The Power of a Samurai Sword

The Samurai Sword is defined as a Japanese sword which is wielded by a Samurai or Bushi, as they were historically known in Japan. Swords have played a significant role in Japanese culture. Japanese sword was believed to have a kind of mystical air about it. A warrior approached his sword like a thing, or rather a person, imbued with the power and supernatural properties with utmost awe and respect. Those who possessed a sword followed certain rules. These rules were part of the Samurai code. A true Samurai would stick to the sword etiquettes and any deviance from it would not simply indicate the carelessness, but disrespect for traditions and high standards of the warrior.

The sword was the samurai's most important weapon. The samurai would never be seen without it. But it was not considered good to take it out so others could see it. The samurai would never show off his sword to a common person. If in case a high-ranking official asked to see the sword, the samurai would pull the sword out of its scabbard but only to show a few inches.

The first step in making the samurai Katana was melting the proper metal, even pots and pans. The heat of a specially made fireplace created molten metal, burning away the impurities. Then the craftsman would pour the metal into the shape of a sword. While the metal was still warm, he would pound the sword with a hammer, flattening it out. He would fold the metal over onto itself, and then cooled it in water. Then, he would heat the sword up again, pound it flat again, then fold it over. Dozen of times, this hammering and folding, and heating and cooling cycle was repeated. This is what gave the samurai Katana its legendary hardness and razor-sharp edge.

Here are some interesting facts about Japan’s Samurai sword:

The point of a samurai sword is called a Kissaki. It is said that the value of a sword is determined largely by the quality of the point.

Samurai used to use wooden swords (Bokken) for practice for safety reasons, as well as for preserving their real swords from unnecessary damage.

Samurai’s believed that in the sword lived their warrior spirit, so they would give name to their sword.

There are three main types of samurai swords. A) Katana: The longest type of sword, generally used for outdoor combat. B) Wakizashi: Around one third of the Katana, worn in indoor establishments by the samurai for its obvious better maneuverability indoors. C) Tanto: A small knife used in the same manner as a Wakizashi.

Shogun is the name of the most powerful samurai. They would wear two samurai swords - a Katana and a Wakizashi. They had a license to dismember anybody who offended them.

Earlier, samurai’s would fight on horseback, and their weaponry in addition to samurai swords, was bows and arrows.

It is interesting that these swords are currently more popular in the West than in Japan. There are various companies online that deal in offering people the most authentic Samurai swords. Though it is a sad thing that many people love buying these swords for their sheer elegance and etiquette, without knowing much about it. So before finding a samurai sword katana for sale, read up on the internet about the history, glory, and significance of the same.