Curiosity is undoubtedly a good thing; whether it's about a topic you're passionate about or a simple question that comes to mind randomly and for no apparent reason, it's a sign of a thirst for knowledge. So here we bring you answers to some of the questions you've asked us most frequently. We hope this section is of interest to you.
· What is the history of the katana?
The katana was not just a weapon; it was a symbol of status and honor, an inseparable companion of the samurai in life and death.
During the Heian period (794-1185), the need for a more effective weapon led to the creation of this curved-bladed, lightweight sword, perfectly designed for fast, close combat , known as the katana; the most famous Japanese sword, the definitive evolution of the long swords.
Their story is a reflection of Japan's historical journey, from battles for supremacy to peace and introspection, through the value placed on them by their own country and the perspective others had on them, mercilessly destroying them.
Although its use as a weapon has been left behind, its essence lives on in martial arts and Japanese culture, evolving from a symbol of war to an art form appreciated for its beauty and meaning.
If you want to know more, you can read " Katanas through the history of Japan " and " Katanas: Lethal Elegance ."
· What types of katanas are there?
There are many ways to classify katanas, for example according to…
…the forging process:
EITHER Traditional: Handmade using traditional Japanese techniques, such as the use of tamahagane.
EITHER Modern: Made with industrial steel and contemporary methods.
EITHER Stainless steel: Not suitable for combat.
EITHER “ Non-Forged ”: Made of wood or bamboo, basically designed for practice.
…its uses:
EITHER Bokken: made of wood/bamboo, used in training, lacking cutting or piercing power.
EITHER Iaito: blunt, used for practicing Iaido and other martial arts.
EITHER Shinken: with a functional edge, used in combat and advanced training.
EITHER Decorative: Designed for aesthetic purposes only, used solely as decoration, they are not functional for combat.
EITHER Originals: with a steel blade that has cutting and piercing power, used for real combat.
EITHER Ceremonial: Used in ceremonies and formal events.
EITHER Odachi : Considered sacred, they were offered at shrines or used in rituals before going to war.
...their size and design (swords belonging to the “katana family”):
EITHER Katana: The classic samurai sword with a sharp, curved blade.
EITHER Nodachi: Longer swords than katanas used in mounted combat. Some don't consider them katanas because of their size.
EITHER Odachi: Presented in temples or used in rituals, they are longer than the common ones.
EITHER Chiisagatana: A shorter version of the katana.
EITHER O-katana: A longer version of the standard katana, but with the same basic design, curvature, and blade profile. The o-katana typically measures between 110 and 140 cm.
EITHER Shinobigatana: Sword used by ninjas, shorter and with less curvature than the traditional katana.
EITHER Double-edged Katana: It is not common, it is inspired by the first Japanese swords, Ken (inspired by Chinese swords), only that, unlike these, they adopt a certain curve.
· How do you carry katanas?
The Samurai always carried it at his waist, fastened with his obi.
In a cordial and friendly attitude, always with the edge facing down, held in the right hand.
In times of war or hostile attitude, on the left side and with the edge facing upwards, being the correct way to easily unsheathe the saber as long as you are right-handed.
The side, therefore, depends on the user's dominant hand; being generally right-handed, the most common would be the left side for combat, since it is drawn with the right hand after making the opening movement with the left thumb.
· What is special about samurai swords (katanas)?
They are special for their impeccable functionality, their artistic beauty, and their connection to the samurai values of honor, discipline, and loyalty. They are a masterpiece that connects centuries of history.
· Why are Japanese swords expensive?
Their cost may be due to several reasons: on the one hand, their great popularity and level of perfection, and the growing interest in Japanese culture and the art of forging have led to today's katanas being considered collectibles and art objects, reflecting history and culture, with unique designs that convey the rich Japanese tradition. On the other hand, because they are hand-forged using traditional techniques, making each katana unique, and their manufacture requires time and skill. Finally, because they are made with excellent quality materials and carefully crafted details, often personalized.
· Why are or were katanas so polished?
Originally, they had that mirror-like shine to conceal them from the enemy during combat. The samurai would turn the sword's hilt a few degrees until the blade reflected the ground, making it difficult for the enemy to truly perceive its length and position. It also contributes to its sharpness.
· Why do samurai carry their swords upside down?
They carried them with the blade pointing upwards so they could draw and attack the enemy more quickly. This offered more protection to their body and reduced the time of vulnerability, but it cannot be said that they "used them backwards."
· What type of steel are samurai swords made of?
The steel used by ancient blacksmiths had unique characteristics and required a painstaking process lasting days and months to purify. Nowadays, advanced techniques and materials are available that can surpass the purity of traditional steel, although katanas were forged with the finest steel available.
Some of the steels used for manufacturing are:
EITHER 1060HC , with high carbon content (around 0.60%) which gives the blade hardness and good wear resistance.
EITHER Damascus , its main characteristic is its exceptional hardness due to its high carbon content (around 1.4%), allowing impact cuts to be made without fear of the blade bending or breaking.
EITHER Carbon 1566 alloy has a good proportion of iron and carbon in its structure. This gives the blade a level of hardness that allows it to be used even for impact cuts.
EITHER T10 . The T stands for tungsten, one of the properties that distinguishes this steel. The 10 represents the amount of carbon present in the composition, which in this case would be around 1.0%.
· How Dangerous Are Katanas?
Like any knife, they are dangerous.
The samurai were highly trained warriors, trained to be swift and precise in using them as lethal weapons. Their two-handed grip can generate great power. The cutting and edge power are also significant; after all, they were designed for warfare, so caution is required.
But as with any weapon, with the necessary precautions and the ability to handle it responsibly, the risk is reduced.
Therefore, if you don't know how to handle it carefully or there's a risk of it being mishandled, it might be advisable to consider purchasing one that isn't functional or isn't suitable for the intended purpose, such as, for example, one specifically designed for training.
It is also appropriate to keep them out of reach of children and pets, like virtually any other weapon.
