Buying a samurai sword or katana in the UK raises a lot of questions, and the biggest one is usually about the law. We get asked about legality, pricing, steel types, and care on a daily basis, so we have pulled together answers to the most common questions in one place. If you are thinking about buying a katana, this is everything you need to know before you commit.
Are Samurai Swords and Katanas Legal in the UK?
Yes, but with conditions. The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended in 2008) made it illegal to sell, import, or hire curved swords with a blade length of 50cm or more. However, there are important exemptions that make it legal to buy and own a katana in the UK. You can legally purchase a samurai sword if it falls into one of the following categories:
- Traditionally forged swords: Katanas made using traditional methods (hand forged, clay tempered, folded steel) are exempt from the ban. This is the key exemption that most buyers rely on. A sword forged in the traditional way is classed as a martial arts weapon or antique, not a prohibited offensive weapon.
- Martial arts use: If you are a practitioner of a martial art that uses swords (such as Iaido, Kendo, or Kenjutsu), you can purchase swords for training purposes.
- Religious or cultural reasons: Swords used for religious ceremonies or cultural purposes are exempt.
- Theatrical and film use: Swords purchased for use in film, TV, or theatrical productions are exempt.
You must be 18 or over to purchase any sword in the UK. Carrying a sword in public without a lawful reason is a criminal offence. These are display, collection, and martial arts items, not everyday carry weapons.
What Is a Katana?
A katana is a Japanese single-edged sword with a curved blade, traditionally measuring over 60cm (roughly 24 inches) in blade length. It was the primary weapon of the samurai class in feudal Japan and is recognised worldwide for its distinctive curved profile, circular or squared guard (tsuba), and long two-handed grip wrapped in silk or cotton cord. The design evolved over centuries to become one of the most effective cutting weapons ever made, combining a hard cutting edge with a softer, more flexible spine that absorbs impact without snapping.
What Is the Difference Between a Katana, Wakizashi, and Tanto?
These are three types of Japanese sword that differ primarily in length and intended use:
- Katana: Blade length over 60cm. The primary battlefield weapon of the samurai, designed for two-handed slashing and cutting in open combat.
- Wakizashi: Blade length between 30cm and 60cm. A shorter companion sword carried alongside the katana as part of the daisho (paired set). Used for close-quarters fighting, indoor combat where a full-length katana was impractical, and as a backup weapon.
- Tanto: Blade length under 30cm. A short blade or dagger used for stabbing, close combat, and utility purposes. We stock a range of tanto swords starting from £19.99.
Samurai traditionally carried the katana and wakizashi together as a matched pair called the daisho, which symbolised their status and authority. If you want the full set, our samurai sword sets include katana, wakizashi, and tanto together with a display stand.
How Much Does a Katana Cost?
Katana prices vary hugely depending on the materials and construction method. Here is what to expect:
- Decorative/display katanas: £40 to £80. Stainless steel blades, not designed for cutting. Good for wall display and cosplay. Looks the part from a distance.
- Mid-range functional katanas: £80 to £150. High carbon steel (typically 1060), capable of light cutting. A solid entry point for someone who wants a real blade they can handle and display.
- Premium hand forged katanas: £130 to £300. 1060 or 1095 clay tempered carbon steel, hand forged using traditional methods. These are the real deal. Visible hamon (temper line), full tang, proper balance. Our Minamoto range sits in this bracket.
- Collector grade: £300+. Premium 1095 steel, elaborate fittings, display-quality finish. Our Bamboo Blossom Minamoto Katana at £1,250 is the top of the range.
Where Can I Buy a Katana in the UK?
We sell and ship katanas from Scarborough, North Yorkshire. All orders go out via Parcelforce 48, with delivery typically taking 3 to 7 working days. Because we are UK-based, there are no customs charges or import duties to worry about. You can browse the full range of katanas and Japanese swords on our site, or if you are local, visit us in store at Units 3&4 St. Thomas Hospital, Foreshore Rd, Scarborough YO11 1PB. We are open seven days a week, 10:30am to 5pm.
What Is 1060 vs 1095 Carbon Steel?
The numbers refer to the carbon content in the steel, which directly affects hardness, edge retention, and flexibility:
- 1060 carbon steel: Contains 0.60% carbon. A good balance of hardness and toughness. It holds an edge well and is forgiving if you are new to sword ownership. Less brittle than higher carbon steels, making it a solid all-rounder for both display and cutting practice. Most of our Minamoto katanas use 1060.
