For some of you looking for more information on realistic katanas or other Japanese swords, you might be interested in learning more about wooden handle katana swords, or even buying one. 

In the former case, these are actually a special type of sword that was not intended for combat. This short post will tell you all you need to know from a high level. 

Wooden Handle Katana, AKA Shirasaya

Traditionally, a katana was carried in a lacquered wooden scabbard known as a saya in Japanese. These were often elegantly decorated and finished with beautiful cord wraps known as samegawa. 

The thing about the lacquered wood, beautiful as it was, is that it did not breathe. And swords, as you may know, are often made from steel alloys that are highly prone to rust. 

The case is no different here with a traditional Japanese sword like a katana, so long-term storage in the saya was not a good idea. Even short term transport was not ideal, especially under humid conditions. 

This is where the wooden handle katana, more properly known as a shirasaya, comes into focus. 

Shirasaya is Japanese for “white scabbard” and is presumably a reference to the fact that these wooden handle katanas were housed in untreated, unlacquered wooden sayas. 

The fact that the wood was not only unlacquered but unfinished meant that it would breathe, which helped protect the sword it housed and protected against corrosion. 

However, it was not just the scabbard that was replaced; the tsuka was removed from the sword and a naked, unfinished wood handle was placed over the nakago (or tang) protecting it from corrosion as well. 

Now, the important part to remember here is that these wooden handle katanas were not intended for combat. The katana’s fittings and trappings were removed from it and it was stored in the shirasaya for transport, or for long-term storage. 

Keep in mind also that the unfinished wooden handle of one of these swords would not offer an ideal grip, and that furthermore there was no tsuba to prevent the wielder’s hands from slipping up and onto the blade.

Either way, the image remains an alluring one in the popular mind, keeping these wooden handle katana swords highly sought after. If you’re in the market for one of them, the place to get it is online at True Swords.

Want to Know Where You Can Buy a Wooden Handle Katana?

True Swords carries a wide range of traditional Japanese swords, including katana, wakizashi and odachi swords, as well as wooden handle katana swords that you now know are more properly known as shirasaya. 

Some of the sword replicas they carry are for display only, but they also carry a wide range of battle-ready Japanese swords, including damascus katanas, that can be used for live cutting practice. 

For more information, visit their website, or get in touch with them directly and they will be more than happy to assist you in your search. 

For more information about Seax Sword and Wakizashi Katana Please visit: True Swords.