The first question should be how you intend to use the sword.

• Display or collecting: appearance, fittings, hamon and personalization may be your priorities.
• Light cutting: steel, heat treatment, blade geometry and sharpening become more important.
• Martial arts practice: blade length, weight, balance and sharpness should meet your instructor's requirements.

There is no single specification that is best for every customer. A simpler, well-balanced sword is often a better first katana than an overly complicated build.

For many first-time buyers, 1060 carbon steel is a practical and affordable choice. It provides a good balance of toughness and performance.

If you want additional resilience and resistance to taking a permanent bend, 9260 spring steel is an excellent option.

If your priority is a traditional-looking blade with a genuine hamon, 1095 or T10 clay-tempered steel may be more suitable.

No. A more expensive blade may involve more complicated heat treatment, polishing, construction or decorative work, but that does not automatically make it better for every purpose.

For example, a through-hardened 9260 spring steel blade may be a very practical choice for a beginner, while a clay-tempered blade with a real hamon may be preferred by a collector.

1060 contains less carbon than 1095 and is generally a tough and forgiving sword steel.

1095 can achieve greater hardness and excellent edge retention. It is also commonly used for differential hardening, making it suitable for customers who want a genuine hamon.

Higher hardness does not automatically mean a better sword. The correct choice depends on the intended use and heat treatment.

9260 is a silicon-alloy spring steel known for toughness, flexibility and resistance to permanent deformation.

It is a popular option for customers who want a practical functional sword, especially when durability is more important than having a traditional hamon.

T10 is a high-carbon tool steel commonly used for functional Japanese-style swords. When properly heat treated, it can provide a hard cutting edge and good edge retention.

T10 can also be clay tempered, allowing a genuine hamon to form during differential hardening.

Not necessarily.

Historically, folding helped distribute impurities in traditional sword steel. Modern industrial steels are already highly refined, so folding is no longer required simply to make a strong sword.

Today, folded steel is primarily selected for its visible layered grain, commonly referred to as hada.

If your main priority is durability, a properly heat-treated monosteel blade such as 1060 or 9260 may be equally suitable or more practical.

Both matter.

A high-quality steel with inappropriate heat treatment may perform poorly, while a properly treated sword steel can provide excellent performance.

Blade geometry, hardness, tempering and intended use should therefore be considered together rather than judging a sword only by the steel name.

Clay tempering is a differential hardening process.

Clay is applied to different areas of the blade before heat treatment. During quenching, the edge and spine cool at different rates, allowing the cutting edge to become harder while the spine remains relatively more resilient.

The process also creates a genuine hamon along the hardened area of the blade.

A real hamon is created during differential heat treatment rather than simply being painted onto the blade.

Common hamon styles include:

• Suguha
• Notare
• Gunome
• Choji

Because each blade reacts slightly differently during heat treatment and polishing, two handmade hamon patterns will never be perfectly identical.

Yes. Several hamon styles are available on suitable clay-tempered blades.

We can follow the selected general pattern, but a natural hamon cannot be reproduced with exact machine-like uniformity. Small variations are normal and are part of the handmade process.

A real hamon is evidence of differential hardening, but it should not be interpreted simply as meaning that one sword is stronger than another.

Differentially hardened and through-hardened blades have different performance characteristics. The better choice depends on the sword's intended use.

A bo-hi is a groove running along part of the blade.

It can reduce blade weight and change the sword's balance and handling. A properly shaped bo-hi may also produce tachikaze, the audible sound created during a correctly aligned swing.

The term "blood groove" is often used in popular descriptions, but it is not an accurate explanation of the bo-hi's primary purpose.

Bo-hi is mainly associated with blade geometry, weight reduction, balance and aesthetics.

Bo-hi may be suitable if you prefer:

• A lighter blade
• Faster handling
• More audible feedback during swings
• A traditional grooved appearance

No bo-hi may be suitable if you prefer:

• A more solid-feeling blade
• More blade mass
• Simpler blade geometry

Neither option is universally better.

Yes. Depending on the dimensions and construction, we can make several non-standard blade geometries and styles.

Custom options may include different blade profiles, kissaki styles, bo-hi arrangements, widths, thicknesses, lengths and sori.

For complicated custom blades, we strongly recommend sending a simple drawing with exact measurements.

Most functional HanBon Forge swords can be ordered sharpened.

Depending on the model or custom configuration, blunt or unsharpened options may also be available. Always check the selected product options when ordering.

Niku refers to the convexity or amount of material behind the cutting edge.

A blade with niku has a more robust edge geometry than a very thin cutting edge. It can therefore be preferred by customers who want a sword designed with heavier cutting performance in mind.

Many properly sharpened functional swords are capable of cutting appropriate practice materials when used with proper technique.

Cutting ability depends on blade geometry, heat treatment, sharpness, target preparation and the user's technique — not only the steel type.

Possibly, but you should always confirm your instructor's requirements before ordering.

