Beautiful katana weapon and its history from the past to the present day

A katana is a samurai sword with a curved blade, sharpened on one side, and a straight wooden handle. It was worn and stored in a magnolia sheath.

The size of the weapon is 95-105 cm, the blade is 60.6-75.7 cm, so it is classified as a cold weapon. The cutting part is made of several types of steel, it is both strong and sharp, and holds an edge for a long time. The katana was used in honor fights, held with both hands, but a grip with one hand is also possible.

The cost of an ancient weapon now reaches several thousand dollars; replicas from Japan can be bought for 2.5-60 thousand rubles.

Main characteristics of the katana

The katana has the characteristics indicated in the table.

What is a katana

Katana is a Japanese edged weapon that belongs to the category of swords, although it is similar to a saber or checker. It has been known since the 15th century, it was owned by samurai. The weapon has a long, slightly curved blade, consisting of several layers of steel of different hardness, and a short handle in comparison with it. The katana was intended for delivering cutting blows, but with skillful use it could also stab the enemy.

Weapon length

The length of the katana together with the handle, that is, the full length, is 95-105 cm. The blade should be 60.6-75.7 cm, but on average this figure is 70-75 cm. That is, weapons of this type with shorter blades are much more common less often. This difference in the size of traditional weapons is due to the fact that they were personal and were made in accordance with the dimensions of the owner.

We recommend reading the article about the coolest knives known throughout the world. From it you will learn about the sharpest, most dangerous and beautiful knives, the ranking of the best knives in the world, the highest quality and most popular in Russia. And here you can read more about the benefits of the Nepalese kukri knife.

Dimensions

In addition to the length of the blade and the overall length, the following dimensions of the katana are important:

• the width of the working part is approximately 3 cm;
• butt thickness – from 0.5 cm.

These are the dimensions of the katana in centimeters, but in Japan the length of the sword was determined in its own units of measurement, and it had to be from 2 shaku.

There were no clearer criteria in manufacturing, especially when it came to the length of the handle. It was determined by the size of the weapon owner’s hand and was supposed to be 3.5 times his fist.

Katana weight

The weight of a katana varies from 1 kg to 1.9 kg. It depends, of course, on its size, but also on the forging method, the features and the number of different types of steel used. The nuances of the decor of the handle are also important. It should have cast decorations that increase the weight of the weapon. But it cannot fall out of the standard boundaries, otherwise it will be impossible to use the katana in the proper way.

What does it look like

The katana looks like a powerful sword with a slightly curved long blade and a straight hilt. The latter is separated from the chopping part by a hand guard - a guard.

The blade of the weapon is slightly beveled and rises up at the tip. In addition, the handle is decorated with decorative metal elements, covered with stingray or shark skin, and a silk ribbon is fixed over it in several turns. All this helps to hold a heavy weapon more securely in your hand.

Structure

The structure of a katana according to the regulations looks like this:

• Ha – cutting edge of the blade;
• Nakago – base of the cutting edge;
• Mekugi – Nakago bamboo fastener in the handle;
• Habaki - a fixing device for a blade so that it does not move;
• Tsuka – handle;
• Kasira – the head part of the handle;
• Monouchi - the surface of a weapon that strikes when struck;
• Mune - the unsharpened end of the blade;
• Shinogi - edge of the blade;
• Tsuba - guard.
• Saya – scabbard;
• Koi guchi is the place of entry into the sheath;
• Sageo – rope.

These are the main parts of the katana. The sheath is also an integral part of the samurai weapon, since it was worn on the belt not naked, but hidden in it. Sai allowed not only to keep the sword sharp and not rusty, but also to disguise it after the ban on wearing it was introduced.

The secondary components of the katana are:

• Ada – patterns formed during rolling;
• Hamon – hardening boundary;
• Dzi-ada – blade;
• Ha mati - the edge of the cutting edge of the blade;
• Kissaki - blade tip;
• Ko-sinogi – edge at the edge;
• Boti - the hardening boundary at the edge of the blade;
• Yokote is the dividing line of the tip;
• Mune mati - the edge of the blunt tip of the blade (Mune);
• Shinogi-ji - flat surface of the blade;
• Nakago-jiri – the final section of the cutting edge (Nakago);
• Mei – inscriptions on the base of the cutting edge (Nakago);
• Yasuri-me - notches on Nakago;
• Nagaza – the size of the blade;
• Sori - blade deflection;
• Yaki-ha – hardened portion of the blade;
• Menuki - ornament on the handle;
• Same-hada – fish skin, covering the handle;
• Kurikata – rope loop (Sageo);
• Shitotome - a hole through which a loop for a rope (Kurikata) is threaded;
• Footi – handle coupling;
• Sepa - washers;
• Tsuka-ito - silk cord wrapped around the handle;
• Kojiri is the end point of the sheath.

