the different layers are folded, combined, or reinforced to create strength, flexibility, and beauty.

Maru

A Maru forge is the simplest: it’s a blade made from a single type of steel, through and through.

Most entry-level katanas use Maru forging. But that doesn’t mean they’re all low-end. If the steel is high quality (like T10 or 1095 carbon steel), you can still get an excellent blade that’s sharp, strong, and durable.

So don’t dismiss “Maru” — it’s a solid choice, especially if you’re starting out.

Composite Blades

Things get more complex (and more interesting) with composite forging.

Here, the blade is made from multiple types of steel, layered and combined in specific ways. These traditional techniques were developed in feudal Japan to make swords that were both hard and flexible, resilient and sharp.

Some of the most well-known forging styles include:

Kobuse – a hard steel edge wrapped in a softer steel core
Honsanmai – three-layer construction for balanced durability
Sanmai – soft steel center with hard outer layers
Gomai – five layers of alternating steels
Shihozume – complex four-sided layering

Each method was developed for different needs and preferences — and each one reflects a part of Japanese history.

⚠️ Composite blades are usually found in higher-end katanas.
Expect to spend at least $500 to $1000 (or more) if you want one forged this way.

These blades aren’t just stronger — they also carry a deeper aesthetic and historical value. Some collectors even choose based on forging style alone.

3. Steel Quality and Types of Katana Steel

Now that you know how katanas are forged, it’s time to talk about something just as important: the type of steel used.

The steel will directly affect your katana’s sharpness, durability, resistance to corrosion, and even how it feels in your hands.

There’s no “one perfect steel” — it all depends on how you plan to use your sword, and how much you’re ready to invest.

Tamahagane Steel

This is the legendary, traditional Japanese steel used by ancient swordsmiths.
Tamahagane is made in a Tatara furnace and refined through an extremely long and complex process.

The result? A blade with:

High carbon content (for sharpness)
Natural variations and beauty
Traditional Japanese soul

But here’s the catch:

It’s very expensive (starting around $1,500 and going well beyond $10,000)
It takes months or even a year to make a single blade
There are export restrictions from Japan

So while Tamahagane is the “dream steel” for purists and collectors, most people don’t need it — especially if you want a katana for training, cutting, or display.

Modern Alternatives

Thankfully, there are many excellent modern steels that can be used to forge high-quality katanas at more affordable prices.

Here are the most common:

1095 High Carbon Steel
High hardness, razor-sharp edge, traditional feel. Needs regular oiling to prevent rust.
T10 Tool Steel
One of the most popular choices. Harder than 1095, very sharp and durable. Often paired with clay tempering to create a real hamon.
1060 / 1045 Carbon Steel
Softer, more flexible, good for beginners and decorative use. 1060 is better than 1045 for cutting.
Spring Steel (e.g. 5160)
Used in functional swords. Extremely tough and flexible — great for cutting practice.
Damascus Steel
Not a traditional Japanese steel, but very popular. Known for its beautiful wavy patterns. Can be aesthetic only, or functional depending on how it’s made.

✅ Fun fact:
A well-forged T10 or 1095 katana with proper heat treatment can outperform many lower-end Tamahagane blades in actual use.

So if you’re on a budget or just starting out, don’t worry — you can absolutely get a beautiful, functional, high-quality katana without spending thousands.

4. The Hamon – That Wavy Line Everyone Talks About

You’ve probably seen it before — a beautiful wavy or straight line running along the edge of the katana blade. That’s called the Hamon.

But it’s not just there to look pretty. It’s actually one of the most important parts of a traditionally made katana.

What is the Hamon?

The Hamon is a visible line that shows the differential hardening of the blade.

During the forging process, Japanese swordsmiths developed a technique where they coated the blade with a special mix of clay, charcoal, and ash — thicker on the spine, thinner on the edge.

When the blade is heated and then cooled rapidly:

The edge cools faster and becomes very hard (to cut cleanly)
The spine cools slower and stays softer and more flexible (to absorb shock)

This creates the perfect balance between strength and flexibility — and the difference in cooling is what causes the hamon line to appear.

Real vs Fake Hamon

A real hamon is the result of clay tempering and is a sign of craftsmanship.
You’ll mostly find it on mid to high-end swords (especially T10 or 1095 blades with proper heat treatment).

