In the realm of Japanese antique swords, you most probably will think of a Japanese warrior carrying a samurai weapon. A true samurai defeats his opponents with the use of his sword. What perfect sword it is then for a warrior to possess than a katana or “samurai sword”.
Back in the past
Undisputedly considered as the most popular samurai sword of all time is the curved Japanese sword known as katana. A Japanese samurai traditionally carries a large sword or katana generally with a blade length of greater than 60 cm. It is distinctly characterized by its unique appearance: a curved, slender, single edged blade, circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate both hands. In samurai history, it is quite difficult to separate an image of a samurai of feudal Japan to a katana weapon. It originated in the Muromachi period (1392-1573) during the 10th century as a product of changing battle conditions needing faster reflexes for survival. The katana is the answer to this need by its flexibility to be worn with the blade facing up. This feature enabled the samurai to draw and cut their enemy in one swift motion. This handy response was extremely useful in the daily life of the samurai as opposed to swords worn with the blade facing down.
In samurai history, katana is most often worn with wakizashi or shoto by the members of the warrior class. It may also be worn with a tanto or an even smaller similarly shaped blade. This powerful combination of Japanese swords is called daisho which represents the pride and honor of being a samurai.
Katana is more than a samurai weapon featured in modern epic films such a Kill Bill. It represents social power and personal honor of the traditional samurai. Indeed, in modern popular culture, the reputed potentials of the katana have by far continues to live its legacy as an iconic symbol of Japan and its history.