Everything You Need to Know About Samurai Swords

The most Recognizable deadly Weapons in the World

For centuries these swords have been an iconic symbol of Japan despite their more recent fame from movies and other forms of entertainment. The most famous of all samurai swords is the Katana, which is a long, curved sword only bladed on one side. These swords were developed sometime in the 10th century and were used to carry out surprise attacks on the enemy. The warriors would wear these Samurai Swords on their belt with the bladed side facing upwards.

Two other popular samurai swords are the Wakizashi, which was a shorter sword, and the Tanto. These two swords were only allowed to be carried in a pair by the samurai warriors and no one else.

After World War II, the United States had banned the production of any samurai swords. This was only to be soon overturned, but only under the condition that they were to be made and owned for artistic value only. Since many of the American soldiers were secretly sold authentic samurai swords, you are able still able to find them in the United States. It is believed that at a time it seemed that there were more Japanese samurai swords in America than in Japan. Many of the samurai swords that you will find today are for display only and not to be used for any kind of combat.

Samurai swords are typically made from a Japanese steel known as Tamahagane. The blade is made by combining two different steels; a hard outer steel that is wrapped around a soft, inner steel. This creates a blade with a hard, razor sharp edge for cutting and a core that is able to absorb shocks, reducing the probability that the blade will break or bend.

After the Blade is made they are then Decorated

Although most blades are decorated, not all are decorated in a place where it can be seen. The file markings are important on samurai swords, which are markings that are cut onto a bit of the blade that is intended to be covered up later. This is done to assess the aging of the steel.

There are many companies that make replica samurai swords that are for sale for display only. You can find these sellers online, at flea markets and in many magazines. These swords are usually made with a great deal of decoration on them in order to make them very appealing to the eye. If you want to get your hands on an authentic samurai sword, though, don’t get your hopes up. There is rumor, however, that you can find craftsmen in Japan who still make these swords as weapons; you just have to know where to look and who to ask.

Since many of the American soldiers were secretly sold authentic samurai swords, you are able still able to find them in the United States. It is believed that at a time it seemed that there were more Japanese samurai swords in America than in Japan