Katana: The Sword of the Samurai

The Katana (Japanese sword)

In recent years, the Japanese katana (sword) has experienced a resurgence in popularity, especially among a younger generation drawn to its artistic value. While many recognize its origins as a weapon of the samurai, the knowledge about its manufacturing process and history is less widespread. The conventional Samurai sword, characterized by its longer curved edge, typically measured around 36 inches in length. In contrast, a shorter sword with a similar design, known as a katana, typically ranged from 24 to 26 inches. These swords, meticulously crafted for samurai warriors, were made from high-carbon steel, showcasing both status and requiring months of skilled craftsmanship. When considering strength, the longsword's springier blade excels in enduring fatigue and abuse over extended periods. However, the real katana, with its more robust blade designed to resist breaking, can tolerate greater sudden stress, making it powerful for cutting through more resistant materials. Explore this symbol of Japanese culture and discover the unique characteristics that make the katana history truly exceptional.

A Brief History of the Katana

A photo of a completed blade, taken at our TOKI experience ©TOKI

The first use of the term katana to describe a sword occurred as early as the Kamakura period (1185–1333), but the actual history of bladed weapon craftsmanship in Japan stretches back over twenty centuries. Ancient Katana was originally designed for cutting, but it was widely used for stabbing too. This depended mainly on the length of the tang (the handle). The katana could be easily used for cutting if it was made for use with both hands. It was used for stabbing when the katana was made for use with only one hand. At first, Japanese swords were simple variations of the Chinese swords that were straight, double-edged iron blades. The first original Japanese swords that are considered the precursor of the 'modern' katana began to appear during the early Heian period (around 700 CE). Katanas were mainly used by the samurai, the military nobility of feudal Japan (1185-1600) up through the Edo period (1603–1868). The increased popularity of the katana among samurai came about because of the changing nature of close-combat warfare. The quicker draw of this sword was well suited to combat where victory depended heavily on fast response times. A saya is a traditional katana scabbard or sheath. It is the cover for the blade, which provides both safety to the user and protection to the blade. Saya is typically made from lightweight lacquered wood and is often decorated with matching colors, feature finishes, or hand-painted images. The katana was worn thrust through a belt-like sash (obi) with the sharpened edge facing up. Ideally, samurai could draw the sword and cut the enemy in a single motion. With the end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji period, Japan began a rapid process of industrialization and westernization. In 1876, a significant shift occurred with the initiation of civilization in the country, prompting authorities to issue an edict prohibiting Japanese warriors and citizens from carrying swords. This marked the end of the katana's prominent role in Japanese daily life, coinciding with the Haitōrei (sword prohibition) Edict of 1876, which restricted sword-carrying to only police and military personnel. The enforcement of this edict led to the closure of many swordsmith businesses, pushing katana swordsmithing to the brink of extinction until 1906. During this crucial period, two esteemed swordsmiths were appointed as imperial household artists, playing a vital role in preserving the unique skills of swordsmiths. This cultural legacy has endured and passed down through generations to the present day.

The process of making a Katana

The katana forging process requires skill, perseverance, and plenty of patience. ©TOKI

The process of making a katana differs depending on the style of the sword and the swordsmith's individual preferences, but certain steps are necessary for the forging of all swords.

Preparation – Preparation of raw materials (charcoal and metals) and equipment (making necessary tools, heating the furnace)
Tanren – Forging the raw steel into workable blocks
Tsukurikomi & Sunobe – combining the hard steel for the outer layer and softer steel for the core. Creating the sunobe – a sword blank
Hizukuri – Forming the final shape of the sword
Arashiage – Rough finishing including straightening and flattening the blade
Tsuchioki – Applying clay to the blade to prepare the hamon, the pattern along the cutting edge
Yaki-ire – Heat-treating the blade to create the hamon
Shiage – Final finishing of the blade, including correcting warps and bends caused by yaki ire
Hi & Horimono – Carving grooves and engravings, either for decoration or to make the blade lighter
Nakago & Maikiri – Finishing and signing the tang (the base below the actual blade)

On our experience, you will have a chance to see the unique tools used in the forging process ©TOKI

Sparks fly in the katana atelier as the steel is heated and hammered ©TOKI

Maintaining your katana is a relatively straightforward process. To preserve its sheen, the scabbard requires occasional wiping with a very soft cloth. It's essential to handle the scabbard by holding the wrapped section to avoid fine scratches that may dull the finish caused by touching the lacquered sections.

Crafting a katana is quite an intricate process, spanning about three months and often coming with a hefty price tag, sometimes reaching several million yen (equivalent to tens of thousands of dollars)! Observing the creation of a katana is a rare experience, not only for foreign visitors but also for locals in Japan. Now, in the US, having a katana is generally on par with the legalities of owning a knife. If you're 18 or older, possessing a katana is perfectly lawful. However, before looking for a katana for sale, it's worth noting that ownership laws can differ by state. In most states, you're allowed to own and showcase a katana at home, but if you plan to take it outside, be aware that there might be some restrictions. So, while having a katana is undoubtedly intriguing, just make sure to acquaint yourself with the regulations.

Currently, there are about 300 registered swordsmiths in Japan. However, only about 10% of them earn their living by making swords. We strongly hope that this precious Japanese tradition will live on for generations to come, and in doing so preserve the soul of the samurai, still believed to be an indispensable part of Japanese culture.