| Elegant Japanese Samurai swords are living artifacts. | | | | the Katana and a bit more difficult to use. |
| Widely used as early as the 1400's a well made | | | | Katana can be stored in their scabbard but many |
| Samurai sword was the mark of a Japanese warrior. | | | | people like displaying the sword and scabbard |
| In these modern times these exquisite swords are | | | | separately on a display stand. When choosing a |
| primarily purchased by collectors and weaponry | | | | Katana sword pay attention to the detail. Although |
| enthusiasts. Advanced martial artists also use the | | | | it's a curved blade, it should be smooth. The center |
| weapons for training purposes refining their dexterity | | | | of the blade is supposed to be the thickest. A |
| and swordsmanship with careful practice. | | | | Katana sword is a wonderful display sword. A real |
| Before you purchase your Japanese Samurai sword | | | | conversation piece! |
| there are some things you should know. Here are | | | | The Wakizashi: |
| some tips for choosing a Samurai sword. | | | | The Wakizashi is slightly shorter than the Katana but |
| Samurai Sword Styles: | | | | longer than a Tanto sword. Wakizashi swords can be |
| Samurai sword styles can be categorized in a couple | | | | used in pairs, one for each hand. This sword has a |
| of main classifications. While assembly and | | | | dark history and is often referred to as the honor |
| embellishments can vary according to the artists, | | | | sword. While the blade is shorter than the Katana's it |
| there are some basic characteristics that make each | | | | is still curved with a chiseled tip. |
| sword fit a particular category. We've broken these | | | | The Wakizashi will often have a family name |
| down for you to give you the best tips for choosing | | | | embossed on the blade and it was traditional to hand |
| a Samurai sword. | | | | the weapon down from generation to generation. |
| The Katana: | | | | This sword is also lovely for display along side it's |
| The more traditional and most commonly used sword | | | | scabbard. |
| is the Katana. A Katana has a long curved blade. The | | | | The Tanto: |
| handle or Tsuka is usually 1/3 the length of the blade. | | | | This dagger type sword was the everyday sword of |
| The Katana's blade is sharp on one side with a | | | | the Japanese warrior. The Tanto could be hidden in |
| chiseled tip. | | | | robes or tucked away in a belt. The Tanto has a |
| The Katana comes with a scabbard that can match a | | | | shorter grip and blade. |
| highly embellished blade handle. The Katana was used | | | | It comes with a scabbard and was passed down |
| in single combat and was meant to be used alone. | | | | generationally. For a complete Samurai collection a |
| There is another sword that is similar to the katana. | | | | sword lover should have one of each, a Katana, a |
| It is called tachi. A Tachi sword is slightly longer than | | | | Wakizashi and the Tanto. |