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.
Respect for your sword is where you should begin your path in this martial arts discipline. Here are some tips to properly care for your sword.
If you are not going to use it, you should always store it in a case horizontally. This is to prevent the blade from becoming loose or falling out of the sheath.Store your sword in a dry environment to prevent rust.
Preventing oxidation is more effective and desirable than eliminating it. It is recommended that you use katana sword. You can find it on any specialized store.
The Sword Has A Glaze That Is Very Fragile
You should never touch the blade part because the sweat from your fingers can leave fingerprints on its surface.
Never Try To Sharpen Your Own Blade
Sharpening a sword requires training. Even many professionals do not have the skills to sharpen it themselves. You run the risk of damaging your sword if you use a stone to sharpen it.
There is a wide variety of Japanese martial arts centered on legendary swords. Some of the most popular are kendo and iaido, whose meanings are: “the power of the sword” and “the path to be harmonious.” Kendo focuses on drawn sword practice and sparring. And, on the other hand, laido focuses more on katas and forms, starting and ending the training by sheathing the sword.
Formerly in Japan, Samurai were a type of soldiers. Their mission was to protect their lords or generals at all costs. His code of conduct was reduced to “Absolute obedience.”
The Samurai class was abolished in the Meiji period. Today, Bushido has become a line to follow that explains how man should behave according to a certain morality that transcends logic. What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. The differences between good and bad and between what is right and wrong are given to us. There is no option for discussions or justifications and man must know the differences.
Here’s what you should learn before picking up your sword or placing katana for sale. When you finally decide to practice this discipline and acquire your sword, a long road awaits you, but none will be as satisfying as this one.