Japanese sword making is an art, and Japanese swords have long been admired and beloved for their exquisite craftsmanship and place in history. Although the katana is arguably the most well-known of all Japanese swords due to its history with the samurai and its place within modern culture, other remarkable blades had their place, too.
Coming to understand the vast array of weaponry that Japan has been celebrated for throughout the generations gives us insight into its beautiful culture and martial heritage.
How Many Types of Katanas Are There?
Although the word "katana" is often widely used to refer to Japanese swords, Japan has always been home to a wide range of swords throughout history — not just this specific blade. Each sword is different in terms of its design, what it was used for, and also its historical significance.
Swords such as the wakizashi, kodachi, tachi and more were all used by both the samurai and other warriors. Each weapon on our list was crafted for different combat styles, social classes, and periods throughout Japan's vast and rich history. Here are some of the most significant Japanese swords and what they were used for.
Japanese Sword Types
- Katana
- Wakizashi
- Tantō
- Tachi
- Ninjatō
- Nodachi or Odachi
- Chokutō
- Naginata
- Uchigatana
- Kogatana
Katana
Perhaps the most famous blade on this list, the katana has carved out a place for itself in history and modern popular culture. Produced in the early Muromachi Period, this sword is characterized by a curved single-edged blade and a long grip, making it suitable for both two-handed and one-handed use. It also features a circular or squared guard.
Measuring between 70-80 cm in length, this lightweight and durable sword was once a formidable weapon on the battlefield. It allowed the wielder to cut swiftly and effectively with every sweep, making quick work of enemies and providing an excellent defense. Katana blades tended to be the primary weapon of choice for the samurai class.
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Wakizashi
Compared to the katana, the wakizashi was a much shorter sword and tended to range from 30 to 60 cm in length. This was another famous choice for the samurai, who carried it alongside their katana. When paired together, they became known as a “daishō.”
However, the wakizashi was not just a companion sword for the katana — it was also a force to be reckoned with on its own. Samurai warriors could use the blade in smaller, more compact spaces that wouldn't suit a longer sword. Furthermore, the wakizashi wasn't just a weapon for the battlefield; it became a staple in history due to its ceremonial purposes, which included being used for seppuku, a practice known as “ritual suicide” in Japan.
Tantō
The tantō also played its part in samurai history, becoming one of the three major blades used by these honorable warriors. This sword was designed more like a dagger and tended to feature a slightly curved or straight blade. Because of its small design, the tantō was used for close combat, including slashing, cutting, and stabbing. This sword was often carried as a backup weapon by the samurai.
The tantō sword, in particular, was often beautifully crafted with exquisite ornate designs and inscriptions.
Tachi
This type of sword actually came before the katana, featuring a much more pronounced curve, and was mostly used by the calvary. The longer blade length and deeper curved design meant the tachi was excellent for slashing enemies from horseback. Samurai wore the tachi with the edge facing down, as opposed to the katana, which was worn edge-up. You'll have found this sword present at the end of the Heian period. (794–1185).
Ninjatō
The ninjatō is a sword associated with the word "ninja," who happened to be the agents of feudal Japan. This type of sword is characterized by its straight blade. It's also a short sword - or at least shorter than the katana, measuring around 40 - 60 cm in length. Because of its shorter blade length, the ninjatō was a lot easier than other swords to conceal. However, it's also worth noting that there isn't a lot of historical evidence regarding ninjatō use, which means its historical accuracy is widely debated.
That being said, there's no denying that this straight sword is a big symbol of the ninjas, which makes it all the more important to Japanese culture. Explore our ninjatō swords collection.
Kodachi
As one of the shorter Japanese swords on this list, the kodachi is shorter than a tachi but longer than a wakizashi. In fact, this sword is often referred to as the "short tachi," with a blade length of 30 to 60 cm. However, unlike the tachi, this beautifully designed blade was made as a standalone weapon. With a more manageable size than a katana, the kodachi was the perfect weapon for use during defensive combat in compact, more enclosed spaces.
Nodachi or Odachi
The nodachi (also known as the odachi) was a huge field sword with a blade length that often exceeded 90 cm. Since it was longer than a katana, this sword was much harder to wield than other ancient swords on this list and required exceptional skill to manage. Only high-ranking samurai were able to own and wield this type of sword. The samurai's squire would often carry the sword in battle, ready for when the warrior needed to use it.
These swords were also used as offerings to shrines, which is not surprising when you consider the majesty of this blade.
Chokutō
The chokutō is an ancient weapon and is widely believed to date all the way back to the late Kofun period (250–538 AD). This sword is characterized by a straight, single-edged, which is very similar to (and said to be heavily influenced by) early Chinese sword designs. Measuring typically 70 cm, warriors primarily used this sword for slashing. The chokutō was later phased out when many Japanese swords started to feature a curved blade instead.
