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Katana is a type of traditional single-edged Japanese sword, around 70-90 cm long, and with a curved blade. Katanas were very popular during the age of samurai (from 12th to 19th century), although they weren't used as much in open warfare as they were in duels, demonstrations, and other civilian purposes. They were often carried in pair with a smaller wakizashi.
Multiple kinds of steel are used in different parts of the katana blade. The traditional forging methods (repeated heating, folding and hammering) and the high quality Japanese steel with a lot of carbon content are the reason why katanas are one of the sharpest, strongest and most flexible edged weapons in the world.
Real katanas are still made in Japan, by using traditional techniques and materials. They can be very expensive and even difficult to buy. There are a number of low quality reproductions available as well, but these are machine-made and only good for show. A low quality reproduction can cost anywhere from $20 to $200. A high quality reproduction, which are heat-treated and can actually be used to cut something, can cost up to $1000 or even more.
here's what happens when you get a beautiful katana and throw some large bullets at it at high velocities
Runtime: 3:49
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10 Comments:
Well, not really. Katanas are beautiful and elegant weapons, but they are not magical.
Amazon Price: $699.99 (as of 08/28/2008)
This katana you can order online is still only a reproduction, but a high quality one. Cold Steel use only traditional materials in making their katanas. What's unusual about this one is the fact that it's double edged.
Amazon Price: (as of 08/28/2008)
You won't be able to cut anything with this low quality katana reproduction, but it sure will look great as a decoration on your wall. There is a kanji which means "honor" carved on the scabbard of this sword. It's only 15 bucks, too.
Wikipedia has some information on history and definition of a Japanese katana.3 points
A detailed article on construction of a Japanese katana, materials used, and other specific information.1 point
Zatoichi.de has a lot of interesting projects of making a Japanese style blade at home.1 point
AusBlade is a Sword Resource site with a lot of articles and tutorials. What we're linking to here is a sword polishing tutorial.1 point
Find out how to distinguish between a fake and the real thing in this detailed review.1 point
Traditional Japanese polishing techniques might not be available for an average person; find out how to use modern polishing to care for your sword.0 points
This page has a lot of information on katana polishing, complete with photos and examples.0 points
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eccles1
great job!my brother loves japanses swords Posted May 17, 2008 |
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beachbum_gabby
great lens about Katana. It reminds me some Japanese films I've watched. I agree this sword is very powerful. Posted March 19, 2008 |
| TJ11240
Great lens. Very informative, you did the Katana justice. Posted March 12, 2008 |
| N376
Peter, let us know when you've made your video of Bullet Vs Great Sword. Posted March 11, 2008 |
| EelKat
Oh wow! what a great lens! I've always wanted a Katana, plan to get one later this year. I tried to feature this lens, but found out that the feature module doesn't work with Ever sites, so I'm adding it to my link list instead. Here is the URL if you want to see where I put the link: http://www.squidoo.com/LordSesshomaruCostume Posted March 11, 2008 |
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Chadrew
Hehe, that's true. Plus, you'd need to be so lucky as to hit the bullet in the first place. Posted March 09, 2008 |
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Arizona-Snow
They are sharp....but....what is the point in cutting a bullet in half? Instead of getting killed by a whole bullet u will get killed by 2 halfs of a bullet. Posted March 09, 2008 |
This would be an excellent backup for my MP5 as I walk my rounds as a Rapid Response Officer at the Mall of America.
Posted March 08, 2008
Peter, shut the hell up.
Posted March 08, 2008
if you are looking for really high quality reproductions. Search for Paul Chen, he is a fantastic sword smith.
Posted March 07, 2008
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