Different schools may have specific requirements for:

• Blade length
• Overall weight
• Balance
• Sharp or blunt edge
• Bo-hi
• Tsuka length

A sharp sword should never be used for partner practice.

Blunt-edge configurations are available for suitable custom builds.

If the sword will be used for formal training, please confirm the correct blade length, weight and other specifications with your instructor before placing the order.

A common standard katana configuration uses approximately a 28-inch blade and an 11-inch tsuka.

Exact measurements may vary depending on the model and selected options.

Yes. We produce a wide range of sword lengths, including:

• Ko-katana
• Wakizashi
• Katana
• Ninjato
• Nodachi
• Odachi

Non-standard and extremely long blades require additional production time and may also require special shipping arrangements.

Yes. Custom handle lengths are possible for many sword builds.

For non-standard dimensions, please provide the exact length you require.

Sword weight is affected by many factors, including:

• Blade width
• Blade thickness
• Distal taper
• Bo-hi
• Tsuba size and material
• Handle construction
• Other fittings

Blade length alone is therefore not enough to determine final sword weight or balance.

Yes. Custom swords are an important part of what we do at HanBon Forge.

Depending on the sword, you may customize:

• Blade steel
• Blade length
• Tsuka length
• Blade geometry
• Bo-hi
• Hamon
• Sharpness
• Tsuba
• Fuchi and kashira
• Menuki
• Habaki and seppa
• Samegawa
• Tsuka-ito
• Tsukamaki
• Saya
• Sageo
• Engraving

In many cases, yes.

Our custom sword system allows customers to combine many different fittings and materials. However, not every fitting is compatible with every sword type or blade configuration.

If you are unsure about compatibility, contact us before ordering.

Possibly.

If you require unusual dimensions, special grooves, custom engraving, a particular wrap, blade geometry or another non-standard detail, contact us with your specifications.

For complex requests, a drawing or marked reference image is often the clearest way to communicate your design.

We follow the selected specifications as closely as reasonably possible, but handmade products naturally have small variations.

Natural materials such as rayskin, wood and horn can differ in texture and appearance. Genuine hamon patterns also vary from blade to blade because they are formed during heat treatment.

These small variations are normal characteristics of handmade sword production.

Genuine rayskin is available for our sword handles.

Depending on the selected configuration, samegawa may be installed as traditional panels or as a full wrap.

Standard panel construction uses sections of rayskin placed beneath the handle wrap.

With full-wrap samegawa, the rayskin extends around substantially more of the wooden tsuka core. Some customers choose it for its appearance, construction preference or more traditional specification.

Hishigami are small paper wedges used beneath the tsuka-ito during traditional-style handle wrapping.

They help create cleaner, more consistent diamonds and improve the overall appearance of the tsukamaki.

Cotton: traditional texture and comfortable grip.

Synthetic silk: smooth appearance and economical choice.

Japanese silk: premium traditional appearance and refined texture.

Leather: distinctive appearance and a different tactile feel.

The best choice depends largely on personal preference and intended use.

Yes. Depending on the design and available space, we can engrave names, dates, text, Japanese characters, symbols, logos and selected artwork.

Learn more about our blade engraving custom service.

Depending on the sword and design, engraving may be possible on areas including:

• Blade
• Nakago / tang
• Saya
• Habaki

Available space and suitable positioning vary according to the individual design.

Yes.

Customers should confirm the spelling, meaning and exact characters before submitting the order. We normally reproduce the text provided by the customer and cannot guarantee the linguistic accuracy of customer-supplied translations.

Usually, yes.

Please provide a clear, high-resolution image. Simple artwork with clearly defined lines generally produces the best engraving result.

If placement is important, please send a simple mock-up showing the desired position and orientation.

Production time depends on the selected configuration.

Many standard configurations can normally be completed in approximately 5–7 business days.

Non-standard blades, unusual dimensions, complex custom work, special coatings, custom saya finishes and very long blades may require substantially more time.

Some highly customized swords may require approximately 6–7 weeks.

Yes.

Before shipment, we check key areas such as the blade, handle assembly, fittings, saya fit, selected options and overall appearance.

Yes. For custom sword orders, we normally send finished-sword photos for confirmation before shipment.

This gives you an opportunity to review the overall configuration before the sword leaves us.

If something appears different from the order specification, please tell us before approving shipment.

We recommend checking:

• Blade type and general shape
• Hamon
• Bo-hi
• Tsuba
• Tsuka-ito color
• Samegawa color
• Menuki
• Saya
• Sageo
• Habaki
• Engraving
• Overall configuration

The sword is primarily retained by the fit between the habaki and the koiguchi, or mouth of the saya.

The sword should be held securely without requiring excessive force to draw it.

Saya are primarily made from wood, and wood naturally reacts to environmental changes.

International shipping can expose the sword to significant differences in humidity and temperature, which may slightly affect the fit around the koiguchi.

If the fit appears excessively tight or loose, contact us before making major modifications.

A small amount of internal clearance may exist because the saya must not tightly clamp the entire blade.

The habaki and koiguchi are responsible for retaining the sword.

