One of the oldest known Japanese forms of sword dates from the Kofun era of the 3rd and 4th centuries. The style, called Kashima no tachi, was created at the Kashima Shrine. Before 987, examples of Japanese swords are straight chokuto or jokoto and others with unusual shapes. In the Heian period, 8th to 11th centuries, sword-making developed through techniques brought from Siberia and Hokkaido, territory of the Ainu people. The Ainu used warabite-to swords and these influenced the katana.

According to legend, the Japanese sword was invented by a smith named Amakuni Yasutsuna 700 AD, along with the folded steel process. In reality the folded steel process and single edge swords had been brought over from China and Korea through trade. Swords forged between 987 and 1597 are called koto, old swords and these are considered the pinnacle of Japanese swordcraft. Early models had uneven curves with the deepest part of the curve at the hilt. As eras changed the center of the curve tended to move up the blade.

Trademark Katana with Red Dragon Tsuba and Scabbard, 40-Inch

List Price: $49.99
Sale Price: $28.38

Embrace the power of the dragon with this incredible weapon! The Red Dragon Katana features dragon styling on the scabbard and tsuba. The handle is composed of imitation fish skin. In addition to its incredible design the sword also features a 28 inch blade.

40" Kendo Wooden Bokken Practice Samurai Sword Katana

List Price: $0.00
Sale Price: $7.55

This is the Katana Length Wooden Bokken Practice Single Sword. The bokken is constructed from wood with a Red glossy finish. A cotton wrap has been wrapped over the handle of the sword. The Bokken is Katana length...

Black Classic Japanese Dragon Samurai Katana Sword New

List Price: $29.98
Sale Price: $14.98

This classic sword is perfect for home decoration or as a gift. The high quality and the affordable price make it an absolutely good buy. You can't find a better deal than this. Don't waste this good chance to get a perfect display for your home or your buddies!

Our version of the Dragon Head Katana for sale has an overall length of 39 inches with a 27.5 inch hand polished stainless steel blade accompanied with a color matching sageo cord wrapped saya scabbard. It has a metal cast tsuba handguard in the shape of a flying Japanese dragon and the tsuka handle is accented with a dragon menuki decor.