The katana is one of the commonly known and strong Japanese samurai swords that can be bought in the market today. The katana is commonly referred to as the ultimate weapon for the warrior. There is a reason why the katana is known as the warrior’s sword. Of all the Japanese swords in the market, the katana is one of the most preferred swords by most people looking for the ultimate sword for protection as well as a siovenior. Buying the katana or any Japanese sword for that matter, can be a daunting undertaking, especially if you do not know how to go about it. This is mainly due to the wide range of dealers in the market claiming to have the best and the ultimate katana sword for you. However, as a smart shopper, you know better than to trust every dealer you come across. Discussed below are tips to help you find the best katana dealer and purchase the real thing.
Samurai Katana buying guide
Cost
The katana is generally highly priced compared to other swords in the market. However, before placing your order you should consider shopping around to find the dealer with the best rates for you. However, you choice of the swords should not be made entirely based on the price tags. Ensure the sword is the real katana. You might want to undertake a research to know what makes the katana unique and how to identify the real sword in the market easily.
Quality
Every katana for sale is different from the rest thanks to the forging process. It is important for you to keep in mind the skills used in the making of the katana to ensure that the quality is not compromised. The unique design of the katana is what makes them among the most sorts after Japanese swords in the market. Traditionally, the each katana was different from any other held by any samurai warrior. However, the modern katana designed in industries are highly identical to each.
However you can easily get your own can easily place an order on custom made katanas in the market. Even in the custom designs, you should highly consider making sure that the sword is flawless and with no impurities. Keep in mind that that any impurities will result in weakness for the sword.
Do your research
Equip yourself with the basic knowledge of the katana. This way, you will be able to differentiate the real thing form the numerous counterfeits available in the market. Do not go into the market blindly. Know what you want and how to identify it. This way, you will get value for your cash and get the real katana.
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Japanese katanas
For any sword lover, there is nothing better than that dazzling looking Japanese Katana as this is one such sword that is a true winner of the category. It is a comprehensible fact that swords are closely attached to that ancient fighting culture of the Japanese and this is why these have always managed to stay in big demand. Out of all those variants being sold online, Katana is the one that has that unique rustic charm and this is the biggest reason that the number of sites selling these are increasing every single day.
In the past few years that craze for Japanese katanas has bounced back and that too with a bigger bang and if we go by one such trend that is keeping high then it would be an increase in the popularity of custom made swords. Artists and craftsmen are coming out with hand crafted products that look exemplary and antique and this is one big reason that the sword collectors all across the globe are spending big on such variants. Another interesting trend is that these are being made as per the specifications coming from the buyers and thus the product that one buys is in complete sync with those desires and aspirations.
We all know that katanas are a huge hit but another important thing that needs to be known here is that the sites selling these are many, but one needs to make a purchase from the one that has genuine quality stuff as the dupes are in the market too. it is always advisable to pick on the internet based stores that have been selling Japanese swords for long and have a unique collection in place as this would ensure a quality purchase at the end.
The ones, who feel that the customization options for Japanese katanas are less, need to surely check out for any reputable site such as Katanasforsale to get as experimental as they want. one last thing, check out for the blade quality, art work and material in detail and then place your order for a Katana that would act as a true addition to your collection.
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Functional Nodachi Swords
The traditionally made sword used by Samurai class of feudal Japan is known as Odachi or Nodachi. The Odachi is further referred to as the large/great sword, while the Nodachi refers to Field sword that was supposed to serve functional purposes. Nodachi swords are slightly longer than the katanas and have a blade length of around 3 shaku, which works up to 35.79 inches or 90.91cm. even in olden days these Nodachi’s were custom-made and even now you could get Custom Nodachi from forges located in China and Japan because there is a renewed interest among people especially those interested in ancient swords that were in use.
Why were Nodachi swords custom-made?
The production process of Nodachi swords was complex, because of the length. Since the blades were long it was difficult to heat the blade homogenously, which is required for annealing and reaching the hardening temperature. Quenching has to be uniform to avoid warping of the blade. The quenching process was also very difficult because it required a quenching medium that was bigger. Unlike other swords that are moved over polishing stones, the Nodachi swords had to be hung from the ceiling or held in a stationary position to be polished. Since the production process was complex, Custom Nodachi was made on order.
Purpose
Purposes for which Custom Nodachi swords were made in ancient times was because
• They were in trend- the Nodachi sword was in vogue in the Edo period and therefore it was used in various ceremonies in that period
• They were used in prayers as ceremonial objects as a votive offering to a shrine or patron gods
• They were displayed (sometimes in temples) for their reputation as legendary swords from Mythology.
Use of Nodachi in War
Carrying an Odachi or Nodachi sword was difficult as they were too long to be carried on the waist. They had to be carried on the back. Since it was impractical as it could not be removed quickly from the back by the wielder, there was a practice of carrying the sheathed Nadochi by hand. During the Muromachi era, the samurai who carried an Odachi had a follower to help him draw it.
Since the siege of Osaka in 1615, the Nodoachi’s and Odachi’s have been used only for ceremonial purposes. The Shogunal government prohibited holding swords above a set length. Since then functionalCustom Nodachiof legal length have been used as offerings to Shinto shrines and due to the skill required to make it and the extraordinary appearance, they have been used for prayers.