Before the advent of sophisticated arms, swords were the weapon of choice among warriors in Asia. Swords come in various shapes, designs, and specifications. However, the katana stands as one of the most decorated and effective swords of all time.
Producing a high-quality katana requires a lot of effort, technique, and resources. As such, it’s common to see imitations and copies in shops. In this post, we intend to discuss how to identify and select an original katana. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
CONTENTS
What are Katanas?
Historically, the katana was an invention necessitated by the Mongol invasion of Japan between 1274 and 1281. It’s a Japanese sword that is widely known for its curved blade. Japanese soldiers back then found it difficult to fight with straight swords on horseback, and as such, a curved sword with a single edge was invented. A typical katana is held with two hands due to its long handle, and it was a favorite weapon of the samurai for a long time.
Considerations when choosing a katana
A typical katana consists of a tsuka, which is the long handle, and a tsuba, which is the buckler. It also has a “hi,” which is used to refer to the groove along the blade that makes it distribute shock evenly. Other parts include the kisaki, which is the tip; a scabbard known as saya; and menuki, which are decorations and ornaments attached to the hilt. Today, there are variations to these parts depending on the forgers and sword makers. However, the following factors should be considered when choosing a katana:
Blade quality
Without a doubt, the first thing you examine in a sword is the blade. The blade of a katana is traditionally made from steel. However, most blades are made from a combination of hard and low-carbon steel. The hard carbon steel, due to its strength, occupies the edges of the blade, while the low carbon type stays in the core due to its flexibility.
Some modern katanas are made from stainless steel, and these types of swords are mainly for art purposes. The blade, irrespective of the steel quality, must be curved, single-bladed, and slender. The tip must also be sharp and not acute like some non-samurai blade.
Length
The typical katana is usually forty inches long. However, this length includes the length of the blade and the handle. Most blades are between twenty-seven and twenty-nine inches long, while the handle takes up the remaining length. A sword’s length is very advantageous during a duel, as it often determines the winner.
The longer the sword, the better protected you are, and the easier it becomes to inflict damage from a distance. However, some swordsmiths and fighters demand shorter swords for easy wielding. Besides, some sword-fighting schools demand varying katana lengths for different purposes.
Arm and handle
Samurai swords are known for their aesthetic appeal, and thus, even replicas must live up to the required aesthetic standards. However, quality should not be compromised for appearance and appeal. Ensure that the arm and handle are solid and not loose.
Most handles are made from softwood and are tightly fitted to the blade. The hilt should also be made to ensure a tight grip. Some hilts come with straps to further tighten your grip. Also, the sheath should be well crafted to enclose the sword and accommodate its curvy outline and sharp tip.
Practicality
Even the most well-crafted katanas can fail the samurai on the battlefield if they don’t undergo the practicality test. The paper-cutting test is widely used to assess a sword’s flexibility, balance, and blade sharpness. The test is conducted by using the sword to cut a vertical piece of paper. If it doesn’t cut through seamlessly, you will most likely hold a copy. Besides, when you polish an authentic katana, it shines brightly and doesn’t fall apart.
Purpose
People purchase swords for various purposes. Warriors and professional fighters use them in combat and on the battlefield. Some other people use them to learn sword fighting. Swords are also works of art that are collected for decorative purposes. Hence, the purpose behind your purchase determines the type of katana to choose. A decorative katana often comes with a stainless steel blade, blunt edges, and a dull tip. They’re also cheaper compared to high-quality swords.
A final word
An authentic katana is a bit pricy, but it’s worth the purchase. It’s strong, durable, and pleasing to the eye. However, ensure the legality of owning and publicly carrying a katana in your state before purchasing. Also, the advent of machine-made weapons has made imitation of the original swords easy. As such, look closely at the fine details when choosing, as some copies can’t be spotted except with a detailed study.