Blade

The katana blade has a one-sided sharpening, its line has a smooth bend. It should be finished to a razor-like finish, tapering to a point or be uniform along its entire length.

In the first case, the masters achieved the following indicators:

• the middle part (from 2 cm from the guard to the middle of the blade) was sharpened to 40-45 degrees;
• the upper part (from the middle to the tip) was processed to 39 degrees.

And the maximum thickness of the blade spine is 5 mm. This combination of sizes of blunt and sharpened edges gives the sword special fighting qualities.

The required thickness of the katana blade was achieved, among other things, by polishing at the final stage of manufacturing. First, it was sharpened with rough stones of varying abrasiveness, then processed with more delicate material. The sharp edge of the blade should be smooth, without jagged edges.

Sword steel

Steel for a katana must have a high degree of carbon content, that is, be a hardness of at least 60-62 HRC. But the blade is always made multi-layered, that is, several varieties of it are used and different ways of combining them.

Mild steel or steel combined with medium steel gives the weapon elasticity, which means it does not break under heavy load. Hard provides the blade with high sharpness for a long time.

The methods of combining different types of steel differ. Sometimes the soft and middle layers are the central layers of the blade, and the hard lining is on the outside. In other cases, the high carbon steel is on the inside and the outer layers are made of lower carbon content material.

Blade designs according to the types of steel used are of the following types:

• maru, in which there is only one type of material - high-carbon;
• kobuse, where the rod is made of soft steel and the lining of harder steel;
• khonsammai, in which the inner layer is soft, but the tip is high-carbon, and there are outer linings of a medium-hard material;
• Shihozume, similar to the previous design, but with the back of the blade protected by a strip of medium-hard steel;
• makuri, where the core is soft and the shell is completely hard;
• warha tetsu, in which the tip is made of high-carbon material and the lining is made of soft material;
• orikaeshi sammai, which is an improved form of honsammai;
• gomai, where the thin inner rod is made of hard steel, it is covered with a layer of soft material and again hard material on the outside;
• sosu kitae, which combines seven layers of different types of steel, which gives the highest possible quality.

Katana is a saber

A katana is a saber by European and Russian standards. It is classified as this type of weapon because of its curved blade and its one-sided sharpening.

But the Japanese are sure that the katana belongs to the category of swords for the following reasons:

• it is used primarily for cutting and piercing blows, and for chopping with a saber;
• the handle continues the line of the blade, and does not bend;
• the weight corresponds to the same indicator of other swords, and the second type of weapon is much lighter;
• You can operate a katana by taking it in your left, right hand, or holding it with both, which will not work with a saber.

Watch the video of an expert's opinion about the Japanese Katana sword:

Is it a bladed weapon?

A katana is a melee weapon if its parameters fall within the formal characteristics of weaponry reflected in GOST R 51215-98. There are definitions of sword, blade, blade, point, consistent with what can be seen in most antique products of this type. If an ancient katana or replica has discrepancies with the requirements of the standard, they cannot be called a bladed weapon.

A product may exclude, for example, one of the following characteristics from the chemical weapons category:

• movable connection of the blade with the handle;
• an unsharpened blade that cannot cause cutting damage;
• blunt edge, with no chance of causing a puncture wound.

If they are not there, the katana can be a historical property, a collectible, an antique, and in all cases it is required to have permission.

Longest katana

The longest katana is called "okatana". Belonging to this subtype of weapon is determined by the size of the blade; it must be larger than 2.5 shaku, that is, from 75.8 cm. The largest full size of a long sword is 105-130 cm. The shape of the blade and handle in all cases is the same as that of a traditional weapons of this type.

Katana

Katana - Japanese two-handed sword

Katana (Japanese: 刀) is a long Japanese sword (daito).

In modern Japanese, the word "katana" also means any sword. Katana is the Japanese reading (kun'yomi) of the Chinese character 刀; Sino-Japanese reading (on'yomi) - then:. The word means "a curved sword with a single-sided blade."

The shape of the blade of the katana resembles a saber, but its handle is straight and long, which allows the use of a two-handed grip.

The pommel is missing. The slight bend of the blade and the sharp end also allow piercing blows. The absence of a pommel makes fencing with one hand extremely difficult, despite the standard weight (about 1-1.5 kilograms) for a bladed hand weapon. Perhaps this is explained by the anthropometric data of Japanese warriors.

History of development

The katana appeared in the 15th century as a consequence of the evolution of tachi (Japanese 太刀) and was used until the end of the 19th century (early Muromachi period) as a traditional weapon of the samurai, primarily in combination (daisho, Japanese 大小 lit. “big-small”) with short wakizashi (Japanese 脇差, Chinese 小刀 shoto, lit. “small sword”).

The katana is similar in many ways to the earlier Chinese Miao Dao sword.

