#Authentic katana sword registration#
#Authentic katana sword license#

It’s worth pointing out the difference between a fake and a replica. If one disregards the three attributes of a real katana ( Katana-kaji creation, Tamahagane steel-only construction, and NBTHK certification), differentiating it from a fake and replica can be challenging. A Tokubetsu Juyo Token- classified katana is a culturally important sword. Meanwhile, a Tokubetsu Hozon- certified sword means the katana has exceptional qualities. Hozon- certified katana swords are excellent for cultural preservation. Any sword deemed by the NBTHK as counterfeit or fails rigorous evaluation parameters could be confiscated and its creator or owner charged with illegal weapons possession.Īuthentic katana swords receive one of three NBTHK certificates of authenticity. The NBTHK evaluates a katana’s historical and artistic value, giving the creator an official paperwork certifying the katana’s authenticity. Only one Japanese governing body can evaluate a katana’s authenticity – the Nihon Bitsu Token Hozon Kyokai or the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords. Tamahagane steel forging also requires a traditional single-use-only Tatara furnace, further limiting the Katana-kaji’s ability to produce more katana swords. Real katana swords only use Tamahagane steel, a product of sourcing precious iron sand (Satetsu) from select Japanese regions.

#Authentic katana sword registration#

All swords also require registration and ownership permit, and a Katana-kaji can only produce a maximum of three short-bladed weapons (i.e., Tanto and Wakizashi) or two long-bladed swords (i.e., Tachi and katana) per month. Aspiring Katana-kaji must have at least five years of continuous swordsmithing training before qualifying for certification.

#Authentic katana sword license#

Obtaining a Katana-kaji license isn’t easy either. Hence, only licensed Japanese swordsmiths ( Katana-kaji) can make the legendary Samurai sword. Unlike countries without strict regulations governing bladesmithing, Japan has a hawkish approach to keeping its venerated katana-making history and tradition. However, an authentic katana can only come from the expert hands of a master Japanese katana forger. A Licensed Katana-kaji’s CreationĪny swordsmith can make dependable swords, even replicas and counterfeits.

Knowledge of these attributes can also help you determine if the katana you see on online platforms is real or fake. The Japanese are familiar with these Katana characteristics, allowing them to buy only the real legendary Samurai sword instead of counterfeits. An Authentic KatanaĪn authentic or real Katana has unique properties that fakes and replicas don’t have. So, how do you spot real vs fake katana swords? Read on. And where there is a high price for katanas, one can expect counterfeits lurking in the midst. Hence, it is unsurprising that authentic katana Samurai swords are some of the world’s most expensive. These legendary blades are historically and culturally significant. Many buy Katana swords to give them exceptional aesthetic pleasures as display pieces in the middle of a room.