- 1095 carbon steel: Contains 0.95% carbon. Harder steel that holds a sharper edge for longer, but is more brittle and requires more careful handling. 1095 is the choice for serious collectors and martial artists who want the sharpest possible blade and are willing to maintain it properly.
Clay tempering: Both grades can be clay tempered, which is the traditional Japanese method of applying clay to the blade before heat treatment. The spine cools slowly (staying flexible) while the edge cools rapidly (becoming very hard). This process creates the hamon, the visible wavy temper line on the blade that is one of the hallmarks of a traditionally made katana.
How Do I Display a Katana?
The traditional way to display a katana is on a horizontal stand called a katanakake. The sword rests with the cutting edge facing upward and the handle (tsuka) to the left if the sword is "at rest" or to the right if in a state of readiness. For a full daisho set (katana, wakizashi, and tanto), a three-tier stand keeps everything together neatly. We sell both two-piece and three-piece samurai sword stands that work with any standard katana. Wall mounting is also popular. Whichever method you choose, keep the sword away from direct sunlight, moisture, and anywhere children can reach it.
How Do I Care for and Maintain a Katana?
Carbon steel blades will rust if neglected. The good news is that basic maintenance is straightforward:
- After handling: Always wipe the blade with a clean, dry cloth after touching it. The oils from your skin will cause rust spots if left on the steel.
- Oiling: Apply a thin layer of sword oil (choji oil or light mineral oil) along the blade every few weeks, or more often if you live in a humid environment. A light coating is all you need.
- Storage: Keep the sword in a dry room. If storing in the saya (scabbard), make sure both blade and scabbard are dry first. Moisture trapped inside a scabbard is the fastest way to ruin a blade.
- Rust: If you spot surface rust early, it can usually be removed with a very fine abrasive or rust eraser. Deep rust requires professional attention. Prevention is always easier than cure.
How Much Does a Katana Weigh?
A standard katana weighs between 900g and 1.3kg (roughly 2 to 3 lbs), depending on the blade length, steel type, and fittings. This is lighter than most people expect. The weight distribution is designed to sit forward of the guard, which is what gives the katana its distinctive cutting power. A well-balanced katana should feel natural in a two-handed grip, not heavy or unwieldy. Decorative katanas with stainless steel blades tend to be lighter. Functional katanas with high carbon steel blades sit at the heavier end.
How Sharp Is a Katana?
A properly sharpened katana is extremely sharp. A functional, hand-forged blade with a correctly ground edge can cut cleanly through rolled tatami mats, bamboo, and similar targets with a single stroke. Our decorative katanas come with an unsharpened edge since they are intended for display. Our hand-forged Minamoto range comes with a sharp, functional edge that is ready for cutting practice out of the box. If you are buying a katana for martial arts training, check whether the specific model is listed as functional or decorative before purchasing.
What Should I Look for When Buying My First Katana?
Focus on these things:
- Purpose: Display only? A stainless steel decorative sword is fine. Cutting practice or martial arts? You need high carbon steel (1060 minimum). Cosplay? A lightweight option or wooden replica will do the job.
- Steel type: For a functional blade, look for 1060 or 1095 carbon steel. Avoid stainless steel for any sword over 30cm in blade length because it becomes brittle at longer lengths and can snap.
- Full tang: The blade should extend through the entire handle. A rat-tail tang (where the blade narrows to a thin rod inside the handle) is a sign of a cheap, potentially dangerous sword.
- Budget: If you can stretch to the £130 to £200 range, you will get a genuinely well-made, hand-forged katana that will last a lifetime. Below £80, you are in decorative territory, which is perfectly fine if display is all you need.
Do You Sell Samurai Swords From Film and TV?
Yes. We carry replica katanas inspired by characters from Kill Bill, The Last Samurai, Ghost of Tsushima, Highlander, and other franchises. These sit alongside our traditional Japanese swords. If you are into anime, we also have a large range of anime swords including blades from Demon Slayer, Bleach, One Piece, and Naruto.
Ready to choose your katana? Browse our full range of samurai swords or visit us in store at Scarborough. If you need advice on which sword is right for you, get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.