If you are wondering whether katanas are legal in California, the answer is yes. California allows the ownership, purchase, shipping, and display of real katanas. Whether you are interested in buying a battle ready katana, collecting Japanese swords, or ordering a full tang katana online, you are completely within California law. The only area where the law matters is how a katana is carried in public, not whether you can own or buy one.
This guide explains everything you need to know about katana legality, katana shipping rules, katana import laws, and how to safely buy a katana online in California. If your goal is to purchase a real high carbon steel katana, you can do so legally and confidently.
Are Katanas Legal in California
Yes. Katanas are fully legal to own.
California does not prohibit the ownership of samurai swords. This includes katanas, wakizashi, tanto, longswords, and any other fixed blade swords. You can legally own, display, collect, and practice with a katana without needing a permit.
What the law classifies a katana as
A katana is considered a fixed blade knife under California law. Fixed blades are legal to own. The law focuses on carry restrictions, not ownership.
No restrictions on katana import laws or katana shipping in California
You can legally order a katana online from inside or outside the United States. You can also import a real katana from another country as long as it is not concealed or mislabeled.
Katana Laws in California Explained
California Penal Code sections relevant to katana legality include:
- Penal Code 16470 and 21310
- Penal Code 20200
- Penal Code 21310
These sections confirm that:
Owning a katana is legal
You can keep a katana in your home, studio, or office without issue.
Buying a katana is legal
Both in person and online.
Katana shipping is legal
Katanas can be shipped to California by all major carriers.
Katana import laws
Importing a katana for personal use is legal because swords are not a restricted weapon class.
Carrying a katana has rules
You can carry a katana openly in a sheath. Concealed carry is illegal.
Are Swords Legal in California
Yes. All swords are legal to own. This includes:
- Katana
- Wakizashi
- Tanto
- Nodachi
- European longsword
- Sabers
- Broadswords
As long as the blade is not concealed, you are within the law.
Can You Carry a Katana in California
Open carry
Legal. The katana must be in a sheath and worn openly.
Concealed carry
Not legal. Concealing any fixed blade is prohibited under state law.
Practical reality
Even though open carry is technically legal, it may draw unwanted attention. Most katana owners do not carry their swords in public unless transporting them for a legitimate activity.
Is It Legal To Display a Katana at Home
Yes. California has no restrictions on displaying swords at home. You can:
- Hang a katana on the wall
- Display it on a stand
- Keep a full daisho set
- Build a sword collection
- Showcase custom blades
Your katana is treated as a legal collectible item.
Katana Shipping Rules for California Buyers
California has no limitations on sword shipping. Retailers simply package it securely and ship it like any other collectible item.
Major carriers that ship katanas
- UPS
- FedEx
- USPS
- DHL
No special licensing or permits are required.
Katana Import Laws for California
If you want to import a katana from Japan, China, or Europe, you can do so legally. Customs does not restrict functional swords. They only check that the item is accurately labeled and safely packaged.
Important import notes
- Heavily recommend shipping the sword as a collectible or decorative sword
- The value must be declared
- It cannot be concealed inside other items
- It must be securely packaged
Collectors regularly import katanas, tanto, and wakizashi without any legal issues.
Buying a Katana Online in California
Buying a katana online is the most popular method for California customers. Online sellers offer better quality, more customization, and better pricing than most local shops.
Why people buy katanas online
- More steel options
- Higher authenticity
- Ability to customize
- Real full tang construction
- Better blade geometry
- Wider selection
You can legally order a katana online and have it delivered anywhere in the state.
What Type of Katana Should California Buyers Choose
T10 Katana
Extremely hard and razor sharp.
1095 Katana
Strong and ideal for cutting practice.
1060 Katana
Flexible, durable, and beginner friendly.
9260 Spring Steel Katana
Exceptional shock absorption and cutting durability.
Folded Steel Katana
Beautiful layered patterns.
Clay Tempered Katana
Real hamon for a traditional look and performance.
All of these blades are legal to ship and own in California. For our full guide on different katana steels click here.
Why California Buyers Choose Pacific Armory
Pacific Armory provides real, high quality katanas with fast worldwide shipping.
- Authentic high carbon steels
- Real full tang construction
- Battle ready performance
- Custom builds available
- Fast California delivery
- Affordable beginner options
California customers routinely trust Pacific Armory for high performance swords backed by reliable service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Katana Legality in California
Are katanas legal in California
Yes. Fully legal to own, buy, and ship.
Are katanas legal in the USA
Yes. Swords are legal in all states.
Can you order a katana online in California
Yes. Completely legal.
Are katana shipping and import laws strict
No. They are simple and similar to shipping any collectible item.
Can I display a katana at home
Yes. Home display is fully legal.
Is it legal to carry a katana in California
Open carry is legal. Concealed carry is not.
Conclusion: Katanas Are Completely Legal in California
Katanas are legal to own, import, ship, and buy in California. If you want to own a real battle ready katana, display a sword at home, or start a collection, California law allows it without restrictions. The only rule is not to conceal the blade during transportation.
Since you can legally purchase katanas in California, why wait. Buy one now. Here at Pacific Armory we ship katanas all over the world. Get your next katana here.