Katana [刀] is a famous Japanese saber used by samurais in open field battles. Nowadays it is a collector’s item, which also appears in various games, movies, and animes. There are thousands of katanas in the history of Japan, many of which are found in museums and castles.
The sword was the most used weapon in medieval Japan, among them we have the Katana and the Wakizashi. In this article, we will check the existing types of the sword, and the most legendary of the history of Japan. We will show you where you can buy a katana cheaply for your collection.
Table of Contents
What is the katana like?
The katana can have various shapes, be short or long, have different appearances and parts. It has an artistic part, the signature of the blacksmith, and several other details such as texture and others. Some of the important parts of the sword are:
- Saya – The sheath of the sword, made of wood;
- Tsuba – The tsuba is an iron disc that serves to protect the hand from the blade of the opponent’s sword;
- Tsuka – The handle of the sword;
- Kojiri – It is the end of the saya (sheath);
- Kurigata – It is where the sageo (cord) is tied;
- Koi-guchi – The koi-guchi is the “mouth” of the saya;
- Habaki – It is the part of the sword that fits into the koi-guchi
All the details and parts of the katana can be seen in the image below:
History of the Katana
Throughout the history of Japan, fighting techniques changed, and thus the swords also changed shape. There are several types of katana, they were made to adapt to the samurai wielding it. But there are 4 periods in which the swords underwent major changes.
Jokoto – During the Jokoto period (800 A.D.), the swords used were straight, with a single edge (the Chokuto) or double (Ken) and poorly tempered. There was no standard design and they were tied to the waist by means of cords.
Koto (1596-1624)- In the Heian Period, the change in fighting style created the need to change the sword. Battles were no longer fought on foot, but on horseback. The swords became long, curved, with a wider and stronger base and a very fine tip. Before, Japanese swords were called Tachi, only in the Muromachi period did the classic Katana emerge.
Shinto (1596-1624) – During the Tokugawa government, with more accessible raw materials and the exchange of experience, the swords were even more refined, even with the existence of firearms. This period was harsh, as the use of swords and weapons was prohibited.
Gendaito (1876-1953) – In the Meiji Era, the swords were made for Japanese military officials, for rituals and public occasions. Although they had the same shapes as a traditional sword, they lacked the main characteristics of craftsmanship (handmade) and non-industrial steel.
The Legendary Katanas
It was in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) the golden age of the Japanese sword. Many swords considered national treasures were produced during this period. Some legendary swords are still on display today, while others were only mentioned in documents. I propose we get to know some.
Masamune 正宗 – The swords that bore this name were made by the legendary blacksmith Masamune. There are many katanas that carry the name masamune, such as the Shimazu-masamune which was recently found in 2014, it had been missing since 1862.
Muramasa 村正 – This name is famous in video games, there are several swords that were made by the legendary blacksmith Muramasa. It is known for being a demon blade that turns people into assassins. It was also responsible for the death of many members of the Tokugawa family.
Mikazuki-Munechika – The name of this katana means “Crescent Moon” and has a beautiful curve. It is one of the oldest remaining from the 10th century and is kept at the Tokyo National Museum.
Jyuzumaru 数珠丸 – This name comes from a Buddhist rosary that was with the sword. It was kept for a long time at the Nichiren Temple. Currently, it is available for exhibition only once a year, on November 3rd at Honko-ji, Hyogo.
Tenka-Göken 天下五剣 – Means Five Swords Under the Heavens. A group of 5 legendary swords from the Muromachi period, the swords are: Dōjigiri, Juzumaru, Mikazuki Munechika, Onimaru and Ōtenta.
Did you like the article? Do you know other legendary swords? Leave your comment and share with friends. Thanks for the comments and to katana.org and wasa-bi.com for the images and inspiration to write this article.
Where to buy a Katana?
A real katana with a sharp blade made to kill people will be hard to find, but you can easily find replicas for display and decoration in your home. We recommend Amazon, where you can find the cheapest and best.
If you are interested in acquiring a Japanese sword, there are some options to find one:
- Specialized stores: Look for physical or online stores that specialize in martial arts or Japanese swords. These stores usually have a variety of authentic katanas available for sale.
- Specialized blacksmiths: There are traditional Japanese blacksmiths who produce high-quality katanas. However, this type of katana tends to be more expensive and requires specialized knowledge to distinguish authenticity and blade quality.
- Auction and specialized markets: In some cases, it is possible to find katanas for sale at specialized sword auctions or in antique markets. These events can be an option to acquire a unique or historical katana.
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