What can katana cut - mythbusting and fact checking
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 from fiction and explore the true cutting capabilities of this iconic weapon. Buckle up, as we’re about to slice through the myths and reveal the hard-hitting facts.
Can a katana cut through bone
Yes, a Katana can cut through bone. Its design is specifically tailored for the efficient cutting of flesh and bone, thanks to its harder edge and softer spine that absorbs shock. The cutting prowess of a Katana comes from the hardness of its edge, the unique geometry of the blade, its weight, velocity, and the sharpness it maintains.
There are many tameshigiri (cutting test) video online of katana cutting through bones, ribs, most modern steel like high carbon steel, T10 steel, with proper sharpness, and correct cutting skill, you can easily cut through bones with katana.
Can a katana cut a bullet
No, a katana can’t not cut a moving bullet. The velocity at which bullets move makes it an impossible task for even the most skilled swordsmen to hit accurately. Moreover, even try to cut a bullet sit on the table, the material of a bullet, usually a lead core wrapped in a metal casing, is significantly tougher than what a Katana is crafted to cut. Trying to slice a bullet with a Katana could potentially harm the blade.
Can a katana cut a head off
Absolutely yes, a Katana can cut a head off. Historical records highlight Samurai collecting heads as trophies to mark their victories in combat. Also in the famous suicide ritual Seppuku, after the samurai slice his belly with tanto, his kaishakunin will use a katana to cut his head off to end his pain.
Technically a good kaishakunin didn’t cut the head completely off, the best practice is to cut half the neck, and leave some skin to still connect the head to the body. All this should be done quickly to help end the pain and keep the respect, this is called “daki-kubi.”
Can a katana cut a person in half
Yes, a katana can cut a person in half, as matter of fact, this is called tameshigiri and it is how the ancient Japanese test the katana quality. They use bodies of executed criminals, bodies were positioned on a sand mound and secured with bamboo stakes. The tester, wear a kami shimo and armed with a blade set in a unique iron-bound hilt, would then analyze the corpse to determine the most suitable cut from his array of techniques.
The difficulty of the cuts varied. For instance, a cut at the wrist was deemed the simplest, while a cut across the hips, known as ryo kuruma, or a diagonal cut through the shoulder girdle, referred to as o kessa, were considered the most challenging. Following the cut, the body and the blade were meticulously inspected for any damage and signs of clinging fat. If the tester was satisfied, he might proceed with more complex cuts.
The outcomes of these tests were engraved in gold on the tang of the katana(nakago). Blades from different smiths were classified into five sharpness categories based on these test results. For example, a record exists of a short sword blade by Nagasone Okisato Nyudo Kotetsu, which had the test result of cutting through two bodies engraved in gold.
In the case of exceptionally superior swords, multiple bodies were sometimes bound together. The record for this is a sword that managed to cut through the spines of seven stacked bodies.
Can a katana cut through a gun barrel
No, a katana cannot cut through a gun barrel. Steel is just a material and doesn’t possess any extraordinary magic power. Although a katana has the capability to cut a head or a limb with relative ease, it would only manage to slightly scratch a machine gun barrel. Real life is not anime, sorry guys.
Can a katana cut through a skull
Yes, a katana can cut through a skull. Skulls are hard, but a good katana with proper cutting skill can still cut through them, there is a similar tameshigiri practice is to cut kabuto (helmet) from samurai armor. In ancient Japan, katanas are made of tamahagane, it’s a precious iron but the performance isn’t as good as modern steel. So it will need a really blade smith for forge a good blade that can cut through skull. But with modern steel it’s much easier.
Can a katana cut through a tree
Yes, a katana can cut through a tree, particularly softwood saplings, small branches. However, it’s important to remember that the sapling’s diameter should not exceed 3 inches and the alignment of the blade’s edge needs to be precise. If the edge alignment is off, the katana might become bent, especially for carbon steel blades. The composition within a tree, which is very different from human flesh and bone, tends to compress against the blade as it penetrates deeper, and any sideways motion could lead to the blade bending.
And always remember clean your katana after every cut, the tree sap will rust the blade faster than you thought. Katana is a practical weapon with high aesthetic value, certain level of maintenance is required.
In conclusion, we’ve journeyed through the myths and realities of the Katana’s capabilities. From cutting through bone and severing heads, to its limitations against bullets and gun barrels, we’ve explored the true power of this iconic weapon. Remember, while a Katana can cut through certain objects, it requires precise handling and maintenance. This legendary sword is not just a weapon, but a symbol of honor and discipline.