A genuine Japanese katana can be easily recognized by the hardening line (jamon, Japanese 刃文), which is explained by the use of special forging and hardening techniques, as well as the handle (tsuka, Japanese 柄), covered with stingray skin and entwined with a silk ribbon.

Ordinary leather was also used for covering. Carved hardwood or ivory hilts are found only on decorative and ceremonial swords.

The blade of a katana consists of at least two different types of steel: tough for the base (core) and hard for the cutting part. Both components were first refined by repeated folding and welding before being forged into a blade.

In the narrow sense, a katana is a curved (cutting part outward) bastard sword with a blade two or more shaku long (Japanese 尺, 2 shaku are approximately equal to 60.6 cm) and a handle of varying lengths. Weight 750-1000 g.

If the length of the blade is less than two shaku, then it is a wakizashi, if less than one shaku, it is a dagger (tanto, aikuti, hamidashi).

The scabbard for all three types of swords is called saya; they are made of wood and varnished. Only mass-produced swords of the 20th century have a metal scabbard, however, they are also equipped with a wooden lining.

Katana steel

Traditionally, Japanese blades are made of refined steel. The process of their production is unique in its “traditionality” (according to Pseudo-Aristotle, the inventors of iron metallurgy, the Khalibs, dealt with precisely such raw materials) and is due to the use of ferruginous sand, which is purified under the influence of high temperatures to obtain iron with higher purity levels.

Steel is extracted from ferruginous sand. Previously, the process was carried out in a tatara oven (a rectangular cheese oven).

Kritsa obtained from sands is heterogeneous in composition, the proportion of carbon in it ranges from 0.6 to 1.5%. The blade requires steel with a constant percentage of carbon (approximately 0.6-0.7%).

In order to completely clean the metal and achieve the required and uniform carbon content in it, a special folding technique was developed, the high efficiency of which is comparable to its labor intensity. A feature of ferrous sand is its low content of sulfur and phosphorus, which contribute to segregation (disturbance of the crystalline structure of steel) and are therefore undesirable.

For the same reason, low-sulfur charcoal is used during forging.

First, the steel fragments are forged into ingots, which in turn are heated, folded in length and width, and returned to their original shape through forging.

During the forging process, steel waste occurs, as a result of which the metal loses weight. At the same time, the proportion of carbon decreases due to oxidation. To control these processes, ingots with different carbon contents are combined during forging.

After repeated folding of steel, numerous thin layers are formed, which, after special polishing and sharpening, become noticeable on the surface of the blade.

This technique serves solely to clean steel, achieve uniformity of its structure and regulate carbon content. The opinion that a good katana should consist of as many layers of steel as possible is wrong.

Depending on the quality of the tamahagane and the desired percentage of carbon, the ingot is reforged 10 to 20 times. A blacksmith (such as Kanenobu or someone of his kind) repeats the cycle as many times as necessary to produce a uniform ingot with the required characteristics. Excessive stretching of this process softens the steel and leads to further metal loss due to waste.

Factory katanas from World War II typically have steel containing between 95.22 and 98.12% iron and 1.5% carbon, giving the steel a high hardness. Additionally, it contains a certain amount of silicon, which gives the blade high flexibility and high impact strength.

Copper, manganese, tungsten, molybdenum, as well as occasional inclusions of titanium, may be present in moderate quantities (depending on the place of extraction of raw materials).

Not all steel is suitable for making a sword. The original forged sword is made, unlike cheap copies, not from 440A stainless steel, that is, tool steel obtained by rolling, which has a Rockwell hardness of 56 HRC and is unsuitable as a material for a katana.

In addition, a real sword does not have a wave-shaped sharpening, engraving or etching that imitates hamon. The degree of hardness characteristic of the originals is achieved only through special metal processing (see martensite).

The forging process also creates the crystalline structure of the steel. Hardening of the cutting side to 62 HRC in combination with elasticity guarantees the high quality of Japanese blades. Thanks to its high hardness (60-62 HRC), the sword remains sharp for a long time. Exceptional cutting ability in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the blade (as opposed to cutting in the longitudinal direction - like a saw that moves along its longitudinal axis), the principle of which is also used in the shaving process, that is, when the blade moves at a right angle strictly perpendicular to its plane , is explained by the use of pure iron carbide, due to which, when sharpening, a very thin blade thickness without jagged edges is achieved.

Iron carbide tends to form in steel that rusts, while high-tech stainless steel does not produce such a smooth, jagged edge. However, these microscopic serrations turn the blade into a kind of miniature saw, which is an advantage of such a weapon, provided that the appropriate fighting technique is used. Already the Vikings in the early Middle Ages skillfully mastered the technique of multi-layer forging of steel for swords; There were very impressive Damascus blades in use, which in shape had nothing in common with Japanese ones.

In terms of the technological steelmaking and forging process, aimed at the required properties of the material, and the features of surface treatment, Japanese steel products were not similar to European ones, which was due to fundamentally different military techniques and differences in the design of armor.

