For centuries, the blades that the world has known as Katana or Japanese swords were once the pride of samurai warriors and used for great defense and for execting great power on their opponents. Swords that we have been calling Katana for centuries have some interesting history of their evolution.
It’s marvelous to think that their journey from China to Japan turned them into more superior and precise blades that later became the pride of Japanese Samurai and became world-renowned pieces of weapons.
Read on as we take you through the process of Katana evolution that turned them into incredibly sharp and precise blades when there was no modern machining equipment around.
Table of Contents
Katanas: From Early Tanto to Epic Piece of Full Size Hishizukuri uchigatana
The Katana evolved from sasuga, a short blade used by low-ranking samurai during the Kamakura period from 1185 to 1333. The early Muromachi period (1336–1573), where long weapons like ōdachi were popular, resulted in sasuga lengthening and eventually becoming Katana.
The koshigatana (waist sword), a kind of s that high-ranking samurai carried with their tachi is likely to have evolved into a katana through the same historical background as wordsasuga. Today’s oldest Katana known as Hishizukuri uchigatana was forged in the Nanbokuch period.
The Time the blades Sasuga started to Change the Shape
Until the 8th century, swords with straight-bladed blades were some of the most popular swords. As the centuries progressed and foot-to-foot combat was replaced by horseback combat as the dominant form of warfare, warfare markedly changed.
For swords to serve this purpose, they had to be curved so that they could be accommodated by this method of fighting. The Tachi blade, as it is known in Japanese literature, is an elegant and long blade with a single edge and was elegant and long.
During the Koto Period, the Uchigatana and Katana became prevalent, followed by the Muromachi Period
As armies grew, cavalry became a rare sight. A shorter blade was easier to carry and to draw, as well as easier to carry. Within a short period, the blade curve shifted forward.
In response to the need for greater flexibility by the troops, shorter swords were produced. During this period, most blades were 60 to 65 centimeters long.
As a series of short pieces, the Katana culminated here. The wielders carried its cutting edge along their belts as its cutting edge faced upward. With this method of wearing the sword, the user could draw and cut simultaneously.
The Shinshinto Period – The Golden Age of Swords
1764 marked the beginning of the Shinshinto period. During the first half of this period, swordsmiths tried to recreate swords made in the Koto period. Unlike those of the Shinto period, the blade’s Hamon waved from the Machi. There was also an increase in shine and an absence of the Jihada or wavy grain pattern on swords during the Shinshinto period.
Towards the end of the Shinshinto period, sword shapes became more diversified. There was an increase in the blade width, but the blades were shorter than the ones previously made.
Present-day Katana
From 1953 until now, these Japanese Katana are known as modern Katana. As militarism grew and wars erupted, swords once again became essential. In factories, these swords were mass-produced.
It measured around 60- 80 centimeters in length (depending on the type of Katana). Katana of the first generation were of poor quality. Due to the high demand for these swords, swordsmiths forged the blades as soon as possible, resulting in their not-so-perfect quality.
However, the popularity of the Katana rose when close-combat warfare became more common. In battle, the Katana was ideal because it was easier to draw. At this time, it also began to take on a distinct appearance. There was a curve, a single edge, a long Tsuka for two hands, and a circular or square Tsuba.
Conclusion
Fortunately, Katana makers in Japan are still playing their part in keeping this centuries-old tradition of forging Katana alive. The art of sword smithing was passed down from old masters to the next generation.
Japan has around 250 active smiths today. You can still get affordable Katana for sale that matches the quality and beauty of a sword from history.