Some decorative swords may have a "fake hamon" — either etched, laser-marked, or polished into the blade to mimic the look. These are fine for display, but they don’t offer the same functional value.

If a real hamon matters to you, make sure the katana is clay tempered, not just "hamon-style."

Types of Hamon Patterns

Different swordsmiths create different hamon styles. Some of the most common patterns include:

Suguha – straight line
Midare – irregular wave
Notare – smooth wave
Gunome – semi-regular wave
Choji – clover-like shape
Togariba – sharp, pointed waves

Each hamon is unique, and many collectors choose katanas based on the beauty and artistry of the hamon alone.

5. The Bo-Hi – More Than Just a Groove

If you’ve ever seen a katana with a groove running down the side of the blade, that’s called the Bo-Hi (pronounced boh-hee). Some people call it a “blood groove,” but that name is actually a bit misleading.

Let’s break down what it really is and what it’s for.

What Is the Bo-Hi?

The Bo-Hi is a carved-out groove that usually runs along one or both sides of the blade. Not all katanas have one — it depends on the sword’s purpose and the smith’s design.

Historically, the Bo-Hi served several purposes:

✅ Reduces weight – By removing some steel, the blade becomes lighter and faster without losing much strength.
✅ Improves handling – A lighter katana is easier to control, especially for martial artists.
✅ Creates sound – When you swing a katana with a Bo-Hi, it makes a distinctive “whoosh” sound called tachikaze. This sound helps practitioners check their form and alignment.
✅ Aesthetic appeal – It also just looks really cool.

And no, the Bo-Hi was not made to channel blood. That’s a myth.

Should You Get a Katana with a Bo-Hi?

It depends on what you’re looking for.

If you're training in martial arts like Iaido, a Bo-Hi is helpful for both weight reduction and audible feedback.
If you're doing Tameshigiri (cutting practice), some people prefer a katana without a Bo-Hi for a bit more weight and impact.
If it’s for display, then it’s just a matter of taste.

Some blades also feature multiple grooves or partial Bo-Hi, especially on high-end custom swords.

6. The Tsuba – Not Just a Hand Guard

The Tsuba is the round (or sometimes square) guard between the blade and the handle. At first glance, it might just look like a simple safety feature, but the Tsuba is actually one of the most important and artistic parts of a katana.

It’s more than just protection — it tells a story.

What Does the Tsuba Do?

Originally, the Tsuba had a practical role:

🛡️ Protection – It stopped the opponent’s blade from sliding down and injuring your hand.
⚖️ Balance – The Tsuba affects the overall balance of the katana. A heavier Tsuba will shift the balance closer to your hand, making the sword feel lighter at the tip.
🎨 Aesthetics – Over time, the Tsuba became a place for blacksmiths and artists to show off their craftsmanship.

Many antique Tsubas are considered museum-worthy art pieces, featuring intricate designs of dragons, cherry blossoms, samurai, waves, and scenes from Japanese folklore.

What Are Tsubas Made Of?

Traditional Tsubas were made from:

Iron
Copper
Brass
Steel

Sometimes you’ll find premium versions with silver, gold, or inlaid decorations. Each material has its own weight and look — and it subtly changes the feel of the katana in your hand.

A good Tsuba is not just beautiful — it’s well-fitted, balanced, and part of the katana’s soul.

7. The Tsuka – What’s Under the Handle Wrap

The Tsuka is the handle of the katana — the part you grip when wielding the sword. But unlike modern handles, the tsuka is far from simple. It’s made with care, tradition, and layers of meaning.

What Is the Tsuka Made Of?

Under the wrapping (which we’ll talk about in the next section), the core of the handle is traditionally made of wood, often hardwood like Honoki (Japanese magnolia).

On top of the wood, swordsmiths place a layer of:

Samegawa – This is real ray or shark skin, used to increase grip and durability. The rough surface helps keep the wrapping tight and secure.

Because ray skin is expensive (and because of ethical concerns), many modern katanas now use synthetic alternatives or embossed leather to imitate the texture.

What Does the Tsuka Do?

The Tsuka isn’t just something to hold. It has to:

Provide a firm, balanced grip
Hold the blade securely in place (with the help of pegs, called mekugi)
Withstand impact during cutting or training
Support the Tsuka-Ito (wrapping) and all the decorative fittings like menuki, fuchi, and kashira

A well-made Tsuka is strong, slightly oval in shape (not round), and fits tightly to the blade’s tang (nakago) without any wobble.