History of the Samurai Sword

The samurai sword dates back to the end of the 14th century. The predecessor of the katana was the tati sword; in fact, thanks to its improvement, it appeared. The weapon was carried and used in combination with a short wakizashi. The latter is also classified as a sword.

The katana was an indispensable attribute of samurai weapons until the 20th century. True, it was previously banned from using it. But the Japanese began to hide weapons in simple wooden sheaths to create the impression that there was the same wooden sword there. Then tools with thinner blades appeared, similar to European cane swords. They forced the katana out of use, as they were more convenient to camouflage.

Watch the video for the history and review of the samurai sword Katana:

Scope of application

The katana was the personal weapon of the samurai, confirmation of his status. But also a weapon of defense, often used in duels. When determining its purpose, we can draw an analogy with the European sword or rapier. But, unlike Western weapons, the katana is not capable of damaging the armor of a samurai, especially if it was created before the 17th century. Those swords have a too fragile blade due to the high sharpness of the blade. But this did not stop them from being used in close combat with an enemy without armor.

Now the katana is not only a collectible weapon. Swords are used in fencing. There are several schools in Japan that teach the art of wielding this weapon.

Using a Katana

Initially, samurai did not use the sword as their main weapon - preference was given to bows and spears. Katanas and other samurai swords were used as self-defense weapons. They were also used to decapitate a defeated enemy or to commit ritual suicide - seppuku. It was only in the 15th century, when samurai were officially allowed to use only swords, that katanas came to the fore. It was at this time that sword techniques became especially popular.

Katanas occupied an important place in the life of a samurai, so it was considered necessary to have more than one katana, but several. Thus, in the arsenal of a self-respecting samurai, there were combat katanas (which were usually performed in an ascetic style, without decorations), katanas for celebrations and holidays (lavishly decorated). The rich inlay (with precious metals and stones) can be explained by the fact that samurai were forbidden to wear jewelry. In this way they could show their wealth and position.

How to hold and wear a katana sword

You can hold a katana either with one hand or with a two-handed grip, but the latter is more convenient. In this case, the blade of the sword goes to the target not at a right angle, but obliquely, to deliver a cutting blow. This technique was previously used in combat, and now it is used in fencing.

They wore a katana in a sheath, where the sword lay with the tip up. They were held behind the belt on the left side. Upon entering someone else's house, the samurai removed the weapon from its sheath and placed it nearby so that it could be reached.

The katana sword, held by the hilt with the left hand, indicated the samurai’s readiness to engage in battle. If it was on the right, it meant the owner had a peaceful attitude.

Types of katanas and their varieties

There are the following types of katanas:

• traditional;
• wooden, used as a souvenir;
• short - wakizashi;
• straight – kokatana;
• tactical – Tactical Katana Machete;
• with a red blade, where the steel contains gold.

There are also ancient and modern varieties of katanas. But the latter can be of no worse quality than those that have existed for several centuries, since the secrets of their manufacture are preserved and used by Japanese craftsmen.

Wooden katana

A wooden katana is a souvenir weapon used for historical reconstructions or in games. The sword is made entirely of solid beech, including the hilt. Other types of wood can also be used. The handle of the product is trimmed with genuine leather. This katana resembles an ancient samurai weapon only in shape.

Short katana

The short katana is a wakizashi sword. Both were worn as a pair on the left side of the belt, and were called a "daise" set.

Wakizashi has:

• length 50-70 cm,
• handle the size of 1.5 fists of the owner,
• blade 3 cm wide,
• butt 0.5 cm.

Wakizashi sword
But otherwise, it completely repeats the shape of a katana - a blade curved with a sharp edge and a straight handle. This weapon served as an auxiliary weapon in battle if the long sword broke or it was not possible to reach it.

The small katana was always with its owner if he found himself in someone else's house. And in this case the big one had to be removed from the belt and placed next to it.

Straight katana

The straight katana is called "kokatana". It could be included in a daiso instead of a wakizashi, that is, serve as a reserve weapon for a samurai. Kokatana has the following parameters:

• full length 60-69 cm,
• handle 15-17 cm,
• less curved, but not absolutely straight blade up to 3 cm wide.

Kokatana Sword (Ko-Katana)
And, unlike wakizashi, only aristocrats could wear a kokatana.

Tactical katana

The tactical katana has almost no relation to the ancient Japanese weapons, since it is a modern knife from Cold Steel called the Tactical Katana Machete. It is similar to a samurai sword only in shape - a curved blade, pointed at the convex edge, and a straight hilt.

Tactical Katana Machete parameters:

• total length – 92 cm,
• blade length – 61 cm,
• length of the sharpened blade segment – ​​57 cm,
• blade width – 3.3-4.5 cm,
• butt thickness – 2.2-2.4 cm,
• guard diameter – 7.7 cm,
• handle thickness – 2.1-2.8 cm.

