Katana

The different katanas

The katana is a Japanese sword with a curved, single-edged blade over 61 cm long, a hilt and a long grip.

It can be divided into 3 categories, depending on the length of the blade and the technique used to assemble it. These include :

• The katana, Tachi, Daito or long sword. This type of sword has a total length of over 2 shaku (60.60 cm).
• Wakizashi or Kodachi. These are swords between 1 shaku (30.3 cm) and 2 shaku (60.6 cm) in length. If the main weapon is no longer usable, samurai switch to Wakizashi (replacement weapon). For reach, this weapon was strapped to the waist with the blade facing upwards.
• Tanto. This type of sword includes all those with a blade length of 1 shaku (30.3 cm) or less. The term dagger has only recently come into use. In particular, it is a weapon designed for self-defense, so that even weak women and children can carry it. Example: The world's best-known self-defense dagger is the Tanto Hirano Toshiro.

Choosing a katana

With so many different types and styles of katanas on the market, it would be difficult to make the right choice. For those looking to acquire a good Japanese sword for their collection, there are several elements to consider. How do you know which one to choose? Here's our advice.

Type of cutting edge

Depending on your use, you can choose between two types of cutting edge. For example, the katana used in club martial arts must be non-edged, unless otherwise specified. Sharp katanas are mainly intended for cutting Tatami-Omote or green bamboo.

Blade length

Among the criteria for choosing your katana, length is an important one. The proper handling of this weapon and the morphology of the person using it must be in harmony. For example:

• Size 150 - 155 : Blade 68.2 cm ;
• Size 160 - 165 : Blade 71.3 cm ;
• Size 170 - 175 : Blade 74.3 cm ;
• Size 175 - 180: 75.8 cm blade;
• Size 180 - 185: 80.3 cm blade;
• Size 185 - 190: 84.8 cm blade.

Hi (gorges)

The bo-hi is a groove cut into the side of the blade that can lighten it by 150 g to 200 g. This makes the sword easier to handle, even with one hand (Battodo). However, this feature slightly weakens the sword.

No-hi blades are more robust and powerful, but heavy. They are ideal for intensive two-handed cutting (tameshigiri).

Steel quality

Steel quality defines the blade's strength, edge quality and longevity in the face of wear and tear. These include :

• The 1045 (0.45% carbon), an introductory blade for cutting soft objects
• 1060 (0.60% carbon), drive blade on traditional substrates
• The 1095 (0.95% carbon), a heavy-duty blade for cutting Omote or Green Bamboo tatami.
• Note: only 1095 steels can be selectively quenched (Hamon).