At Espadas y Más, we're eager to answer your questions, so here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about us and our products.
Differences between a functional and a decorative katana
At first glance, all katanas may look the same. Shiny, with an elegantly curved blade and a meticulously crafted hilt. However, not all are made for the same purpose. There's a big difference between a functional katana and a decorative one, and understanding it is key if you're thinking about buying one.
A functional katana is designed to be used. It's forged from durable materials and designed for real cutting, training, or martial arts. Its construction follows traditional techniques, and every element—from the blade to the handle—is designed to offer balance, safety, and durability.
A decorative katana, on the other hand, is merely a visual object. Its purpose is to embellish, not to cut. While it may look very detailed and striking, it isn't designed for practical use. The materials are often lighter or less durable, and in most cases, the blade isn't even sharp.
If you're looking for a piece of art to decorate your home, a decorative katana will be perfect. But if you want to train or have a sword that feels like the real thing, a functional katana is ideal.
Differences between a katana and a sword
Although sometimes used synonymously, katana and sword are not the same. A katana is a Japanese sword, but not every sword is a katana.
Each one has its own history, manufacturing method, and particular combat style. Their characteristics can give them names, and knowing the differences is like opening a window to completely different worlds.
The katana is a traditional Japanese weapon, famous for its curved blade, unique edge, and design conceived for precise cuts. Its use is closely linked to martial arts disciplines such as kenjutsu and iaido, where fluid movement and precision are essential.
The way it is held, drawn, and cut is part of a broader philosophy that goes beyond combat and is strongly associated with the samurai.
The sword, on the other hand, encompasses a vast array of bladed weapons originating from Europe, Asia, and other regions. From straight and double-edged medieval swords to lighter ones like the saber or rapier, their design is more oriented toward thrusting, blocking, and direct engagement with armor.
Every sword, regardless of its origin or style, including the katana, has a long history behind it and is a reflection of the changes, traditions, and cultures that have made them what they are today.
Katanas are legal in Spain.
Yes, katanas are legal in Spain for adults, but their use is restricted, as with any bladed weapon.
Items considered bladed weapons are legal for domestic use or as ornaments or collections in one's own home, or for controlled spaces with proper authorization.
It's completely legal to buy and keep them at home if you're of legal age, but selling them to minors or using them in public is prohibited.
If I sharpen a decorative katana, does it become functional?
This is a fairly common question, especially among those purchasing their first katana and curious about its true potential. At first glance, a decorative katana can look very similar to a functional one: it has the blade, the hilt, and even visual details reminiscent of authentic samurai swords. But the difference goes beyond the edge.
Decorative katanas are made from materials not designed to withstand impacts. Their steel is often of low quality or even an alloy unsuitable for combat. Furthermore, the assembly of the parts is often weak: the blade may not be properly secured to the hilt, making it dangerous to use in actual practice.
Sharpening them doesn't make them functional. In fact, it can be even more risky: a sharp but structurally fragile blade is more likely to break, bend, or cause accidents.
Functional katanas, on the other hand, are made from heat-treated steel, have a solid construction, and have undergone processes that ensure their durability and safety in real cuts.
In short: sharpening a decorative katana doesn't make it functional. If you want a sword that's actually usable, it's best to invest in one designed and forged for that purpose.
Can I customize my katana?
Yes, you can customize your katana, both decoratively and functionally. This is one of the things that collectors and martial arts practitioners enjoy the most, because the katana is not just a weapon, but also a work of art, and customizing it allows you to reflect your style, history, or even your values.
The possibilities are endless: you can choose the type of steel and blade size, as well as the design, material, and color of the tsuba, tsuka-ito, and saya. Symbols or inscriptions can also be engraved, making each piece unique.
Customizing your katana is a way to connect with tradition, but also to express something very personal. Whether you use it for display, training, or cutting, having a custom-made katana makes it more than just a sword: it's an extension of you.
At Espadas y Más , we give you the opportunity to design a katana tailored to your needs: choose every detail of your samurai sword and turn it into a unique piece that reflects your style and personality, whether decorative or functional.
Once customization is complete, our artisans will forge your katana using traditional Japanese techniques, ensuring a high-quality result, depending on your desires.
The average time to make your katana is 15 to 30 business days.
We leave you here the link with more details about our custom katanas .
Do you ship katanas to other countries?
Yes. We ship all items we carry at Espadas y Más, including katanas, anywhere in the world. However, this only applies to countries where they are legal and can be imported from abroad.
As we strive to address all of our customers' concerns, for your peace of mind, there's a special section dedicated to shipping, as tariffs and delivery times depend on the country you live in.
We've provided a link so you can keep all the details in mind when purchasing and calculate how much the final price may vary depending on your location, here .