Tactical Katana Machete
The metal part is made of carbon steel. The handle is made of polypropylene and features the finish pattern of a real katana. The set also includes a fabric case with plastic trim.

Dual katanas

Paired katanas are daisho, consisting of the katana itself and a shorter wakizashi. Another option for a samurai's weapon set is the first sword and straight kokatana, hung on the belt on the left side. But they never carried or fought with two katanas at once. The first is inconvenient, the second is unrealistic due to the size and weight of the weapon.

Paired Katanas

Katana with red blade

A katana with a red blade is one with a blade made of red steel, which contains gold and brass. This feature does not enhance the combat qualities of the weapon, but makes it very attractive in appearance and quite expensive. Usually the hilt and scabbard also have a red color to them.

Katana with red blade

Crossed katanas

Crossed katanas are nothing more than a symbol of readiness for battle. But in reality, it is impossible to see both weapons in the hands of the owner in exactly this position. Daise cannot be used at the same time. Crossed swords are marked only on graphic images, family coats of arms, and symbolize the military valor of the samurai family.

Reasons for popularity

The two-handed katana is in demand among collectors because this weapon is distinguished by its beauty and originality. Films in which valiant samurai wielded two swords at once (which is unlikely in reality), defeating everyone, contributed their share of popularization.

Another myth that adds interest is that weapons cannot be broken. This is due to information about the peculiarities of steel production and blade forging by the Japanese. Both processes are different from how it was done in Europe. And the very interest in Japan also contributes to the popularization of its ancient swords, even in the form of their modern replicas.

Why are so many ancient weapons preserved?

The Japanese were sensitive to weapons, passing them on to their descendants in each family. Samurai swords were of high quality and richly decorated, so they were the property of the family along with lands and monetary property. Accordingly, they were stored carefully; many weapons have survived to this day.

There are other reasons for the abundance of swords:

• there are more than 300 forges in the country that make weapons using ancient technologies;
• they are in great demand in Japan, thanks to interest in the art of swordplay and the schools where it is taught;
• The ancient guns are a cultural and historical treasure of the country, protected by scientific societies, so they were not allowed to be destroyed after Japan's defeat in World War II.

Masamune and Muramasa - great Masters

The first Master is Masamune. Born at the end of the 11th century in the province of Sagami, where he worked. He can rightfully be considered the most famous gunsmith in Japan. He gained fame for creating his own technique for making swords - Soshu. Weapons using this technology were manufactured according to strict canons. The basis of the sword was four strips of steel welded together, which were folded together and forged five times, resulting in the number of layers in the blade becoming 128. This technique was used by more than one generation of his students. According to legend, Masamune refused to sign his blades because they could not be counterfeited.

Second Master - Muramasa. The founder of an entire dynasty of gunsmiths from the Ise province. His swords were famous for their incredible sharpness. The master was dissatisfied with the policy pursued by the then ruler of Japan and put curses for the imperial family into each of his swords. For this reason, in the 17th century, Muramasa swords were banned and destroyed, and the people who kept them were persecuted to the point of death. Perhaps this is why there is a legend that Muramasa swords are bloody swords and can awaken bloodlust in the owner. Only four Muramasa swords have survived to this day, one of which holds the title of the sharpest sword in the world, which consists of 25,000 layers of steel.

These masters are connected by one legend - each of the gunsmiths stuck his sword into the bottom of a river overgrown with lotus, lotus flowers passed unharmed past Masamune's sword, while Muramasa's sword cut them into small pieces. In this fight, Muramasa recognized Masamune’s victory, since according to Japanese philosophy, the sword is not a weapon of aggression, but a weapon of peace and was created to stop wars.

Handmade katana Samurai Sword Katana, price - 5248.37 rubles.

How much does a katana cost?

How much a katana costs depends on the age of the weapon, the manufacturing method, the finishing features of the handle and sheath, but a modern “remake” of good quality can cost 10-60 thousand rubles. A product of a worse level costs only 3-4 thousand rubles. A real katana from Japan will cost 300-500 thousand rubles, and sometimes even higher if it is a copy from a famous master with supporting documents. In 1995, one of these was sold for 600 thousand dollars.

Where to buy real one from Japan

You can buy a katana from Japan in gun stores. There are products made in this country at the present time, but in accordance with previous traditions. They can also be ordered online at international sites.

In Russia and other countries there are private collectors of weapons, who also sometimes part with some of their weapons. But you need to remember: if the sword has signs of chemical weapons, you will need permission to own it.

