Katana: Difference between revisions
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A '''Katana''' is a [[Japan]]ese [[sword]]. It is |
A '''Katana''' is a [[Japan]]ese [[sword]] derived from the uchigatana. It is long and with a single cutting edge. The handle may be bound with a fabric strip and rayskin or leather instead of wire but these wrappings differ with personal preference and time frame. |
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It is made by a [[smith|swordsmith]] using the folding method, in an attempt to remove the impurities present in the poor quality raw materials used by Japanese smiths. However, they were not folded hundreds of times, as popular myth has it. After being folded about 20 times, folding ceases to add at all to the sword's quality, and will actually cause the steel to lose too much carbon and become iron. Most commonly katana were folded 12 times (''san mai''). |
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Katana were produced in their thousands and at least 200000 were mde for export during the medieval period. Most modern people refer to the exceptional quality blades rather the more common blades. |
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Debate rages as to whether katana are truly superior to European swords, as is often believed, or if it's more to do with situation or preference. |
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Katana are [[mundane]]ly referred to as ''samurai swords''. The ''ninja swords'' (ninja-to) of modern Hollywood myth are an adaptation of a late Edo period katana. However, there is no evidence that this type of sword was used prior to this time. Historical records indicate that the 'ninja' used the same weapons as other bushi. |
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Katanas are [[mundane]]ly referred to as "ninja swords." However, contrary to such popular beliefs, ninjas did not use katanas. Instead they used shorter versions as they were more easily hidden from watchful eyes. There is no standard name for their version of the katana but some call it the Ninja-To. It was shorter and would be more useful in a stabbing motion rather than the slashing motion of the katana. |
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[[category:weapons]] |
[[category:weapons]] |
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Revision as of 10:11, 11 February 2006
A Katana is a Japanese sword derived from the uchigatana. It is long and with a single cutting edge. The handle may be bound with a fabric strip and rayskin or leather instead of wire but these wrappings differ with personal preference and time frame.
It is made by a swordsmith using the folding method, in an attempt to remove the impurities present in the poor quality raw materials used by Japanese smiths. However, they were not folded hundreds of times, as popular myth has it. After being folded about 20 times, folding ceases to add at all to the sword's quality, and will actually cause the steel to lose too much carbon and become iron. Most commonly katana were folded 12 times (san mai).
Katana were produced in their thousands and at least 200000 were mde for export during the medieval period. Most modern people refer to the exceptional quality blades rather the more common blades.
Debate rages as to whether katana are truly superior to European swords, as is often believed, or if it's more to do with situation or preference.
Katana are mundanely referred to as samurai swords. The ninja swords (ninja-to) of modern Hollywood myth are an adaptation of a late Edo period katana. However, there is no evidence that this type of sword was used prior to this time. Historical records indicate that the 'ninja' used the same weapons as other bushi.
