Japanese Sword

If you know anything about Japanese swords, you most definitely have heard of the Katana and Wakizashi. These are the two primary swords that a warrior would carry at all times in ancient Japan. So what is the difference between these two important swords, and what is their significance? In this article I will compare the Katana and Wakizashi to help you decide which one is more practical for you!

A Japanese samurai would traditionally carry two swords: a katana and a wakizashi. These two swords are collectively referred to as "daisho" which means large and small in Japanese. The Katana is the larger sword of the two and is usually recognized by its single-edged blade and distinct curvature. The wakizashi, although similar in shape and style, has key differences that separate it from the katana. Due to the fact that the wakizashi is smaller than the katana, it is usually thought of as a backup weapon that would be used in situations where the katana is too large. Ancient samurai warriors would always carry one of each sword even when they were inside of a building.

What does this all mean to you? You should take your size and strength into account when choosing between the katana and wakizashi for your personal use. If you want a Japanese sword to use for practice or cutting drills but you are a little on the small side, you should consider purchasing a wakizashi. If you feel confident that you are strong enough to handle the size and shape of a larger sword, then the katana might be perfect for you.

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By the Sword $7.99 By the Sword takes up the adventures of Repairman Jack directly after Bloodline .  Jack is hired to find a legendary Japanese sword, a katana stolen from the Hiroshima Peace Museum and brought to New York City. Central characters include the members of a weird Japanese cult, a young Japanese businessman and his three Yakuza bodyguards, plus Hank Thompson, the Kicker cult leader from Bloodline . The cult, the businessman, the Yakuza, and the Kickers are looking for the sword as well. Also in the mix is the pregnant teenager carrying a child, loaded with abnormal DNA, who will be a decisive force in the cosmic shadow war raging behind the scenes. She becomes a pawn in the game, hunted by both sides. Following his usual m.o., Jack maneuvers all sides into a bloody melee from which he plans to waltz away with the fabled katana. Of course, when things don’t go as planned, Jack must improvise (and he hates to improvise). By the Sword takes F. Paul Wilson’s trademark breakneck pacing and interweaving storylines to a new level.

A Japanese Warrior Beside a River with Sword and Armour $24.99 A Japanese Warrior Beside a River with Sword and Armour - Photographic Print

Legends and Stories Around the Japanese Sword $53.21 In the last years and decades several publications and translations on the subject of the Japanese Sword have been published in the West. In this way, the historical background, the characteristics of the blades, smiths, and schools, as well as the art of sword forging, and the sword fittings were introduced and explained. The aim of this publication is now to bring the reader closer to the role the Japanese sword the nihont played in the warrior class and the Japanese society, namely by the means of legends, stories, and anecdotes on famous swords and their swordsmiths, embedded in an explanation of the background and other relevant facts. In the end, the reader should have an idea about the high value that was placed on this proverbial legendary weapon that span than a thousand years of Japanese history (and even still today as an object of art). The aim was to obtain a balance between easy access for beginners and detailed facts for confirmed enthusiasts. Author: Sesko, Markus Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 186 Publication Date: 2011/05/30 Language: German Dimensions: 8.27 x 5.83 x 0.43 inches

Japanese 41-inch Samurai Sword $124.71 This 41-inch samurai sword is crafted with heat tempered high carbon steel. This samurai sword features a black wooden sheath and solid wood wrapped handle in genuine ray skin and heavy gauge cotton for superior grip. Brand: Defender Model: 41-inch samurai sword Overall dimensions: 41 inches long Length of blade: 28 inches Blade material: Heat tempered high carbon steel Color: Black Handle: Solid wood wrapped in genuine ray skin and heavy gauge cotton for superior grip Scabbard: Solid wood Blood carving line on blade Full tang Blade is sharp Included accessories: cleaning kit, protective cover, fantasy gift box, heavy duty polished stand, sword robe Please Note: This item is not a weapon and is for decorative use only. You must be 18 years of age or older to order from us. Purchaser is responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws as they apply to the items purchased and O.co makes no claim as to the legality of purchasing, possessing, or carrying any specific item sold via this web site (particularly bladed objects). Purchaser assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or injury resulting from the misuse of an item and agrees to indemnify and hold seller harmless from any related claims.

By the Sword (Unabridged) $11.09 Jack is hired to find a legendary Japanese sword, a katana stolen from the Hiroshima Peace Museum and brought to New York City....

Japanese 40-inch Samurai Katana Sword $61.31 This 40-inch Japanese Katana sword is crafted with a stainless steel blade and wooden handle. This Katana sword features an authentic-styled wooden sheath and includes a stand. Brand: Defender Model: 40-inch Japanese Samurai Katana Overall Dimensions: 42 inches long x 5 inches wide x 5 inches deep Length of blade: 26 inches Color: Stainless steel Handle materials and size: 5-inch wood handle Package Contents: Sword and stand only Stand: Wood Protective packaging: Wooden sheath Please Note: This item is not a weapon and is for decorative use only. You must be 18 years of age or older to order from us. Purchaser is responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws as they apply to the items purchased and O.co makes no claim as to the legality of purchasing, possessing, or carrying any specific item sold via this web site (particularly bladed objects). Purchaser assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or injury resulting from the misuse of an item and agrees to indemnify and hold seller harmless from any related claims.

