Traditionally, the Japanese sword was reserved for Japan’s honored and most skilled warriors. This means that not everyone had the privilege of owning these swords. They were only available to honored personalities with immense fighting tactics and skills.
They were reserved for those with a high reputation. There were several types of swords. Understanding each type is key—especially when purchasing your favorite Japanese Swords.
This article is going to highlight the most famous Japanese swords – keep a count of how many you already know!
Classification of Swords Depending on the Period
If you are somewhat of a movie connoisseur, you’d know there are different periods, such as the Edo period. Similar to different periods in almost every country, the Japanese time periods represent their rich history and culture. The following sword types represent the time periods when the blade was made.
We now know Japanese for their discipline, cleanliness, and high standards of living. Does their history have a role in it? Do let us know your thoughts on this below!
Here are the different Japanese sword types from the different periods:
- Jōkotō or Ancient Swords were manufactured around 900 A.D.
- Kotō or Old Swords were made around 900-1596
- Shintō or New Swords were made between 1596-1780
- Shinshintō or New New Swords made between 1781-1876
- Gendaitō or Contemporary or Modern Swords, those made from 1876 till present
Did you know there are over 100 swords that form part of the National Treasures in Japan? Yes! The traditional Japanese sword – the Kotō – belonging to the Kamakura period has been attempted to be replicated by swordsmiths from the Edo period to the present day.
Most of the National Treasure swords come from the Kamakura period, while the one from the 15th Century – Tachi (you’ll read about it in the next section) – forms the rest of the collection.
Here are the Top Types of Japanese Swords
The following types of Japanese swords reflect the classification dependent on the swords’ size and shape. Have a look at the interesting swords that warriors used:
Tachi or Long Sword
Similar to their Katana counterparts, the Tachi sword is longer and curvier. It takes time to produce these types of swords. This is because they are complicated to produce. The Tachi sword is about 27 to 30 inches long. They are longer than katana. However, they are thinner.
Odachi, or Nodachi
Taking the number one spot in Japanese Swords is the Odachi (or Large Tachi). Also known as the Nodachi (or field Tachi) sword. Samurais used it for war. Big, this sword is two-handed. It was mostly used against Calvary—ire open field battles.
It’s also important to note that these Japanese swords were long and curved. These couldn’t be sheathed on a warrior’s waist. That’s why they were sheathed on the back. Alternatively, they were carried by hand.
Katana
The most common (most famous) type of Japanese sword is the katana. They were also common types among the samurais. They are held by hand. It’s important to note that they are associated with close combat. Smaller than their Tachi counterparts, Katana swords were used during the Second World War.
Katanas are manufactured using high-quality steel referred to as tamahagane. They are folded to create a high-string blade. They are expensive.
Ninja
Synonymous with the shinobi (also known as the ninjas), the ninja swords differed from katana swords in myriad ways. First, ninja swords come with straight blades. Second, they are shorter. On average, a ninja sword measures about 19 inches.
They are thick. They also come with unusual combat. However, they are not complicated to manufacture. However, they are a good investment for anybody willing to taste Japanese culture.
Wakizashi
Wakizashi were mostly designed to complement their katana and Nagamaki counterparts. They are shorter and could be carried alongside katana by the samurai warriors. They are lightweight. One arm can weld a Wakizashi sword. Wakizashi measures 12 to 24 inches long.
The production procedure is specific. It’s also important to note that these swords are thicker than their katana counterparts. They are also less curved. These swords come with unique patterns on their edges.
Other Types of Japanese Sword
The following are additional types of Japanese swords:
- Uchigatana and Tsurugi
- Hokuto and Kodachi or small Tachi
- Ninjato and Nagamaki or long wrapping
- Zanbato and Daisho (Matched set of swords – “big-little”)
- Yoroi-Doshi and Kaiken
- Bokken and Shinai
- Kyu-Gunto
The Bottom-Line
The above are common types of Japanese swords. From Odachi to ninja swords—these are the legendary Japanese swords you can buy and be like a warrior. Make a wise decision and live the life of a Japanese warrior.
After all, you were born to win. And that’s why having a legendary Japanese sword is the best way to boost your confidence.
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