![]() If you decide to pursue sword cutting you may wish to study and practice tameshigiri through proper instruction. When starting use of the katana you may want to start as the samurai would with a boken or training sword. The samurai started training at 5 years old to perfect and master the art of the katana. While learning to cut don't be discouraged if your cuts are not as clean as you would like them to be. ![]() The Japanese cutting katana has a finely polished, sharp edge that cuts quite easily through proper sword targets or tatami mats. Using a katana is a lot of fun but should always be done with safety in mind. ![]() ![]() Not all swords are dressed for battle and some forms of katana are purposely forged without an edge for the martial art Iaito and would have never been carried by a samurai into battle. We do prefer to use “Functional Japanese sword” over the term “battle ready sword” because we feel it more accurately describes the katana that we offer. The term “battle ready katana” is popularly used to describe the functional katana and we do use the term on our website as well. When the katana was outfitted for battle it would have a simpler, more utilitarian tsuba and perhaps a battle wrapped handle (katate-maki tsuka). If the samurai sword was on display or carried in a parade it would likely show off an ornate tsuba (guard), with matching accessories of a particular theme. Each katana blade is outfitted with different furniture or katana fittings. The Katana blade was often passed down through generations of samurai in a family. Unlike the often larger European styled swords the Japanese katana is recognized by the single edged, curved blade. The tanto and wakizashi were the blades traditionally used for seppuka or harikiri by a dishonored samurai. The functional Japanese sword comes in the full length katana, the mid-length wakizashi sword, as well as the short tanto. The Japanese sword is more likely to have a differential temper so the swords cutting edge is harder while maintaining proper flex with a softer spine. Through tempering is practiced on katana production but is more common on the functional European sword. After rough shaping of the sword blade occurs, the katana blade is hardened by either through tempering or traditional differential tempering. Functional katana are produced by hammering a high carbon steel billet or folded steel billet into shape. “Real swords” forged using traditional methods and materials, adhering to ancient Japanese swordsmithing techniques.What is a Functional Japanese Sword? (Functional Katana)Ī functional Japanese Sword also called the functional katana, is a forged Japanese sword that is not only decorative and collectible but is fully usable for the martial artist. Military swords mass-produced for officers of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy during the early 20th century.Ī specialized tanto designed to penetrate the gaps in samurai armor.Ī dagger-like sword with a straight or slightly curved blade, commonly used by samurai for utility and close-quarters combat.Ī sword concealed within a walking cane or staff, developed as a discreet weapon for samurai.Īn exceptionally long sword with a blade measuring over 90 centimeters. Influenced by Chinese and Korean sword designs.Ī style of mounting or scabbard with a plain wooden design, emphasizing the beauty of the blade.Ī bamboo practice sword used in the martial art of kendo to simulate the weight and feel of a real sword. Used by foot soldiers in various formations.Īn early type of longsword with a straight blade, predating the katana. Wielded by female warriors for sweeping and striking techniques.Ī spear-like weapon with a straight, double-edged blade attached to a wooden shaft. Used by samurai in warfare and eventually evolved into the katana.Ī polearm weapon with a curved blade mounted on a long wooden shaft. Worn suspended from the waist and used by cavalry for slashing attacks from horseback.Ī predecessor to the katana, characterized by a curved, single-edged blade and circular or squared guard. Worn by samurai as a secondary weapon or for close-quarter combat.Ī dagger or short sword with a straight or slightly curved blade, primarily used for stabbing and slashing attacks.Īn older style of sword with a curved, single-edged blade longer than a katana. Wielded by samurai as their primary weapon.Ī shorter sword, often the companion to the katana, with a similar design. Types of Japanese Swords: Quick glance Types Of Japanese SwordsĪ curved, single-edged sword with a long grip and circular or squared guard. A post shared by TIGER KAI Dojo the iconic katana to the lesser-known treasures, let us unravel the captivating world of Japanese swords, where martial prowess intertwines with profound artistry and the soul of a nation shines through its finest blades.
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