Naginata
The naginata has an especially interesting design, characterized by a curved blade attached to a long shaft. Female samurai and monks often used this sword during combat. The naginata was well-loved for its wider reach, which meant wielders could strike their enemies from a distance away. This made the naginata particularly effective against cavalry.
Uchigatana
The Uchigatana is the predecessor to the katana, with a blade length of over 60 cm. A common weapon of choice among both samurai and ashigaru (otherwise known as foot soldiers), this type of Japanese sword was typically worn edge up. Used at the end of the Muromachi period, this sword was an excellent, versatile weapon for combat.
Kogatana
The kogatana was less a sword and more a knife — however, that didn't make it any less effective. This type of blade was often carried by samurai during the Edo period (1603-1868 AD) and paired with other weapons. It measured 20 cm or less and was used for a wide variety of tasks, such as combat and even grooming. Despite being small, it had a formidable cutting ability.
The Unique Components of a Japanese Sword
- Blade (Ha): Using traditional forging techniques, these blades go through a specific hardening process that ensures a razor-sharp cutting edge and creates a temper line – otherwise known as a hamon.
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Tang (Nakago): This component is one of the most important parts of the sword. It's a hidden piece of metal that runs into the hilt and holds the entire sword together.
- Guard (Tsuba): This is a handguard that protects the hands of the wielder when in battle. But the tsuba isn't just there for protection; it's decorative too, often made with intricate carvings and markings that make the sword truly unique.
- Handle (Tsuka): The handle of a Japanese sword is usually wrapped in silk or leather. It also features a ray skin, which ensures the wielder has a secure and firm grip when using the sword.
- Scabbard (Saya): The saya is a decorative wooden sheath that helps the wielder protect the blade when they're not using it.
- Sageo (Cord): The cord ties the scabbard to the warrior’s belt (also known as an obi). This component would have made it easy for samurai and other warriors to carry swords.
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Katana Types
What Are The 5 Great Japanese Swords?
The Tenka Goken (also known as the "Five Swords Under Heaven" are legendary swords of Japan. These swords are known for their significance throughout Japanese history and even their supernatural attributes. In short, the Tenka Goken showcases some of the finest examples of Japanese craftsmanship. They weren't just weapons; they were also symbols of power, prestige, and honor.
- Dōjigiri Yasutsuna - This sword is actually considered one of the greatest tachi weapons ever made. Forged by the famous swordsmith Yasutsuna during the Heian period, the legend goes that this sword was used to slay the mythical ogre Shuten-dōji.
- Onimaru Kunitsuna - Crafted by the swordsmith Kunitsuna, this blade was said to be owned by the Ashikaga Shogunate. The sword was believed to possess supernatural properties that could ward away evil demons.
- Mikazuki Munechika - Also known as the "Crescent Moon," this sword is characterized by its moon-shaped tempering pattern. It was crafted by the legendary Sanjo Munechika, one of Japan’s most skilled swordsmiths, during the Heian period.
- Juzumaru Tsunetsugu - This two-handed tachi is a sacred sword associated with Buddhism. It was said to be able to cleanse evil spirits, making it another one of the legendary five with supernatural properties.
- Odenta Mitsuyo - Made by Miike-Denta Mitsuyo, this sword was said to possess divine protection and healing powers. It was also associated with the Maeda clan, one of the most powerful samurai families of all time.
What is the Holy Grail of Japanese Swords?
The "Honjo Masamune" is said to be the holy grail of Japanese swords and also said to be one of the finest swords that has ever been made. This sword was actually forged centuries ago by Gorō Nyūdō Masamune, who was one of Japan's most renowned swordsmiths. The ruling Shoguns passed down the sword for seven hundred years, from generation to generation.
The sword's tale takes an intriguing twist, having mysteriously disappeared after World War II. The Honjo Masamune is still lost to this day, but many Japanese experts and historians believe it may still be out there. If found, the sword would be worth millions of dollars.
What is the Most Famous Katana?
As mentioned above, the Honjo Masamune is one of the most famous katanas throughout history, having been passed down from generation to generation for seven hundred years. But it's not just its historical significance that makes this blade famous — it's also the mystery surrounding its disappearance.
Another famous katana is the Muramasa, a blade forged by and named after the swordsmith Sengo Muramasa. However, the reason for this blade's legend is not its craftsmanship, beauty, or sharpness — even though this is said to be one of the most exquisite swords ever created. It is actually said to be cursed. In fact, the Tokugawa shogunate even banned many of Muramasa’s swords for this reason.
Discover Legendary Japanese Swords
Here at Samurai Sword Store, we handcraft authentic Japanese swords for collectors and martial arts practitioners alike. We honor ancient Japanese swordsmiths by using time-honored methods to hand forge and craft our blades. Whether you're looking for detailed replicas of anime swords or beautifully forged swords once used by the Samurai, we're here to help.
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Conclusion
Japanese sword-making comprises a rich and detailed history that spans generations of excellent craftsmanship. From the katana to the naginata, these blades are so much more than weapons for battle. They are iconic symbols of the history, culture and artistry of Japan.