by 25 people |
What is a Katana?
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.
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.
Japanese Katana vs a 0.50 Machinegun
Sword vs bullet - proof that katana is the sharpest weapon ever!
A Japanese katana takes seven shots from a 0.50 caliber machine gun before breaking in half completely. The muzzle velocity is 930 m/s (!) and the bullets are sliced in half by the sword; however, the katana is dented visibly right after the first one.
While good katanas can cut 9 mm bullets fired from a pistol with barely any visible damage (see the other video below), they are no match for a military M2 heavy machine gun.
While good katanas can cut 9 mm bullets fired from a pistol with barely any visible damage (see the other video below), they are no match for a military M2 heavy machine gun.
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9mm Gun vs Katana
Watch a Japanese katana cut bullets in half with no damage!
How a Katana is Made
The process of making a traditional Japanese "samurai sword".
Nowadays only a few Japanese smiths who have a special license can make the real katanas which they call "shinsakuto". The forging of a Japanese blade typically takes hours or even days and sometimes involves several people. The steel is repeatedly folded, heated and hammered which eliminates the bubbles in the metal and spreads the elements evenly throughout all of the blade, thus increasing it's strength.A typical Japanese katana has only one edge, which allows them to use the rear of the sword to reinforce the blade. A katana is usually made from several layers of metal which are forge-welded together. The traditional "makuri-gitae" design, for example, has a softer inner core, and hardened metal on the edges.
After the blade is created, it is given to a polisher who uses up to seven different stones to give it a perfect look. The polishing often takes longer than the actual forging, and greatly improves the beauty of the blade.
From there, the blade is then given to a hilt-maker, who creates the grip, the hand guard, and other elements. The sheaths and the hilts are often decorated and ornate.
Cold Steel Katana on Amazon
Great deal if you're looking for a high quality reproduction.
Cold Steel Double Edged High Quality Japanese Katana
Amazon Price: $699.99 (as of 02/06/2010)
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.
Cheap Katana Replica on Amazon
You won't be able to cut anything with it, but it will look great on your wall.
Last Samurai Japanese Sword Katana Honor w/ Free Stand
Amazon Price: $17.00 (as of 02/06/2010)
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.
More Information on Katanas
Interesting and useful links. Add your own or vote for the best sword resource.
1
Katana on Wikipedia
Wikipedia has some information on history and definition of a Japanese katana.4 points
2
Katana construction on Wikipedia
A detailed article on construction of a Japanese katana, materials used, and other specific information.3 points
3
Japanese Sword Projects
Zatoichi.de has a lot of interesting projects of making a Japanese style blade at home.2 points
4
Hybrid polishing
Traditional Japanese polishing techniques might not be available for an average person; find out how to use modern polishing to care for your sword.2 points
5
Sword Articles - AusBlade
AusBlade is a Sword Resource site with a lot of articles and tutorials. What we're linking to here is a sword polishing tutorial.2 points
6
Buying cheap katana on eBay
Find out how to distinguish between a fake and the real thing in this detailed review.2 points
Buy a Katana on eBay
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Katana Photos on Flickr
For your viewing pleasure.
Late (119/365)
3 marias
Armed Street Enterta...
Brave Child in Asaku...
神社の境内
居合い切り
Replica Katana
My sword hanging off...
MVI_0897
IMG_0896
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Comments
Your comments, suggestions and feedback are welcome.
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- Fatih Fatih Aug 23, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
- So sharp,,,,,,,Wow! Cool lens high fives
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- DaJer DaJer Jun 18, 2009 @ 11:59 am
- That. was. cool.
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- ryknowman ryknowman May 7, 2009 @ 4:14 am
- Amazing videos. All we need now is a Katana that can take on the M2. 5 stars.
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- ranran ranran Dec 4, 2008 @ 4:03 am
- cool !
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- Nov 20, 2008 @ 8:53 am
- Very nice lens 5*s :)
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- papawu papawu Oct 4, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
- Great lens. I have studied Kendo and Kinjitsu in the past and have great respect and reverence for the Japanese Dai Katana.Well done.5 stars
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- thymes thymes Sep 26, 2008 @ 12:26 am
- If you guys like katanas go to: http://theswordguys.ecrater.com/category.php?cid=604491
Arashi Forge are makers of some of the finest hand forged swords I've ever seen. Not to mention the fact that that same site has tons of other katanas that are cheap too.
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- youhavegottobekidding youhavegottobekidding Sep 2, 2008 @ 9:05 pm
- I have watch ang episode in Discovery Channel where they have featured this Katana and I would say that I am very convinced that this is one of the Greatest Weapon ever Invented.
5 stars for your Very Informative Lens.
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- eccles1 eccles1 May 17, 2008 @ 9:47 am
- great job!my brother loves japanses swords
I'll send you to him he'll love it
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- beachbum_gabby beachbum_gabby Mar 19, 2008 @ 2:43 am
- great lens about Katana. It reminds me some Japanese films I've watched. I agree this sword is very powerful.
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- TJ11240 TJ11240 Mar 12, 2008 @ 9:28 am
- Great lens. Very informative, you did the Katana justice.
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- N376 N376 Mar 11, 2008 @ 8:58 pm
- Peter, let us know when you've made your video of Bullet Vs Great Sword.
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- EelKat EelKat Mar 11, 2008 @ 12:13 am
- 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
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- Chadrew Chadrew Mar 9, 2008 @ 11:42 am
- Hehe, that's true. Plus, you'd need to be so lucky as to hit the bullet in the first place.
So this is not about deflecting bullets with your sword in reality; just something interesting and cool to watch.
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- Arizona-Snow Arizona-Snow Mar 9, 2008 @ 6:02 am
- 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.
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by Chadrew
There's something beautiful in the fluid movements of a warrior wielding a katana, don't you think? (more)
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