The Japanese Katana

The Japanese katana is a well known sword. This sword has a single edged curved blade. The sword has a two handed handle. It is the most popular sword used by the samurai class of warriors in feudal Japan. Therefore, it is also known as the samurai katana sword.  The katana is appreciated by the collectors all around the world due to its unique characteristics. It has a distinctive appearance. The single edged blade of the sword has a circular or a square guard. The grip of the sword is long enough to accommodate the two hands of the warrior. 

The use of katana started during the Muromachi period in Japan. The katana is worn by the warrior with its cutting edge facing in the upward direction. The nature of combat changed over a period of time which led to the discovery of this kind of a sword. It was necessary to draw the sword quickly during a combat and the katana sword was made suitable for such a purpose.  The samurai could draw the katana sword easily and can strike the opponent in a single motion. The blade of the katana sword is very sharp and it can easily cut through the legs of the opponent in a single blow. 

The length of the katana blade varies considerably. The length of the blade is between 70-75 cms. Earlier, the length was up to 60cms. Later in the late sixteenth century, the length was made up to 75cms. 

The katana is paired with a smaller sword which is called as the wakizashi sword. It is similar in appearance but only differs in the length of the blade. A samurai would be recognized if he carried both the swords. The smaller sword was used for close combats or indoor fight and the longer sword or the katana sword was mainly used on the battle field.  It was the main sword sued by the samurai class on the battlefield.   The samurai class was disbanded during the Meiji period and they were not allowed to carry the samurai warriors. If you want to buy a Japanese katana, you can find it on the internet and can buy it from a reputed online store.