Samurai Sword
One cannot bring to mind the particulars of Japanese military history without thinking about the samurai swords. The swords, also called “katana” represented an important part of Japanese culture and as a result these katana are treasures pieces of Japan’s glorious past.
Changes in the way nations waged war during Japan’s Muromachi period prompted, the design of these swords to evolve into the form that we recognize today. But in the true Japanese tradition, the samurai swords represent much more than just the sleek and deadly weapons that we have become familiar with. To own such a sword meant that the bearer had attained a special level of social recognition and enjoyed all the privileges and obligations that were inherent in that class. “Bushido”, the Japanese equivalent of the western world’s “Chivalry” became the code by which Japanese of the samurai class conducted themselves.
Traditionally made samurai swords still retain their keen, razor sharp edges even today. The samurai sword made use of the delicate balance of combining high carbon steel with low carbon steel to create a blade that would retain its edge through multiple uses in combat and was not so brittle that it would break when it was being used. Separately, both high and low carbon steel have their own advantages but when combined in the forging of the samurai sword they provided the best of both worlds, flexibility and strength. The method of combining these two materials involved a process known as “folding”, where the two were forged together with the low carbon steel at the interior of the blade and the high carbon steel at the edge. A skilled blacksmith could create a weapon that would be both strong and deadly and ready to use whenever the need arose.
The symbolism of the Japanese samurai sword served as the subject matter for countless poems, stories and legends that were popular and survive to this day. This rich history has contributed to their popularity among many collectors in the west who search for these beautifully crafted pieces of Japanese history.
Ironically, it is the Japanese legislation that has banned the carrying or owning of swords within Japan and so it may be more likely to actually come across a samurai sword in areas outside of Japan. This is a sad circumstance that has robbed Japan of much of its history. In some instances, these items were classified as works of art and so not subject to the regular legislation. These pieces can be owned for display purposes only.
In spite of their appeal to the west, there is much information connected to the samurai swords that remains unknown to the general public. The word “katana” actually refers to a number of different types of samurai swords and not simply the single blade that most people recognize. There is a wide variety of widths, shapes and types of blade that also fit this category.
Samurai Sword Home
Tags: Japanese, japanese samurai sword, katana, Samurai, samurai swords, Sword, swordsRelated posts
Filed Under SamurI Sword | Leave a Comment
Samurai question please help?
Ok i know that samurai were soldiers. i am pretty good in western civ history can anyone explain what the samurai did on his time off and weather or not regular people could be samurai and in time of war was every peasant allowed to wear samurai armor? (extremely sorry for the spalling i am in a rush) history
Samurai Sword Home
Tags: help, Please, question, SamuraiRelated posts
Filed Under history of the samurai | 2 Comments
keep looking »