Those of us that are fascinated with medieval weapons will no doubt be familiar with samurai swords. These weapons of war made by the Japanese are considered by some as the most perfect weapons ever made. Here is a short fact guide on these wonderful weapons.
What is most commonly known as the samurai sword is the katana. Although there are other types of swords wielded by the samurai this is what is usually referred to. This is because it has been popularized by Hollywood movies and was most commonly seen being used by Japanese officers in World War Two.
What sets these Japanese blades apart from other bladed weapons in the world is how they were made. Each of the blades are actually blades upon blades of carbon steel folded over the other. This process makes the blade extremely strong yet supple. It is written that blacksmiths during the Imperial periods of Japanese history used only their keen sense of sight in determining when a blade was ready to be folded over the other by the color it gave off in the furnace.
Very few blacksmith have mastered the art of folding the sword blade up to 8 times. In fact, very few bladed weapons are known to exist that have been folded up to eight times and these are definitely the rarest and most prized on the planet. These eight fold blades are so prized that only the greatest feudal lords had them, including the Emperor himself.
World War 2 saw the mass production of lesser quality katanas that were given to commissioned Imperial Army and Navy officers of Japan. Much lower quality than the master blacksmith katanas, the steel used was still good enough so as to be able to slice a body in half in one slice. The katanas captured from Japanese soldiers were the ones that inspired a burning interest in the weapons.
If one is looking for museum quality and master made authentic samurai swords, then they will be in for a long search indeed. These weapons have been declared national and historical treasures by the governing bodies in Japan and the world. Thus openly trading in these weapons can face steep penalties.
What is most commonly known as the samurai sword is the katana. Although there are other types of swords wielded by the samurai this is what is usually referred to. This is because it has been popularized by Hollywood movies and was most commonly seen being used by Japanese officers in World War Two.
What sets these Japanese blades apart from other bladed weapons in the world is how they were made. Each of the blades are actually blades upon blades of carbon steel folded over the other. This process makes the blade extremely strong yet supple. It is written that blacksmiths during the Imperial periods of Japanese history used only their keen sense of sight in determining when a blade was ready to be folded over the other by the color it gave off in the furnace.
Very few blacksmith have mastered the art of folding the sword blade up to 8 times. In fact, very few bladed weapons are known to exist that have been folded up to eight times and these are definitely the rarest and most prized on the planet. These eight fold blades are so prized that only the greatest feudal lords had them, including the Emperor himself.
World War 2 saw the mass production of lesser quality katanas that were given to commissioned Imperial Army and Navy officers of Japan. Much lower quality than the master blacksmith katanas, the steel used was still good enough so as to be able to slice a body in half in one slice. The katanas captured from Japanese soldiers were the ones that inspired a burning interest in the weapons.
If one is looking for museum quality and master made authentic samurai swords, then they will be in for a long search indeed. These weapons have been declared national and historical treasures by the governing bodies in Japan and the world. Thus openly trading in these weapons can face steep penalties.
