Things to consider while choosing Japanese Samurai swords

There are different types of Japanese Samurai swords, depending on custom and size. You can notice the commitment the Japanese have when you look the way they represent themselves in their swords and martial art manufacturing.

They follow the principle of shuchu ryoko or "focus all your energy at a single point" as mentioned by the martial arts master Shioda Gozo. Obviously, the Japanese have honed the craft of making swords.

The real name of samurai sword is Katana. It is a curved and long sword with a sharp blade on a single side. The samurai would exert the sword with both hands on the long handle. It is a sword that has been known to be designed of outstanding quality. It is also popular for the extremely sharp blade.

Different types of Japanese swords available

Weapons that are known as Japanese swords are readily available in the market, but if you want a real one that a samurai used in battle, you have to get a Laito sword. Others that might look similar for also having the long thin curved blade are kodachi, odachi, nodachi and tachi.

Things you should notice in genuine Japanese Samurai swords

Is the sword a genuine type is always the first question. Genuine Japanese swords or a Shinken sword is very rare, so if you want to get a genuine piece, you’ll have to save your money. To get one of these swords take some work as the Japanese sword association just permits 25 of these lovely pieces to be created every year. If the cost doesn’t prevent you from getting one, you’ll then have to get one of the 250 sword manufacturers that are in Japan to create one for you. They will serve you with documentation to confirm the genuineness of the sword. On the contrary, you can get a Japanese sword manufacturer from outside of Japan to build you one for a much inexpensive price, but it would not be genuine although it might be just as good when it comes to quality. Or you might just go out and purchase a duplicate if you just want it for decoration purpose.

How was it built?

For a highly proficient sword smith to create genuine Japanese clay tempered sword, they have to go through a truly long process. The Japanese steel is known as tamahagane. There is a blend of two types of steel both high and low carbon. During manufacture, the blade undergoes a complex heating process. After that, it passes through a three week process of sharpening and polishing. During the entire period, they have to be very mindful so that they don’t injure themselves. You also have to be very mindful while maintaining and storing a genuine samurai sword. If it is not done properly, you may easily damage the blade which can’t be repaired.