All Types of Japanese Swords (history and how they were used)
Linfamy・11 minutes read
Various types of swords in ancient Japan ranged in length and design, from the straight Chokuto to the curved Katana and Odachi, each serving different purposes and wielded by samurai, foot soldiers, and women for self-defense. Additionally, new emperor patron Sarah Henry and patron Smiling Turtle have been recognized in this context.
Insights
- The evolution of Japanese swords ranged from straight swords like Chokuto to curved blades like Tachi and Katana, each with unique lengths and designs tailored for specific purposes and historical contexts.
- Apart from the traditional swords, smaller weapons like Wakizashi and Tanto were utilized for self-defense, showcasing a diverse array of arms used by different individuals in Japanese history, including women.
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Summary
00:00
Evolution of Japanese Swords: A Brief Overview
- Chokuto 直刀 was a straight sword in ancient Japan, including both single and double-edged swords, with a length of about 2 feet or 60 cm.
- Tsurugi or ken 剣 were double-edged swords, with the most famous being Kusanagi no tsurugi 草薙の剣, part of Japan's Imperial Regalia.
- Warabiteto 蕨手刀 were the first curved swords, shorter than 2 feet, made in one piece, with a unique design evolution over time.
- Tachi 太刀, meaning "great sword," emerged in the late 900s, featuring a curved blade, separate from the hilt, around 30 inches or 75 cm long.
- Kodachi 小太刀, translating to "small tachi," was a shorter version of the tachi, less than 2 feet in length.
- Uchigatana 打刀, a striking sword, was shorter than the tachi, around 25 inches or 65 cm, worn with the edge facing up, and favored by samurai and foot soldiers.
- Katana 刀, a curved, single-edged sword, typically 2 to 3 feet or 60 to 90 cm long, became iconic despite not being the primary battlefield weapon.
- Odachi 大太刀, or "great big sword," with a blade longer than 3 shaku, was used on horseback, strapped to the back due to its size.
- Nagamaki 長巻 featured a long handle, matching the blade's length, offering a unique design with the blade and hilt being separate.
- Wakizashi 脇差, a side-worn sword, between 1 to 2 shaku, was popular in the Edo Period, often paired with a katana, especially favored during peace times for its versatility.
11:44
"Women conceal tanto, new patrons acknowledged"
- Women used to conceal a tanto in their attire for self-defense.
- A new emperor patron named Sarah Henry has been acknowledged.
- A new patron named Smiling Turtle has been mentioned.
