The Japanese sword katana is a legendary symbol of Japan. Its history is closely linked to the emergence of Samurai warriors in the twelfth century after feudal clans clashed for control over 20% of the country’s land and established a military caste called “daimyo.” This article explores the katana, its development, and its relationship with the samurai.
The katana is designed to combine three conflicting qualities: strength, tenacity, and sharply cut. This is a difficult balance to achieve, and the process of sword making involves a lot of experimentation. In modern metallurgy, improving the material’s ability to resist breaking and bending is a subject of intense research.
The blade is curved so that it can be used to ‘cut’ by wristing, rather than slicing with the full force of the swing. The katana’s curved shape also provides resistance to the kozuchi (point) of the sword, protecting it from being broken off by sudden stress.
The katana is held with a tsuka, or handle. The tsuka is wrapped with a saya, or sheath. The tsuka and saya are secured with a kashira, or pommel. The kashira is made with the Fuchi, and the Kashira and the tang are stamped with a mei, or signature. This is one of the many ways in which a sword can be recognized as authentic. The katana is then mounted into a wakizashi, or smaller sword, to make a tachi and wakizashi set. This article shows two antique tachi mountings, from the Heian and Kamakura periods. More information here