Japanese Sword Construction $81.25 Katana construction was the labourintensive bladesmithing process developed in Japan for forging katana and other Japanese blades. Katana and wakizashi were often forged with different profiles, different blade thicknesses, and varying amounts of grind. Wakizashi were not simply scaleddown katana; they were often forged in hirazukuri or other such forms which were very rare on katana. The daish was not always forged together. If a samurai was able to afford a daish, it was often composed of whichever two swords could be conveniently acquired, sometimes by different smiths and in different styles. Even when a daish contained a pair of blades by the same smith, they were not always forged as a pair or mounted as one. Daish made as a pair, mounted as a pair, and owned/worn as a pair, are therefore uncommon and considered highly valuable, especially if they still retain their original mountings (as opposed to later mountings, even if the later mounts are made as a pair). Authentic Japanese swords are fairly uncommon today, although genuine antiques can be acquired at significant expense. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 96 Publication Date: 2009/12/02 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.22 inches

The Japanese God of Punishment Carries a Sword to Smite the Wicked a Rope to Bind Them $49.99 The Japanese God of Punishment Carries a Sword to Smite the Wicked a Rope to Bind Them - Giclee Print

Japanese Swordmaker Making a Samarai Sword as Shinto Priest Looks On $99.99 Margaret Bourke-White Japanese Swordmaker Making a Samarai Sword as Shinto Priest Looks On - Premium Photographic Print

By the Sword (Paperback) $16.44 Hired to find a legendary Japanese sword that had been stolen from the Hiroshima Peace Museum, Jack finds his task complicated by dangerous rivals for the sword and a pregnant teen who is carrying a child of destiny, in a best-selling suspense novel by an award-winning author. Reprint.

The Art of the Japanese Sword (Hardcover) $59.81 Description not available.

Japanese Sword Mounts $29.2 No Synopsis Available

Bokken : Art of the Japanese Sword $15.55 No Synopsis Available

Red Japanese 43.75-inch Jintachi Ceremonial Sword $95.69 Unleash the samurai in you with this ceremonial Jintachi samurai sword. Crafted of 440 stainless steel, this samurai sword comes complete with a decorative red handle.For ceremonial purposesJintachi samurai swordCrafted of 440 stainless steelComes with beautiful decorative handleSword measures 43.75 inches long

Hand-forged 41-inch Japanese Samurai Sword $112.2 Bring honor to your home with a hand-forged Japanese Samurai sword Collectible sword features a heat-tempered carbon steel blade Razor sharp sword comes with a solid wood scabbard Scabbard is wrapped in genuine ray skin and heavy gauge cotton for superior grip Full tang Blood carving line on blade Comes with a cleaning kit, protective cover, fantasy gift box, heavy-duty polished stand, sword robe and sword cleaning kit Overall length with scabbard is 41 inches Blade length is 28 inches Please Note: This item is not a weapon and is for decorative use only. You must be 18 years of age or older to order from us. Purchaser is responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws as they apply to the items purchased and O.co makes no claim as to the legality of purchasing, possessing, or carrying any specific item sold via this web site (particularly bladed objects). Purchaser assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or injury resulting from the misuse of an item and agrees to indemnify and hold seller harmless from any related claims.

Cold Steel 88DEC Japanese Sword (Imperial Series) $824.85 Only traditional materials are used for the Japanese sword s fittings. The Tsuba (guard) Fuchi (collar) and Kashira (pommel) are expertly made and finely crafted from black iron. The Habaki (blade collar) is hand made out of polished brass and each hilt is covered in SamT (ray skin) and tightly wrapped in the traditional style with black cord. A beautiful brass Menuki (a small ornamental sculpture inserted between the ray skin and the cord wrappings on the handle) enhances the sword s aesthetic appearance and makes for a sword that is as traditional looking as possible. All feature fully sharpened 1050 carbon steel blades each heat treated to a spring temper. The blade surface is then given a careful polish by hand with a distinctive mirror polish applied to the fuller (blood groove). These battleready swords are exquisite examples of the sword maker s art. Specifications: Weight: 29.9 oz. Thick: 9/32 Blade: 25 Handle: 10 long SamT (Ray Skin) Black braid cord Steel: 1050 Carbon Overall Length: 35 Sheath: Black Lacquered Wood Scabbard with BlueViolet Cover Bag

Sword and Psyche $5.99 The book includes the Hachi Genri, Seiho Gendai Budo Nyumon, (Eight Principles, Seiho's Introduction to Modern Budo); Sword and Psyche: Religious Influences on the Psychology of Japanese Swordsmanship; the names and kanji of the waza of Eishin-ryu iai, with commentary on each; a collection of short articles on related subjects; a list of all Japanese names and terms used with their kanji; and extensive bibliographical notes on the works cited.The book includes the Hachi Genri, Seih Gendai Bud Nymon, (Eight Principles, Seih's Introduction to Modern Bud); Sword and Psyche: Religious Influences on the Psychology of Japanese Swordsmanship; the names and kanji of the waza of Eishin-ry iai, with commentary on each; a collection of short articles on related subjects; a list of all Japanese names and terms used with their kanji; and extensive bibliographical notes on the works cited.