Making a Japanese katana sword

Traditional katana making is a labor-intensive and lengthy process that includes:

1. cleaning steel from unnecessary impurities by immersing it in a solution of clay and ash;
2. heating to high temperatures and folding with hammer flattening to obtain a multi-layer sheet of high-carbon material;
3. forging, during which steels of different hardness are combined and the outline of the blade is formed;
4. hardening of a workpiece coated with a layer of liquid clay so that martensite appears in some areas of the metal;
5. release of material that already has the shape of a blade;
6. sharpening and polishing, during which the modern Japanese katana sword acquires engraving on the working part;
7. making steel guards and decorating them;
8. making a handle, connecting it to the blade and guard using a bamboo fastening;
9. making wooden scabbards.

Cheap modern samurai swords are made from simple stainless steel with a hardness of 56 HRC. And in this case, the process of creating them is not so complicated, it consists of cutting the blade, hardening, tempering, sharpening, making a handle and sheath, and assembling the product.

How a katana is made in Japan

Katana in Japan is made as follows:

1. Pieces of special grade steel are placed in ash and clay solution to remove slag. Then they are removed and heated to join into a single whole, hammered, folded, and the previous step repeated until a sheet of high-carbon steel is obtained.
2. A softer material is added to it to impart viscosity, which protects the blade from breakage. Forging takes several days, strips of steel of different hardnesses are combined in the way they will be arranged in the finished product. When the initial form is ready, a layer of liquid clay is applied to it.
3. Next, in the process of hardening (heating the workpiece and cooling in warm water), a hamon is formed, that is, a pattern in the area between the blade and the transition to the butt. It will become final after polishing the blade, but first the latter is given a traditional shape - slightly curved.
4. The next stage is product release. It is heated in an oven and cooled slowly in air. This is how the blade gains hardness without losing its viscosity.
5. The finished metal part of the weapon is sharpened. To do this, use up to 9 special stones of different abrasiveness, and at the end - thin plates or wooden planks. At the same stage, some modern craftsmen apply engraving to the unhardened areas of the blade.
6. All that remains is to polish the product. The master also works with different tools, thanks to which he highlights sections of the blade (hamon, hada, etc.). Along with sharpening, the process can last several days.
7. Then a handle is made from magnolia or cherry, covered with stingray or shark skin, wrapped with silk, sometimes woolen ribbon. It is attached to the shank using a bamboo pin threaded through a hole on it. Between the handle and the working part of the blade there should be a guard (tsuba), attached using washers (sep). A coupling (futi) should separate the hand protection from the handle.
8. The scabbard is made from wood. They are framed with decorations made of animal horn or bone and coated with varnish.

Watch the video about how samurai Katana swords are made:

A Japanese blacksmith spoke about the nuances of sword production

The RG correspondent was personally convinced that the process was proceeding as planned and spoke with the general producer and project manager, as well as an expert in the field of Japanese sword Nobuo Shimada.

This Saturday in Moscow, blacksmiths will complete the production of a real Japanese sword. Tell me, what kind of blade will this be?

Nobuo Shimada:

This would be a tachi sword, which was usually worn on the belt with the blade down, paired with a tanto dagger. I note that the blade is forged with a prayer for the health of the Russian land.

What is special about Japanese swords? How do Japanese edged weapons differ, for example, from European ones?

Nobuo Shimada:

Of course, the Japanese sword was originally made as a weapon. And in this way it is similar to the European one. But, on the other hand, a Japanese blade is also a work of art and even, so to speak, a creation of nature. The hamon line that remains on the katana blade after sharpening is similar to the horizon line dividing the earth and sky. It seems as if nature itself was concentrated in the Japanese blade. The sky and earth shrank and turned into a katana.

I know that the Japanese place great importance on symbols and metaphors, but still, when it comes to the quality of the blade, what are its advantages?

Nobuo Shimada:

The production of a Japanese sword begins from iron-containing sand, which is smelted together with coal in a furnace for three days. Raw iron is obtained from it. As far as I know, the making of a European sword starts from ore. Even at the first stage it is already clear that the technologies differ. Accordingly, there are differences in the chemical composition of steel. Also, the Japanese sword has a completely unique polishing process, which can be compared with stone processing. The master initially understands what can be done with untreated stone to show all its beauty. Likewise, a sword polisher, when he sees a workpiece, understands how to bring out the natural beauty of the blade so that it becomes accessible to everyone. The work of a master polisher is extremely important. It seems to me that in Europe they have not reached the level that they were able to achieve in Japan. The people of our country tried to achieve perfection in everything, paying attention to every little thing. Thanks to this, we still admire the Japanese sword today. The work of the polisher raised it to such a level that the blade became a work of art. Polishing a katana takes a long time. Wars required the speed of manufacturing blades, and therefore many peoples did not pay attention to polishing and aesthetics, quickly producing finished weapons that could be killed, but not admired. In Japan, however, there was a different approach. And this is the uniqueness of the Japanese sword.

How are Japanese swords forged? Share your professional secrets.

