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Japanese
Weapons
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Sometimes, the katana is used with a smaller sword known as Wakizashi or tantō. Together, they are called a daishō (which means big and small), and wearing them was a symbol exclusive for the samurai warriors only as it represented their honor and power.
Through the course of time, the length of
samurai sword had been altered to suit the ease of use during combat.
Generally, the blade length is greater than 60 cm (23.6 inches) and it is
moderately curved. Samurai warriors wore this sword with the cutting edge
up.
Owning a samurai sword either as part of a decoration, collection or for martial arts activity, brings also honor to some people. But with so many out in the market now, how does one find a real one over replicas?
A Japanese steel called "Tamahagane” is used in making the Samurai sword. Thus, to test if it’s really made from a metal, a magnet can be used. Most replicas are made of aluminum and do not react with the magnet.
Another way to check for authenticity is to use a magnifying lens and check on the temper line or hamon. Tiny dots or specks are to be found along the border of such line. If it’s smooth, it’s likely to be a fake.
Going to a renowned store that has the reputation for selling authentic samurai swords
is the best and most convenient way to stay safe. You can try to get recommendations from friends and associations who are considered experts on the field.
As a general precaution, the sword must be treated with extreme care during handling. It should never be considered a toy and played around with. It should be kept away from kids and shouldn’t be handled at all by them.
The blade of the samurai sword is extremely sharp and may cause injury if mishandled. When cleaning the blade, it should be positioned with the edge away from you and it should never be touched. Even when sheathing or drawing out the sword, the blade should always be positioned away and never towards the person.
The blade of the sword must be well- oiled, powdered and polished to prevent rust from developing. The choji oil, which is 99% mineral oil and 1% clove oil for fragrance, is the traditional oil used. However, the salts in the oil can also be a food for molds so it should be inspected and aired frequently.
When storing, the sword is kept inside the scabbard and it’s placed in a horizontal position with the sharp edge up. In such manner, the condition of the scabbard and the sword’s edge are preserved. The sword must fit well into the scabbard. If it starts to loosen up, it must be fixed to avoid accidental unsheathing and possible injury.
Japanese Samurai Katana Swords
Japanese Samurai Katana Swords are worshipped and revered in Japan and
amongst avid sword collectors. The samurai warrior of feudal Japan was a
respected warrior class that enforced and implemented the rules of the
emperor. They were a military aristocracy who worshipped the Buddha and
the Emperor. The samurai sword was their constant companion and a symbol
of prestige and pride.
The Samurai sword was hand forged and crafted. The blacksmiths who forged
these exquisite weapons were people of high standing in the Japanese
community. They worked directly for royalty, the government and fuedal
lords. Their abilities and talents were treasured and each sword was hand
made for an individual samurai, shogun or fuedal lord. The Samurai sword
was not considered to be just a weapon, but a an extension of a man's
honour, ego and pride.
The Samurai warrior would usually carry two swords. The Katana and the
Wakizashi. The Katana is the long sword. The Wakizashi is the short sword.
The samurai sword is said to be one of three sacred treasures of the
Japan. The Sacred Mirror and the Comma Shaped Beads are the other two. As
early as 3 B.C. the Samurai Sword was used as an offering to the Gods. It
is said to possess the three critical holy elements of purity, rarity, and
value. The sword would later become the symbol of the Samurai Code or the
Code of the Warrior.
The samurai sword is considered by many to be the spirit of old Japan. The
history of Japan in many ways reflects the history of the Samurai Sword.
In the Samurai Sword, we can trace the lineage, the history and the
countless wars. In the sword, we see the craftmanship, the quality, the
heart and soul of the people of Japan that would later go on to become a
technological world leader. The sword was a predecessor to Modern Japan.
Japanese sword history can be divided into eight periods.
Ancient period (before A. D. 650): The art of making the weapon was
introduced from the Mainlands of China and Korea. Many artisans and
skilled black smiths from China and Korea emigrated to Japan to further
develop the art of sword making. Swords during this period was yet to be
perfected and the blades were designed straight.
