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Table of Content Size Difference Blade Shape Difference Fittings Difference Usage Difference Understanding the Difference Between Wakizashi and Tanto There are many types of Japanese sword, While the katana is the most iconic one, there are longer swords like the tachi(太刀) and naginata(薙刀), and shorter blades such as the wakizashi(脇差) and tanto(短刀). Among these smaller swords, it's easy to get them confused. In this...

The katana is one of the most iconic swords in the world, surrounded by countless legends—such as the cursed Muramasa blades, the divine Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, and the masterfully crafted Honjo Masamune. But beyond myth, many real-life katanas have earned legendary status for their craftsmanship and historical significance. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most famous katanas ever made. What makes a katana famous...

Table of Content What is a full tang Katana The Dangerous Rat Tail Tang Should Katana be full tang? How to tell if a katana is full tang You’ve probably heard the term "full tang katana" before, but what exactly does it mean? What are benefits of a full tang katana blade, and how can you tell the difference? This article will give you...

The katana is not only an excellent weapon but also a remarkable piece of art. While it was once an important weapon on the battlefield, the katana was gradually replaced after the introduction of firearms (tanegashima) in Japan. Following World War II, many Japanese swords were confiscated, pushing the katana even closer to disappearing. However, the Japanese have long regarded the katana as both...

Table of Content What is Japanese Dagger Traditional Japanese Dagger Modern Japanese Dagger What is Japanese dagger The dagger is called "tanto" 短刀 in Japanese, meaning "short sword." In ancient Japan, it was considered a type of katana because it was also made from tamahagane and forged using traditional methods. It was mainly used by samurai as a backup weapon for close combat and...

Table of Content Japanese sword naming system Names after the Owner Name after legends Names after the Sharpness Witty Sword Names Name after the sword shape Names after the best work by a bladesmith Cool Japanese sword names in real life Cool Japanese sword names from anime What is so interesting about Japanese sword names Just as there are legendary European swords like Joyeuse...

Table of Content What Does Daisho Mean? History of Daisho Who Could Carry a Daisho? The Correct Way to Wear a Daisho The katana is often called the soul of the samurai. Samurai carried their swords everywhere—they were always within reach, even while sleeping. You might have heard that samurai carried two swords, the daisho: one long and one short. This article will explain...

What is Katana Engraving When we admire a katana sword, we usually focus on the sharpness of the blade, the elegance of the hamon, the intricate fittings (koshirae), and the beauty of the saya. However, there's another element of the katana that’s just as remarkable: the engraving on the blade. Katana engraving, known as tōshinbori (刀身彫) in Japanese, serves both practical and aesthetic purposes....

The katana, a symbol of the samurai's soul, has attractive countless enthusiasts and historians around the world with its sleek design and legendary sharpness. Even you are buying the katana for decoration, it’s difficult to resist the desire of actually using it. Whether you just use the katana for light cutting in your backyard, or you are a serious kenjutsu practitioner, Handle (Tsuka) is...

Welcome to our myth-busting and fact-checking journey as we delve into the world of the legendary Japanese sword - the Katana. There are countless tales and misconceptions about what a Katana can cut through. From slicing through machine gun barrels to effortlessly severing other swords, the Katana has been attributed with almost magical abilities. But what’s the reality behind these claims? Let’s separate fact...