However, excessive movement or unusual looseness should be inspected. If you are unsure, please send us a short video.

The primary structural fittings should remain secure during normal handling.

If the tsuba, tsuka or another structural component becomes noticeably loose, stop using the sword and contact us before continuing cutting practice.

Yes. HanBon Forge ships swords to many countries and regions.

Import rules vary by destination, so customers should confirm that the sword they intend to purchase can legally be imported, possessed and received in their location.

Delivery time depends on the destination, shipping route and local customs processing.

Many destinations require approximately one to several weeks after dispatch. Customs inspections, public holidays and transportation conditions can cause additional delays.

Please check our current Delivery Information page for the latest destination-specific details.

Yes. Once the parcel has been dispatched and tracking information becomes available, we will provide the tracking number.

Some international routes may not display detailed tracking information immediately during the first stage of transportation.

This depends on the destination and shipping method.

Some routes may include prepaid customs arrangements, while other destinations may require local taxes, duties or import charges.

Because shipping routes and customs procedures can change, please check our current Delivery Information page or contact us before ordering if you have questions about your country.

Some destinations require special shipping arrangements and may therefore not appear in the standard checkout list.

Contact us with your country and postal code and we can check whether delivery is currently available.

Swords are securely packed with protective materials and reinforced external packaging to help protect the blade, fittings and saya during international transportation.

Our online payments are currently processed through PayPal.

In supported locations, PayPal may also allow customers to pay using a debit or credit card without opening a PayPal account.

PayPal is our payment processor.

Depending on your country and PayPal's local services, you may see a guest checkout option allowing payment by debit or credit card without creating a PayPal account.

Guest checkout availability is controlled by PayPal and may vary by location.

Yes.

Carbon steels such as 1060, 1095, T10 and 9260 can rust when exposed to moisture, fingerprints or corrosive materials.

Regular inspection, cleaning and light oiling are therefore important. See our Katana Maintenance Guide.

The ideal maintenance schedule depends on your climate, storage conditions and how frequently the sword is handled.

Inspect the blade regularly and maintain a very thin protective film of suitable sword oil.

If the blade is handled or used for cutting, clean and re-oil it afterward. Humid environments may require more frequent care.

It is better to avoid touching polished carbon-steel blades directly.

Fingerprints contain oils, moisture and salts that may eventually cause staining or corrosion. If the blade is touched, wipe it clean and apply a thin protective layer of oil.

Keep the sword in a dry, stable environment away from excessive humidity and sudden temperature changes.

Keep the blade clean and lightly oiled, and inspect it periodically even if the sword is primarily kept for display.

For additional information, see our Katana Maintenance Guide.

Functional swords should only be used with appropriate sword-cutting targets and proper technique.

Avoid striking:

• Metal
• Stone
• Concrete
• Trees
• Hard knots in wood
• Other swords
• Unknown hard objects

Improper targets can damage even a high-quality blade.

Yes. No functional sword is indestructible.

A hard cutting edge may chip when it strikes an inappropriate object, while a blade may bend if a cut is severely misaligned.

Steel type, heat treatment, blade geometry, target material and cutting technique all affect how a sword responds.

No.

Functional swords are real weapons and must be handled responsibly. Keep them away from children and anyone who is unfamiliar with proper sword handling.

Owners are responsible for following all applicable local laws concerning possession, transport and use.

Contact us as soon as possible.

If production has not started on the affected component, a change may still be possible.

Once a custom blade, saya, engraving or other component has entered production, some changes may no longer be possible or may involve additional work and cost. Please review our Returns Policy.

Please contact us before attempting significant repairs or modifications.

To help us understand the issue, please send:

• Your order number
• A clear description of the issue
• Clear photos of the affected area
• A short video if the issue involves movement, looseness, sound or fit

This allows us to evaluate the situation more accurately and recommend an appropriate solution.

Please photograph the external packaging before discarding it.

Then photograph the sword, saya and any affected components and contact us with your order number.

Photos of the original packaging can be important when evaluating transportation damage.

A katana is a Japanese-style curved, single-edged sword traditionally designed for two-handed use.

A wakizashi is a shorter Japanese sword traditionally associated with the katana. Modern wakizashi are popular both as standalone swords and as matching companion pieces.

A tanto is a short Japanese blade traditionally classified as a dagger or short sword.

Nodachi and odachi generally refer to unusually long Japanese swords. Modern terminology varies, but these swords typically use substantially longer blades than a standard katana.

Their size requires special production and shipping considerations.

• Tsuka: handle
• Tsuba: hand guard
• Samegawa: rayskin beneath the handle wrapping
• Tsuka-ito: handle wrapping material
• Fuchi: collar fitting near the tsuba
• Kashira: end fitting of the tsuka
• Menuki: decorative ornaments beneath the handle wrap
• Saya: scabbard
• Sageo: cord attached to the saya
• Habaki: blade collar
• Nakago: tang inside the handle
• Mekugi: retaining peg through the tsuka and tang