Nobuo Shimada:

We can say that steel has two properties. If it is too strong, it is also very fragile. If it is too soft, it will bend. Therefore, when making a sword, careful work is required, during which the master looks for a kind of balance. The amount of carbon in the sword must be constantly adjusted. In the process of producing a blade, a blacksmith must be clever and make sure that the sword is both soft and durable. He tracks this by the color of the fire, by the smell, by the metal, by the rustling of the forge. He constantly monitors the condition of the prepared bar and decides whether to remove carbon or add it.

I heard that after World War II, the art of Japanese sword making was in decline. Nevertheless, the tradition was preserved. Why did customs not fade into oblivion?

Nobuo Shimada:

The fact is that a Japanese sword has three components. And the katana is more than just a killing weapon. After the war, when the component of the sword as a murder weapon disappeared, two others remained, which people have not forgotten about to this day. A Japanese blade is also a work of art. When you go to a museum and see a Japanese sword, you admire it, relax and cannot resist this beauty. In addition, the sword is a kind of amulet for Japanese land, statehood, and religion. Therefore, a katana is an excellent gift that can be given in honor of the birth of a son or for some other occasion. The sword will protect the family hearth and protect the house from troubles and attacks.

In the manufacture of a Japanese sword, there are a lot of nuances that must be observed in order to obtain a high-quality blade. Surely, after completing the work, the master checks the bladed weapon. How he does it?

Nobuo Shimada:

Initially they look at the beauty of the katana. So that there are no scratches, dents, or impurities on the blade. If we talk about how this blade can be used to cut, then different blacksmiths have their own approach. Some people make “tameshigiri”, when they use it to cut sheaves of straw to test the properties of the blade. But there are those who no longer pay attention to this.

It is interesting that in such a modern country as Japan, the profession of a blacksmith has been preserved. How do you get this specialty on the Japanese islands?

Nobuo Shimada:

A person who has chosen the profession of a blacksmith must find a teacher. He may have to go around a certain number of forges and attach himself to a sensei. If the master gives the go-ahead and takes on a student, the latter begins to live in the same house with the teacher and help him. For example, chopping coals, carrying sand. This condition lasts from five to ten years. During this time, the master passes on the skills of making a katana to his ward. It is believed that in addition to this, the sensei also transmits part of the spiritual component, which is put into the blade during the process of forging it. After this period has expired, the student, having gained experience, can branch out and become an independent blacksmith.

Does it take that long to be able to forge a sword yourself?

Nobuo Shimada:

Yes it is. There are no people in Japan who would make a sword from start to finish. If a person is engaged in sharpening a blade, then he does only this and tries with all his might to achieve perfection in his chosen field. The person who makes the braiding for the handle of a katana is engaged exclusively in his own business and nothing else. A blacksmith who forges a raw material for a sword is engaged only in forging. By the way, according to my observations, the situation in Russia is different: everyone does everything. In Japan, it is believed that a person should study his craft all his life. Let's say, if you have learned one operation on sharpening swords, this does not mean that you have become a master in this matter. You spend your entire life improving. There is a huge scope for learning in any subspecialty. Frankly speaking, in Japan there is a low opinion of people who grab onto everything and can do anything. If you make a sword, braid the handle, and sharpen it, this only means that you have not fully mastered these operations. And such people are not treated with much respect in Japan.

You are an expert on Japanese edged weapons. Why did you choose this path?

Nobuo Shimada:

I have been fascinated by Japanese swords since childhood. I must admit that I was lucky because my parents could afford to support my childhood hobby, which grew first into a hobby and then into a specialty. In Japan, there are two ways to become a sword expert. It is clear that there are no universities that teach this. A specialist in Japanese blades can be a person who initially works in a company selling swords and gradually gains experience, as he sees edged weapons every day, comes into contact with them, and recognizes their features.

The second way is to work in a museum where there are exhibitions of swords. Accordingly, as part of his duty, the person who works there reads a lot and understands the history of the origin and development of the blade. It turned out differently for me. I constantly looked at swords, studied them and eventually grew into an expert. I am glad that I did not follow the two paths I mentioned above, because they are either limited to business or exclusively professional study. I see my mission on a slightly different plane. I am fascinated by cultural exchange between countries. That is why I brought blacksmiths from Japan to Moscow to introduce Russia to the Japanese sword. I want Russians to see the beauty of the Japanese sword, learn its history, and get acquainted with the manufacturing process.

But in Russia, many already like to buy for themselves, if not real katanas, then their copies.

Nobuo Shimada:

That's it. In Russia, until recently, fake swords were very popular, which were made both in the Russian Federation and in Japan itself. I want to change this trend so that people will pay attention to the originals and stop buying copies. In Japan, many Russians turn to me for expert help. Once they purchased a Japanese sword, after which they decided to determine whether their purchase was worth the money spent. A standard case from my experience is when people buy a sword created in our days. It, of course, has a certain cost, but only corresponding to the money that can be paid for a katana made these days. I'll tell you what deception is. Often the name of a well-known master who lived in Japan, say, 500 years ago, is stamped on the tang of such a sword. Thus, the sword is completely devalued.

