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 info@moonswords.com.

About MoonSwords and craftsmanship

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

Where are MoonSwords swords made?
Every sword is designed by our team and hand-forged locally and in a historic Chinese province with over 2,000 years of swordmaking tradition. MoonSwords 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.

Function, steel and safety

Is the sword battle ready?
MoonSwords blades are high-carbon steel with full tang construction, suitable for display, training, or light cutting. They are not designed for real combat or live battle use; the focus is form, craftsmanship, and tradition.

Are the swords full tang?
Yes. Every MoonSwords 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.

Can I order a sword sharpened or unsharpened?
Most swords are offered either sharpened or unsharpened. Each product page shows how that sword can be ordered.

Can I cut with my sword?
Cutting performance depends mainly on the steel and how well the blade was heat-treated, so check the steel listed on each product page. T10 and 1095 are modern high-carbon steels and excellent all-around choices for a functional cutting sword. Damascus performs according to its base steel and weld quality and is chosen mostly for its visible 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. After any cutting, wipe the blade clean and re-oil it before returning it to the saya.

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 does not sell a care kit.

Are the swords safe to handle?
Swords have sharp edges. Handle with care, store responsibly, and keep them away from children and anyone who cannot handle them safely. They are collectibles, not toys.

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 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 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 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, non-custom items can be returned for an exchange or refund according to the laws of the country they were shipped to. Custom items cannot be returned. Shipping is not 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 info@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 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 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 info@moonswords.com if you are unsure how to proceed.

What if my package is lost, delayed, or seized by customs?
MoonSwords 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 you receive your item to request a return. The item must be in the condition you received it, unused, with tags and in its original packaging, and you need your receipt or proof of purchase.

How do I start a return?
Email info@moonswords.com. If the return is accepted, we send a return shipping label and instructions. Items sent back without a return request first will not be accepted. The customer pays the cost of the return.

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

What can't be returned?
Personalized items, custom products and special orders, sale items, and gift cards cannot be returned. Hazardous materials, flammable liquids, and gases are also excluded.

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 info@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 offers a limited 90-day warranty against manufacturing defects, starting on the date your order is delivered. If you find a defect, email info@moonswords.com within 90 days so we can evaluate the issue and make it right. Products that have been abused or misused are not covered, and the warranty does not extend to combat, martial arts, or other operational use.

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 products.

Is it legal to own a sword in the United States?
In most states, swords are legal to own, display, and practice with. MoonSwords 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 is not liable for orders that violate local law.