Nara period (650 ~ 793): In the year 710, the first permanent Japanese
capital was established in Nara. It was a city modeled after the Chinese
Capital. There were large Buddhist Temples and monasteries. Later the
capital would be moved to Nagaoka and then finally to Heian (Kyoto) in 794
where it would remain there for over a thousand years. This was the
"Golden Age" of religious art, architecture, painting and sculpture. The
art of making the sword was still primitive but some progress had already
been made. Many wars ensued during this period, and he national army’s
demand for swords were insatiable.
Heian period (794 ~ 1191): The Fujiwara family controlled the political
climate during the Heian period over several centuries through strategic
marriages with the Imperial Family and by occupying important polical
offices in Kyoto. Japanese smiths began to produce their own swords with
their own distinctive styling. The art of Japanese sword making had
already improved dramatically. This was also the period where Japan found
it’s own identity, gradually "Japanizing" all of it’s imported ideas and
customs. It would become a more distinct culture, a Japanese culture,
apart from Korea and China.
Kamakura period (1192 ~ 1336): Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan during
this period from China and Korea, otherwise known and Chan Buddhism. Large
number of Samurai warriors became followers of Zen. The Samurai class
would become a leading social hierarchy. Also during this period,
Confucianism became widespread, instilling loyalty and social order to the
people. Another noteable event in history during this period is the Mongol
Invasion. The Mongols had already conquered China and was eyeing Japan. A
large fleet of Mongol ships had made it’s way to Kyushu Japan, but was
later forced to turn back because of horrendous weather conditions. A
quite favorable event for the Japanese, as the Mongol army outnumbered the
Japanese by a large number. Several more attempts would be made, but the
Mongols would be forced back countless times due to hostile weather.
Japanese smiths began experimenting with different kinds of metals and
steel types to further improve the sword. The government demand for swords
continued to fuel development and manufacturing.
Muromachi (Ashikaga) period (1337 ~ 1573): The Era of Civil Wars.
Considered to be a very dark period in Japanese history. Bloody civil wars
had broken out and the fuedal Lords and Shoguns of Japan raged relentless
battles. The pouring of blood and death appeared to be without end. The
demand for more fighting weapons and swords continued to rise. Ironically,
this was the same period that the Portuguese traders and Jesuit
missionaries arrived in Kyushu Japan and introduced the firearm and
Christianity to the people.
Azuchi-Momoyama period (1574 ~ 1602): A more peaceful period. The arts in
Japan began to flourish. Shogun Hedeyoshi made social distinctions between
the Samurai Class and the Farmer Class. He forbade all Samurais from
farming and had them live in castles. These attempts were made to create
social order. With some new found peace, the people could now concentrate
on developing their spirits. The art of sword making too, reached new
heights.
Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603 ~ 1867) Edo was the Shogun’s capital at the
time. Continued peace brought much economic anc cultural prosperity. This
was also a period of international seclusion as the nation was closed from
outsiders. Only a handful of foreigners including the Chinese, Koreans and
some Dutch traders were allowed to enter the Land of The Rising Sun. It
was a capital offense at the time to enter or leave the country. This
closed border policy continued until the 19th century. Commodore Perry of
the American Navy is credit with opening up trade relations with Japan.
Shortly thereafter, internal strife combined with foreign pressure ended
the Tokugawa period and initiated the emergence of Modern Japan.
Modern period (since 1868): After 1876, the national government forbade
the public wearing of swords. Industrialization was introduced, factories
were built, Japan became an active trading partner with the Europeons and
Americans. Their military power continued to rise. They would later annex
Korea and China. They would win a war against Russia and later lose in
World War II. They would then rise from the ashes to become an economic
power, manufacturing world class goods and their brands becoming household
names such as Toyota, Honda, Sony, and Panasonic.
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Classifications |
Making of the Blade |
Legends of Yamato Province |
Samurai Warriors in History |
Timeline |
Terminology
Related Topics: Medieval Swords
| Middle Ages & The Fantasy Sword |
Medieval Swords Expanded
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