Antique Japanese Katana — Authentic Certified Blades

This collection features genuine antique Japanese katanas — original blades forged in Japan centuries ago, many with NBTHK certification papers, signed tsuba and original koshirae, shipped directly from Japan.

Unlike modern reproductions, every sword here is a one-of-a-kind historical artifact. Each listing details the blade's period, smith attribution when known, mountings and certification status, so collectors know exactly what they are acquiring.

What Makes an Antique Katana Valuable

Three factors drive the value of an antique Japanese sword: the blade itself (period, smith, condition, hamon), the certification (NBTHK Hozon and Tokubetsu Hozon papers authenticate blade and attribution), and the koshirae — the mountings, from signed iron tsuba to lacquered saya, which are collectible works of art in their own right.

NBTHK Certification

The Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) is Japan's leading sword authentication body. A blade with Hozon papers has been examined by their experts and judged authentic and worthy of preservation. Many katanas in this collection carry these papers — it is the strongest guarantee of authenticity a collector can get.

Shipped from Japan, Papers Included

Every antique sword ships directly from Japan with its certification documents when applicable. If you are looking for a modern hand-forged blade instead, browse our full katana collection.