Nihonto or Japanese swords are still quite prevalent these days. These wonderfully sleek swords are still used in traditional martial arts, and many homes in Japan still carry the weapons of their ancestors… pristinely displayed either on standing mounts or mounted on the walls. Naturally enough, the most valuable ones are those that are considered antique. The Japanese people do tend to give importance to the history of blades in association with their family history and the creation of the swords themselves. In other words, much is at stake with both the swordsmanship of the wielder of the blade and the swordsmanship that went into the weapon. Although these blades are no longer used for actual warfare, modern day swordsmiths still create blades utilizing the craftsmanship of the bygone eras.

 

As such, the Japanese katana is the most commonly known blade among all Japanese swords. This is a single edged blade, very thin in width, but its long length is marked by a certain curve along the steel. The hilt of the blade is also long, made so that it can be handled utilizing both hands. These blades became the primary weapons of the samurai class during the Edo period (around 1603 to 1868); but they were first introduced in militia battle during the Kamakura period or around 1185 to 1333. The katana, unlike other swords used in the west during the same period, were made primarily for slicing and not for stabbing.

 

The reason why the katana is valued for the stories behind it is due mostly to the training that the samurais received. In the Bushido (samurai) teachings, it is said that the blade is an extension of the warrior’s soul, or the soul of the warrior himself. The warriors treated their weapons as living entities and even gave these their own names and places of honor in their homes.

 

Japanese Swords will add to your collection and are here for sale at great prices. Shop from the many different styles and sizes of Japanese swords here at Swords of the Ages.