Japanese Swordsmithing

Wakizashi

The wakizashi (脇差 or 脇指) is a traditional Japanese short sword with a length ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters. In the case of the shorter ones, they would almost...

Wakizashi

The wakizashi (脇差 or 脇指) is a traditional Japanese short sword with a length ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters. In the case of the shorter ones, they would almost...

Tsurugi

The term "tsurugi" (剣) refers to a type of bladed weapon that was once commonly used in Japan but is now mainly associated with ancient historical times and mythology. It...

Tsurugi

The term "tsurugi" (剣) refers to a type of bladed weapon that was once commonly used in Japan but is now mainly associated with ancient historical times and mythology. It...

Tantō

The term "tantō" (短刀) refers to a straight or slightly curved, single-edged Japanese combat knife with a blade length of less than 1 shaku (303 mm). Similar forging techniques used...

Tantō

The term "tantō" (短刀) refers to a straight or slightly curved, single-edged Japanese combat knife with a blade length of less than 1 shaku (303 mm). Similar forging techniques used...

Tachi

The tachi (太刀:たち?) is a Japanese sword that is often described as slightly more curved and longer than the katana. According to Gilbertson, Oscar Ratti, and Adele Westbrook, a sword...

Tachi

The tachi (太刀:たち?) is a Japanese sword that is often described as slightly more curved and longer than the katana. According to Gilbertson, Oscar Ratti, and Adele Westbrook, a sword...

Ōdachi

An ōdachi (大太刀), which translates to "great/giant sword," was a type of long Japanese sword. The term nodachi, or "field sword," which refers to a different type of sword, is...

Ōdachi

An ōdachi (大太刀), which translates to "great/giant sword," was a type of long Japanese sword. The term nodachi, or "field sword," which refers to a different type of sword, is...

Ninjatō

The ninjatō (忍者刀) is a straight-bladed weapon with a length of approximately 50 cm, purportedly used by ninjas in Japan. The historical existence of this weapon is not firmly established...

Ninjatō

The ninjatō (忍者刀) is a straight-bladed weapon with a length of approximately 50 cm, purportedly used by ninjas in Japan. The historical existence of this weapon is not firmly established...