Things To Know Before Picking Up A Japanese Sword

When considering the purchase of a new Japanese sword, there are multiple factors to take into account. Proper care can ensure that a high-quality katana lasts for generations. However, with a wide variety of styles available, it can be challenging to determine the most suitable choice.

Blade Length

Consideration must be given to the length of the blade when selecting a sword. Following the Edo period, Japanese swordsmen made a transition from the katana to a longer blade. These new blades, known as katanas or tachis, were not only heavier but also possessed a greater curvature compared to the swords crafted prior to this era. Traditional Japanese swords are categorized into three distinct blade length subdivisions:

• Measuring 1 shaku or less,
• Measuring 1-2 shaku (referred to as wakizashi or kodachi)
• Measuring 2 shaku or more. It is worth noting that a shaku is equivalent to 13.96 inches or 35.45 cm.

Sword Types- What Type Of Sword Do You Want To Buy?

What type of sword do you want to buy? The Japanese katana is probably the most popular type. Used by ancient Japanese samurai and the feudal class, it features a curved, single-edged blade with a long guard and handle.

Japanese wakizashi is another popular option. It is smaller than the katana and many traditional samurai warriors carry both. When the two swords are carried together, the combination is called daishō, which translates to “little big.”

Katana

Is it better to choose a katana sword? As you may already know, the katana is a groove carved into the side of the blade. It lightens the blade, albeit slightly, and also makes a clear hissing sound when the blade is swung.

However, the presence of the katana sword makes the sword slightly weaker. This is a sacrifice, as the katana reduces the weight of the sword, but at the cost of a small amount of strength.

Warranty

Consider whether the sword is under warranty or not. Sellers who do not offer warranties on their swords are probably selling low-quality products. It is also important to distinguish between those who are only intermediaries (for example, 99% of Chinese katana distributors) and those who have their own forge and control the quality of their products (such as MAS Butouken).

Steel Quality

Just because two swords are made of “steel” does not necessarily mean that they are of equal quality. Some swords are made of higher quality steel than others, offering greater protection against wear and tear.

Things To Know Before Picking Up A Japanese Sword

A Japanese sword is one of the most venerable weapons in history. It is not a toy and there are parts of it that all practitioners who use it must treat with care. They are famous for their impressive cutting power; however, they can very easily cause damage, so it is very important to use them responsibly.