Japanese Swordsmithing

Daisho

The term "Daishō" (大小) in Japanese refers to the traditional set of weapons borne by the samurai, comprised of a katana and either a wakizashi or a tantō. The katana...

Daisho

The term "Daishō" (大小) in Japanese refers to the traditional set of weapons borne by the samurai, comprised of a katana and either a wakizashi or a tantō. The katana...

Shinai

The Shinai (Japanese: 竹刀, lit. "bamboo sword") is a sports device and the weapon used in Kendō combat. In Korean Kumdo, it is called "bamboo sword" or jukdo (Korean: 죽도)....

Shinai

The Shinai (Japanese: 竹刀, lit. "bamboo sword") is a sports device and the weapon used in Kendō combat. In Korean Kumdo, it is called "bamboo sword" or jukdo (Korean: 죽도)....

Nagamaki

The nagamaki (長巻), literally meaning "long wrapping" in Japanese, is an unusual Japanese polearm that falls between the naginata and tachi in terms of design. It was particularly in use...

Nagamaki

The nagamaki (長巻), literally meaning "long wrapping" in Japanese, is an unusual Japanese polearm that falls between the naginata and tachi in terms of design. It was particularly in use...

Kodachi

The kodachi, literally translating to "small and short tachi (sword)," is one of the swords traditionally made and used by the samurai class in Feudal Japan. It serves as an...

Kodachi

The kodachi, literally translating to "small and short tachi (sword)," is one of the swords traditionally made and used by the samurai class in Feudal Japan. It serves as an...

Tameshigiri

Tameshigiri (試し斬り, tameshi giri) is a cutting test performed with Japanese swords, often with a katana. In medieval Japan, sword testers, occasionally including samurai, would test new blades on the...

Tameshigiri

Tameshigiri (試し斬り, tameshi giri) is a cutting test performed with Japanese swords, often with a katana. In medieval Japan, sword testers, occasionally including samurai, would test new blades on the...

Horimono

Horimono (彫物) is a term used to describe engravings on Japanese blades. Types of Horimono Many Japanese blades are adorned with engravings for the purpose of enhancing their balance or...

Horimono

Horimono (彫物) is a term used to describe engravings on Japanese blades. Types of Horimono Many Japanese blades are adorned with engravings for the purpose of enhancing their balance or...