Today we continue answering your most frequently asked questions about Katanas, with the addition of a couple of questions about the swords of the Night Guardians, Kimetsu no Yaiba.
How to make a paper katana?
There are many ways to create a paper katana, including origami.
You can find an example tutorial for creating a cardboard katana here , although it is far from the only one.
You can also create it with thin cardboard, cutting out its shape and using metal or wooden rods between the two layers of cardboard to make it more durable. Preferably, place it at the height of the hamon, and then use paper to give it more strength, always sanding it for a better finish. This way, the blade and the katana itself could be thinner, achieving a slightly more natural look.
Additionally, if you're looking for a different craft style, you can download a papercraft template here . It can be opened with Pepakura, a program that can be installed for free.
How are katanas made?
The traditional katana is forged from a type of Japanese steel, tamahagane , obtained by melting carbon-rich iron sand with charcoal in a traditional furnace, the tatara .
The result is two types of steel: one harder and more brittle, used for the edge, as it holds its sharpness better, and another softer and more flexible, used for the core of the blade, providing flexibility to prevent the sword from breaking in combat.
Both steels are combined through a folding and forging process, creating an exceptionally strong and functional material.
In the process, the blacksmith heats it red-hot and hammers it repeatedly, folding it back on itself, removing impurities and evenly distributing the carbon, strengthening the blade's structure.
Once the blade is formed, it is tempered by applying a clay mixture to it, with a thinner layer on the edge. It is then heated and rapidly cooled in water. The thermal shock creates the tempering line, the hamon .
A master polisher, a togishi , then uses a series of whetstones of varying coarseness to remove imperfections and hone the edge, as well as reveal the hamon and other unique details such as the steel's internal textures, hada . A long and detailed process that can take weeks, enhancing the sword's functionality and beauty.
This step is considered an art in itself, as each katana has unique characteristics and requires a personalized approach. Finally, the kissaki , the tip of the katana, is precisely sharpened during polishing and should be particularly sharp; it is worked to give a highly detailed finish.
Finally, the Kashira and tsuka are placed, which are generally made of wood covered with another material, and its scabbard, saya, is created.
If you would like to take a more detailed look at the forging and parts of the katanas you can do so here .
How to make a katana?
If you want to make a homemade katana with more accessible materials and without using steel, you can opt for several alternative materials depending on the purpose you want to give it (decoration, cosplay, display, etc.)
One of the best options is aluminum, as it would be light and decorative with a more realistic appearance. To do this, the first thing to do is draw the shape of the katana on the aluminum sheet and cut it out with a handsaw or a Dremel-type tool. Sand the edges until you get the shape of a blade, without needing to sharpen it.
Cut and carve the handle from wood, drill a hole in the center to insert the blade, and glue the blade and handle together. Then, wrap the handle with string or ribbon to give it a more realistic look. Whether you choose to decorate or paint it is your personal choice.
Another option would be acrylic or clear plastic. The process is similar to the previous one: draw the shape of the katana on the acrylic, cut it out with a saw or Dremel. Sand the edges until they are smooth and leaf-shaped. Polish the acrylic with fine sandpaper and apply heat with a hairdryer to smooth it out. Cut and attach the handle using strong glue. Decorate by wrapping the handle with ribbon or string.
Wooden katanas can also be made by cutting, shaping, and sanding the wood to achieve the desired finish.
For cosplay, there are a wide variety of materials and alternatives that can be found in detailed tutorials. (Here's an example .)
And if you want something realistic, you can always resort to making a mold, for example, in compressed sand, and melting metal to make it in said material at home, or through a process closer to the traditional one, as you can see in this video .
How to make a wooden katana?
Wooden swords are usually well-crafted, lightweight, and perfect for training, as they are used to experience the feel of a professional katana while practicing or learning martial arts with them.
To make a katana, or bokken, the most commonly used wood is oak, so they become durable and resistant enough for children to play outdoors or for adults to train intensively for many years, although bamboo katanas are more common for training.
For people under 165 cm tall, the ideal size is 90 cm in total length and a 25 cm handle. It is recommended that the handle be covered with plastic, leather, or similar to ensure the safety of the hand. The tips are rounded to avoid causing serious damage to the opponent. Its oak weight is approximately 350 g.
If it is not going to be used for training, it can be made of pine, fir, or another soft wood to work with.
The outline of the blade is drawn on paper or wood, with the typical dimensions of a katana. Using a saw, the wood is cut into this basic shape, following the design, taking into account the subsequent carving of the curve with extreme care.
Using sandpaper, smooth the edges and surface, taking care to remove any splinters and leaving a smooth surface to the touch.
Finally, the tsuka is created. It can be carved directly into the part of the wood where it would otherwise be, so that it fits comfortably in the hand. If desired, holes can be made to attach string or ribbon to the handle.
To give it an aesthetic finish and protect the wood, varnish or paint is applied.
If you would like to see the procedure, you can find one of many videos about it at this link .
Who uses katanas?
Nowadays, katanas are used in different martial arts, for example: Batto-do, Iaido, Kenjutsu, Kendo, Iaijutsu, Tameshigiri, Toyama-Ryu , and Battojutsu, so they are used by some martial artists who practice them.
Who used katanas?
In addition to the legendary samurai, other warriors and groups have used this magnificent sword throughout history. Some used it for combat or duels, while for others it was simply a representation of an honorable position in society.
We could mention among them the Shinsengumi (a group made up of samurai), Ninjas, Riflemen and Soldiers of Japan, Feudal Lords, Politicians and representatives of noble families, and even Yakuzas, in addition to some martial artists who still use them today.
Who makes the katanas in Kimetsu no Yaiba?
Nichirin swords are forged from Scarlet Crimson Ore by the master craftsmen of the Blacksmith Village, whose location is known to few people and where ancient secrets of the art of forging are kept.
Its material is extracted from the crimson iron sand of a mountain bathed in sunlight year-round, as it absorbs said energy, making demons vulnerable to it as well as sunlight.
Who makes Tanjiro's katanas?
Hotaru Haganezuka is the eccentric and antisocial blacksmith who forges Tanjiro Kamado's katana. He is extremely meticulous and passionate about creating Nichirin swords, focusing completely on the work with complete seriousness and spending long periods of time crafting them, which is why it bothers him if they are disregarded or broken.
Who created the katanas?
Katanas, traditional Japanese swords, were developed in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185) and refined in subsequent periods. Their creation is not historically attributed to a single individual, but is the result of centuries of evolution in sword forging and design by Japanese artisans and blacksmiths. Masamune's contribution stands out among them.
Yet, a legend exists that tells of Amakuni Yasutsuna and his son, Amakura, who were the chief swordsmiths employed by the Emperor to craft swords for his armies. After a battle in which the Emperor and the survivors returned with their swords broken, this blacksmith prayed to the gods for help and in a dream received divine inspiration, leading a group of swordsmiths with whom he created the first katanas.
