Samurai swords are unique decorative pieces that can add art and style to your home. However, some of these pieces are sharp and functional. If you love collecting beautiful pieces, you should learn about the common types of katana swords to find the most ideal for your collection. In this article, you will see what different kinds of samurai swords offer.
Top 6 types of Samurai swords and what they offer
Below is a list of the top six swords:
Tachi
Tachi has been around since 1300 CE, during the Edo period in Japan. The blade is slightly curved, and the tip is somewhat similar to the tip of a kitchen knife. Ancient Japanese samurai warriors would hang Tachi on their belts with the cutting edge pointing toward the floor. Tachi is forged in a single piece with a blade, and it is made from tamahagane steel.
Katana
The katana sword is the most popular samurai sword available today. Katanas are single-edge swords with slight curves. There are different types of katanas, but they all share a similar design. They were developed right after Tachi. Samurai warriors usually hung the katana on their backs, with the edge facing upward. Also, the squared guard accommodates two hands.
Wakizashi
The Wakizashi is shorter than the katana, usually about 30 centimeters long on average. In the past, it served as an auxiliary sword. Despite its short length, it was handy for beheading enemies, especially during close-quarter fighting. The squared guard is short, making it ideal for a single grip rather than double. Some samurai warriors used two Wakizashi swords to fight at the same time.
Uchigatana
This excellent sword hit the scenes during the Nanbokuchō period. It is one of the oldest katana-style swords you can still find today, making it a valuable addition to your collection. Uchigatana is a single-edge blade with a slight curve. The squared guard is long and wide enough to accommodate a double grip.
Ninjatō
If you love short swords with straight blades, you may want to have at least one Ninjatō in your collection. Ninjatō is usually around 46 centimeters long, and it was the preferred weapon of shinobi of the feudal Japan era. However, some may be longer than this, depending on the design. To date, you will find Ninjatō as the weapon in movie and anime depictions of ninjas.
Nagamaki
While the Ninjatō is short and light, Nagasaki is long. A Nagasaki is usually up to 60 centimeters long but can be much longer. It is also known for its long squared guard that makes it impossible to wield with one hand. The length of this sword made it ideal for sweeping and slicing strokes during battles. It is challenging for your opponent to dodge the stroke.
Conclusion
Whether looking for a modern or ancient samurai sword, you must find a reliable supplier. There are many fraudulent sword dealers that sell inferior copy swords for the price of the real ones. Confirm that the dealer you meet is reputable and provides transparent information about the quality of the blade.