Ten Things to Know Before Owning a Samurai Sword

Owning a Samurai Sword

Have you ever thought about owning a Samurai sword?

History books, movies, and tales introduced swords as a symbol of honor for brave warriors. Well, the first thing to come in mind is the Samurai who have wielded their swords as if it was an extension of their arms. Who would not want to feel the glory of being one with the masters of the art of swordsmanship?

It is like mastering a Nodachi, the sword that is considered an excellent battlefield sword. It would be great to feel the pleasure of having one displayed inside your house. You may even learn Kenjutsu, the art of the sword, too.

But, despite the itch in your palm, here are ten things you need to know before owning a Katana.

1. Unlike utility knives, there are no utility swords.

Imagine having to cut a piece of orange into half using an axe. It’s not always “if it can cut this, it can also cut that.” Each weapon has a different shape, size, weight, and length for a specific purpose. The distinct design of various Samurai swords intends to be of use based on its size.

Here are some of the types of Katana based on size:

  • Nodachi – a large type of sword
  • Katana – a long type of sword
  • Tanto – a short type of sword

2. Measurement matters if you’re really a sword enthusiast.

10 Things to Know Before Owning a Samurai Sword
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A Katana’s overall content determines its quality, worth, and authenticity. An original Katana weighs more than 1 kilo (about 1.1 kilos to 1.3 kilos). A lighter Katana means the materials used are from lower classes. Shaku is the standard in measuring the sword’s cutting edge.

  • Daito (long sword) – over two Shaku in length
  • Wakizashi (medium sword) between one and two Shaku in length
  • Tanto (short sword) – less than one Shaku in length.

3. Know what makes your Katana.

Know what makes your Katana
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The traditional sword smelting process is Tamahagane. The main purposes of this process are to remove the impurities and to balance out the carbon content. Conventional high-carbon steel (Fe-C0.55) is the metal used when forging the blade of the sword. A mixture of Hagane (hard steel), Kawagane (medium steel), and Shigane (soft steel) are best for the perfect Katana.

4. Swords are religious relics.

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Swordsmiths undergo religious ceremonies during the entire process of forging a Samurai sword. They would purify themselves through fasting and sexual abstinence. They would wear priest robe, recite prayers, and more sacred rituals. Swordsmiths would ceaselessly perform the rites even if it takes months to make.

5. Know where to find a Samurai sword.

Owning a Katana nowadays may be easy for some since a lot of replicas are available all around the world. Owning an antique Samurai sword will take time, effort, expense, and multiple procedures. If you are finding antique swords, Japan is the most reliable source for these items. There are modern, fully functional Katana found online. These are as good as authentic Samurai swords. Some are even selling swords through cryptocurrencies. Even Samurai armors and accessories are sold online, too. They make them based on actual designs and of the best materials.

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6. Are Katana banned?

You are not allowed to carry around a Samurai sword when you are in the United Kingdom. Unless you are a martial arts practitioner, historical reenactment actor, or a collector, then you are allowed. Even when in Japan, if you are within the vicinity of United States bases (Okinawa and Iwakuni) it is banned, too. Shipping swords from Tokyo to any local addresses in Japan is exceptional. For outside Japan, you must finish all proper paperwork before legal exportation.

7. Ironically, it is a fragile weapon.

Ironically, it is a fragile weapon
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

So you’ve seen fight scenes where a sword is in use? Who would not want to feel like an actual Samurai? A Katana is one of the most durable swords in the past. But it is also the most breakable, if not a delicate blade compared to the other swords. It lasts longer when used on soft objects than hard ones. Using it on hard ones can cause it to become brittle or even crack. It is also necessary to properly store a Katana to avoid unwanted damage or stains.

8. Caring is the key to keeping a good sword.

Caring is the key to keeping a good sword
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Proper maintenance for the weapon is a must when wanting to preserve its antiquity. Since the material of a Katana’s blade is carbon steel, it is rather sensitive to oxidation and corrosion. Cleaning before oiling two to three times a year should do the trick. It is essential to clean the blade properly before oiling.

In oiling, use a light and neutral mineral oil. This is to avoid dirt or other substances that will affect the blade’s quality. Clean the blade with alcohol after contact with sugar and acid substances. It can cause corrosion in less than 15 minutes when not removed right away.

Most importantly, when cleaning, never leave the blade unattended. Especially when it is unsheathed. Of course, make sure there is a proper storage place like a glass case.

9. Everything is worth something.

A Katana has been a symbol of authority and status for swordsmen in the past. Antique swords may cost a few hundred dollars or thousands. However, handcrafted swords and other factors can heighten its value. Tsuba (the handguard of a sword) can cost around ten thousand dollars. It can sometimes be as valuable as the blade of the sword itself. Thus, every part and piece of a Katana has its value. Mostly, it depends on the popularity of the craftsmen. A missing part can drastically devalue a sword no matter how majestic it is.

10. Lastly, did you know they tested the actual swords on human bodies?

Each type of sword has its own use. An example would be Wakizashi as an indoor blade. Often, a host would ask a Samurai to leave his Wakizashi before entering his house. This is a sign of respect. So not all swords are meant for fighting. I’m sure you know what kind of sword you are looking for.

It is true that during ancient times, Katana’ blades tests are in an actual person; yes! They test a sword in a real bone and flesh. Samurai test their Katana on criminals and corpses as proof of its durability. So, better think twice when buying an antique Samurai sword. Is it really what you want, or you’ll just go to the modern ones without the history of actual bloodstains?

So if you want an antique sword or replica, think of these considerations. Whatever kind it is, think about the things mentioned here. Like taking care of a dog, there are things to consider and things to know. You might be wasting your money if you got the wrong idea or if you won’t take care of it.

Finally, always do due diligence checking whether it’s real or not or made. Read, ask, and read more. There’s nothing to lose when you’re making sure it is a real Samurai sword.

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