Sheathing the Nagasa into the Saya can produce a Katana that measures about 100 centimeters or 39.8 inches from the Tsuka’s tip to the Nagasa’s pointed end. This observation explains why Samurai swords always come in sets. One cannot borrow someone else’s Saya to protect and carry the Katana because it won’t be a perfect fit. It’s worth pointing out that Katana scabbards are blade-specific. Hence, if one has a 60.6-centimeter or 23.86-inch Katana blade, the Saya must be at least 61 centimeters or 24 inches. īecause the scabbard or Saya protects the Katana blade, it should be slightly longer than the blade length. It’s worth noting that most Tsubas are disc-shaped, while others have a rectangular form with smoothened or rounded corners.
The Katana sword guard measures 6 centimeters or about 2.4 inches across its widest section. Sword guards protect the hands from accidental cuts while also safeguarding the user against attackers wielding a bladed weapon. The Tsuka is about 30 centimeters long or about 11.8 inches, making it ideal for a two-handed grip. If one looks at the Samurai sword from the side along its horizontal axis, the hilt will be about a third of the Katana overall length. The Katana hilt or sword handle is about half the blade length. It is not uncommon for some Katana-kajis (traditional Japanese swordsmiths) to create a longer Katana, but these are rare.
The Katana blade or Nagasa measures at least 60.6 centimeters or 23.86 inches from the blade’s base to the tip and can extend up to 80 centimeters or 31.5 inches. These components have their respective lengths, contributing to the overall Katana length. There’s also the hilt (the sword’s handle), sword guard, and scabbard. It’s worth pointing out that the three Katana lengths discussed above only reflect blade length. Samurai warriors used these weapons as backups. Katana swords exceeding 2 Shakus are popular in video games, manga, and similar media. These Japanese swords have a blade length exceeding 60.6 centimeters or 23.86 inches and can include the Katana, Tachi, Nodachi, and other types of traditional Daito blades. Samurai sword experts use the Shaku methodology to classify Katana lengths into three Samurai sword types. Today, we consider 1 Shaku approximately 30.3 centimeters or 11.93 inches. The Shaku reflects the distance between the pointer or index finger’s tip and the thumb’s outermost edge. Instead, the ancient Japanese borrowed the Chinese Chi system to approximate Katana length. So, the medieval Japanese couldn’t provide precise measurements of the Katana and other Japanese swords in the values we understand today. The Imperial measurement system was only available in 1826, while the Metric system predates it by more than three decades in 1795. However, before we dig deeper into the three Katana lengths, it’s vital to understand the Shaku. Two Uchigatanas were available – one short ( Wakizashi) and one long (the Katana). The Muromachi Period saw the development of the Uchigatana, making the Tachi’s blade curve less pronounced. The Tachi proved quick to draw, making it an excellent weapon for mounted warriors (those on horseback). The requirement saw Amakuni develop the Tachi, the Katana’ s predecessor, giving rise to a single-edged, curved sword. Warriors during the Heian Period needed a curved sword to replace the straight-edged Chokuto. The Katana, or Samurai sword, is a medieval weapon originating from 8 th -century Japan.
This article answers these questions and offers other insights into the mystical world of the Katana through one of many dimensions – its length. What would we consider the average or “ideal” length of Katana swords? Does length matter in a Japanese Katana? How do you measure Katana length? And more importantly, how do you pick the right Katana length for your needs? The Japanese Katana might be shorter than its Western counterparts, but this pride of the Rising Sun and Orient Seas can outclass other medieval swords.īut, how long is a Katana? And why do we see different Katana lengths? How about the dimensions of the Katana components or elements, such as the blade, scabbard, handle, and sword guard? Yet, no other bladed weapon is more mythical and legendary than the 8 th -century Nippon creation (except perhaps Excalibur).
Compared to the English longsword, the Japanese Samurai sword, or Katana, looks dwarfish.
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