Ninja Weapons

The historical shinobi carried whatever was practical and easy to hide: a shortened or plainly mounted sword, a sickle, climbing gear, and tools that doubled as weapons. The arsenal most people picture today, the straight ninjato, the three-pronged sai, throwing stars and kunai, is a mix of Japanese, Okinawan and 20th century film sources. The sai in particular is Okinawan and was never a ninja tool, but a century of cinema has made it one, and the pairing of a straight sword with a set of sai is now simply what a ninja collection looks like.

Everything on this page is hand forged in 1095 high carbon steel. Construction, hardness and dimensions are stated on each listing.

What is here

Ninjato swords

The straight-bladed short sword with a square guard, from 30 to 41 inches overall. One piece carries a falchion-style clipped profile rather than the usual straight chisel point, and it is noted in its listing. The ninja bundle pairs a ninjato with a cleaning kit, sharpener and stand. The dedicated ninjato collection has the full buying guide for the sword itself.

Sai

A matched pair in 1095 steel, 21 inches overall, with the traditional forked guard. Sai are always sold and displayed as a pair, and they sit well on a small stand or crossed on a wall plaque.

Steel

1095 is the traditional monosteel, typically finishing around 56 to 58 HRC. It is high carbon and wants to be kept clean, dry and lightly oiled.

For the curved blades of the samurai, see the Japanese swords collection. The ninjato article separates the myth from what is actually documented.

Frequently asked questions

What weapons did ninja actually use?
Documented shinobi equipment is mostly practical: short or plainly mounted swords, the kusarigama sickle and chain, shuriken, and tools for climbing and infiltration. The distinct straight ninjato is largely a modern reconstruction.

Is the sai a ninja weapon?
Historically no. The sai is an Okinawan weapon associated with karate and kobudo. It became a ninja weapon in the popular imagination through 20th century film and television.

What is the difference between a ninjato and a katana?
A ninjato has a straight or near-straight blade, is usually shorter, and is mounted plainly with a square guard. A katana is curved, runs around 40 inches overall, and carries more elaborate fittings.

Are these sharpened?
Each listing states how that piece is finished. The steel is hardened either way.

Can they be engraved?
Yes. Blade and scabbard engraving are done in our Illinois workshop. See the engraving options on each listing.