The katana is without a doubt the most popular type of Japanese sword today. It is commonly referred to as a samurai sword, due to its close historical association with the warrior class of feudal Japan. The curved and slender single edged blade of the katana sword is its most distinctive feature, though it is also characterized by a long grip that can accommodate two hands, and a square or round guard that protects the wielder’s hands during combat. We are proud to carry the finest selection of katana swords available on the market today.
In the Japanese language, the word katana does not necessarily indicate a Japanese sword, and the kanji character for it originally means knife or saber in Chinese. Known for its sharpness and cutting ability, the katana first emerged during the Muromachi period (1392-1573) as a solution to the need for quicker response times in battles. When a katana sword was worn with the blade facing up, a samurai warrior was able to draw it and strike the enemy in just one motion. Before, swords were worn with the blade facing down, which slowed response times, which in turn could possibly lead to a loss. The katana was innovative, and thus it became the samurai weapon of choice since then.
Though the warrior class used several weapons, only the katana is regarded as the bearer's soul, as stated in Samurai Bushido (The Way of the Warrior). Katana swords were so highly valued by the samurai that it was not unusual for them to be given names and considered as part of the living. Each sword was custom made for each warrior - this handmade samurai sword was passed down through generations as family heirlooms. The samurai often wore the katana with two other shorter swords, the wakizashi and the tanto (knife or dagger), which were mostly used in indoor combat. A katana held in the left hand meant that there was impending hostility; when held in the right hand, it was a symbol of trust. The wakizashi is the more common companion of the katana, and when paired together they are called daisho. The daisho represented the personal honor and social status for samurais. Nowadays, it is common to find a katana, wakizashi and tanto as a samurai sword set.
The blade length of the katana has not always stayed uniform throughout history. By the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th centuries, blades were 70 cm (27.6 in) to 73 cm (28.7 in) long. During the early 16th century, the average length shortened to approximately 60 cm (23.6 in). Later, it returned to about 73 cm again.
Authentic katana swords are made from the specialized Japanese steel tamahagane and need to be well cared for. If not properly stored or maintained, a katana may become damaged beyond repair. Since natural moisture from the hands can cause the blade to rust if not cleaned off, the blade should always be polished and oiled. Choji oil, which is 99% mineral oil and 1% clove oil, is the traditional formula used. When a katana is stored for extended periods, it should be checked on often and aired out to prevent mold or rust from forming.
