Different styles of swords The larger sword (katana) had a 60 cm (2 ft) blade, while the shorter sword (wakizashi or tsurugi) had a 30 cm blade. Both swords were worn with the cutting edge on top, while the samurai wore the shorter blade indoors. > span style="font-size: 13px;">The word "samurai" means "swordman."
There were several different schools of swordsmanship, and each school had its own unique style of fighting with the sword. There was a strict code of conduct called "bushido" that governed the behavior of all samurai, which included not only fighting but also eating, drinking, socializing etc. Even after swearing an oath to serve someone, a samurai was expected to follow his/her master even in death. A samurai who failed to do so would be dishonored and excluded from society.
At the end of the 16th century, many Japanese warriors abandoned traditional weapons for more modern guns, leaving the samurai without a profession. But they did not die out completely - they just changed their role in society. Today, some Japanese people choose to become "geisha" or "onnagata" (male or female performers who act out scenes from classical literature) to make a living. Others work as police officers, soldiers, teachers or nurses.
Katana
| Katana (刀) | |
|---|---|
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1.1–1.5 kg |
| Blade length | approx. 60–80 cm (23.62–31.5 in) |
| Blade type | Curved, single-edged |
The katana is a curved, fat blade with a brutally sharp single edge that is handled with two hands, with a strong predilection for the draw-and-cut technique. It's also a short weapon, measuring around 25 inches on average. The term "katana" comes from the Japanese word for this kind of sword.
Fat swords were popular in Europe and America during the late 19th century. They had larger blades than modern swords and were designed to be used by both left- and right-handed people. Because they were so large, fat swords were usually not intended for combat, but rather for use as ceremonial weapons or display pieces.
Today, they are very rare items that sell for hundreds of dollars on auction sites like eBay. There are still some forge masters in Japan who work with steel to make special katanas, but most modern katanas are made of aluminum or other light materials.
People who know about these swords say they feel powerful when they swing them around, but they're not really meant for fighting other people. They're more of a spectacle than anything else.
There are numerous different varieties of Japanese swords, each with its own size, form, field of application, and manufacturing technique. The katana, tachi, odachi, wakizashi, and tanto are some of the most well-known forms of Japanese swords.
Each type of Japanese sword is named for what kind of cutting action it performs. For example, a cutting sword is called a shoto, a slashing sword is called a zhanmada, and a thrusting sword is called a toujihada.
Some other common Japanese sword names include: yari, naginata, hatake, toda, and saizu.
The name of a Japanese sword will usually describe both the style of cut and the method of production. For example, a katana is a cutting sword made by steel cutting into wood. The word "katana" comes from the Japanese words for "cutter" and "sword". Tachi are also cutting swords, but they are manufactured by forging a single piece of metal.
Odachi are double-edged swords that were popular during Japan's Sengoku period (1467-1573). They have two equal blades that lock together when drawn.
Wakizashi are smaller versions of the samurai sword.
The sword of a samurai reflected his spirit. The sword was the Samurai class's symbol, and a Samurai carried two of them, the long katana and the short wakisazhi, passed down from generation to generation. They were symbols of the warrior code known as bushido.
Samurai swords were some of the most sophisticated weapons used in medieval Japan. They were not only effective tools for killing people, but also beautiful objects worth boasting about. Today, they remain icons of honor and dignity.
Modern versions of the samurai sword can be found all over the world. They can be seen hanging on walls in Japanese restaurants, or mounted on wooden blocks for display.
People love modern-day samurais because they are inspired by Bushido. It is believed that those who carry out samurai acts with honor will be rewarded with good fortune. Modern-day samurai also follow the code of Bushido; they act with courage and loyalty towards their friends and family. This makes many people wish they could have a weapon that symbolizes their spirit like a samurai sword.
There are many movies and video games based on samurai stories. In addition, some people think it's cool to dress up in traditional Japanese clothes and wear a sword around the house or town. But although these things are interesting, they aren't real samurai swords.
Say it out loud: 1. Pause Katana Katana, being one of the most well-known sword names in Japanese weapons, has been associated with the majority of Samurai warriors in numerous stories, television programs, and films. A noteworthy example is the well-known actor Tom Cruise, who wields a Katana in the classic film "The Last Samurai." The length of the katana spans from 24 to 30 inches.
Two. Gaff Sword, also known as a cutting sword, was commonly used by sailors and fishermen before Japan's opening to the world economy in 1868. They were often decorated with brass or bronze fittings including knobs, plates, and handles. These swords were usually between 28 and 32 inches in length.
Bōchūjō A bōchūjō is a term that describes any of several large swords used in Japan during the Heian period (794–1185). They ranged in size from about 48 to 60 inches in total length. Many beautiful examples remain today in museums around the world.
Tachi A tachi is a type of sword found in many variations throughout Japan. They are usually around 12 to 14 inches in height with weights of up to 20 pounds. Some tachis have a plain edge while others have a chisel-shaped point called a taebo. During the Heian period (794–1185), these swords were used by samurai leaders called shoguns.
The Shinogi-Zukuri katana, a single-edged, generally curved longsword historically worn by samurai from the 15th century onwards, is the most well-known form of Japanese sword in contemporary times. It was named after its designer, the swordsmith Shinogi Masazane.
Shinogi means "three cuts" and refers to the three lines on the blade that mark important points during a cut; these lines are still visible with modern microscopes. The word zukuri means "pattern" or "shape" and refers to the distinctive curving shape of the blade, which is said to have been inspired by the bend in the river Kano.
Although they were popular among warriors of other nations as well, shinogi-zukuri katanas were primarily used by Japanese soldiers. They dominated the battlefield because of their extreme durability and their ability to withstand damage while their opponents blades would break under constant use.
Because they were reserved for the upper class, common people wore tachi (which means "two blades") or yari (a term used for any type of spear).
However, there were some shinsogi-zukuri katanas made in different styles with varying levels of curvature that could be used by commoners.
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