Poor-quality tsukas are often glued or loosely fitted — this is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

8. The Tsuka-Ito – The Handle Wrapping That Makes a Katana Feel Right

Now that you know what’s under the handle, let’s talk about what’s on top of it: the Tsuka-Ito.

This is the traditional braid wrapping that gives the katana its iconic look — those neat, diamond-shaped patterns running down the handle.

But it’s not just for style. The tsuka-ito plays a key role in how the katana feels in your hands.

What Is Tsuka-Ito Made Of?

Traditionally, tsuka-ito was made from silk. But today, you’ll find it in several materials:

Cotton – soft and affordable, but wears out faster
Leather – very grippy and durable, used in high-end swords
Silk – elegant and traditional, but more expensive
Synthetic fibers – used in modern swords, good for heavy use

Each material affects the feel and look of the sword — and how well it absorbs sweat.

Why Is the Wrapping Important?

The tsuka-ito has multiple purposes:

🖐️ Grip – It gives your hands traction and control, even during long practice sessions.
🧱 Structure – It helps hold the whole handle together, pressing the ray skin tightly to the wood.
🔎 Quality Check – A good tsuka-ito is wrapped firmly, evenly, and without gaps. If the wrap is loose or shifts when squeezed, that’s a red flag.

You’ll also notice small ornaments (called menuki) tucked under the wrap — we’ll talk about those in a later section.

Bonus tip:
The color of the tsuka-ito can reflect your taste or match the rest of the sword. Some people like traditional dark tones, others prefer bold colors for a custom look.

9. Fuchi and Kashira – The Metal End Caps of the Handle

They might be small, but the Fuchi and Kashira are important parts of the katana’s handle. Together, they frame the tsuka, both structurally and visually.

They’re often overlooked by beginners — but real collectors and practitioners know how much these little parts matter.

What Is the Fuchi?

The Fuchi is the metal collar at the base of the handle, right where it meets the Tsuba (the hand guard).

Its role is to:

Reinforce the lower part of the handle
Help keep the tsuka-ito wrapping in place
Act as a transition point between blade and grip
Add a decorative touch to the sword

It needs to fit tightly and match the overall theme of the katana. On poorly made swords, the fuchi can feel loose or generic — not a good sign.

What Is the Kashira?

The Kashira is the end cap at the very bottom of the handle.

Its function is similar:

It locks the wrapping from the other side
Provides balance to the handle
Adds an artistic finish
Reinforces the handle structure

Fuchi and Kashira are often made as a matching set, decorated with traditional motifs like dragons, waves, cherry blossoms, or mythological scenes.

Materials and Details

They’re usually made of:

Iron
Copper
Brass
Alloys or steel
Some high-end versions even have gold or silver plating, especially on custom or collector pieces.

In Japanese sword culture, attention to detail is everything — and the Fuchi-Kashira set is a great example of that.

10. Menuki – The Hidden Decorations Under the Wrapping

If you’ve ever looked closely at a katana handle, you might have noticed small metal ornaments peeking through the diamond shapes of the tsuka-ito wrap. Those are called Menuki.

They’re small, they’re often hidden — but they’re full of meaning.

What Are Menuki?

Menuki are tiny decorative elements placed under the tsuka-ito (handle wrapping), often made of metal like:

Copper
Silver
Brass
Gold (in luxury models)

They come in all kinds of traditional Japanese shapes: dragons, tigers, waves, flowers, deities, samurai armor, and more.

What Are They For?

Originally, menuki had a practical role:

They added a slight bulge to the handle, giving the fingers a more ergonomic grip.
On some swords, they helped secure the handle wrapping more tightly.
They also covered the mekugi holes (wooden pegs that hold the blade in place).

Today, menuki are often seen as decorative and symbolic — reflecting the sword owner's personality, clan, or beliefs.

In a way, menuki are like little secret emblems. Most people won’t notice them — but the one who holds the sword always will.

11. Sayanuri – The Protective Coating on the Scabbard

Let’s talk about Sayanuri — a term that refers to the lacquered finish on the saya, the wooden scabbard of the katana.

Even though it's often overlooked, the sayanuri has both practical and aesthetic purposes. It’s not just shiny paint.

What Does Sayanuri Do?

