This sword was specifically for samurai on horseback. It is longer and larger than the katana, with the average length reaching 75cm. The tachi is actually the samurai sword preceding the katana. Conversely, these weapons are not good for close range fights or constricted spaces. Foot soldiers often carried these weapons and were good against cavalry or when in open spaces. This was a massive or great sword that is bigger and longer than the katana. They were typically used for piercing or stabbing. These blades could either have single or double edged blades. Although by the end of the samurai era, the tanto was usually used for decorative purposes. It is a small dagger typically carried by early samurai. Oftentimes, when samurai entered houses or estates of other people, they would leave their katanas but keep their wakizashis. This shorter weapon was the typical side arm of the samurai. In fact, taken together, the katana and wakizashi are called the “daisho” and roughly translates to large and small. It can be seen as the katana’s “little brother”. This type of samurai sword is often worn with the katana. ![]() The hilt takes up a fourth of this length. Usually, the katana’s length goes from a total of 3 to 4 feet in length. Its blade is single edged and has a hilt often shaped in a circle or square. It is usually handled with two hands and can strike from a distance. It is often distinguished by a long curved blade. Here are the different samurai swords and the differences of each. These samurai carried a variety of weapons. They took on military matters, and eventually, their class became one of the highest classes in all of Japan. They were considered the ruling class at the time. The samurai were composed of an elite few. Let’s first take a look at the various types of samurai swords. You can think of it as not all samurai swords are katanas, but katanas are all samurai swords. It is, in fact, one type of samurai sword. It must be noted though that a katana is not always synonymous with a samurai sword. Perhaps the most iconic one is the katana associated with the samurai. For ninjas, they have shurikens and kunais. Feudal Japan Weaponsīetween the samurais and the ninjas, there are a lot of weapons being used. Let’s take a close look at these weapons and clear out, once and for all, the misconceptions about these weapons. However, there have been some growing misconceptions about each. People are also fascinated with the weapons of samurais and ninjas. The interest could also be in the martial prowess of the primary characters of the time the samurai’s noble yet fierce fighting spirit and the ninja’s cunning and creativity. It could be the tales of bravery and the fire of battle. Part of the interest may be in the rich history that is saturated with historical stories and wisdom. This is evidenced by the many movies, televisions shows, and even video games that play out in this age. Let’s dive even deeper!įeudal Japan is such a fascinating and interesting time. Many scabbards were even cleverly designed to allow the cap to be removed so the scabbard could be used to breathe while hiding under water in ponds, rivers, lakes or streams. Ninja’s used poison to do their work many times because it was easier and more sure way of killing their target. Also the scabbard could be made longer than the sword so many had a compartment that could carry other small weapons and poisons. The ninja could shove the sword into the earth or a wall all the way up to it’s hilt and use it to reach higher. The Katana was used for closer in-fighting and to perform the hari-kari ritual.Īnother reason for the Ninja sword’s shortness is that it was often used to climb in difficult environments. The Samurai’s sword was designed for use with both hands in a slicing motion that cleaved limbs from an opponent even through armor. Thus the need for more stealth as they had to get closer to their victims. The Ninja used his sword in a stabbing motion. This was because the Ninja did not have access to the high-carbon steel that the elite had. Ninja swords were more the length of the Samurai’s Katana but were straight edged instead of curved. Great care was taken in making of the swords as they were not only weapons but also symbols of status and position. Each sword was custom made and designed for the individual Samurai. The swords that the samurai carried were made of high-carbon steel, were often conferred to show status and often took months to make. The longer curved edge traditional Samurai sword was usually around 36″ long and a shorter sword of like design known as a katana was usually around 24″-26″ long. The samurai were the elite of Japanese society. ![]() Let’s dive in, or Go Directly To Our Samurai Swords, Ninja Swords & Katanas.
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