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A Katana is commonly referred to as a samurai sword. In the early days, Japanese used samurai swords and chain mail armor in battle. The samurai were thought of to be the middle and upper of the warrior class and they compromised only less than ten percent of the countries population. The chain mail armor and samurai swords were an expansion. And often it depicted the warriors themselves when they were engaged in battle.
The swords hilt was considered an art piece and in those ancient days, a samurai would name his sword as he considered it to possess life. On the side of the chain mail armor, the blade of the sword pointed downwards and hung from the belt The samurai or bushi, used to receive their first sword at a very early age and they would carry a mini fake sword with them covered in brocade and It sometimes had a purse or wallet attached to it. Upon the child's thirteenth birthday, a ceremony is held when they receive their first real samurai sword, chain mail armor and an adult name.
Today, there are many Samurai swords that are manufactured for decorative reasons. In restaurants and peoples home, you will find them hanging on the walls, many with intricate carvings or elaborately painted details on the sheath. These decorative swords are lightweight stainless steel instead of carbon, and the blades edge is dull.
Authentic samurai swords are made out of heat treated metal that can withstand the striking and penetration that they were intended for. There are only a few hundred sword smiths who actually know how to make these authentic types with the handmade forging that was similar to the days of old. If you are a collector and looking for a genuine samurai sword, be careful to do your homework so that you don't end up getting tricked into buying a duplicate.
Samurai swords are still used in today's society in some martial arts. People are taught technique and defense, while practicing and competing in a safe environment. Modern day safety gear is worn instead of outdated chain mail armor, and they train with blunt weapons for these sports. The literal meaning of Martial arts is arts of war but is more commonly known as the fighting arts.
Genuine swords can either be made from low carbon steel or high carbon steel and both have their own advantages and disadvantages. High carbon steel blades can be sharpened to possess a razors edge however it is brittle and susceptible to shattering. Low carbon steel blades are more flexible, absorbing impact better, but the metal is softer and dulls easier. Samurai swords are manufactured from the best of both blades, by making a U-shaped high carbon steel for the outside portion of the blade while on the other hand low carbon steel blade is used inside the U, and then these are heated and melted together.
There is a huge load of information on samurai swords and the particular chain mail worn by the Japanese in the ancient times. The history of the samurai sword is captivating and in its own way influenced and shaped the very culture of the Japanese people.
The swords hilt was considered an art piece and in those ancient days, a samurai would name his sword as he considered it to possess life. On the side of the chain mail armor, the blade of the sword pointed downwards and hung from the belt The samurai or bushi, used to receive their first sword at a very early age and they would carry a mini fake sword with them covered in brocade and It sometimes had a purse or wallet attached to it. Upon the child's thirteenth birthday, a ceremony is held when they receive their first real samurai sword, chain mail armor and an adult name.
Today, there are many Samurai swords that are manufactured for decorative reasons. In restaurants and peoples home, you will find them hanging on the walls, many with intricate carvings or elaborately painted details on the sheath. These decorative swords are lightweight stainless steel instead of carbon, and the blades edge is dull.
Authentic samurai swords are made out of heat treated metal that can withstand the striking and penetration that they were intended for. There are only a few hundred sword smiths who actually know how to make these authentic types with the handmade forging that was similar to the days of old. If you are a collector and looking for a genuine samurai sword, be careful to do your homework so that you don't end up getting tricked into buying a duplicate.
Samurai swords are still used in today's society in some martial arts. People are taught technique and defense, while practicing and competing in a safe environment. Modern day safety gear is worn instead of outdated chain mail armor, and they train with blunt weapons for these sports. The literal meaning of Martial arts is arts of war but is more commonly known as the fighting arts.
Genuine swords can either be made from low carbon steel or high carbon steel and both have their own advantages and disadvantages. High carbon steel blades can be sharpened to possess a razors edge however it is brittle and susceptible to shattering. Low carbon steel blades are more flexible, absorbing impact better, but the metal is softer and dulls easier. Samurai swords are manufactured from the best of both blades, by making a U-shaped high carbon steel for the outside portion of the blade while on the other hand low carbon steel blade is used inside the U, and then these are heated and melted together.
There is a huge load of information on samurai swords and the particular chain mail worn by the Japanese in the ancient times. The history of the samurai sword is captivating and in its own way influenced and shaped the very culture of the Japanese people.
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Reading the basics on japanese swords here should give you a good point of departure to frame your research on the subject.
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