🛡️ Protection – The saya (usually made of magnolia wood) is naturally soft and absorbent. The lacquer protects it from moisture, scratches, and wear.
✨ Looks – It gives the katana its polished, elegant appearance. Some are glossy black, others are matte, textured, or decorated with hand-painted designs, ripple effects, or mother-of-pearl inlays.
🧽 Easy maintenance – A lacquered surface is easier to clean and keeps the sword looking good for years.

Traditional Japanese lacquering is an art in itself. Some sayas are so beautiful, they’re collected even without the sword.

Anything to Watch Out For?

Cheap swords might have thin, uneven lacquer that chips easily. A quality sayanuri will feel smooth, evenly coated, and durable. On high-end pieces, it can take days to apply and cure properly.

12. The Sageo – The Cord on the Scabbard

The Sageo is the cord you’ll find tied around the saya (the scabbard). At first glance, it might just look like a decorative string — but like everything on a katana, it has meaning and purpose.

What Is the Sageo For?

Historically, the sageo was used to:

🧷 Secure the katana to the samurai’s obi (belt)
🥋 Keep the saya in place during movement or combat
🪢 Tie the katana for ceremonial display or storage

In martial arts like Iaido, how you tie and handle the sageo is part of the etiquette — it’s a reflection of respect and discipline.

Materials and Styles

Sageo cords can be made from:

Cotton – flexible, affordable, and traditional
Silk – luxurious, smooth, and elegant
Synthetic fibers – durable and budget-friendly

They come in many colors, and often people choose to match the sageo with the tsuka-ito (handle wrap) for a coordinated look. Some like traditional black or brown; others prefer deep red, navy, or even gold.

Pro tip: A well-tied sageo always looks neat.
A messy knot? Not a great first impression for sword collectors or martial artists.

13. Seppa and Habaki – The Small Fittings That Hold Everything Together

They might look like small details, but the Seppa and Habaki play an essential role in the katana’s overall structure and function. Without them, your sword just wouldn’t work — or feel — right.

What Is the Habaki?

The Habaki is a small metal collar that wraps around the base of the blade, right where it meets the Tsuba (hand guard).

Its job is to:

🔒 Lock the blade into the scabbard (saya) securely
🧭 Stabilize the Tsuba, keeping it from shifting
🔩 Create the tight fit that gives a katana its solid, satisfying construction

When the katana is sheathed, the habaki is the part that “clicks” into place, keeping the blade from falling out. A good habaki is precisely fitted and often made of copper, brass, or silver.

On high-end katanas, the habaki may even be engraved or hand-forged to match the sword’s overall theme.

What Are Seppa?

Seppa are thin oval washers placed on both sides of the Tsuba — one between the habaki and Tsuba, and one between the Tsuba and handle.

They serve to:

Tighten the overall assembly
Absorb minor vibrations
Prevent rattling between the parts over time

They’re usually made of brass or copper, and while they may not be flashy, they’re essential for a clean, solid build.

If your katana rattles or feels loose — the seppa and habaki are usually the first things to check.

14. The Saya – More Than Just a Scabbard

The Saya is the wooden scabbard that protects the katana blade when it's not in use. But like everything in the world of Japanese swords, it's not just functional — it's crafted with care, tradition, and beauty.

What Is the Saya Made Of?

Traditionally, the saya is made from Honoki wood (Japanese magnolia), which is:

🌿 Lightweight
🪵 Soft enough to avoid scratching the blade
🌬️ Naturally resistant to moisture and insects

This makes it the perfect wood for cradling a polished, razor-sharp sword.

The outside is usually coated with lacquer — remember the Sayanuri we talked about earlier? That’s what gives it its glossy or textured finish.

What Does the Saya Do?

The saya serves several purposes:

🛡️ Protects the blade from dust, humidity, and scratches
🎯 Keeps the sword balanced when worn
🖼️ Adds visual harmony to the sword
🧘 Symbolizes readiness and restraint — the sword is hidden until needed

A high-quality saya should hold the blade firmly but not too tight — it should "click" into place at the habaki, and release with a clean draw.

Customization and Style

Sayas come in all types of designs:

Glossy black or deep red (classic)
Matte or textured finishes
Hand-painted motifs or inlays
Carvings, engravings, or even horn fittings on luxury swords

The sageo cord is usually tied around it, both for function and decoration.