
Samurai warriors typically carried two swords as part of their dress.
What’s the difference between a katana and a wakizashi?. Use a fresh piece of rice paper to spread the oil evenly on the blade. Take the bottle of oil and apply a few drops along the length of the blade on each side. Do this until both sides of the blade have been polished and the powder completely removed. Take a fresh piece of rice paper and rub the powder over the blade to polish it. Take the powder ball and tap it lightly against the blade about every two inches or so along its length. Using a sheet of rice paper from the kit or a soft cotton cloth, remove any oil that is still on the blade from the previous maintenance. There are three steps: removing oil, polishing the blade and oiling the blade. You can purchase a traditional sword cleaning kit that will have everything you need. Having a regular cleaning routine in place is key to maintaining your katana. This is achieved by having the two parts of the blade cooling at different speeds during the forging process. A katana’s blade needs to have a harder edge for retention and a softer spine for flexibility. What is that wavy line running down my blade?Īlso known as the hamon, it’s the visual divide between the harder and softer metal of the blade. It comes in many shapes and designs from basic to highly ornamental. This is, basically, the handguard on a katana and it sits between the blade collar or habaki, which is at the top of the blade, and the handle or tsuka. Are you looking for a sword to use or just as a decorative item to wear or display? Once you decide to what purpose you will be using your sword, then, take a look at the different variety of designs and ornamentation that can be found and choose the one that fits your personality, style and budget. The first thing that needs to be taken into consideration is display versus functional. What should I look for when buying a katana?. This weapon was used for slashing and stabbing motions in combat not necessarily for blocking or clashing. The blade is sheathed in a scabbard, which is traditionally made of lacquered wood. The handle is long and traditionally wrapped in rayskin and then a "braid" of silk or cotton.
It has a curved, single-edged blade that is slender and a square or circular guard. The katana is a Japanese sword used by Samurai, an aristocratic warrior class in feudal Japan. We have katana for style, personality and budget - find yours today. collection ranges from 1045 carbon steel blades to premium black Damascus steel blades. has an extensive selection of handmade katana to fit your style and budget.The Samurai, an aristocratic warrior class in feudal Japan, used the katana as their primary weapon. These swords were not only great in battle, but also as legendary pieces of art.