Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most about our swords, ordering, shipping, and policies. Can't find what you're looking for? Email sales@moonswords.com.

About MoonSwords Guild and craftsmanship

What is a katana?
A katana is a traditional Japanese sword known for its curved, single-edged blade and long grip. MoonSwords Guild makes modern interpretations for collectors, martial artists, and enthusiasts.

Where are MoonSwords Guild swords made?
Every sword is hand-forged by skilled swordsmiths. MoonSwords Guild is based in New Hampshire's Lakes Region.

How are the blades made?
Each blade is hand-forged from high-quality steel, shaped by hand, and oil-quenched for durability. Select blades are also clay-tempered: the spine is coated in clay before heating and quenching, which gives a hardened edge, a resilient spine, and a visible temper line (hamon).

Which blades are clay-tempered?
Each product page lists whether that sword is clay-tempered, in the product details.

What is the Master Collection?
A limited-edition line of Chinese jian and dao hand-forged by Master Bladesmith Zhao Peiyan of Longquan. Zhao has more than 40 years of experience and is a nationally recognized cultural heritage bearer of Longquan sword forging. His work has won 30+ national gold and silver awards and is held in the Zhejiang Museum and Beijing Art Museum.

Do swords come with a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, for the Master Collection. Every Master Collection sword comes with a certificate of authenticity from the Chinese government.

Steel and safety

Are the swords full tang?
Yes. Every MoonSwords Guild sword has full tang construction, meaning the blade runs through the entire handle for better strength, control, and balance.

What steel do you use?
Blades are high-carbon steel, including T10, 1095, Damascus, and Tamahagane, depending on the model. T10 is used in every price tier, 1095 and Damascus in mid-range and high-end, and Tamahagane in the top Heritage tier. Each product page lists its steel. See Katana Steel Types Explained for the differences, or browse the T10, 1095, and Damascus steel pages.

Which steel should I choose?
Check the steel listed on each product page. T10 and 1095 are modern high-carbon steels and excellent all-around choices that produce a genuine hamon when clay-tempered. Damascus is chosen mostly for its visible folded-steel pattern. Tamahagane is the traditional material and is favored by collectors. For a side-by-side comparison, read Katana Steel Types Explained and 1095 vs T10.

How do I care for my sword?
Keep the blade clean, lightly oiled, and stored dry:

1. Hold the sword by the handle and avoid touching the blade with bare fingers.
2. Wipe the blade with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Avoid abrasive materials and harsh chemicals.
3. Apply a thin, even layer of sword oil or mineral oil with a clean cloth, then wipe off any excess. Keep oil off the handle wrap and fittings.
4. Store the sword on a stand with the edge facing up, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
5. Check the blade regularly for moisture or rust and re-oil as needed.

For more detail, read The Care and Maintenance of a Japanese Katana, Preserving Tradition: The Art of Proper Katana Storage, and The Importance of Keeping Your Blade Oiled.

Do you sell a care kit?
No. MoonSwords Guild does not sell a care kit.

Are the swords safe to handle?
Our swords are real steel blades. Handle with care, store responsibly, and keep them away from children and anyone who cannot handle them safely. They are collectibles, not toys.

Engraving

What does the +$30 engraving option include?
The engraving add-on covers custom text or a short design etched directly into the blade or fittings, depending on the sword. You choose what is engraved, such as a name, date, kanji, or short phrase, and the engraving is done by hand before the sword ships. Because engraving is permanent and personalizes the item, engraved swords cannot be returned.

How do I select engraving?
These options appear on each individual product page as option selectors before you add the sword to your cart. Not all models offer every option; if you do not see a selector, that option is not available for that sword. Questions? Email sales@moonswords.com.

Ordering and custom swords

What payment methods do you accept?
American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diners Club, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, PayPal, Amazon, and USDC.

Do you offer payment plans or financing?
No. MoonSwords Guild does not currently offer any payment plans.

Do you offer any discounts?
Yes. Join the email list on the homepage to get 15% off a katana.

Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. A MoonSwords Guild gift card is available on the site. Gift cards cannot be returned.

Do you sell stands and displays?
Yes. See the Stands and Displays collection.

Can I customize my sword?
Yes. You can choose your steel, saya, bohi, tempering, and other details for a custom build, from one-of-a-kind commissions to collector pieces. Contact us through the Contact page with your idea and budget.

Can you make a sword inspired by a game, anime, or film?
Yes, MoonSwords Guild will make a sword inspired by a character or game. We cannot produce copyrighted items, so the sword will be an inspired design rather than an exact copy. Contact us through the Contact page with your idea.

