Samurai swords
History of japanese samurai swords. Japanese samurai sword types. katana, wakizashi, tanto and tachi swords. Sword history.
The phrase Samurai Sword is often used to describe many Japanese swords however it is closely linked to the Katana. A Samurai sword is moderately curved where as older swords such as the tachi often feature more curvature it also incorporates a blade with a length greater than 60 cm.
The Katana was in production during the Muromachi period 1392 until 1573 and was most noticeable for its distinctive appearance, it was slender, curved with a single edged blade and had a squared or circular guard, it could accommodate two hands due to its long grip. History suggests it was utilized by the Samurai of feudal Japan and its most recognized for is cutting ability. The katana replaced the tachi as it was a more compact and sleek alternative.
The katana became increasingly popular as warriors required fast response times during battle in order to gain the upper hand over their opponent and this was done by wearing the katana in a belt like sash also knows as obi with the sharp bladed edge facing upwards enabling the warrior to draw the sword and strike down at their opponent in one often fatal motion. This was a massive advantage of the tachi as the tachi was suspended from a belt with the sword edge facing down.
A Japanese samurai warrior would often carry a small sword such as a wakizashi or tantō this pairing was called daishō. The daishō represented social power and personal honor and could only be worn by samurai.