A knowledgeable person will no longer pay a single yen for it, since it is simply a fake.

Is it possible for the average person to determine that in front of him is really a real Japanese sword, and not some kind of fake or even a good copy?

Nobuo Shimada:

This is a complex science and cannot be explained in a few words. The surest way is to entrust it to a real expert.

Common defects of the samurai katana

A samurai katana is obtained as a result of a complex technological process, errors in which can lead to the appearance of defects that have certain names:

• Karasunokuchi – damage to the blade. If a crack penetrates the hardened and unhardened parts, the sword cannot be repaired; it is unusable.
• Sinae - transverse cracks in bend areas. They arise due to “fatigue” of the material and do not interfere with the use of the tool.
• Fukure are pieces of scale or coal preserved during the process of folding steel. The flaw spoils the appearance, as it is exposed after polishing. In addition, it reduces the strength of the sword.
• Kirikome - irregularities on the back of the gun. They form as a result of using a sword, but the problem is dealt with by polishing or not dealt with at all, since it is not considered serious.
• Umegane is a patch that hides another defect. It is placed by a blacksmith, wanting to correct mistakes in his work or make the visible inner layer of steel invisible.
• Hagire is a crack on the hardening line (jamon). If it was formed due to a notch, then it is not dangerous. And when the cause is too much bending of the blade, it is unsuitable for use.
• Hakobore is a large notch on the blade and hamon. May contribute to further deterioration of steel.
• Hajimi - dull areas on the blade that form during frequent sharpening. May mean the sword is old. But there is also evidence that it is made of poor steel, which quickly becomes dull.
• Nioi gire - the absence of a boundary between areas of hardened and unhardened steel where it should pass. It may mean that the hardening stage was carried out incorrectly, that is, the sword is unusable. But the same thing happens if the boundary between the mentioned areas is unclear, then this can be corrected by grinding.
• Mizukage is a dark spot on the cutting part of the blade. May form as a result of repeated quenching or cooling.
• Shintetsu is the penetration of the lower layers of steel to the surface. Occurs when polishing too hard or due to the age of the tool.
• Tsukare - thinning of weapons. The reason may be its age, that is, regular sharpening and polishing.

Defects of the katana

How is the special sharpness of the Katana achieved?

The katana is considered a unique bladed weapon because it has a self-sharpening function. The stand on which the sword is placed allows the blade to remain sharp for a long time due to the special movement of the molecules. The blade manufacturing process involves the use of special equipment. Grinding consisted of ten stages, thus reducing the graininess of the surface. The blade was polished using charcoal dust.

The last step is to harden the blade using liquid clay. She contributed to the emergence of a special strip with a matte surface, which symbolized the boundary between the mirror part of the blade and the matte one. Part of the blade was wrapped in clay, and the other half of the blade was tempered in water. In this way, different surface structures were achieved. If the master was very popular, then at this stage of production he left his signature. But at this stage the blade was not yet considered ready. The final polishing of the blade took two weeks. When the surface of the blade acquired a mirror shine, it was considered that the work was completed.

The metal involved in the manufacturing process of weapons had a special structure. Its peculiarity is its layering. There were several ways to obtain high-quality steel. They were determined under the influence of many external factors.

Katana sheath

The sheath of a katana, or saya, is made from magnolia to fit the blade. In cross section they can be oval, in the form of an ellipse or octagon with sharp or rounded edges. The saya is varnished, sometimes it is decorated with ornaments, like on the handle and guard, or covered with fish skin.

The entrance to the scabbard is decorated with horn and bone decor. But if you leave them without any decorations, it will not be a mistake. This is exactly what the saya became during the period when the wearing of a katana was banned by the emperor of the country. Currently, sheaths are also made of metal, but the inner layer must consist of wood.

Which sword is longer than a katana

A sword longer than a katana is:

• Tati . It has a length of 75.7-90.9 cm, a more curved blade. And the handle of the weapon is not straight, unlike a katana. Tati is its predecessor and the basis for its creation.
• Nodachi . Its length is 1-1.5 m, and the longest sword of this type reached 2.5 m. It was created for battles with an enemy clad in armor. But to use nodachi, the samurai himself had to be physically very strong.

We recommend reading the article about the best switchblades. From it you will learn about the main characteristics of switchblades, their types and handmade switchblades. And here is more information about the Navaja combat knife.

It’s not for nothing that the katana is so popular among bladed weapon lovers. The sword is quite elegant, but durable, sharp, and affordable to own, as there are decent examples with a reasonable price. It will be a good addition to the collection, but will look no less impressive alone.