It is 16th century feudal Japan. The never ending feud between the royal Japanese samurai warriors, welding theory katana sword and peasant Ninja fighters is raging in full swing.
The scene, the time, the tactics of that society are all too familiar to us thanks to the movies and tv series that have kept the legendary fights between these two ancient factions alive for us on screen. Especially alive in our collective consciousness is the katana sword-enduring symbol of the samurai legacy.
Today's kids imagine themselves to be noble and braveheart samurai warriors ready to sacrifice their life for their land, but it is the katana sword in that kid's possession that makes this fantasy seem real. The modern katana sword in his hands can transport him to the trials and tribulations of the era gone by and allows him to relive the tough lives of the samurai who owned and fought with the katana sword back in the 15th century.
Besides being a constant feature in countless anime series and movies, the katana sword finds itself international suitors such as the likes of George Lucas and Quentin Tarantino who have all featured the katana sword in their movies.
So let's begin this journey where it started and trace the evolution of the katana sword back to its origin.
The origin story of a katana sword
Katana sword- for any sword as legendary as this has a history that is marred with blood and gore and quite a bit of dispute. Let's take the train down the memory lane and try to find the origins of the greatest sword ever created from the ashes of ancient Japan.
The original sword used by Japanese warriors didn't end remotely resemble shat katana and have come to dominate our mainstream consciousness. This is because those swords were inspired by the Chinese designs. But around the 11th century, Japan and China went their separate ways and so did the art of sword making.
Then came the mighty swordsmith Amakuni, the inventor of the katana sword according to most historians at least ( history is a bit disputed of course). We moved from the straight blade swords to the sharp curved blade thanks to Amakuni.
This katana sword was very long with a curved blade whose curvature was so precisely crafted and maintained that it became an art form itself. Overtime, Amakuni and other swordsmiths perfected the art of Katana sword making the Japanese samurai warriors ominous and masters of their craft by the end of the 12th century.
Bushido, a Japanese code of ethics for samurai warriors, would be impossible to carry out without the austere presence of the katana sword. The sword became a companion in the life of young samurai. The katana sword would accompany him from the time he was. Ababy until his death.
Construction of original Katana sword
Across four centuries, the Japanese swordsmiths improved upon the design of the original katana sword. The standard method was more or less the same and as follows: Four metal bars were heated at around 2,500° F and hammered down to forge a thin, razor-sharp bar creating a strong steel blade.
The blade of the katana sword would be then pulled away from the fire and instantly plunged into freezing cold water. This method gave the blade of the katana sword its clipped edge as the blade quickly contract curves. The final katana sword was now battle ready after some sharpening with stones.
With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, the era of Japanese sword fighting and the katana sword ended. New weaponry replaced the old. But as we all are aware, the Katana sword never vanquished. It survived the test of time and lived on.
Construction method of modern katana sword
The modern manufacturers have tried their best to keep the original design and shape of the katana sword intact, the lack of sword fighting and dip in demand has led to the ancient art of katana sword making to fade away. The modern replicas can't replace the old but still they hold some elements of old katana swords.
The guard and blade itself may feature some filigree that will remind the holder of the weight of history this sword carries. Since most katana swords are purchased and used as novelty items, a wall or table stand accompanies to easily display it around the living space.
21st century katana sword
You all have seen the pop culture frenzy around katana swords. Even now, katana swords are bought and worn with pride and nobility reflecting that of a samurai warrior of the 1700s Japan. True, these are limited to cosplay events and costume themed parties, but Katana sword and its legend still holds an immense value that never seems to fade away.
