Custom katana12/21/2023 Daisho – Daisho (which means “big/little”) is a pair of katana swords–one long (the daito) and one short (the shoto)–which were originally worn by Samurai.Initially, shin-gunto swords were well-made, but as Japanese resources depleted during the war, the quality of shin-gunto swords consequently suffered. As a result, the shin-gunto (“new army sword”) was established, and used to execute POWs during WWII. In the 1930s, however, a wave of nationalist pride brought the uchigatana back into fashion, with some modern touch-ups. Shin-Gunto – During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Western swords of inferior quality supplanted katana swords in Japan. ![]() Most authentic modern katana swords draw a direct lineage to the uchigatana. At first, uchigatana swords were not of high quality, but once better versions were made, this type of sword replaced the tachi almost entirely. The word uchigatana breaks down into “uchi” (meaning “to strike”) and gatana (meaning “sword”). It differed by way of a straight handle, and provided variables on the curvature. Uchigatana – On the heels of the tachi came the uchigatana.Tachi – Used during the Koto period, these Japanese swords were distinguished by a curved blade handle, and carried with the edge facing downward.Since I’m a busy ninja, however, I shall break down katana swords into the following four types: Typically, real katana swords are distinguished by size, age, and curvature. Given the long history of Samurai swords, it’s no surprise that a number of variants or developments exist. In other words, now is a good time to be a ninja like me! Not a Samurai, though, because those don’t exist anymore. Additionally, some craftsmen explore new methods of construction, resulting in swords of unparalleled durability. Since the end of WWII, however, there has been a renewed interest in crafting authentic katana swords by way of ancient techniques. If Japanese sword history has a Dark Ages, it’s the Shinshinto period, during which the Samurai class was disbanded. To this day, Masamune’s katana swords are considered to be among the finest real samurai swords ever created. Meanwhile, no story of the Samurai sword is complete without mentioning the name Masamune (aka Goro Nyudo), who established the Soshu tradition of sword making, introducing the hamon temper line. Katana, by the way, basically means any type of curved sword, and refers to both the class of sword and the construction of the curved steel. At long last, the katana sword was officially born. With the increased demand for a defense-based military, there came a peripheral increase in Japanese sword making. Over the centuries that followed (dubbed the Kamakura and Muromachi periods respectively), Japan would find itself fending off barbaric Mongolian invaders over and over again. That warrior went by the name Samurai (aka bushi, aka buke). As clans waged battle against one another, and Shoguns seized power, a specific type of noble warrior emerged. ![]() Anyhow, Japan itself was undergoing radical changes in the 10th and 11th centuries, and carving out a society that had little to do with Chinese influence. Then a craftsman named Amakuni (supposedly) introduced a single-edged, slightly curved blade type, which was virtually unbreakable compared to what came before it…at least that’s what my ancestors say, and who am I (or you) to question them?īy the end of the 10th century, the majority of Japanese swords were curved from tang to tip, putting them in a class of their own. the part of the blade that extends into the handle). At first, Chinese swords and Japanese swords were essentially the same, but around 700AD, Japanese swords began to take on distinct features like a curved tang (i.e. Directly inspired by Chinese Jian swords, Chokuto swords originally featured a straight, double-edged iron blade. ![]() What Does Your Knife Say About Your Personality? History of the Samurai SwordĪccording to legend, the earliest Japanese swords were called Chokuto, and they first appeared over 1700 years ago. I know because that’s what I would do, and I’m a real ninja. He would instead creep up behind you silently before dismembering your various body parts with his katana sword. ![]() A real ninja would never make that sound. Below, you’ll discover the history of real Samurai swords, various types of Samurai swords, the most common Japanese blade types, what to look for in a real Samurai sword, where to find real Samurai swords for sale, and more. Now take heed, young warrior, as we explore authentic katana swords in this trusty guide.
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