Samurai Sword - Japanese Katana Swords

Samurai Sword - Japanese Katana Swords

In Japanese culture, the samurai sword could only be carried by the noblest class of warriors. Learn online about samurai swords and what kind of authentic or replica samurai swords you can get online.

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The most famous kind of samurai sword is the katana. The samurai katana sword is a long, curved sword, measuring around two feet three inches. It is carried in a scabbard called a saya with its blade facing up so it is ready for combat. The katana was the main fighting blade of the samurai, and they believed the sword contained their soul.

The other famous Japanese samurai sword is called the wakizashi, a short but extremely sharp sword that was used in the ritual of seppuku, also called hara-kiri, which was the ritual of taking one's own life by plunging the wakizashi into the abdomen. The samurai sword set is called the daisho.

The curved blade of the katana was designed for easy slicing, but not for thrusting like Chinese or western swords. The Japanese developed a method of folding the metal, which helped rid the steel of impurities. This method was largely abandoned after the year 1876, so an antique samurai sword that has a folded blade is of particular value to collectors. The best samurai swords are considered to be the koto, which were made between the years 700 to 1500.

An antique samurai sword is marked with such things as the kanji and engravings of gods, dragons, tigers, snakes, and other creatures. Also, the guard, or tsuba, was passed down as an heirloom in Japanese families. These often including the family symbol and some historical information, and have become collector's items for enthusiasts of authentic samurai swords.

There are many different kinds of samurai swords on the market, from real samurai swords to reproductions of the Last Samurai sword or the Hattori Hanzo swords from the Kill Bill movies. Usually, these samurai sword sets are sold with a display rack to make a stylish showpiece for any home.

The samurai sword is still used in martial arts, like kenjutsu.

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