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Archive for the ‘Japanese Swords’ Category
The Beauty Of The Japanese Samurai Swords
The three piece set of a katana Samurai sword set is made of blades called a Katana, Wakizashi, and the Tanto. They are each of varying lengths and were used in different situations.
The three sword sets of Japanese Samurai swords were decorated with intricate detail and were colorful. With a rack to hold all three blades they make a great addition to any collection.
The Way Of The Warrior
Japanese swordsmen, called samurai, followed a code of conduct known as bushido, which translates to “the way of the warrior”. While this code of conduct was somewhat reminiscent of chivalry, it is also quite different. The samurai code stresses frugality, loyalty, mastery of martial arts, and honor until death. Bushido developed between the 9th and 12th centuries and was passed down for generations as a moral code unuttered and unwritten. Samurai were known for carrying a Samurai Sword of the Immortals and numerous smaller blades, as well as having thick armor. In an era when most of the world hadn’t developed complex weapons, Japanese samurai had perfected the art of war. The samurai had better armor, better weapons, and better knowledge of warfare than a vast majority of the military forces in the world.
The code of the samurai is much different than the code of European chivalry. For example, suicide was well tolerated in the samurai code. If one lost a battle or disgraced their family, ritual suicide was considered legitimate reparation.
The Qualities Of Handmade Samurai Swords
The country of Japan has been making quality blades for many years. Their handmade Samurai swords and other weapons can be works of art.
These swords were usually very sharp and had two handed handles, and it had full tang blades that added strength to the weapon. These weapons are an appreciative addition to any ones collections.
What Are Katanas?
In the world of swords and knives, there is an entire host of different options. Whether you’re purchasing for yourself or a fellow knife enthusiast, you should consider the storied and culturally significant katana. A katana is basically a Japanese sword that is sometimes simply called a samurai sword. The blade itself is moderately curved, while the more drastically curved styles are known as tachis.
Collectible Japanese katana swords usually have a blade length of greater than 60 cm. While the phrase katana is very generic, it is often erroneously applied to any Japanese sword. A sword purist will recognize that a katana has a curved, single-edged, and slender blade. The guard is typically squared or circular. Also, the grip will often be long enough that it can be yielded with both hands. The sharpness of the blade and its impressive cutting ability have combined to elevate the sword to an almost mythical status.
A Nu Day For All
On this, the last day of the year, we have almost made it through the holiday festivities and activities. It is a time for reflecting back over the past year, as well as looking forward to what the new year will bring.
Maybe one of the thoughts for the next year is starting a new hobby or increasing your interest in a current one. Collecting knives or swords can be a satisfying and enjoyable hobby. Whether it is Japanese replica swords, or some of the medieval weapons, collecting can be fun.
Swords Of The Rising Sun
There are three types of swords that have been used for fighting and self defense throughout history in Japan. The first type of sword is known as the katana, and is often referred to as a “samurai sword.” Any curved Japanese sword may be called a katana. Most quality katana swords are more than 60-centimeters long. The appearance of a katana is slender, curved, has a circular or squared guard and a single-edged blade.
The nodachi is another sword native to Japan. Nodachis are large, two-handed swords. Translated into English, nodachi means “field sword.” These swords were used by foot soldiers and were used in battles during wartime.
Tachis are Japanese swords that are curved and a bit longer than katanas. Often times, tachis would be hung from the belts of a warrior. These swords were around 70-centimeters long and usually used by cavalry soldiers.
Ancient Japanese Samurai Swords
The Japanese developed many different styles and types of weapons. One type of sword that was developed was one called a Naginata type weapon.
Soldiers on horseback at one time preferred the weapon that had a long pole with a sharp sword at the end of it. The Naginata weapon was also known as “the woman’s spear” and was used very successfully in the 1199’s.