How long does a custom or made-to-order sword take?
Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for in-stock katana and up to 15 business days for Sanmai and Tamahagane blades, with transit time on top. Custom builds take from 30 days to 6 months, depending on the customization and whether the fittings must be hand-carved or molded from a 3D model.

Can I cancel or change my order?
Yes, you can cancel or change an order until it ships. After it ships, eligible items can be returned under our Return Policy. Custom items cannot be returned, and original shipping charges are non-refundable.

Do you have a partner or affiliate program?
Yes. Use the Contact page to apply to become a partner or affiliate.

Shipping and customs

Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. Delivery within the U.S. is free.

Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, to many countries. Shipping rates and delivery times vary by location and are calculated at checkout.

Are there countries you cannot ship to?
We do not ship to Puerto Rico, outlying U.S. territories, or P.O./APO boxes due to high shipping surcharges, transit limitations, or varying regional logistics. For the full list of countries we cannot ship to, see our Shipping page.

How long will delivery take?
Delivery time is processing time plus transit time. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for in-stock katana, up to 15 business days for Sanmai and Tamahagane blades, and 30 days to 6 months for custom builds, wherever you live. Transit time is on top of that and depends on your destination. Weather, holidays, and customs delays can push delivery past the carrier's estimate, and transit times are never guaranteed.

Which carrier do you use, and how is the sword packaged?
The carrier depends on the physical location the package is going to and which shippers will deliver packages with age verification. Every shipment requires an adult (18+) signature on delivery, so we ship to a physical address where someone can sign. Every sword is wrapped in a sword bag, with the handle covered to prevent damage, and ships in a cardboard box.

Can I insure my shipment?
Yes. Optional shipping insurance is available at checkout for an added cost, and we recommend it for higher-value pieces.

How do I track my order?
Use the Track Your Order page, or email sales@moonswords.com.

Will I have to pay customs, duties, or taxes?
Orders under $800 USD generally do not incur customs charges. Orders over $800 USD may be subject to duties, taxes, or fees depending on your country's rules. These charges are set by your customs authority, so MoonSwords Guild cannot prepay them or include them on your invoice. You are responsible for paying them.

Can you lower the declared value on the customs form?
No. Under-declaring the value is illegal, so MoonSwords Guild declares the true value.

What if customs holds my package?
Customs will contact you directly by mail or email and explain how to pay any duties or taxes. Contact sales@moonswords.com if you are unsure how to proceed.

What if my package is lost, delayed, or seized by customs?
MoonSwords Guild cannot issue refunds for shipments that are lost, stolen, or withheld by customs, so please confirm your country's rules before ordering.

Returns, refunds and warranty

What is your return policy?
You have 30 days from the date your order is delivered to request a return, for any reason. The item must be unused, in the condition you received it, in its original packaging, and you need your receipt or proof of purchase. See the full Return Policy.

How do I start a return?
Email sales@moonswords.com with your order number and reason for return. If the return is approved, we send a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and instructions. Please ship the item within 14 days of receiving your RMA; returns without an RMA will not be accepted. MoonSwords Guild pays return shipping for defects, shipping damage, or our error; otherwise the customer pays return shipping.

What if my sword arrives damaged, defective, or wrong?
Inspect your order as soon as it arrives and contact us immediately. We may ask for photos so we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

What can't be returned?
Engraved or personalized items, custom builds and special orders, sale items, and gift cards cannot be returned unless they arrive damaged or defective.

Can I exchange my sword?
The fastest way is to return the item you have and, once the return is accepted, place a new order for the one you want.

How long do refunds take?
We notify you after we receive and inspect the return. Approved refunds go back to your original payment method within 10 business days, and your bank may need extra time to post it. If more than 15 business days pass after approval, email sales@moonswords.com.

Do EU customers get a longer return window?
Orders shipped into the European Union have a 14-day cooling-off period to cancel or return for any reason. The same condition rules apply, and personalized items are excluded.

Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. MoonSwords Guild offers a limited 90-day warranty against manufacturing defects, starting on the date your order is delivered. If you find a defect, email sales@moonswords.com within 90 days so we can evaluate the issue and make it right. The warranty covers normal display and handling; damage from misuse, impact, or improper care is not covered.

Legal and eligibility

How old do I have to be to buy a sword?
You must be at least 21 years old to purchase MoonSwords Guild products.

Is it legal to own a sword in the United States?
In most states, swords are legal to own and display. MoonSwords Guild ships across the U.S., but always check your local laws on swords and bladed items. See also Is it legal to own a katana in the United States? on the blog.

Is it legal to own a sword in my country?
Buyers are responsible for knowing and following the laws where they live on owning, importing, transporting, and using swords, including any permits or paperwork required. MoonSwords Guild is not liable for orders that violate local law.