Spirit Of The Sword $24.99 Live the Legend. Feel the Steel Steeped in lore and legend, swords evoke images of samurai swordsmen, knights in shining armor, the glint of hardened steel, the charge of mounted cavalry. Spirit of the Word is a stunning visual journey through the history of the simplest and greatest weapon ever devised. More than 300 detailed photos of swords throughout the centuries and from around the world Scenes from the ancient swordmaking capitals of Europe The magic of the Japanese sword, including a profile of Yoshindo Yoshihara, the world's greatest living swordsmith Swords on the Big Screen: a cinematic exploration of sword mythology For the historian, for the collector, for the edged weapon enthusiast, Spirit of the Sword is the perfect one-volume guide to the history and mystique of the world's long blades. From, fascinating information on the history of swords from around the world to helpful tips on collecting and displaying swords, you'll find in Spirit of the Sword.

Hand-forged Japanese Samurai 41-inch Sword $92.46 Bring honor to your home with a hand-forged Japanese Samurai sword Collectible sword features a high-tempered carbon steel blade Razor sharp sword comes with a solid wood scabbard Scabbard is wrapped in genuine ray skin and heavy gauge cotton for superior grip Full tang Blood carving line on blade Comes with a solid wood display box, cleaning kit and protective cover Overall length is 41 inches Blade length is 28 inches Please Note: This item is not a weapon and is for decorative use only. You must be 18 years of age or older to order from us. Purchaser is responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws as they apply to the items purchased and O.co makes no claim as to the legality of purchasing, possessing, or carrying any specific item sold via this web site (particularly bladed objects). Purchaser assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or injury resulting from the misuse of an item and agrees to indemnify and hold seller harmless from any related claims.

Shattered Sword $26.95 Told from the Japanese perspective, using largely Japanese sources, with new interpretations of the Imperial Navy's actions.

Japanese Samurai 3-piece Black Sword Set $72.72 Bring honor to your home with a Japanese Samurai sword set Collectible set features three different swords Black sword set comes with an elegant wooden stand Carbon steel blades Overall length of katana is 39 inches Blade length of katana is 27 inches Overall length of wakizashi is 31 inches Blade length of wakizashi is 20 inches Overall length of tanto is 21 inches Blade length of tanto is 11 inches Please Note: This item is not a weapon and is for decorative use only. You must be 18 years of age or older to order from us. Purchaser is responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws as they apply to the items purchased and O.co makes no claim as to the legality of purchasing, possessing, or carrying any specific item sold via this web site (particularly bladed objects). Purchaser assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or injury resulting from the misuse of an item and agrees to indemnify and hold seller harmless from any related claims.

Cold Steel 88BWW Japanese Sword (Warrior Series) $421.2 The Japanese swords of the Imperial Series have proven since their initial introduction almost two years ago to be quite popular with many of our customers. Still we are aware that there are some people who want a battle ready sword but hope to find one at a more affordable price. Our new Warrior Series addresses this problem directly. In our efforts to reduce the costliness of the blades we have omitted the expensive mirror polishing that we used on the Imperial swords to create a new series of Japanese swords with a more practical finish. The Warrior Series swords are very handsome in their own right and share the same steel heat treatment and sharpness as their more expensive Imperial counterparts. Like the Imperial swords they have SamT covered cord wrapped handles and quality fittings. WARRIOR SERIES: WAKAZASHI Specifications: Weight: 27.3 oz. Blade Thick: 9/32 Blade Length: 21 1/8 Handle: 6 1/2 SamT (Ray Skin). black braid cord with brass Menuki Steel: 1050 High Carbon Overall Length: 27 5/8 Sheath: Black Lacquered Wood Scabbard

Act Four: Three Actors, One Brandishing a Sword, Japanese Wood-Cut Print $19.99 Act Four: Three Actors, One Brandishing a Sword, Japanese Wood-Cut Print - Premium Poster

Act Two: Man with Sword and Fan Standing next to a Woman, Japanese Wood-Cut Print $19.99 Act Two: Man with Sword and Fan Standing next to a Woman, Japanese Wood-Cut Print - Premium Poster

The Chrysanthemum And the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture $9.75 No Synopsis Available

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