The Samurai Sword

All cultures around the world have used the sword as its primary weapon of choice, but none have come close to the level of swordsmanship that has defined the Samurai sword.

There's something almost divine about the Japanese Samurai sword. It's a unique blend of superb function and the highest art. Visually, its slight curvature appeals to the eye. Functionally, it feels like a perfect extension of the body. Technically, its unique blend of hard and soft metals creates a strong and powerful weapon. All of these elements come together to form the Japanese sword that built a nation like no other place on earth.

Even though the times of sword warfare in Japan are long gone, the Samurai sword has lived on in Japanese culture, and now around the world. For those who still practice the sword arts, the Samurai sword may not reflect security of land or resources, but does embody security of culture, spirit, and mind.

Origins of the Samurai Sword

Before 987, Japanese swords were straight with no curvature. As the military class grew, and the need for a better weapon grew, the distinct curvature of the Japanese sword began to develop. Traditionally, Samurai are mounted cavalry men. When mounted on a horse, the sword is worn with the blade facing down (as opposed to un-mounted use where it's more practical to have the blade facing up - for faster drawing). This made it easier for mounted Samurai to draw their sword, and it also provided a much stronger "downward" cutting angle from atop a horse. Thus, the Samurai sword was born out of necessity of the mounted cavalrymen.

According to legend, the Japanese sword was invented by a smith named Amakuni Yasutsuna (c.700 AD), along with the folded steel process. In reality the folded steel process and single edge swords had been brought over from China through trade. The Samurai sword as we know it today started to take shape throughout the Heian period (794 to 1185 AD).

Birth of the Katana

But it wasn't until the 15th and 16th centuries, where the Katana came to be a widely used weapon. Until then, battlefield Samurai didn't use the tachi (cavalry sword) as their primary weapon. Lances, spears, and bows and arrows were the primary weapons of the day. It wasn't until close-quarter combat and unarmored combat became rampant that the Katana took hold as the weapon of choice.

The tachi and the Katana are very similar. The only difference being that the Katana is specifically designed for for two hands where the tachi is only practical as a one-handed weapon. Also, the Katana is worn with the blade facing up. This created a faster draw in close-quarter circumstance where speed is of the essence.

During the Meiji Restoration (1868), Japan was on a new course in history. The young Emperor Meiji was in a hurry to bring in the new modern world that had been shut out for over 200 years. In the process, the old ways had to be swept away. This meant doing away with the proud Samurai culture that had made Japan what it was. All swords were confiscated, the Samurai class was forcefully dissolved (everyone became equal citizens of the state), and it became illegal for anyone to wear a sword.

Even though the swords and status of the Samurai were dissolved, the spirit of the Samurai lives on to this day. The Samurai sword especially symbolizes a past lifestyle that the Japanese are very proud of today. The Japanese sword lives on through a variety of sword arts like Kendo, Iaido, Bujinkan, Jinenkan, and other various Kenjutsu styles.

*Disclaimer: Swords are very dangerous weapons that can hurt, maim, or kill people if not handled properly. Handle swords with care in every circumstance. If you don't know how to handle a sword properly, don't touch it. Use every safety precaution available when handling any weapon. This website claims no responsibility for any of the information or links provided within these pages. This website is not responsible for any accident, injury, or dissatisfied purchase from links that originate from this site. Handle swords at your own risk. Purchase swords at your own risk. Always obey the laws of your state or area regarding sword purchase and sword use.