Hollywood and even Japanese movies have depicted the ninja as fabled, stealthy assassins clad in all black and wielding Japanese swords with straight blades. This is, however, an inaccurate modern representation. Historically, ninja were samurai who trained in unconventional combat. They were more often disguised as civilians and usually carried the curved katana, as well as a variety of other weapons.
The ninja and ninja swords have long fascinated many people around the world. Though you can’t become a real ninja, you don’t have to be one to own a samurai ninja sword. Here you will find a wide selection of samurai ninja swords that will not disappoint. Highly detailed and finely crafted, these reproductions are ideal for personal collections, props, and home decor. Displaying one as a wall ornament will definitely add a sense of mystery to any room. Our samurai ninja swords are also the perfect accompaniment to ninja costumes.
Ninjato is the most common term used to refer to the Japanese swords that the ninja were thought to have carried. Also known as ninjaken or shinobigatana, the ninjato is often described as a short sword with a straight blade and a square tsuba (guard). However, there is neither historical evidence of this weapon nor any actual examples in museums or private collections, unlike samurai swords.
While straight-bladed swords or chokuto did exist in the past and are referred to as ninja swords, they actually predated the ninja, who in fact used the katana and other weapons that were available at the time. Modern and inaccurate portrayals of the ninja and ninja swords can be traced back to Hollywood and the Japanese movie industry.
Real ninja were not necessarily the mythical assassins dressed in all black. Rather, they were samurai who trained in unusual warfare, such as certain forms of armored combat, and fighting in water, on difficult terrain, or in low light conditions. Also, it was more common for them to be disguised as civilians instead, and there are even early Japanese illustrations of a ninja general in full samurai armor, suggesting his samurai origins.
By observing some historically accurate modern ninjustu schools, it can be seen that much of the martial art’s swordsmanship techniques are based on period samurai kenjutsu. Thus, it can be concluded that a curved samurai ninja sword, namely the katana, was preferred by the ninja.
Aside from normal combat, the katana could be used for other purposes as well. It could be turned into an impromptu footstep by placing it against a wall and using the tsuba to gain a higher foothold. In dark places, the saya (scabbard) could be extended out of the sword and used for probing around. A samurai ninja sword could also be tweaked to stun an opponent by placing a mixture of red pepper, iron fillings, and dust or dirt near the top of the saya. When the sword was drawn, the blend would fly into the enemy’s eyes, shocking him momentarily.
Besides samurai ninja swords, an array of other weapons belonged to the ninja’s arsenal. Darts, knives, spikes, and ninja stars collectively known as shuriken were handy as they could be thrown in any direction. Bows were used for sharpshooting. Kusarigama (“chain-sickle”) were used to disable an opponent or kill at close range. Grenades and handheld bombs were also adopted by the ninja after their introduction to Japan from China.
