The clay-enclosed blade is then heated to over 1350 degrees and submerged in water (or oil). Essentially, the cutting edge of the blade is coated in a thin layer of clay, while the spine and sides of the blade have a ticker layer applied. Japanese swords are equally famous for the hardened edge present on their blades, which is formed in the clay tempering and differential hardening process. This process is largely redundant for modern-day swords due to the quality of modern day steel available, it can, however, produce an aesthetically pleasing Damascus steel look. The result of this process is the now famous folded steel Japanese swords. Each sword produced must then be registered with the Japanese government to allow it to be tracked and cataloged.ĭue to the availability of quality steel within Japan, the Japanese swordsmiths were required to even out and mix steel with different quantities of carbon in order to create a sufficiently strong blade. Each swordsmith is limited to producing two swords a month, and the swordsmith must have undergone a 5 year apprenticeship. Creating a Samurai Swordīeginning in 1953, Japanese swordsmiths have been restricted to a certain amount of swords they are allowed to produce. Miyamoto Musashi developed a technique of fighting with two swords, the method was named Niten Ichi or 'two heavens as one'. It was extremely rare for samurai to wield two swords at the same time. The samurai sword is the big sword, while a wakizashi or a tanto would be the smaller sidekick.

Samurai swords would often be worn in a pairing called a daisho, which roughly translates as little-big. Any lesser caste found with a sword would face instant execution. The katana is now synonymous with samurai swords, and for good reason: it was the primary weapon favored by the Samurai for hundreds of years and could legally be worn only by samurai. In comparison, the tachi, which the samurai sword replaced, would traditionally be worn suspended from the belt and with the edge facing down. This allowed for the blade to be drawn and used to strike the enemy in a single fluid movement. A fast draw and strike could ultimately lead to the fight being over in a couple of seconds, and the samurai sword facilitated this form of combat by being worn on the waist with the edge up. We can at least partially attribute the rise in popularity of this sword due to the changes happening with close quarters combat in warfare. To cope with the armor-penetrating requirements, the curved-cutting-edge tachi started to emerge and quickly gained favor amongst Samurai. Simply put, the existing straight tachi swords could not impart sufficient damage to the Mongol leather armor, resulting in the swords chipping and breaking.

It’s theorized that Mongol invasion prompted a redesign and improvement of the tachi. Katana evolved from the straight-edged tachi sword imported from China. The distinctly curved, single-edged blade with a guard and long grip is unique within the sword world and is strongly linked to legendary blades and superior craftsmanship. The sword is instantly recognizable by most people, having featured heavily in popular culture for several decades. Traditionally, the name Katana is used to describe a Nihionto, or Japanese-made sword, which were employed by the Samurai in feudal Japan. You may be tempted by cheap katanas for sale, but they are a liability and can cause serious damage to you or others due to increased likelihood of breakage.īorn from the desire to offer beautiful Japanese-inspired blades at excellent prices, we have developed a line of cool swords which are practical, professional, long lasting, and works of art. The Swords we offer are perfect for expert and amateur users alike and are an ideal sword for martial arts practice which requires a live blade, for example, iado, battodo, or kenjutsu. The most popular of our Samurai Swords for sale, our traditional hand-forged functional battle-ready authentic Katana (Samurai Swords) are exceptionally high quality products which are made in the style of traditional Japanese Nihonto.Īll of our authentic beautiful swords are full tang and are constructed from high quality 1060 or 1095 carbon steel, ensuring a strong flexible blade capable of taking and retaining an edge and lasting a lifetime of use if cared for correctly.

Katana blades