There are a lot of options when it comes to buying a Samurai sword. This can make it challenging to find the right one for you.
However, some basic guidelines can help you narrow down your choices.
The first thing you should consider is the length of the blade. You’ll want a sword that’s long enough and balanced enough to handle it well. But that should not be so long that it becomes unwieldy or hard to carry around.
The Blade Width
Blade width is also important because it affects how well you can use your sword in combat and how much damage it can do. If you’re looking for a sword for display, go with something thinner and more elegant-looking.
However, if you’re looking for something more functional, remember that wider blades will deliver more damage than thinner ones.
Finally, consider whether or not you want a traditionally made katana or an imitation one made out of stainless steel or aluminum instead of traditional steel.
But remember that although imitation swords are cheaper than traditional ones, they won’t last as long or be as strong as traditionally made ones.
If you want to know more, read below for the five types of samurai swords you can choose from.
Katana
The word katana means “sword” in Japanese, and swordsmiths developed them as early as 600 AD using folded steel to make them more durable than other swords.
They are heavier than other swords. Thus they can stand up to many activities without breaking or bending.
These swords have curved blades and rectangular guards. They were a prevalent weapon used by samurai warriors in Japan.
Katanas are rugged and robust and have the sharpness and durability most sword enthusiasts want. They’re also resistant to rust, which means they can last longer than other swords.
In addition, they have better balance than many other swords, which means it feels natural in your hand when you use them.
So, when someone swings this type of sword, they feel they have complete control. Why? Because they know precisely where it will go next and how much force they need behind their swing.
This makes it easy for anyone to use them without problems. Furthermore, this makes them an ideal choice for anyone who wants to own a high-quality sword that will last them for years.
Before, many people thought that only samurai warriors could use this weapon, but that was not the case. Nowadays, anyone can learn how to use it properly and become an expert.
You can use this sword for self-defense or display it at home as a decoration piece because of its history.
Wakizashi
The wakizashi, “side of the body,” is a short sword used as a companion weapon by samurai warriors.
It was worn on the left hip in a saya scabbard rather than tucked into one’s belt like other swords because its size would allow an opponent to grab it if it was placed there instead quickly.
The blade length of the wakizashi is generally between 15 and 30 inches, with the average being 22 inches. Plus, it’s made of long-grained steel and has a hamon or temper line.
The handle’s tsuba or sword guard was usually round, oval, or octagonal-shaped. A curved kashira or pommel at the base of the handle helps balance out the weight of this weapon.
Like all other swords, the wakizashi has different parts. These include the tsuba or the handguard, fuchi or the collar, kashira or the pommel, and sori or the curvature.
People from the past used the wakizashi initially to fight off an enemy who tried to attack from behind. Still, it also proved helpful as a backup blade when fighting other samurai warriors.
The sword could be drawn quickly and used to attack or defend against more oversized swords that were too long.
Tanto
The tanto is a Japanese sword with a blade length of 12 and 20 inches (30 and 51 cm).
People in Japan used this as early as the Heian period (794-1185).
Tanto is generally double-edged straight blades used for stabbing rather than cutting or slashing. However, they can also be single-edged, depending on the design.
They have a chisel point with some curvature on both sides, which makes them ideal for thrusting into an opponent’s body or piercing through their armour.
Today, it is considered one of Japan’s most famous sword styles.
Tachi
The word “tachi” refers to the style of mounting and wearing a sword and the sword itself. The tachi is the Samurai sword most often referred to in popular culture.
It was developed in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) by adding material to the blade to balance the sword’s weight and make it more suitable for war.
A typical tachi blade is straight with a square or rounded tip, but other variations exist, such as curved or wavy.
It is the predecessor to the katana and was used primarily by foot soldiers. However, Tachi was worn with the cutting edge down, unlike the katana.
The length of a tachi ranges from 18 inches to 28 inches, which makes it more difficult for close-quarters combat and more suited for horseback use.
Thus they were the primary battle weapon during the Kamakura era (1185-1333) and were carried by mounted and foot soldiers.
Cavalrymen needed weapons that would not be hindered by their armour or clothing when riding horseback.
So they used tachis to cut at their enemies while fighting on foot rather than using them in close combat with other sworders, as had been done previously during the Heian period (794-1185).
They also used it in ritual suicide (seppuku). The blade can be single or double-edged with a length of 30 inches or more.
Nodachi
The word “nodachi” can be translated as “field sword,” as samurai used it on the battlefield.
The weapon had a long handle and a long blade, giving it an effective range of attack that other swords could not match.
The nodachi evolved from the tachi, the standard sword of the samurai class.
It was designed for use on horseback, when attacking another rider, or charging into infantry formations.
The nodachi has similar characteristics but is much larger than the tachi. It was used mainly on foot rather than horseback because of its size and weight.
Final Thoughts
Choosing which samurai sword is suitable for you can be challenging because there are so many options available on the market today. Each of these swords has unique characteristics and features, making them stand out from one another.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, then this article will give you some suggestions on what to look out for when purchasing your first samurai sword.
